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Maidstone

The Archbishop's Palace was formally the 14th century residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The building still retains many of its original historic features. It is situated on the banks of the River Medway in the centre of Maidstone, the county town. It offers a range of splendid ceremony rooms.

The Great Hall is decorated in a medieval style with wood panelling and elegant tapestry window dressing. There are a number of original oil paintings and a magnificent carved stone fireplace. The room can accommodate up to 90 guests seated and 10 standing. There is a raised recessed area at the rear of the hall that provides ample space for live musicians to play throughout the ceremony. The Great Hall is situated on the first floor and has restricted disabled access.

The Undercroft is situated on the ground floor and has disabled access. This room has a large open stone fireplace and its original leaded windows offer striking views across the river. It is traditionally furnished and decorated with beautiful flower arrangements. There is seating for 25 and additional standing room for 15. The Undercroft is the ideal room for smaller ceremony parties. Other ceremony rooms are available upon request.

The River Medway with riverside walks bounds the Archbishop's Palace to the rear. Some bridal parties choose to arrive at the venue by boat or river bus. To the front of the palace the walled Apothecary's Garden offers a secluded and peaceful area for ceremony photography.

Couples can arrive in cars or carriages along the impressive gravelled driveway which leads to the magnificent front facade of the Archbishop's Palace. Well-maintained lawns and flowerbeds surround the driveway, and are bordered with ornamental hedging which provides a natural green backdrop for group photography. On-site parking is limited to one car. Disabled parking is available adjacent to the palace. There are a number of public car parks within walking distance. For disabled access contact the ceremonies team to discuss your requirements.

Take a virtual tour of the Archbishop's Palace (link opens in a new window).

Location

Archbishop's Palace
Palace Gardens
Mill Street
Maidstone
Kent ME15 6YE - map opens in a new window

Registration of marriage or civil partnership in the registration room (up to four guests - does not include a Kentish ceremony) - £40.

Simply Perfect Kentish Marriage Ceremony or Kentish Civil Partnership - fees from 20 February 2008 to 31 March 2009.

The UndercroftThe Undercroft (up to 25 people seated / 15 standing)

Monday to Thursday - £224
Friday - £257
Saturday - £302
Sunday/Bank Holiday - £374



The Great HallThe Great Hall (up to 90 people seated / 10 standing)

Monday to Thursday - £430
Friday - £500
Saturday - £580
Sunday/Bank Holiday - £652



The Solar Room

The Solar Room (up to 50 people seated)

Monday to Thursday - £260
Friday - £290
Saturday - £340
Sunday/Bank Holiday - £400



The Warham Room

The Warham Room (up to 15 people seated / 10 standing)

Monday to Thursday - £159
Friday - £183
Saturday - £215
Sunday/Bank Holiday - £250


Please note: There will be an extra charge for legal preliminaries (notices to be given by both people), and for certificates and rehearsal if they are required. The cost also includes a non-refundable booking fee. Please speak to our Ceremonies Team regarding these charges.

If you change the date/time or re-book a ceremony, an additional fee of £15 will be payable.

All ceremonies are subject to availability.

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