Ceremonies in gazebos

Kent and Bexley have gained a reputation as two of the premier places in the country to celebrate your special day.

Many of the venues licensed by the council have gazebos or other permanent garden structures where Kentish ceremonies can be celebrated. On a summer's afternoon these provide a wonderful outside location.

Any gazebo or garden structure must be seemly and dignified and must:

• Be permanent and immovable.
• Have a brick, stone or concrete base and a roof supported by brick, stone, concrete or wood pillars or walls (may have trellis or other decoration between pillars).
• Have electric power and light.
• Be big enough to ideally accommodate a minimum of 4 persons plus table and chairs.

Ceremonies in gazebos and other garden structures are normally limited to the period between 1 April and 30 September when the weather is likely to be fine.

However, given the uncertainty of the English climate - even in the Garden of England - if the weather is bad a ceremony may have to take place inside the venue.

Couples and venues therefore do need to consider a "wet weather" contingency plan. Unfortunately other temporary structures such as marquees cannot currently be licensed.