Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of hiring the venue?

The cost of the venue depends on the time of year/day of the week. Please view our current tariff. Please note that all prices are in addition of VAT.
What does the hire fee include?
The hire fee includes a senior member of staff for the whole duration of the hire and a staffed bar.

What fees are needed to confirm the booking?

We require a 50% non refundable deposit to confirm the booking. This fee can be paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer.

The remaining 50% of your hire fee is due no later than 8 weeks prior to your hire date.

All optional extras (food, corkage etc) are due no later than 28 days prior to your hire.

What time do we have access from?

Access time is dependant on your hire times; All day hire is from 9am & Evening hire is from 6.30pm.

What time does the bar close?

The bar closes at 12.15pm

Can we supply our own drinks?

 

You can pay a corkage fee on wine and champagne, but all other drinks must be purchased from us. The corkage fee includes the hire of appropriate glasses and chilling (if necessary), but we do not provide wine coolers / ice buckets. Wine / Champagne for Arrival Drinks / Toasts are served by our staff. Table wine isn’t served, but will be replenished by our staff.

Do you provide table linen?

We do not provide table linen, but we do have information available for local linen companies. Although we can provide you with a contact, you will need to hire the linen and it is your responsibility.

What are our catering options?

We have various menus available and we are happy to quote for different options if needed. We also have Buffet, Bbq and Hog Roast menus available.

 

Can we leave our gifts etc inside the venue overnight?

 

All items must be removed from the East Quay Venue by 10am the next morning. Anything left over will be removed and possibly thrown away.

Can we use outside caterers?

It is absolutely fine for you to use outside caterers. Please note that this may incur a separate kitchen hire fee and the catering company would need to provide all the necessary staff (chefs, waitresses, kitchen porters) and provide all equipment (crockery, cutlery, platters, kitchen utensils etc). If you choose to use outside caterers we will need to meet them before they are confirmed.

Is the venue licensed for civil ceremonies?

We are fully licensed for Weddings and Civil Partnerships. Please note that different rooms are licensed for different amounts of guests.
What are the costs involved with civil ceremonies?
The registry fees can be found at www.akentishwedding.com
We can offer the mezzanine room in the main building at no extra cost if you are hiring the venue all day.

There is an additional fee of £125.00 + VAT to have the ceremony on the ground floor

* Please note that we are currently converting a new ceremony room, The Old Barrel Store, and details of this will be available soon. The Old Barrel Store rental will be in addition to your East Quay Venue hire fee, but is optional.

 

How do we book the registrar?

We will book the registrar for you, but can only do so once the venue is confirmed. All ceremony fees are paid direct to the registry team. We do not charge any admin fee's for this.

Do you have a PA system to play music from?

We have a PA system available. This system is completely fine to plug a Ipod/Laptop into.

 

Do you have a PA System for speeches?

We have a system installed that is suitable for speeches it is located in the main room.

Can we decorate the venue?

You can decorate the venue as you see fit as long as no damage is caused. All decorations must be removed before 10am the following day.

Do you cut our wedding cake?

A member of our staff can cut the cake for £50 + VAT.

What is the parking situation?

You receive 10 x complimentary parking permits, but parking is not reserved.

Will the beach in front of the venue be exclusively ours?

The beach in front of the venue is public land and hence we are unable to offer this exclusively.

 

Can you help us with the finer details of our wedding?

We have an extensive database including florists, photographers, stylists, line hire, firework companies, DJ’s and bands. We have all these details available, if you need them, but you would need to hire them direct.
* Please note that we do not receive any commissions from any companies you may use and all details are given in good-faith.

Can we hire the Whitstable Brewery Bar?

 

The Brewery Bar is not available for private hire.