How long will you hold a provisional date?
We are happy to hold a date for 7 days.
How do we confirm a provisional booking?
A non refundable deposit of £3000 is required, payment preferably via bank transfer with your name and date of wedding as the reference. This deposit is transferrable at the wedding coordinator’s discretion.
What is the payment schedule?
Initial deposit of £3000 to confirm the booking, half the remaining balance to be paid 6 months before the wedding date and the final remaining balance to be settled one month before the date. Any extra costs on the day to be settled on the day.
Does the price include VAT?
Yes the price is inclusive of VAT.
When is the best time to come in and sit down with the wedding planner?
A suitable date can be agreed, sooner rather than later so we can start the planning with you.
How do we book the ceremony?
As a licenced venue we book the ceremony with Kent Registrars on your behalf and they then contact you directly to discuss all details including payment. www.akentishceremony.com
Can we use a band in the Garden Bar instead of a DJ?
Yes, all bookings must use our preferred list of evening suppliers. Please note, bands must stop playing at 10:30pm, DJs are allowed to carry on until 11:30pm but must start winding down from 11pm.
Can we use our own suppliers?
Yes of course for cakes, flowers, photographers, etc. We ask that the evening entertainment for DJs / Bands are booked either with Mint DJs or Toby Boyle Music.
We do not allow outside catering companies.
Do you have favoured suppliers?
We have a little black book of all our favoured suppliers.
How much time will we have to set up beforehand?
Having discussed with your wedding planner beforehand to go through every detail with you, and hand over the final table plan, decorations and anything else needed, then we will begin to set everything up from the early hours of your wedding day.
What is the best time to have the ceremony?
The ideal time is between 1pm-2pm.
How long is the ceremony?
The ceremony generally takes about 30 minutes.
When do you require final numbers and dietary requirements?
We require final numbers 1 month beforehand.
Can we use confetti?
We allow the use of dried petals, which we can provide.
Can we have fireworks at the end of the evening?
We are surrounded by working farms which makes it impossible to have fireworks. We do suggest sparklers on the terrace in the evening which makes for some beautiful photographs.
Do you have out of season deals?
We have our Fireside Package that offers a reduced price through October to the end of March.
Do you offer tastings?
We offer a complimentary wedding tasting for the couple.
Do you allow children?
We do allow children but do insist their parents/carers are responsible for them at all times.
Do you offer children friendly food?
We do offer a little one’s menu for children under 12 at half price.
Do you have any parking?
We have 28 and 1 disabled parking spaces. The lane can also be utilised.
Do you have accommodation?
We have seven rooms onsite at The Beacon.
We have a specially agreed rate with a local hotel, and we can share a local hotel list with you.
What is the bad weather back up?
For larger weddings in the amphitheatre we can offer the grand pavilion as the backup, and for smaller weddings, the main dining room in the house.
What do we do with our gifts/envelopes?
We would have a special area, agreed beforehand, for your guests to leave their gifts etc. We suggest removing valuable items from the wedding/party at the end of the evening.
What time should the bar close at the end of the day?
Our last orders are 11:30pm with carriages at midnight.
Can we get ready at the venue?
The Billiard Room is yours for the day, which is a beautiful room with a full length mirror where you can get ready in if you wish.
Can we use round tables in the Grand Pavilion?
Yes, but this is will be an external company. We can suggest a good company for this.
Does the Amphitheatre have a sound system for the ceremony?
We have speakers on site that you are more than welcome to use. We recommend an acoustic musician, such as a guitarist.