Frequently askedQuestions

How many guests can you accommodate?

We can accommodate up to 120 day guests and up to 250 evening guests (including day guests) Remember to include yourselves in the final number!

 

Can I get ready at the venue?

Unless you have booked Coach Cottage the night prior, we do not have anywhere else on-site designated for the couple or guests to get ready.

 

Do you have any accommodation on-site?

We have one cottage available on-site, for new bookings this will need to be booked directly through Air BnB: Coach Cottage Swarling Manor - Cottages for Rent in Kent, England, United Kingdom - Airbnb

 

Can we have our ceremony elsewhere?

Of course! A lot of our couples choose to get married at Canterbury Cathedral or one of the churches nearby.

 

Does everyone have to have the same meal?

If you are using our catering, we ask you to choose one vegetarian and one meat option for each course. For any specific dietary requirements please contact us directly and our chef will let us know how the dishes can be adapted.

 

Can we use our own caterers?

Yes, you are more than welcome to use independent caterers – please ask us for a list of suppliers that have been to us before. If you choose external catering, please note there is a surcharge for using our kitchen facilities.

 

Is there car parking on-site?

We have a large car park on-site, guests can also leave cars overnight but they need to be collected by 10am the following day.  Please note, any vehicles are left at the owner’s own risk.

 

Can we use our own suppliers?

Yes. Although we recommend some fantastic suppliers, we like to offer our couples flexibility to choose their own. We will require copies of relevant insurances/certificates – please contact your coordinator to see what is required. 

We do not allow firework suppliers other than the one we recommend.

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When can our suppliers have access?

Suppliers will have access from the morning of your wedding, unless you have booked for set up the day prior.

 

Can I have candles?

We do allow candles, as long as they are either in a container that is at least 3cm taller than the flame, or they are in/on something non-flammable that will catch any dripping wax.

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Do you allow fireworks?

We have the perfect backdrop for fireworks! However, we do ask that you use our recommended supplier for these as they know the venue very well: AJ Pyrotechnics - Home

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Can we drop things off before the wedding?

We can take some items in before the wedding, subject to event bookings. Please ask your coordinator if we can offer this to you.

 

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

The barn and marquee are wheelchair accessible, and we have an accessible toilet on-site. However, due to the location and nature of the venue there are steps in the gardens and some gravel pathways.

 

Can I bring my dog?

We do allow well-behaved dogs on-site as long as they stay with the wedding party under supervision at all times.

 

Can my guests smoke on-site?

We have a designated smoking area by the barn. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the walled garden.

 

Should we pre-order taxis?

Yes! We advise all couples to ask their guests to pre-book their taxis due to our rural location and there is limited phone signal at the venue!

 

What is your finish time?

On Friday’s and Saturday’s our license runs until 11:30pm, on all other days this is 11pm. There is an option to extend the weekend licence, for an extra fee, but this is subject to permission from Canterbury City Council and will need to be agreed with your coordinator in advance.