Frequently Asked Questions

WEDDING FAQ

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 exclude VAT.

What does the hire fee include?

The hire fee includes a senior member of staff for the whole duration of the hire, a staffed bar and all of the venue’s furniture.

What fees are needed to confirm the booking?

We require a 50% non-refundable deposit to secure the venue. This can be paid via Bank Transfer, Cheque or Cash. The remaining hire fee is due no later than 8 weeks before the event date.

 What other costs are involved?

We require a 50% deposit from the venue hire to secure the booking. The remaining cost, along with corkage and food is due 8 weeks before the event.

Is there a minimum spend?

Yes, we have a £3000 minimum spend.

What time do we have access from?

Access to the venue is from 9am on the day of your booking.

What time does the venue close?

The venue closes at 12:30am, we ask that all music is turned off at 12:00am, when the bar stops serving.

Can we supply our own drinks?

You can supply your own wine and sparkling and pay our corkage fee per bottle, but all other drinks must be supplied by ourselves. The corkage fee includes the hire of appropriate glassware and chilling (if necessary), but we do not provide wine coolers/ice buckets.

Do you provide table linen?

We do not provide table linen, but we can supply you with a local recommended supplier.

What are our catering options?

We have various menus available, including 1/2/3 course sit-down meals, Hog Roast, BBQ’s and Newspaper Boxed Fish and Chips. We do not allow outside catering.

Can we use outside Caterers?

We do not allow outside catering. You are welcome to provide a ready-made buffet for your evening food. We ask that you supply disposable cutlery and plates for this.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

We have a varied menu, please talk to one of our team for any dietary requirements. We have an allergy book available on request.

Is all glassware included?

We provide water glasses, wine glasses and champagne flutes. Please note all evening drinks are served in a quality plastic.

Can we hire in our own furniture?

No, i’m afraid the only option is to use our existing furniture.

Is the venue licensed for civil ceremonies?

We are fully licensed for Ceremonies and Civil Partnerships. Please note the different ceremony spaces are licensed for a different amount of guests.

What are the costs involved with for civil ceremonies?

The registry fees can be found at www.akentishwedding.com

We can offer the mezzanine level at no extra cost when hiring the venue all day. There is an additional £125.00 + VAT fee to hold the ceremony on the ground floor.

How do we book the registrar?

We book the registrar in for you, once the venue has been confirmed. All ceremony fees are payable direct to the council. We do not charge admin fees for this.

Do you have a PA system to play background music from?

We have a sound system available in the main seating area which is compatible with anything with a headphone jack.

Do you have a PA system for speeches?

We have two wireless microphones linked to our sound system in the main seating area.

Can we decorate the venue?

You can decorate the venue as you see fit as long as no damage is caused. We do not allow staples or nails in the woodwork. All decorations must be removed by 10am the following day.

Do you cut our wedding cake?

One of our team can cut your wedding cake for £50 + VAT. We supply serving platters for this.

What is the parking situation?

You receive 10 complimentary parking permits with your booking, 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 which we cannot offer exclusively.

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

Our team are on hand to help with all of the details of your day, we have an extensive list of local recommended suppliers. This list is given in good faith of companies who have worked well with the venue.

Can we get ready at the venue?

Yes, we have a dressing room available to you and yours guests to use how you please.

Can we leave our gifts etc inside the venue overnight?

Anything left in the venue overnight must be collected by 10am the following day. Anything left over will be removed and possibly thrown away.

Are you associated with the Hotel Continental?

Yes we are part of the same company, however they are both run individually.

How many rooms do they have?

The hotel has 22 rooms in total and 13 converted fisherman’s huts. As the hotel is going through a major refurbishment please check what rooms are available on the night of your event.

What time is check-in?

Check-in at the hotel is 3pm, this is non-negotiable, if you wish to access the room any earlier we suggest booking the night before as well. We do have a dressing room available at the venue for guests wishing to get ready.

What discount do we get at the Hotel Continental?

You and your guest’s receive a 10% on hotel rooms for the night of your event

Is there somewhere we can say goodbye to our guests?

We have a function room available at the Hotel Continental, why not take any leftover wine and have a farewell meal with your guests. Ask our team for pricing and booking details.