| Address | Mill Street |
| | Maidstone |
| | ME15 6YE click for street map |
| Telephone | 01622 701926 |
| Facsimile | 01622 663690 |
| Email | ceremonies.mid@kent.gov.uk |
| Facilities Available | The Grounds
The River Medway with riverside walks bounds the Archbishops Palace to the rear. Some couples choose to arrive at the venue by boat or river bus. The Millennium Footbridge across the river leads to extensive parking facilities in the Lock Meadow complex a short walk away.
To the front of the palace, the walled Apothecary’s Garden offers a secluded and peaceful area for photographs. The garden uses a cornucopia of herbs to form an unusual and interesting background.
Couples arrive in cars or carriages along the impressive gravelled driveway leading to the magnificent front façade of the Palace. Well-maintained lawns and flowerbeds surround the driveway and is bordered with ornamental hedging which provides a natural green backdrop for group photography.
On-site parking is limited to the ceremony car and any disabled car. There are a number of public car parks within walking distance. |
| Room Details | The Archbishops Palace offers a range of splendid ceremony rooms:
The Great Hall
This large room is decorated in a medieval style with wood panelling and elegant tapestry window dressing. There are a number of original oil paintings and a magnificent carved stone fireplace. The room can accommodate up to 100 guests, 90 seated and 10 standing.
There is a raised recessed area at the rear of the hall that provides ample space for live musicians to play throughout the ceremony.
The Great Hall is situated on the first floor and there is a stairlift available for the elderly and disabled (please discuss your requirements in advance with the ceremonies team).
The Undercroft
The Undercroft is situated on the ground floor and has disabled access. This room has a large open stone fireplace and its original leaded windows offer striking views across the river. It is traditionally furnished and decorated with beautiful flower arrangements. There is seating for twenty-five and additional standing room for 15. The Undercroft is the ideal room for smaller ceremonies.
The Solar Room
The Solar room is on the first floor. It has a large open stone fireplace and is traditionally furnished with a large bay window overlooking the river. It can accomodate a maximum of 50 guests all seated.
The Wareham Room
The Wareham room is on the first floor. It is suited to the more informal type of ceremony. It has an open stone fireplace with traditional furnishings .It can accomodate a maximum of 25 guests (15 seated and 10 standing). Please note there is limited disabled access to this room. |
| Description | The Archbishops Palace was formally the fourteenth century residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury. The building still retains many of its original historic features. It is situated on the banks of the River Medway in the centre of the County Town.
Please note: There will be an extra charge for legal preliminaries (notices to be given by both people), and for certificates and rehearsal if they are required. Please speak to our Ceremonies Team regarding these charges.
All ceremonies are subject to availability.
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