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TONBRIDGE on the INTERNET |
A Tonbridge Castle WeddingThe history of Tonbridge Castle stretches back over 900 years. Today, part of it is a romantic ruin but the remarkable Medieval Gatehouse remains intact, home to an exciting re-creation of life many centuries ago. Choose Tonbridge Castle for your wedding and you, too, can be Lord or Lady for the day! In this truly unique setting you’ll be able to make the grandest of entrances as your carriage sweeps through the magnificent Norman arch, while your guests await. The Marriage Room where your ceremony takes place is situated in the Mansion House adjoining Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse. This fine room, which also serves as the Council Chamber, can accommodate 85 people for Civil Marriages. Beautifully proportioned, it retains the original oak paneling and attractive sash windows. Doors open out onto an elegant terrace and beyond this the Castle grounds sweep down to the banks of the River Medway. The historic surroundings at Tonbridge Castle provide a variety of original and picturesque settings for wedding photography. As well as the castle, there are extensive lawns, immaculately kept gardens and the scenic riverside. You may even choose to arrive in style aboard the SS Britannia. This charming little vessel used to be a tender for the Royal Yacht, now she adds a splendid sense of occasion to your special day. Tonbridge Castle offers a wonderful setting and our own Master of Ceremonies will be on hand to ensure that all the arrangements run smoothly, to your complete satisfaction. "A Kentish Wedding" . . . offers a flexible framework within which couples may personalise their marriage by including poetry, prose, live music, recorded music and a choice of marriage vows. Many couples choose to have a ceremony enhanced by traditional formality whilst others prefer their ceremony to be relaxed and informal. The choice is theirs. After the couple contact the Superintendent Registrar to confirm the booking for an approved premises ceremony they will be given a "Your Wedding Ceremony" booklet. The booklet explains the arrangements for the marriage ceremony and sets out a "selection" of examples from which the Bride and Groom may choose to personalise their ceremony. Registration staff will be pleased to discuss these with couples and advise how individual "selections" may be combined to provide that special ceremony. Alternatively, many couples write their own ceremony so as to include their own exclusive words, promises and vows. Registration staff are happy to advise, and providing the legally required vows and declarations are included, this personal selection of their marriage ceremony provides a very satisfying and happy experience for the couple. Music, Poetry and Vows of Marriage A wedding ceremony is a special occasion not only for the bride and groom but also their families and friends. Everyone can enjoy the choice of music, both contemporary and traditional, with prelude, processional and recessional pieces, which will add a magical and mystical quality to the wedding. String quartets, live groups and soloists may also provide a distinctive and memorable addition for all to appreciate. Family and friends often take part in the ceremony and read poetry and prose, perhaps taken from the writings of a well-known author or poet. They may also offer special and individual wise words of celebration to the happy couple. For the bride and groom, the choices of vows and the giving and receiving of rings within the vows of marriage, presents a visible sign of the promises and commitment that the couple make to each other - both within the ceremony -and for their future life together. The choice to involve families and guests in the Kentish Wedding gives a personal warmth and quality to the ceremony for all who are present. For further information about "A Kentish Wedding" at Tonbridge Castle, please ring 01732 876333. |