Getting Married in a Lighthouse
Ever since the Dungeness Old Lighthouse in Kent was granted a licence to hold weddings there has been a continued flow of marriages taking place every week with a growing waiting list for those wanting to say their vows in this unusual wedding venue.
Although the wedding ceremony can take place anywhere inside the lighthouse there is only room for 10 people at the gallery level while the stairs leading up to the first floor bridge room can accommodate up to 30 guests along with the bride and groom
Wrought Iron Banisters
The decorative wrought iron banisters that are wrapped around the spiral staircase can be turned into a wonderful enhancing arrangement of flowers, ribbons and garlands wrapped around that compliments your wedding outfits.
Standing together 140 feet high as newlyweds you can capture those first moments while gazing out at the panorama scenery of the unspoilt landscaped areas.
Views stretch right across the English Channel towards France while the vast Dungeness Nature Reserve can be clearly seen.
Have photographs taken with the backdrop of the distinctive black and white tower that shows the Victorian architecture period in its best and weather permitted you can stroll along the beach for more wedding photographs.
The cost of the lighthouse for your civil ceremony is £300 (2008 - subject to change) and to book or find out more information you can contact the wedding advisor at info@dungenesslighthouse.com or telephone on 01303 258691.
Information on registrar fees and the costs of the ceremony can be found at Kent County Council on 01622 221008 or email to Kentish.wedding@kent.gov.uk
The 102 year old lighthouse was decommissioned as active in 1960 and quickly became a tourist attraction as well as a museum until it was granted the licence and re-opened for weddings to take place in February 2007.
Rules and Restrictions
Because the lighthouse is a listed building there are rules laid down that have to be adhered to but these are not strict enough to mar any wedding that takes place there.
- No confetti or rice is allowed to be used anywhere in or outside the lighthouse. This includes the use of any artificial materials but fresh flower petals may be permitted.
- Any setting up for a ceremony must be done on the day of the wedding.
- Vehicles are prohibited anywhere in the fenced in area except for the bridal car.
- No smoking is allowed anywhere in the lighthouse.
- Any children under 16 are to be accompanied by an adult.
Unfortunately there are no facilities for changing and no bathrooms are available but Portaloo toilets can be hired for such an occasion and will be set up for you and your guests to use on the day.
There are plenty of parking spaces in the free car park which is adjacent to the lighthouse.
To find more information visit the official Old Lighthouse website >>
