Useful Information & Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Commissioner's House?

Commissioner's House lies at the heart of The Historic Dockyard, Chatham. We are easily accessible from the Medway towns, Medway Tunnel, A2/M2 and M25. Should you wish to look us up on a map &/or route planner web site the postcode is ME4 4TZ. Click here to view an online map!

How can we arrange a viewing?

To arrange an exclusive viewing of Commissioner's House and HMS Gannet please call our Weddings & Events Executive, on 01634 823846 (direct dial) or 01634 823800 (switchboard) &/or email ch-events@chdt.org.uk. We can usually show you around at a time to suit you but sometimes, due to booked events, we have to suggest particular times.

How many guests can I invite?

The capacity charts below show the comfortable maximums we recommend. We can always consider options for squeezing a few more in, especially for the ceremony, but your guests will get to know each quite well!

Ceremony capacities

Room	Theatre
Ballroom	80
Sunne Room	80
HMS Gannet (Decks)	150
HMS Gannet (Commander's Cabin)	60
The capacity in the Ballroom, Sunne Room and the Commander's Cabin onboard HMS Gannet can be increased by having standing room, as well as chairs, for your guests.

Reception capacities

Room	Round Tables	Long Tables	Standing	Theatre
Marquee	130	170	225	200
Ballroom	40	30	80	76
Sunne Room	54	30	100	65
Revenge	-	15	30	30
Temeraire	-	8	20	20
HMS Gannet (Decks)	-	-	225	150
HMS Gannet (Commander's Cabin)	30	40	80	60
The marquee round table capacity can be increased to 170/180 by fitting an extension; approx cost £1,200 + VAT

How do we secure the date?

We are happy to hold your chosen date for 1 month without obligation or until another enquirer wishes to secure the same date.

To secure the date we require a deposit of 50% of the venue charge. Balances will be due 30 days in advance of your event.

How big is your car park?

We have parking for c600. The car park nearest to Commissioner's House has a capacity of c200. The next nearest car park is on Anchor Wharf some 200 metres from the house. All parking is within the secured area of The Historic Dockyard – security is in place 24/7. You are more than welcome to leave cars overnight.

Is it possible to arrive by helicopter?

Yes. The helipad is 100 metres away. If the helipad is required car parking will be on Anchor Wharf, some 200 metres from the house.

What about pre-reception & reception drinks?

All wine & champagne or alternatives, required for your reception, including pre-reception drinks and drinks for the toast, are provided by your chosen caterer; all other drinks are provided by the Commissioner’s House bar.

Your chosen caterer will help you select wines to accompany your menu and like their menus they provide a wine list to suit all tastes and budgets

Can we bring our own pre-reception & reception drinks?

Yes. We do not charge corkage but your chosen caterer will apply a modest service charge to cover the cost of serving.

Do you have a bar?

Yes. Commissioner’s House has a fully-licensed bar in spacious & comfortable surroundings with full access to the marquee and other parts of the house. We are licensed until 12midnight; last orders at the bar is 11.30pm. Our prices are akin to average pub prices.

Can we have live music & dancing?

Yes. Commissioner’s House is fully licensed for music & dancing. The Ballroom, with its sprung dance floor, is used for discos and bands. Music finishes at 12midnight.

Do you have accommodation?

The Marriott Encore adjacent to the site is just 500 metres from Commissioner’s House. There are also two lovely B&Bs on The Historic Dockyard site which we can recommend. We have a good relationship with all accommodation providers, including block booking prices.

Can the bride get ready at Commissioner's House?

Yes. Our Bridal suite, including private loos and washrooms, is a lovely room with veranda overlooking the garden.

If you wish the bride can arrive at the house as early as she likes and without any hassle or stress, gradually get ready for her big day. Family, bridesmaids and girl friends can join her here to help and share in the preparations. Beauticians, florists and others helping you create your perfect day can visit you in the room and your photographer can capture those treasured moments as you get ready.

Do you have other private rooms?

Yes. Commissioner’s House has a number of rooms other than the principal rooms used for the ceremony, wedding breakfast etc. Our Bridal suite is one and we have another which can be used.

Can you help with photographers, florists, discos, car hire, entertainers and so on?

We are more than happy to provide contact details of additional services. We prefer to do so in an advisory capacity, rather than as a recommendation because your taste is probably different to ours.

What is a wedding breakfast?

Confusingly, the wedding breakfast is not, usually, morning breakfast! It is the traditional name for the meal taken by the bride, groom and the wedding party at the wedding reception that follows the wedding ceremony / service.

What is a civil ceremony?

A civil ceremony is a non-religious legal marriage ceremony normally conducted by a Registrar. It is often performed in a registered venue, such as Commissioner’s House, instead of a Church.

How do I arrange a civil ceremony?

Once you have confirmed your booking with us we send the details over to the Medway Registry Office. At the same time we send you the relevant paperwork, including a booking reference number, which allows you to arrange a meeting with the Registrars to start the preliminaries with them.

Can Commissioner's House cater for any other type of event?

The quick answer is of course! Be it a christening, anniversary, birthday or conference, Commissioner's House can provide the same level of exceptional service as you will experience on your wedding day.

Click here to view our Wedding Photo Gallery