Wedding FAQ’s

Ceremony Questions

Is your venue licensed for ceremonies?

Yes! There are three rooms for you to choose from. They are a variety of sizes and suitable for 6 – 150 people.

How do we book the registrar?

Once you have booked your wedding with Mercure Tunbridge Wells, the wedding planner at the hotel will contact the registrars to reserve the date & time of your ceremony provisionally. The registrars will then reach out to you directly to confirm. 

How much does the registrar charge?

You’ll need to contact KCC registrars directly to ask about their fees. Click here to view the KCC registrar website.

What time can we book the ceremony for?

What time can we book the ceremony for? 
You can book your ceremony anytime between 8 am – 8 pm, subject to availability on that day. The wedding planner will give advice on the best time for your ceremony based on your plans for your day to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Is it possible for us to have the ceremony elsewhere and just have the reception at the hotel?

Yes of course! Mercure Tunbridge Wells is a flexible wedding venue and we are happy to host your reception.

Do you allow confetti to be thrown?

Yes! Confetti can be thrown outside. All confetti must be biodegradable.

General Venue Questions

What is your maximum capacity for a wedding reception?

For the meal: up to 150 people seated on long tables and up to 120 people seated on round tables. For the evening reception: up to 150 people.  

Is your venue easy to find?

Yes! Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel is just off the A21 and A228, located next to Pembury Hospital. Find us on Google maps.

Do you have car parking?

Yes. There are 200 car parking spaces on site which are complimentary providing guests register their car at the tablets in reception. There is also space for a bus or coach.

Do you allow external caterers?

All food & beverage must be provided by the hotel. Wedding cakes can be provided by a business or non-professional. 
External vendors that provide other specialise items such as an ice-cream van or sweet cart are permitted pending approval from the hotel. Small extras (such as consumable favours or a sweetie station) can be provided by a professional or non-professional pending approval of the hotel. Please speak to the wedding planner for more details.  

Can you cater to dietary requirements?

Absolutely! We have a variety of dishes available that are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. The hotel must be informed of any dietary requirements at least 14 days prior to your wedding.  

Please be advised that although precautions to prevent cross-contamination are in place, allergen-containing ingredients are used in our kitchens. 

Do you allow real candles to be lit in the reception room?

Due to health & safety, LED candles must be used.

Do you allow firework displays?

Fireworks are not permitted.

Do you have a list of recommended suppliers?

Yes! We only work with reliable suppliers and those that provide the highest quality of services and products. Please speak to the wedding planner for more information.

Can we book other suppliers & vendors that are not on your preferred list?

Providing they have all the required certifications. You are also welcome to bring your decorations – please speak to the planner to confirm what you will bring. 

When can we have access to the reception room to start setting up decorations etc.?

You will have access to the reception room from 7 am on the morning of your wedding to set up. If the reception room is available the day or evening before your wedding then you will have access from the day prior; the wedding planner will be able to confirm this with you nearer the time.  

Accommodation Questions 

How many bedrooms do you have?

There are 84 bedrooms at the hotel. There are various classic double rooms, family rooms, twin rooms, three privilege rooms, and three suites (including a bridal suite). 

Is there room for the bridal party to get ready on the day?

You can book one of the suites for the night before your wedding to either stay in or use to get ready on the morning of your special day.

Do our wedding guests receive a discount on the bedroom prices?

Absolutely! Your guests receive a 15% discount off our best flexible rate of the day. Once your wedding is booked, you will be given a telephone number & discount code to quote so you can put this on the invites for your guests so they can manage their own accommodation.

Payments

How much deposit is required to confirm?

A deposit of £500 or 10% of your package (whichever is greater) and a signed copy of our wedding contract is required to confirm your wedding.

When are the next payments due?

50% of the remaining balance is due three months prior to your wedding. The final balance is due 14 days before your wedding .

Can we set up a payment plan?

Of course! Once your deposit is paid, you can set up a payment plan.

How To Book

We like what we see online, what is the next step?

We’re so pleased to hear that! Click here to book a call or venue tour with the wedding planner.