about us
Our Romantic, Intimate & Historic Chapel Hosts Weddings That Capture the Imagination…
City Wall Tower host our weddings & events in an historic Grade II listed English Heritage Monument building called ‘Zoar Chapel’ – The word ‘Zoar’ meaning ‘small’ so “Small Chapel” – Which is exactly what this gorgeous little chapel is.
Licensed to hold up to 80 guests this intimate venue is perfect for small or micro weddings!
Now run under the name “City Wall Tower” as a licensed civil ceremony wedding & events venue. The Chapel is indeed a tower built into the city wall. While the city wall foundations of the tower are thought to date from around 1140, the actual tower and stonework of the tower that creates the main chapel where you would be married in are most likely late 14th Century.
THE SETTING:
Absolutely brimming with history, the chapel stands on the site of an original medieval tower, called a bastion tower, built as part of the medieval defences of the city in the late 14th century.
It’s varied and interesting past continues when the tower became the City Conduit and water supply for Canterbury City for nearly a quarter of a century from 1801 – 1825.
The old water tower was eventually sold by the City Council to the Strict Baptists in 1845 and renamed “Zoar Chapel”.
But we think it should have been renamed “Lucky chapel” as then during the 18th & 19th centuries huge parts of the city walls were knocked down as Canterbury grew needing more roads and buildings, but the chapel survived. Even when German bombing caused further damage during the Second World War the chapel luckily survived intact!
Now run under the name “City Wall Tower” licensed by Kent County Council as a civil ceremony wedding venue also has a resident Celebrant for non-legal weddings and blessings as well. The Chapel is licensed to hold up to 80 guests and is a quirky, intimate and alternative wedding venue, perfect for small or micro weddings!
The chapel also provides the perfect flexible project space for all types of events.
NEED TO KNOW
• Ceremony capacity: 80 guests plus wedding party
• Licensed for marriage: Yes
• Confetti allowed: Yes
• Child friendly: Yes
• Pets welcome: Yes
• Exclusivity: Yes
• Bar: No
• Accommodation: No
THE SET UP
We know planning a wedding or big event is stressful which is why we make choosing City Wall Tower as your preferred venue as simple as possible…
Option 1 – Venue hire:
City Wall Tower is a venue only – or dry hire venue – which means we offer just the building for hire; it simply offers you a blank canvas to build your perfect wedding or event with the flexibility to plan your day how you want it.
In addition to the venue hire we can upgrade the hire to include a glass of bubbles and some canapés for after your service while pictures are being taken etc but no sit-down meal, buffet or food trucks – your full reception would need to be taken offsite.
The venue has three Wedding Coordinators who can guide you through the logistics of using this ‘dry hire’ space.
Plus the Chapel is conveniently located right in the city centre of Canterbury minutes’ walk from restaurants, pubs and places to carry on the celebrations!
Option 2 – Venue hire + wedding/event planner hire:
Let our resident wedding & event planners help take some of that stress away – We can do as much or as little in assisting you with your big day as you need, such as:
• Venue styling.
• Organising wedding suppliers (photographers, videographers, flowers, suit hire etc).
• Post wedding/event reception and meal packages.
• Transport.
• Booking accommodation.
• Organising tours & trips if you wish to extend your stay in Canterbury such as guided City tours.
Each package is priced individually depending on your requirements, if you would like to discuss a package please give us a call and we would be happy to help.
OUR FACILITIES:
Size: The main space is approximately 9.2m x 6.5m
Seating: The chapel has static church pew style seating. The pews are fixed but we can accommodate additional single chairs at the front and back of the chapel.
Disabled access: We have a movable wheelchair ramp for disabled access through the main entrance. But unfortunately, due to the age and existing structure of the chapel we have been unable to modify the toilets to be accessible. To discuss the nearest accessible toilets please call us on 01227 903533.
Toilet facilities: The chapel has two single toilets on site, a male and a female.
Baby changing: Yes, there is a fold down baby changing table in the ladies WC.
Power: The chapel has 6 electricity sockets in the main ceremony hall.
Lights: Chandelier lighting that can be turned on/off in sections.
Catering facilities or kitchen: There is no catering facilities or kitchen at the chapel.
Parking: There is access for wedding cars to pull up outside the front of the chapel but they are not able to stay for long periods without a permit. For guests there is no parking outside the chapel as the roads are double yellows but the nearest car park is only a few minutes walk at https://www.canterbury.co.uk/directory_record/693/queningate
2021 DATES STILL AVAILIBLE