WEDDINGS and other CEREMONIES
at
SOUTHCHURCH HALL.

One of Southend's most beautiful and historic buildings is now licensed as an Approved Premises for weddings, Civil Partnership and Baby Naming ceremonies. Southchurch Hall provides an ideal setting for a non-religious ceremony, conducted in special premises.

Southchurch Hall is an early 14th century moated manor house set in delightful gardens, very much one of Southend's hidden treasures. The building is dominated by it's impressive Great Hall, displayed as a late medieval room setting. It is this room in which ceremonies at Southchurch Hall are conducted.

Availability
Southchurch Hall is a museum open to the public and we have a duty to keep the buildings open. For this reason, ceremonies must be arranged at times when the museums are closed to the public.

At present, available times are:

      Thursdays to Saturdays - Either at 1.15pm or 5.15pm
      
Southchurch Hall is not available for ceremonies on Sundays, Bank Holidays and on certain weekends when we are holding special events at this or other museums which affect our staffing.

What Type of Ceremony ?
A wedding or other ceremony at Southchurch Hall is essentially a Registry Office ceremony conducted in special premises by Registry Office staff.  It is therefore a non-religious ceremony and the procedure and rules are exactly the same as if your ceremony was being conducted in Southend Registry Office. 
When you book your ceremony with the Registry Office, you will be provided with guidance notes.

How Many Guests ?
Southchurch Hall is quite a small venue and can only accommodate about 40 people. 
We should stress that the Hall is a medieval setting. Guests sit on benches facing the Registrar who sits at the High Table. Apart from decorating with flowers, the hall may not be re-arranged or its appearance altered in any way.

Photographs of Southchurch Hall

Click on an image for larger picture

Receptions
Unfortunately, neither Southchurch Hall or Prittlewell Priory are available for receptions or similar parties.

Car Parking
There is adequate car parking in the roads bordering Southchurch Hall Park. We cannot, of course, guarantee or reserve street parking places but to date there have been no problems.

Access
The Hall is situated within a moat and access is across a footbridge on the north side, at the end of Southchurch Hall Close, off Park Lane. There is wheelchair access to the Main Hall itself but, unfortunately, the toilets are not accessible by wheelchair.

Fees
    Basic ceremony, Thurs-Sat: £420
  
Please note that this  fee is for the hire of the building only. A separate fee is payable to the Registrars.
VAT is not charged.

How To Book Your Ceremony
First, make a provisional booking with the Central Museum ('phone 01702 434449  Tue-Sat). 
You must then arrange to see the Registrar (see 'Useful Telephone Numbers') to confirm that they are able to conduct the ceremony on the day you wish.

When you have confirmed details with them it is essential that you let the Central Museum staff know that the Registrars have booked your ceremony. You will then receive a letter of confirmation from the museum which will ask for a £100 non-returnable deposit.

The balance of the hire fee is payable a month before the ceremony.


Useful Telephone Numbers

    Southchurch Hall
    (Thur-Sat; 10.00am -1.00pm; 2.00pm-5.00pm)
    Mornings reserved for schools in term time.
    01702 467671

    Superintendent Registrar
    (Mon-Fri, office hours)
    01702 534 349

    fax: 01702 612 610

    email: registeroffice@southend.gov.uk

    Bookings, Central Museum
    (Tue - Sat, 10.00am to 5.00pm)
    01702 434449

Photographs
Southchurch Hall offers superb outside photo opportunities. Photographs and videos are permitted inside the buildings but flash photography is not allowed during the ceremony itself.

Flowers
Floral arrangements may be set up shortly before the ceremony as long as the public is not inconvenienced. 

Changing
We are unable to provide a private changing area at Southchurch Hall. You are therefore expected to arrive ready for the ceremony. 

Confetti

Plastic sequin-style confetti is not allowed in the Hall or in the Park as it is almost impossible to remove. Flower petal confetti is permitted.

Music
Music, as long as it has been approved by the Superintendent Registrar, may be played. A CD player is available, which is operated by the museum staff. Further guidance on music can be provided nearer the date of your wedding.
There is no objection to live music, as long as details are finalised with museum staff at the Central Museum well in advance. Arrangements may need to be made to avoid inconveniencing the public.

Further Enquiries
Please contact the Wedding Team at the Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EW, for further information or advice.

You are welcome to view Southchurch Hall but you are advised to telephone first, on 01702 467671 to make sure that staff will be available to see you. During term-time, mornings are reserved for school parties and the Hall may be closed to the public.

Further information is also available from the Registry Office, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6ER.