Our Romantic, Intimate & Historic Chapel Hosts Weddings That Capture the Imagination

Book your wedding in Canterbury’s historic, intimate and quirky City Wall Tower – One of Kents’s only chapels licenced to marry. The historic Grade II listed English Heritage Monument building was once called ‘Zoar Chapel’ as the word ‘Zoar’ means ‘small’ so “Small Chapel” – Which is exactly what this gorgeous little chapel is.

Now called City Wall Tower, a non-religious chapel and wedding venue licensed to hold up to 70 guests.

Steeped in history, the Chapel, sculpted into the City Wall, once a medieval tower built to protect the City in the late middle ages.

The City Wall foundations of the tower are thought to date from around 1140 and 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 70 guests and is a quirky, intimate and alternative wedding venue, perfect for small or micro weddings!

NEED TO KNOW

• Ceremony capacity: MAX 80 INCLUDING wedding party (Around 40-50 is most comfortable for the size of the Chapel).
• Licensed for marriage: Yes
• Confetti allowed: Yes
• Child friendly: Yes
• Pets welcome: Yes
• Exclusivity: Yes
• Bar: No
• Accommodation: No

• Nearest parking: Queningate Car Park, CT1 2HG

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…

Venue hire:

City Wall Tower is a venue only – or dry hire venue – which means we offer just the building for hire for your wedding ceremony; 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.

There are no facilities at the Chapel for a reception for after your service but we can help you find local venues that can help with the wedding reception. The Chapel is conveniently located right in the city centre of Canterbury minutes’ walk from restaurants, pubs and places to carry on the celebrations!

PRICE:

WEDDING VENUE ONLY HIRE PRICING - Weekday, Weekend & Bank Holiday £1000 for weddings in 2025.

Price includes: Time to set up before the ceremony, venue hire for the ceremony and time for post ceremony photos by your photographer.