About

The outstanding early Norman Chichester Cathedral was completed in 1108 and was consecrated by Bishop Ralph Luffa. As well as numerous priceless survivals from its early period, for example the superb 12th-century Lazarus Reliefs and the Renaissance depictions of the Tudor Court by Lambert Barnard, the historic edifice is particularly unique regarding its collection of 20th-century paintings, sculpture and glass including a window by Marc Chagall, tapestry by John Piper and a painting by Graham Sutherland.

A dedicated catering and hospitality company has recently been established to promote and organise events at this historic site, whose aim is to generate sufficient profits to enable the future upkeep of the beautiful Cathedral, which is a historic city landmark.

Facilities

Vicar's Hall

Vicars' Hall is a Grade I-listed building with original medieval features such as a hammer-beamed roofspace. Arranged over three levels, the hall presents a distinctive ambience in which to accommodate your formal reception, with a capacity of 40-120 guests.

Lower Hall Reception Capacity - 80 Guests
Upper Hall Reception Capacity - 40 Guests
Combined Reception Capacity - 120 Guests

Alexandra Room, Royal Chantry Garden, East Cloisters

If you would prefer to host your welcoming drinks and canapés reception in a separate area away from your wedding breakfast, Chichester Cathedral can offer a choice of The Alexandra Room, The Royal Chantry Garden or The Eastern Arm of the Cloisters.

Cloisters Café

The Cloisters Café is another spacious and flexible facility, and could be used for your informal evening reception party. It has a bar area and plenty of room for a dancefloor, as well as its own private walled garden, and can accommodate up to 130 guests.

Evening Reception Capacity - 130 Guests

George Bell House

George Bell House, 4 Canon Lane is the former Archdeaconry located within the Cathedral grounds, and is a beautifully restored house with eight bedrooms. In addition, if hired for your wedding, you can be guaranteed privacy as it would be exclusively yours.

The house can be used for your wedding breakfast, disco and/or bar area as it has three groundfloor reception rooms called The Dresden, The Bonhoeffer and The Dining Room. The Dresden accommodates 36 guests for a formal wedding breakfast, and the house offers an ideal venue for your evening reception, with a capacity for 120 guests spread over the three groundfloor rooms.

Alternatively, the Cathedral can provide a marquee, holding a maximum of up to 150 guests, which will be erected in the garden.

Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 36 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 120 Guests
Marquee Reception Capacity - 150 Guests

Vintage Candy Cart Hire

A beautiful vintage candy cart is available for your evening reception, which provides a selection of sweets for up to 120 guests.

Music

Background music in the form of a harpist, string quartet, pianist or guitarist etc. are all permitted. If you would like to engage the services of a DJ for your evening party, the Cathedral will be happy to provide you with a recommendation. Alternatively you are welcome to source your own entertainment. There are certain restrictions with regard to live music; enquire to find out the details.

Catering

Chichester Cathedral Enterprises offer a wide variety of menus, ranging from delicious canapés to a 3-course wedding breakfast produced by their exclusive caterers. An example meal might start with the delicious smoked salmon roulade filled with a cream cheese and chive mousse followed by a main course of Funtington pork tenderloin, wrapped in pancetta, served with sweet and sour red cabbage, finished off with a delectable passionfruit tart, topped with raspberry crumble and served with Chantilly cream.

Chichester Cathedral can also offer house wine and champagne, otherwise there is a corkage fee for your own wines and drinks.

Accommodation

George Bell House

As well as being available during the day and evening to host your wedding breakfast and reception, this house at 4 Canon Lane offers eight luxury ensuite bedrooms, including four large double/twin rooms, three standard double rooms and one single room with disabled access, which is located on the ground floor. Each bedroom contains tea and coffee making facilities and exclusive toiletries, and there is high-speed Wi-Fi. Free parking is also provided for any wedding guests staying overnight at 4 Canon Lane.

To find out more about hosting your wedding reception at Chichester Cathedral just click on the contact details below.