Nestled on a working oyster farm is East Quay wedding venue in Whitstable. It’s raw, shabby chic aesthetic and prime location right on a pebble beach, makes it an unforgettable setting. From its rich coastal heritage details to its stunning photography opportunities, East Quay offers a truly unique wedding experience.
As a wedding photographer in Kent, I am going to take you through what you can expect from this relaxed, feel good venue.
East Quay – A Relaxed Seaside Wedding Venue in Kent
East Quay is a converted oyster grading building, which already tells you a lot about the vibe here. It’s full of character, with exposed brick, big windows, and that slightly industrial, coastal feel without needing loads of decoration.
What I love most is that it still feels very ‘Whitstable’. You’re right by the water with that unmistakable seaside atmosphere that makes everything feel a bit lighter and more joyful.
It’s ideal for couples who want something a little bit different, a day at the seaside but still warm, welcoming and incredibly easy-going.
Getting Married at East Quay
You really feel that coastal fresh air and calm when you get married at East Quay. You can have your ceremony upstairs or downstairs. Both ceremony options feel relaxed and unfussy, which suits the venue perfectly.
Their stunning mezzanine room boasting sea views, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your vows. With space for up to 100 guests, it offers a stylish and intimate setting for your ceremony. Alternatively, their downstairs licensed ceremony area accommodates up to 70 guests and seamlessly transitions into the evening dance floor space.
After the ceremony, guests can wander straight outside onto the decked shingle beach with a drink in hand, while you soak up all the hugs, kisses and congratulations. You can feel the sun on your face as you enjoy mingling with guests only a stones throw from the waters edge.
In your wedding breakfast room you’ll be surrounded by original features of the buildings oyster grading past. Then dance the night away with more windows overlooking the sea.
But on of the BEST things about East Quay is the sunset. It offers one of the best views of the sunset in the whole county, hands down. There is something so special about being able to witness this on your wedding day.
My Experience Photographing Weddings at East Quay
I love working at East Quay as it offers such unique photography opportunities. The light is beautiful, especially later in the day but the location really does set it apart from most other venues. There is no hiding just how raw and rustic it is here. It is still a working oyster farm. But the couples that book here are drawn to fresh sea air and sounds of the waves crashing.
The light pours into the ceremony rooms from the windows facing the sea. The pebbled beach area couldn’t be a better space to get those lovely candid shots of your drinks reception. And of course your confetti shot – that all important flutter made all the more fun with that coastal breeze.
A short walk from the venue provides some amazing places for photographs of you together. I love taking you away for a short time out. We have a few moments away from the hustle and bustle and time for you to take in the fact that you have just got married! And how amazing for that time to be stroll along a stunning beach.
I love the cosy feel of your wedding breakfast room. And the menus on offer that are carefully crafted with locally sourced ingredients. On the day coordination and service is fantastic. It really makes such a difference to my job to work at such slick venues. It means I can exclusively concentrate on all those natural, relaxed moment unfolding during your day.
Golden hour is my favourite here. A short walk to the pier gives you the most amazing view of the sunset and I can capture those gorgeous relaxed pictures of you strolling back to the venue. All that is left is for you to dance the night away.
Why Couples Love It
Couples love East Quay because:
- It doesn’t feel like a traditional wedding venue
- You’re right by the sea which instantly makes everything better
- It’s relaxed, friendly and unpretentious
- Your guests can experience the Whitstable coast too
- It feels personal, not packaged
It’s especially perfect for couples who say things like ‘we just want it to feel like us’ or ‘we don’t want anything too formal’. East Quay gives you permission to slow down and breath in the sea air, all whilst having the most amazing and relaxed wedding day.
Let’s Start Wedding Planning!
Don’t forget to enquire about your Kent wedding photography – get in touch with me and let’s discuss your love story and seaside wedding plans