Published: Tuesday, 14th February 2023

Valentine’s Day may be upon us but for couples planning their weddings in Medway it’s the least romantic day of the year when it comes to heading down the aisle.

While on average 800 weddings are booked in Medway each year, the official day for romance doesn’t get a look in when it comes to booking the big day, with Autumn leading the way as the season of choice.

It's probably our quietest day of the year

James Brown is the Superintendent Registrar for Medway, based at Medway Register Office in Northgate, Rochester, conducting some 3,000 weddings in his 18 years with the service, both at private venues and others such as The Rochester Corn Exchange, Eastgate House, the Guildhall and Upnor Castle.

He said: "I get asked every year how many weddings there are on Valentine’s Day but while it may be the day partners, grooms or brides get down on bended knee to pop the question, it’s not the day for weddings – at least here in Medway.

“We may have one or two weddings taking place but it’s probably our quietest day of the year. There are none booked at present in 2023. The peak time in Medway for weddings tends to be the summer holidays or early autumn, with the second Saturday in September usually the busiest.

“I don’t know why that is. I suspect it’s a regional thing as in other parts of the country Valentine’s Day will be their busiest day for bookings – just not here in Medway.

“We’re busier on Christmas Eve than 14 February, which might come as a surprise. It’s a long running quirk in this area. I suspect there’s just a preference here for marking love and lifelong commitment – officially at least - throughout the year.”

Find out more about our fantastic wedding venues

News archive