How many guests can we invite to our ceremony?
The Rayleigh Windmill is an historic Grade II listed wedding venue, which is able to accommodate up to 20 guests. This is in addition to both the happy couple and the registrars, so they won’t have to be included in your guest total.
When should we advise our guests to arrive?
We recommend that guests arrive thirty minutes before the ceremony.
How early can deliveries of floral arrangements or decorations arrive?
For delivery of floral arrangements and decorations, access will be granted to the Rayleigh Windmill from ninety minutes prior to the ceremony.
Depending on availability, we may be able to allow access for decorations the day before the ceremony. We will be pleased to discuss this with you further.
How long is our booking?
Your total booking would be 3 hours, with your ceremony start time in the middle. As we only have one ceremony per day, the ceremony start time would depend on your preference and registrar availability.
The hire of the Rayleigh Windmill includes time allocated for photographs to be taken after the ceremony.
How can we play our ceremony music?
We are able to provide use of our speaker, which has Bluetooth connection, an auxiliary cord and CD player for your own music. Please note that we are unable to provide music for your ceremony.
Additionally, we kindly ask that you nominate a member of the wedding party to be in charge of the music on the day.
Do we need to book a registrar?
Please remember that it is your responsibility to book the registrars for your ceremony independently from your booking with us. This can be done by contacting the Essex Registry Office on 0345 603 7632. Alternatively, further information can be found at https://www.essex.gov.uk/get-married-in-essex/book-a-registrar.
Where is the venue, and where can we park?
The Rayleigh Windmill can be found at the following address:
Rayleigh Windmill
Bellingham Lane
Rayleigh
Essex
SS6 7ED
Please note that Bellingham Lane is accessible via Rayleigh High Street’s one-way system.
Mill Hall Public car park is located directly outside the Windmill. Please be aware that this car park is a pay and display car park, and we are unable to offer any free parking or allowances for a wedding. Additionally, we are unable to reserve any spaces at this car park.
Details on all Rayleigh Car Parks can be found on Rochford District Council's website.