Discover the perfect blend of history and modern convenience at Vicars' Hall, a truly unique venue nestled within the historic Chichester Cathedral precinct. With its roots dating back to 1397, this splendid hall holds centuries of stories and has witnessed the likes of Keats during his stay in Chichester. Now, it stands as a versatile space, offering all the modern facilities you need for your event.
Our in-house caterer, Cloisters Kitchen & Garden specialise in crafting bespoke menus to suit all occasions from tea, coffee and cake to sandwich buffets and working lunches to three-course dinners.
Want to see the space?
We would be happy to schedule you a viewing and answer any questions. We are available by appointment Monday-Friday 11am-4pm. Call 01243 813586 or email bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk
To find out more, please have a look at our FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Key informationContact us about this venue
Capacity
120 Reception, 100 Dining, 80 Theatre
Menus
Buffets, Lunch & Dinner, Canapé Receptions, Conferences, Meetings
Prices
from £250 (Weekdays 9am - 5pm)
Equipment Available
Projector, Screen, Microphones
Venue Size
160 sq m
Large, adaptable space
Stunning historic features
Projector and screen available
Medieval banquet hall
Finished in 1403
Contact us about this venue
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events are allowed and what is the cost?
Lectures, meetings, conferences, private lunches:
Monday – Friday:
- Day-time hire is £250 including VAT – this allows you access from 9.00am – 5.00pm
or
- Half day either 9.00am – 1.00pm or 1.00pm – 5.00pm is £175 including VAT.
- Lectures, meetings, conferences, dinners, parties, drinks Receptions:
- Evening hire Monday – Thursday £200 from 6.00pm – 10.00pm
- Evening hire Friday – Sunday £300 from 6.00pm – 11.00pm
Wedding Reception Hire £840*
*includes access the day before from 4.00pm for set-up, deliveries and access from 9.00am – 11.00pm on the day of the event and 9.00am – 11.00am the following day for collection and break-down.
Can I come and see the space?
Yes!
We would be happy to schedule you a viewing and answer any questions. We are available by appointment Monday-Friday 11.00am-4.00pm. Call 01243 813586 or email bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk
What is the venue capacity?
We can seat up to 100 for a seated dinner or 80 if you would like drinks on arrival.
Standing receptions up to 120 guests.
Do you require a security deposit?
Yes, we require a minimum deposit of 25% of the total cost of your event (or £200, whichever is higher).
The Deposit is payable to the Licensor on the signing of the venue hire agreement and is non-refundable, unless otherwise expressly stated in writing.
What forms of payment do you take?
We will invoice you for payment. We accept:
- PayPal
- BACS Transfer,
- Cash
- Cheques
How long do I have access on the day of my event?
Your set up time, event time and breakdown and clear up must fall within your rental period. Additional event hours charged at £65 per hour.
Can I drop items off the day before?
It is unlikely unless you have booked additional time the day/night before, but you can discuss this with our team once you have made the booking and if we are able to accommodate it, we will. Since we have limited storage, you will not be able to store items at the venue. However, if there is not an event booked the day prior to your event, we may be able to accommodate you. Chichester Cathedral is not responsible for items left unattended.
What is the latest our event can finish?
11pm is the latest, but is dependent on your booking agreement, but all events must conclude by 11pm.
And break down must be included in your venue hire times.
Who does the set up of my tables and chairs?
We will set up your basic table plan with tables, chairs and occasional tables if they are required. Your chosen caterer will set up any requirements for service, cutlery and crockery.
Are tables and chairs provided?
Yes, the following tables and chairs are included in your hire fee. Any additional items not listed below will have to be hired from our nominated supplier:
Chairs
100 conference chairs (burgundy in colour)
Tables
5ft round – 7 (wooden top)
6ft round – 10 (wooden top)
6ft rectangle – 4 (plastic top)
6ft bar height trestles - 2 (wooden top)
2.5ft squares – 2 (plastic top)
Can I host both my wedding ceremony and reception at in Vicars’ Hall?
No, unfortunately, not. There are lots of wedding venues within the city and in walking distance from the venue.
Who provides linens, glassware, etc?
Your chosen caterer, either Cloisters or Vanilla will provide linen, crockery, cutlery and glassware as part of their quotation.
We can provide linen, at an additional charge, if you would like tables covered for your meeting, conference or seminar. Please discuss your requirements upon booking.
Can I use my own caterer or do my own catering?
No. Our in-house caterer, cloisters kitchen & garden are phenomenal and can prepare all types of cuisines.
We do have an alternative catering provider, vanilla catering who can provide a quote for any event with a minimum value of £1,000.
We do not allow private functions to cater their own events.
Can I provide my own alcohol?
No. If you wish to provide alcohol for your event then you will need to arrange through one of our catering partners (either Cloisters or Vanilla). They can provide a quote for corkage.
We do not allow unsupervised alcohol consumption at private events.
What are the insurance and security arrangements?
We advise that all events should have event insurance to protect your event from any unforeseen circumstances.
We require insurance from any third parties. If you are using a DJ, band or photobooth for your event, we will require their public liability insurance and PAT certificates ahead of the event.
If alcohol is served then you may need security! Stewards can be arranged via our nominated supplier and paid directly to them. We can advise on enquiry, whether this will be a requirement for your event.
Are candles allowed?
Yes, however all candles must be contained in votives, and the flame must be 2” below the top of the container. Open flames are not allowed anywhere in the building.
Are there decorating restrictions?
Yes, you may not affix objects to the walls. The walls of vicars’ hall are historic and will not accommodate any type of tape or fixing.
Do you have a sound system?
Yes, we have a very basic sound system with 2 x radio mics available for use as part of your hire.
Connection for recorded music is via an auxiliary cable and will require your own adaptor for use with phones.
We do not have facilities to play CDs.
Can I have a live band?
Yes, but it requires the appropriate amount of space for their set-up. We do not allow bands with a full drum kit, but trios and duos are fine. We will need to see all of the insurance and PAT testing certificates as we would with any other third-party supplier at your event.
The space required for a band will limit your capacity for the whole event.
What if I have to cancel?
The deposit is non-refundable, however, if we can accommodate a new date for you, we will and it will be free of charge.
If you need to cancel your event at any time for any reason, then you need to let us know, in writing, as soon as possible. After that the following cancellation charges shall apply:
Date cancellation is received by Licensor | Cancellation fee (% of total event value) |
Less than 3 months | 25% ( or venue hire deposit) |
Less than 2 months | 50% (including venue hire deposit) |
Less than 1 month | 100% (including venue hire deposit) |
Do you have a projector and/or projection screen?
Yes! We have a projector and screen. You will need to provide your own laptop and have someone who is comfortable with the set up to provide tech support for your event. We can give this nominated person a brief introduction on how to use the equipment, but we do not provide support throughout your event.
Are there toilet facilities?
Vicars’ Hall has 5 toilets, one of which is adapted for accessible use and is equipped with baby change facilities.
Is your venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, with some limitations. Vicars’ hall is on the first floor, and it is split across three levels (see floor plan). The lower area of the hall and toilets are accessible to wheelchair users throughout the event.
You will need to complete a PEEP for any attendees at your event who may be a full-time wheelchair user. We can support with this process! We want to ensure there is a plan for the safe evacuation of all of your guests should there be an emergency.
Is smoking allowed?
Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere in the venue. The entrance to vicars’ hall opens onto a public green and it is responsibility of the event organiser to ensure this are kept clean and clear of any rubbish or cigarette ends.
Is there parking?
We do not have guest parking for Vicars’ Hall. The closest car parks can be found on the District Council website>>
Do you allow photo shoots or filming?
Yes. All filming and photography enquiries are managed through our partner at the sussex film office 01903 885379 – please contact them directly or visit their website - www.sussexfilmoffice.co.uk
Where is Vicars' Hall?
Vicars' Hall is located within the grounds of Chichester Cathedral. Formally, the hall is on South Street with a South-facing window over the Buttery Cafe looking out onto South Street.
The entrance is via the Cathedral green on West Street.