Wedding photography and film at The Marlowe Theatre

The Marlowe Theatre is a wedding venue in Canterbury, in the heart of the South East, named after the city's most famous playwright and set alongside the river in the centre of the city.

Canterbury's principal theatre in the heart of the city, named after the playwright Christopher Marlowe who was born here — its contemporary design, riverside position, and city-centre accessibility make it a flexible and culturally significant event venue.

We are genuinely drawn to what this place offers: a building with real cultural weight, contemporary architecture that photographs beautifully, and a riverside position that gives couples a setting full of light and character. For films especially, the combination of modern lines, city energy, and that connection to the water creates something with genuine cinematic quality. It is the kind of venue we would love to bring our cameras to.

Frequently asked questions about The Marlowe Theatre

What is it like to get married at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury?

Getting married at The Marlowe Theatre is a genuinely distinctive experience, combining the cultural weight of one of Canterbury's most celebrated buildings with a contemporary, riverside setting right in the heart of the city. The theatre's connection to Christopher Marlowe gives the day a sense of place and history that feels meaningful rather than merely decorative. Its modern design also means couples benefit from flexible spaces that can be shaped around their vision, whether they are planning something intimate or more expansive.

How does the riverside and city-centre location affect wedding photography and videography at The Marlowe Theatre?

The combination of a riverside position and a central Canterbury location gives photographers and videographers a wonderful variety of backdrops within easy reach of the venue. The contemporary architecture of the building itself provides clean, modern lines that work beautifully on camera, while the surrounding cityscape and waterside setting add depth and character to a couple's visual story. We always encourage couples to think about how the full environment around a venue can be woven into their coverage, and The Marlowe Theatre offers a lot to work with in that regard.

Are there any considerations for photography and videography inside a working theatre venue?

Theatre buildings can present some interesting creative opportunities alongside a few practical considerations, particularly around lighting, which in performance spaces can be quite dramatic and directional. We always carry equipment suited to a range of lighting conditions, and we would liaise with the venue team ahead of the day to understand how the spaces are set up for events. The theatrical atmosphere of a venue like The Marlowe can actually lend itself beautifully to cinematic wedding films and bold, characterful photography.

Can we book Big Day Productions to photograph and film our wedding at The Marlowe Theatre?

Absolutely, and we would love to be part of a wedding at The Marlowe Theatre. We cover weddings across London and the South East, and Canterbury is very much within our range. If you are planning your day here, we would be delighted to have a conversation about what you have in mind and how we can tailor our photography and videography to suit the venue and your vision.

Is The Marlowe Theatre well connected for guests travelling to a wedding there?

Canterbury is well served by rail connections, making it straightforward for guests travelling from London and across the South East to reach the city without needing a car. The Marlowe Theatre sits in the heart of Canterbury, so once guests arrive in the city they are never far from the venue. Its central position also means there are plenty of accommodation options nearby for those who want to make a full weekend of the celebration.

Why might a couple choose The Marlowe Theatre over a more traditional wedding venue?

Couples who want their wedding to feel rooted in culture and creativity, rather than following a conventional format, often find that a venue like The Marlowe Theatre speaks to them in a way that a hotel ballroom simply does not. The building carries real civic and artistic significance in Canterbury, named as it is after the playwright Christopher Marlowe, and that sense of story gives a wedding day an extra layer of meaning. The contemporary design and flexible event spaces also mean it can be dressed and arranged in ways that reflect a couple's own personality, rather than conforming to a fixed template.