You can do both, have the church wedding then move for a reception in another venue - we're having ours in a church then moving to a big greenhouse in the park - even though the reception venue is registered for weddings, I still want a church service - and no-one will mind travelling in the summer weather :-)

Cool - if there's a hotel/country house that you like too you can still ask about holding the reception there only, you don't have to feel like you need to get married there as well - most are happy with this as actually it's the reception party that brings in the most revenue for them overall so shouldn't limit your venue choice in any way :-)

Where are you based? My venue is the country house type but there is a church right next to it that they have a good relationship with for people who want a church wedding followed by the reception at the hotel xx

where in kent are you vicki?? im in kent too!!
were getting married in a church, then off to reception which is just up the road. think you should marry wherever you wish hun. x

Really? My aunt lives in Kent and so did a friend of mine. I went to they're wedding last year and they has their reception at the end of the pier in Deal-it was lovely! I'm in Newcastle now so if you need any advise on places up here then give me shout as I speak to a lot of venues through work xx