Mills Observatory - Information Sheet for Wedding and Civil Ceremony Hire

Mills Observatory - The History

The Mills Observatory sits on the summit of the magnificent tree-covered Balgay Hill in Balgay Park and is the UK's only full-time public Observatory. John Mills, a linen and twine manufacturer bequeathed funds for its construction and it was designed by the City Architect Mr McLellan Brown in collaboration with the Astronomer Royal for Scotland. It was completed and opened in 1935. The Observatory is classically styled in sandstone and has a distinctive 7m dome made out of papier mâché, which houses a Victorian refracting telescope, a small planetarium and display areas.

The Observatory Viewing Balcony enjoys spectacular views of the River Tay and surrounding area.

Facilities

Ceremonies are available from April - September only and can be held on the Viewing Balcony which is accessed by stairs. The Viewing Balcony can accommodate 30 and there is poor weather back up in the Lecture Room on the ground floor in case of inclement weather.

The Observatory has very restricted access for people whose mobility is limited but there is a ramp for wheelchair access to the ground floor area. Non exclusive parking is available outside the building for approximately 10 cars.

The following charges are either:

inclusive of the Registrar's fees, silk flowers and one bottle of Sparkling Wine

or, if the services of a Registrar are not required

venue hire, silk flowers and one bottle of Sparkling Wine only

The charge is for a period of two hours. The period should allow 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the ceremony to allow for the arrival of guests. An additional hourly rate will be applied for hires exceeding this duration.

Additional hourly rate within normal opening hours - £39
Additional hourly rate outwith normal opening hours - £55

The fee is payable direct to the Registrar whether or not their service is required and a deposit may be required.

Opening Hours and charges inclusive of VAT as follows

April to September - all inclusive charge	Charge
Tuesday to Friday, 11 am to 5 pm	£283
Saturday, 12.30 pm to 4 pm	£378

April to September - venue hire only	Charge
Tuesday to Friday, 11 am to 5 pm	£70
Saturday, 12.30 pm to 4 pm	£100

Useful Information

We can facilitate four types of ceremony at present namely:
- Civil Marriage
- Civil Partnership
- Renewal of Vows
- Naming Ceremony
Please book as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
You will require to make your own arrangements regarding the availability of a Registrar or Minister for your chosen date and time.
We strongly advise that you come to the Observatory to view the facilities and chat through your requirements with a member of staff before committing yourself to the venue. Please telephone 01382 435971 to arrange an appointment.
Please be aware that as your wedding will take place during opening hours there will be other visitors to the Observatory. We hope they will be courteous to your wedding party, in due course we ask you be courteous to them.
We do not allow the use of confetti but as an alternative you may consider bubbles on the Viewing Balcony only!

We are happy to arrange a viewing of the facility prior to any booking being made.

All enquiries to:

Customer Services
Dundee House
50 North Lindsay Street
Dundee DD1 1QE Map
Email: lc.bookings@dundeecity.gov.uk
Tel: 01382 307474

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This information is provided by the Communities and Policy Division

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