A huge 18th century fort, which is in the process of a major transformation, could become a wedding venue.

The Citadel’s owners hope the sprawling Dover site, constructed in 1779, will be allowed to hold ceremonies by the end of the year.

The weddings would be held in rooms that are refurbished casemates, originally firing positions for soldiers.

This is the latest ambitious proposal for the fortress on the Western Heights, which covers 33 acres and 54 buildings.

In May, a scheme to rejuvinate the fort was launched, with bosses unveiling plans for hotels, restaurants, art galleries, a vistor centre and music studios, saying the project will “breath new life” into Dover.

David de Min, Dover Citadel Ltd chief executive, said: “If the licence is granted we will have the first weddings there.”

Kim de Min, the centre’s events assistant and Mr de Min’s mother, added: “We thought it would make a perfect wedding venue as the casemates have beautiful sea views.

“We are anticipating the novelty value of an old fort – with the views and historic interest in the site – will provide a huge local and international interest.”

The application to Dover District Council (DDC), expected to be sent in the next few weeks, is a licence for full wedding services. An alcohol licence already covers the site.

Bosses also hope to transform the officers’ quarters and other parts of the complex into accommodation, which could be used for wedding guests.

Eventually, the de Mins want the complex to have in-house photographers, videographers, printers, caterers, bar and florists, all overseen by an events coordinator.

There would be room for almost 100 parking places for guests and the scheme would also accommodate stag and hen nights.

Mrs de Min added: “We hope to offer the full wedding package. A one-stop wedding shop l think could take the stress and strain out of the whole process.”

A wedding reception was held there last Saturday for Mr de Min’s brother Michael and his bride Jasmine Yeoman. They had wed earlier that day in St Andrew’s Church in Buckland.

Dover Citadel Ltd bought the site in 2021 and bosses plan to transform it, under the brand The Little City, in a £100m project set to take between six to eight years.

No major planning applications are yet lodged, but Dover District Council has given permission for several casemates to be renovated, for businesses to move in.

In May, Mr De Min said that since acquiring the site in 2020, Dover Citadel Ltd, has been working with Historic England, DDC, Kent County Council and MP Natalie Elphicke “to bring this momentous project to fruition”.

The fort was constructed from 1779 as a defence against enemy invasion along with other parts of Dover Western Heights.

The fortifications were used for both world wars and the prison service took over in the 1950s. From then the Citadel alternated between an adult prison and borstal, before turning into an immigration removal centre until 2015.

The complex has been closed to the public over the centuries but it is gradually opening up under its present management.