Ding dong! Where to get wed!
Popped the question? Muddy Wedding planners to the rescue! Here’s 15 of the most magical venues in Kent to tie the knot.
The Wilderness, Wingham
Want a unique wedding brimming with boho glamour and rustic charm? The Wilderness is an idyllic woodland venue, hidden away on an enchanting farm in Kent, unspoilt and far from the crowds. Gather your friends and family for an unconventional day in complete privacy, surrounded by woods and water meadows, lakes and fragrant wild flowers. With tipi tents for the reception and glamping if guests want to stay overnight – this is the perfect escape into a magical, world of nature. For a laid-back, bohemian-style festival wedding, look no further.
The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells
Tucked away down Tea Garden Lane by the edge of the woods in Tunbridge Wells, sits The Beacon, winner of Best Wedding Venue in Kent in the Muddy Awards 2021. Full of character and charm for a relaxed and intimate celebration, The Beacon is a little bit like home, with cosy corners, snugs and stylish interiors. It’s also the ultimate party house, wonderful for an exclusive-use wedding of feasting, celebrations and fun.
Say ‘I do’ in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens or dining room, feast on your favourite dishes with a custom menu created for you by head chef Scott and the team, and party till the small hours with your loved ones. With all the hidden nooks in the gardens and house – and the incredible view of Happy Valley stretching out beneath you – there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops for your photos.
Preston Court, Canterbury
Set within 550 acres of private estate, this listed Georgian manor house and Kentish barns provides the perfect place for a relaxed informal day. From bluebell woods, lawns, lakes and paddocks to peacocks – and even a vintage carousel – this wedding venue certainly combines traditonal beauty with artistic, fun touches. At Preston Court they can tailor and decorate to suit any style; from rustic to vintage, festival, country house, boho or woodland. Plan your special day, from the ceremony, to the reception, food and drink to the theme – decide every detail with the team to make your special day truly unique.
Port Lympne Safari Park, Hythe
A wild animal park wedding can be the most memorable way for your nearest and dearest to help celebrate your special day. The unique surroundings at Port Lympne allows you to mingle with your guests in a variety of settings – brand new for 2022 is The Orangery (pictured right), glass orangery and terrace making for a magical place to dine and dance the night away and The Pergola (pictured left) which is tucked away within Port Lympne’s Mansion. The newly appointed pergola is set within a beautiful walled garden, definitely one of the most romantic settings to exchange your vows. There’s something for everyone’s tastes (and both indoor and outdoor spaces) as well as options to fit everyone’s budget.
Frasers of Egerton, Ashford
Set on a 300-acre working farm estate deep in the Kent countryside, Frasers of Egerton is an idyllic, tucked away oasis of calm surrounded by nature and an expanse of wildflower planted fields, woods, and grasslands. Better still, boasting a strong eco ethos, this stunning rustic venue aims to keep any carbon footprint low – using renewable energy for example.
The perfect venue for weddings of varying size – from an intimate ceremony and private dining in the beautiful Kentish oak barn through to a large celebration in an exquisitely dressed marquee on the lawn. Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships both inside and outside, the space available for celebrations encompass an oak-framed barn, a large party marquee, two outside terraces and an expanse of lawn.
On-site accommodation provides rooms for up to 20 guests in three beautiful period buildings: a former cart-barn, a converted former stable block and a Kentish ragstone oast house, the latter housing a romantic honeymoon suite.
Hever Castle, Hever
If you feel that there is an inner wedding-princess lurking inside you, then you should definitely consider marrying at one of England’s most romantic castles, Hever Castle. Whether it’s the stately grandeur of the Castle itself, the classic, country house atmosphere of the Astor Wing or the stunning lakeside location of the Italian Garden, there are just a few spots for you and your guests – whatever the season.
The Ferry House, Sheerness
If you’re looking for a rustically refined vibe, you’ll love this restored 16th century former inn. Tie the knot in the beautiful wedding barn or oak gazebo overlooking the water. The Ferry House is an award-winning restaurant which is big on the farm-to-fork philosophy – serving up delicious homegrown, home-farmed and local estate produce. Benefitting from on-site accommodation – whether it’s luxury B&B or self catering – for up to 70-plus guests, this venue has it all. Oh and did we mention the massage treatment rooms and personal Wedding Planning service?
Sprivers Mansion, Horsmonden
This beautiful grade II listed Georgian country house in Horsmonden, near Tonbridge, is tucked away in 100 acres of parkland at the end of a long sweeping driveway. Nestled deep in the heart of the Kent countryside, Sprivers makes a secluded and private venue and the perfect year-round setting for your civil ceremony and wedding celebrations. A wonderful plus-point is that you’ve got onsite accommodation for up to 10 people, including a luxury bridal suite, for 2 nights (more nights are available), so you and your close family and friends, can take over the whole place.
This exclusive-use accommodation will create a country house weekend feel for your wedding and give the couple loads of time to set up and prepare in the house and marquee.
The Crescent Turner, Whitstable
Located on Wraik Hill on the edge of the seaside town of Whitstable, The Crescent Turner is a modern property that offers beautiful sea views. It’s hidden away down a most unassuming track but, in our humble opinion, that is one of the best parts about these hidden gems – we’ll take understated cool over big and bling any day of the week.
Inside is where you’ll discover some seriously good food, switched on service, plus (and we say this boldly) the best place for sundowners in Kent. For weddings, there are Nordic tipis at your disposal so you can make your very own Crescent Canvas (with capacity up to 170 guests we’re told). Glam it up or can go for more of a wedfest vibe with pop up food stations, firepit and rustic tables and benches. Add this one to your Favourites.
Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa, Dartford
Nestled in the Kent countryside, Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa is a stunning, 4 silver star, country house spa hotel that is the perfect setting for your wedding. Have exclusive use of The Clockhouse at Rowhill Grange which is a beautiful, rustic charm with its vaulted and beamed ceiling and all decorated in a subtle, neutral lime-washed palette. It is a light and airy space, ready to be filled with love and laughter and can hold 120 guests. Your wedding will also include 7 beautiful bedrooms plus the stunning duplex bridal suite and use of the unique dressing room. Throughout the planning of your day, the Rowhill Grange experienced team will be on hand to provide support and advice.
Goodnestone Park
Found your Mr Darcy? For the ultimate in fairy-tale romance, follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen’s brother and tie the knot at Goodnestone Park which sits in 15 acres of land and manicured gardens, close to Canterbury in Kent. The house has been sensitively restored to its former glory and is available to hire for weddings. For those wanting a religious ceremony, the historic Holy Cross church is a stone’s throw from the house.
Bewl Water, Tunbridge Wells
Panoramic views across the reservoir and hundreds of acres of outstanding natural beauty makes Bewl Water the picture-perfect location for your special day and one of the most unique venues in Kent. Licensed to host both ceremony and reception means couples can choose to marry to the backdrop of the South East’s largest stretch of open water. Weddings are held at The Boat House, which is perched by the edge of the water, away from the main visitors centre, plus Luxury ‘Glamping‘ Bell Tents are available including a special bridal tent for you to spend your first night together under the stars.
Elmley Nature Reserve, Isle of Sheppey
Not only the only National Nature Reserve in England where you can spend the night but also an exceptional venue if you are looking for a wedding which embraces your love of the outdoors. As seen in Vogue, you’ll have the perfect set-up at Elmley Nature Reserve with Kinghill Barn, a spectacular traditional Kentish barn, which is available for hire. Kinghill Barn is a rustic wooden building with all the original features intact, and completed with twinkling fairy light canopies surrounded by a wide-range of accommodation for all of your nearest and dearest. Just maybe expect a few extra wildlife guests in the congregation!
Bore Place, Sevenoaks
Bore Place is a stunning venue based in 500 acres of beautiful, organic farmland, near Sevenoaks in north Kent. Here you get exclusive use of the whole site for two nights so you have all the time you need to make the day yours. Pick one of their selected choice of food partners for your catering needs. They all share Bore Place’s values and create delicious, responsibly sourced food, much of which will have been grown in their very own Bore Place garden.
Plus there’s a barn where you can eat or have a band or disco. Inside the house oozes character and the overnight accommodation consists of 12 bedrooms (sleeping up to 25 guests) as well as the Old Stables and Small Barn as part of your wedding package. With more options outside for anyone happy to make the most of on-site glamping in yurts or the gypsy caravan, you put up 50 of your guests so the celebrations can carry on….
Kingdom, Penshurst
If churches and confetti aren’t your thing, the 9,500 ft rustic clubhouse at Kingdom is set in 13 acres of ancient woodland, surrounded by birds, trees and nature, just might be. Providing a chilled-out festival vibe, you and your guests can sit out under the stars and under the trees, huddle round the campfire with blankets or gaze out over the tree tops of the Weald from the open roof terrace. Just 35 miles south of London, Kingdom is a wonderful choice if you are looking for an alternative, nature-inspired, memorable, wedding day.
The Swan Wine Kitchen, Tenterden
This dining destination sits in a stunning and unique setting – surrounded by the award-winning Chapel Down vineyard – where wine is as important as the food they serve. The Swan Wine Kitchen can be hired as a beautiful venue for your wedding, and exclusively yours. Licensed for ceremonies in the Herb Garden, say your vows surrounded by scented roses and fresh herbs. Guests will raise a glass of award winning Chapel Down Brut whilst your first photographs as Mr & Mrs are taken against the backdrop of vines.
Chiddingstone Castle
Chiddingstone Castle is a Grade II listed historic house set in 35 acres of Kentish countryside with far-reaching views, within easy reach of London. Finalist in the Muddy Awards 2021 for Best Wedding Venue, it provides a beautiful canvas for you to create a distinct and personal wedding day. They offer exclusive use of the castle and its grounds, giving you control of timings and an opportunity to prepare at leisure in the bride’s suite. Throughout the summer season the stunning Orangery is one of the most unique venues for a civil ceremony or they can erect a marquee in the grounds.
Venue covered? We can help with finding the perfect dress, cake, photographer and more! Everything you need for your big day here: Wedding Guide Part 1 and Part 2.