WHAT?

Nestled within the enchanting cobbled courtyard of the Mersham le Hatch Estate, The Secret Garden is truly Kent’s best-kept secret. This unique wedding venue offers a magical setting for your special day, featuring private walled gardens, a beautifully restored Victorian glasshouse, and a charmingly converted Coach House. With four licensed ceremony areas, The Secret Garden provides a romantic, rustic backdrop that’s as unique as your love story.

The Secret Garden understand that every wedding is as unique as the couple behind it so they offer their couples a personalised experience that reflects your individual style and love story. The entire team, from coordinators to chefs and bar managers, is dedicated to guiding you through the planning process to create a day that is truly yours.

This is reflected in the fact they offer not one but five (yes really!) different wedding packages. Everything right through to the big Exclusive Hire Weddings for up to 90 guests, Winter Weddings from October to March, Twilight Weddings for those who’d like a sunset ceremony, Intimate Weddings from 15 to 30 guests and even Elopements. So no matter your dreams, you’ll find something here for you.

WHERE?

Located on the historic Mersham le Hatch Estate, formerly owned by Lord Braebourne, The Secret Garden has a rich heritage and has been a beloved part of the community for over 18 years. Originally a farm shop with a small café, they’ve evolved into a popular restaurant and, since 2022, an exclusive wedding and events venue. They’re now recognised as one of Kent’s leading wedding destinations.

THE MORNING OF

Get ready to say “I do” in style on-site at their brand new bridal prep studio, The Potting Shed. Tucked away behind the cobbled courtyard, this hidden gem offers a serene, private space for up to 8 people to relax and get glam before the big moment.

As you enter the open plan space, you’ll find two feature salon stations with LED mirrors for the perfect lighting, adjustable and comfortable faux leather chairs, and ample plug sockets.

Heading through the room, there’s a cosy seating area with rattan sofas and armchairs – for those waiting their turn in the salon chairs – and a kitchenette complete with a mini fridge for keeping Prosecco chilled and Tea & Coffee station to keep you caffeinated. And, of course, it’s own bathroom facilities.

Last but certainly not least, the bridal changing area – featuring a 2-meter antique viewing mirror, ample hanging space for dresses, veils and other accessories, and privacy curtain perfect for the grand reveal.

The best part? This space is entirely complimentary to all existing and future bookings.

THE CEREMONY, COCKTAIL HOUR & WEDDING BREAKFAST

When it comes to your ceremony, you’re spoilt for choice here. If your heart is set on an outdoor setting, there’s The Gazebo situated in the heart of the Walled Gardens. Make a dramatic entrance from the Coach House down the stony paths towards the Gazebo where up to 90 of your nearest and dearest will be waiting.

Perfect for rainy days or if you’re dreaming of a cosy winter wedding, you’ll love The Chapel. Located within the cobbled courtyard, this beautiful barn-feel ceremony area is fully licensed and seats up to 90.

Last but certainly not least is The Glasshouse, the restored Victorian Glasshouse (with more renovation plans coming soon!) has a truly magical indoor-outdoor feel perfect for intimate ceremonies and elopements, seating up to 50 guests. This space can also be reimagined as a cosy snug for your guests with velvet sofas and candles so they can enjoy a quiet moment during your Big Day.

After the ceremony, it’s time to mingle and toast to your love story. Head to the lovingly restored Coach House which will become the main area for your exclusive hire wedding. The large double door open out onto the south-facing undercover terrace that overlooks the beautiful walled Victorian gardens, perfect for guests to enjoy cocktail hour and canapés.

This outdoor space truly comes alive with laughter and clinking glasses where you can have a post-reception drink. With choices like; Peach or Royal Bellinis, Prosecco, house cocktails, Pimm’s, beer or local ale plus alcohol-free options – there’s something for everyone! Your guests can take a seat on the terrace or set off on their own to explore the gardens and grounds where there’s lots of hidden nooks of beauty to uncover.

Your wedding breakfast will unfold in the Coach House, once home to the estate’s horses and carriages, full of rustic charm and history. The varied menus are a celebration of Kent’s finest local produce, all made on-site by their talented brigade of Chefs, with options to suit every taste and dietary requirement. Make the choice between 3-course A La Carte or Afternoon Tea or 2-course Kentish BBQ or Feasting Menu. The Coach House is a warm and romantic setting that can seat up to 90 guests for a fully served meal with an additional 40 guests in the evening.

THE RECEPTION

As the sun begins to dip, the celebration moves to the dance floor, where you can choose to have a band or DJ – there’s no sound restrictions here! The bar is also fully stocked and open throughout the day to the end of the evening. Located at the end of the Coach House, a stone’s throw away from the dance floor and Southern Terrace to keep the party going. Whether you are a Cider or Gin fan, there’s plenty of options here.

For a touch of playful fun, through their Prop Hire Service, garden games are available to entertain your guests. From giant Jenga to lawn croquet, these activities add a lighthearted charm to the evening.

Meanwhile, food stations begin to roll out – think rustic woodfired pizzas, sizzling paella, or farmhouse-style grazing tables. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone together for a casual, late-night bite.

NEED TO KNOW?

There’s no one size fits all here! The Secret Garden’s whole team are fun-loving and open to any suggestions you can throw at them to make your day truly yours. Plus there’s complimentary 24-hour parking for all guests. Cheers to that!

The Secret Garden have an incredible sustainable ethos. Ordering only fresh produce from only local suppliers (even their eggs are transported from only 3.3 miles away via electric van!), all alcohol is from local breweries/distilleries/wineries, they have an onsite fresh herb & vegetable garden that supplies the weddings with seasonal veg and fresh mint for the Pimm’s or Mojitos AND they use their very own Secret Garden Confetti using grown, dried and pressed flowers on the farm.

They’ve also created their own unique Prop Hire service which is an ever-growing collection of frequent decor items (such as card boxes, table runners, signage, table numbers etc) available to their couples to hire for little to no cost. These items are sourced from local businesses, upcycled charity shop finds, and even bought from past couples post-wedding! Saving couples from unnecessary extra spending, and keeping decorating your wedding renewable.

THE DAMAGE

All-inclusive pricing as follows; April – October 2025 is from £6,300 – £12,945. April – October 2026 is from £6,685 – £14,341. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and time of year.

The Court Yard, Mersham-le-Hatch, Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent TN25 6NH, secretgardenkent.co.uk, events@secretgardenkent.co.uk, 01233 501586

Happily ever after starts here! Explore The Secret Garden in Ashford

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