WITH A TWIST

www.terivphotography.co.uk UNUSUAL VENUES

We take a look at some of Kent’s more unusual venues, bursting with character every one HEVER CASTLE 01732 861 800 | www.hevercastle.co.uk

A true taste of Italy in the heart of the Kent countryside

Hever Castle is a gem in the heart of the Garden of England. The double- moated Castle is shrouded in a glorious creeping Boston ivy, which turns a rich, deep red during late Autumn, and the Medieval gatehouse still retains a working drawbridge and portcullis making for iconic photographs.

Three areas are available for your “I dos.” The Castle Inner Hall can accommodate 60 nearest and dearest. The ornate panelled walls, antiques and open log fire lend themselves beautifully to a winter wonderland wedding. The Tudor Suite Sitting Room in the Astor Wing, an Edwardian extension built onto the Castle in 1903, can host 60 too. This exclusive space opens onto the nearby lawns, which overlook the Castle itself. The award-winning Italian Gardens showcase original statues from Rome and a Trevi-inspired fountain, and are located alongside the stunning Loggia outside ceremony space, overlooking the 38-acre boating lake. The Loggia can play host to anywhere from 70 to 180 guests. The Guthrie Pavilion can accommodate 180 guests for the reception and is situated next to the rose garden, which is illuminated into the evening. For more intimate celebrations, The Astor Wing can host up to 60, who can enjoy evening entertainment here and perhaps take a night cap into the Billiards or Music Room. The Winter Garden Lawn is available for marquee hire allowing you and your guests to enjoy the gardens during your afternoon reception.

https://dannibeachphotography.com www.terivphotography.co.uk

LOST VILLAGE OF DODE

01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com

Walk in the footsteps of the Normans’ at this Medieval marvel

A beautiful Norman church looking almost exactly as it did 900 years ago, straw covers the floor and candles light the scene. Indeed, the interior of this building would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from its beginnings and the atmosphere and silence here is palpable.

Standing on an ancient prehistoric mound, this simple two-cell Norman church looks exactly as it did when it was built in 1100. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, its walls are comprised of local flint with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy.

Overlooking the valley of Dode, the church’s two acres of naturalistic meadow with small village pond and stunning stone circle mean the grounds evoke memories of times past. Tucked away below the building are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak in the style of 16th century buildings.

Civil ceremonies take place in the ancient church building itself, accommodating up to 40 nearest and dearest along with the two of you. Blessings are also permitted either within the building or amongst the grounds, notably within the stone circle.

Dressed to impressed as a Medieval chapel with open flames, dried flowers and hops setting the scene, this ancient structure is also home to wedding receptions, which are laid out banqueting style, seating up to 42 guests. The minstrel’s gallery offers an element of dramatic theatre, with space for musicians and photographers.

WEDDINGS AT BRENLEY

07732 858 836 | http://weddings.brenley-farm.co.uk

Go your own way

This beautiful Georgian farmhouse is surrounded by apple and pear orchards, hop gardens and vineyards. Indeed, you couldn’t ask for a more serene venue. Outside on the lawn, just by the duck pond and barn with the picturesque farmhouse as its backdrop, you’ll find a beautiful traditional gazebo, complete with Kent peg roof and timber posts. Here, you can seat 80 of your nearest and dearest on hay bales or chairs, which can be hired at an extra cost as they witness your vows. If the weather isn’t favourable though, the beautiful converted Grain Store is an option and it too can seat 80.

The venue is blessed with a picture-perfect field just opposite the duck pond. Set in the glorious Kent countryside on this working arable farm, it can host up to 150 guests and comes complete with water and electricity. It really does offer the ideal blank canvas allowing you to design your day to suit your budget and vision. You can choose your own suppliers or use those from the venue’s list of recommendations – the choice is yours. There’s also accommodation on site for 30 people, plus space for campers.

www.kerryannduffy.com www.kerryannduffy.com

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE

01303 234 111 | www.aspinallfoundation.org/weddings

Embrace the natural world with a private guided safari or animal encounter

A magical setting steeped in history, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is set in 600 acres of magnificent private parkland and home to 900 wild endangered animals.

The venue offers a variety of wonderful indoor and outdoor locations for your wedding ceremony. The Pergola is set among 14 acres of perfectly manicured gardens and can host up to 100 guests. The Spencer Roberts Room is hand painted and showcases a mural of animals, some of which live on the reserve. It can seat up to 50 for the “I dos” or 30 for the wedding breakfast. The Long Room offers incredible views over the Southern Terrace and reserve. It can accommodate100 for the ceremony or 50 for the wedding breakfast.

Al fresco options include the Moroccan Courtyard. Located in the Hotel, this offers a more intimate space and can seat 25 for the ceremony and seated dining. It includes details from the original 1920s Phillip Sassoon design and is decorated with items brought all the way from Marrakesh. A further open-air option, nestled among the gardens of the Hotel, The Iceberg Terrace can seat 100 with views of the Lime Tree Avenue and Trojan Steps.

The four-star, Grade II listed Port Lympne Hotel can host your wedding reception for 50 day and 100 evening guests. Alternatively, The Orangery, which can seat 160 for your wedding breakfast is a stunning new space set within the gardens. A creative salute to the Gatsby era, it’s truly private and includes a dancefloor, cloakroom, luxury wash rooms and fully-incorporated kitchen.

DREAMLAND MARGATE

01843 295 887 | www.dreamland.co.uk

Oh-so cool retro vibes

Dreamland Margate is a unique British seaside entertainment and amusement park, set by the sea in the UK’s unofficial capital of cool, offering a one-of-a-kind wedding venue.

The elegant Grade II listed ballroom is licensed for ceremonies for 250 seated guests. The space comes with a bar and has two smaller adjacent rooms, which can be hired at an additional cost. This is useful for extending the bar, or as dressing rooms for entertainers.

For receptions, Dreamland’s sunny outdoor VIP huts can be hired along with the surrounding area overlooking the park and Scenic Stage Arena. This space has a bar and capability to add a food offering. It can host 120 guests, but can be extended to 200 if the viewing platform is included.

The Roller Room has a café, seating area and plenty of space to set up a DJ. It’s perfect for your after party where you can dance the night away with 300 guests.

The outdoor amusement park is the ultimate space to wow your guests! When the park is closed to the public, the team can arrange for selected rides to be operation just for you and your loved ones. For exclusive use, a minimum guest list of 300 is needed.

THE DREYS

01622 236 550 | www.thedreys.co.uk

A truly rustic woodland wonder

Based in 80 acres of private Kentish woodland, The Dreys provides the perfect natural backdrop for your big day, and with so much space available the possibilities are endless. Here, you can expect exclusive use of the whole site and a large choice of furniture and styling items all included in the hire fee, such as a large firepit with day beds and blankets, all tables, chairs and linens, plus additional al fresco seating and tables.

Ceremonies can take place in the licensed Field Shelter, an open-sided covered deck with space for 100-140 loved ones. Alternatively, blessings are welcomed in the woodland also for up to 140 nearest and dearest.

Receptions are hosted in the 12-metre diameter dressed marquee complete with festoon lighting, wooden flooring and chill-out furniture. Unlike many woodland venues, The Dreys has a plan A and plan B available with the use of two bespoke, built marquees. One can be used for the drinks reception and the other for the wedding breakfast, providing guests with ample room to mingle and move. There’s space here for 140 guests.

Additionally, the Field Shelter can be transformed following the ceremony to provide a dancefloor space with views into the bar area and chill-out spaces. Maximum capacity for an evening bash is 200.

Stay in the secluded woodcutters cottage on your wedding night and wake up to breakfast on the veranda. Guests can also stay on site in one of 10 bell tents available to hire, or in one of the wagons.

BILSINGTON PRIORY

01233 720 992 | www.bilsingtonpriory.co.uk

Take a stroll through British history from the 13th-century, via the Edwardian era, and up to modern day

Set amongst seven acres of mature landscaped gardens and surrounded by a moat the Priory was built in 1253 for the canons regular of St Augustine’s in a French style of the period. A Grade I listed heritage building, it once provided hospitality for travellers and pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury.

The Grand Ceremony Room is an oak and stone hall, once the rectory for the black canons. It can seat 100 guests for the ceremony. Meanwhile, The Conservatory is a bright space connected to the Edwardian manor house and accessed via the private garden. Surrounded by the moat it overlooks ancient woodlands with stunning views over Romney Marsh. It can play host to 50 for the “I dos.” Finally for the vows, the garden’s ceremony area is focused on a chess-board gazebo and surrounded by mature trees and shrubs. It can seat up to 120.

Receptions for 150 guests are hosted in the marquee, which boasts an exposed wall showing off the historical stonework of the Priory and a stunning Louis XV-style chandelier. Tables can be dressed in the style of your choice and evening entertainment takes place in the adjacent Chapter Room complete with bar and dancefloor.

The west wing of the manor is offered to wedding parties wishing to prepare on site and post celebrations there are four rooms available on a bed and breakfast basis.

ONE OF THE UK’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY AND SPECTACULAR WEDDING VENUES

A magical place to dine and dance the night away, our stunning newly appointed glass orangery and terrace.

aspinallfoundation.org/weddings | 01303 234 111 Nr. Ashford, Kent, CT21 4PD