SPOTLIGHT ON

SPOTLIGHT ON... Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Tie the knot in a local hotspot

HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL

01303 267 441 | www.hytheimperial.co.uk

This classically-styled, four-star Hotel sits right on the beautiful Kent seafront in Hythe, a position that boasts uninterrupted panoramic views across the English Channel. The perfectly-manicured garden to the front houses the impressive gazebo, and given the area’s microclimate, this is the perfect place for an exquisite outdoor ceremony.

The Hythe Imperial’s rooms and suites range from spacious and decadent, to intimate and cosy; sea view or garden view; cottage style suites and family rooms. The Belcourt Suite, the choice of many wedding couples, is at the top of the hotel and offers spectacular sea views.

TYING THE KNOT The spectacular gazebo can host wedding ceremonies from April to September. Heading inside, the Imperial Ballroom is fronted by sundecks, offering the perfect viewing point of the English Channel with Dungeness and France visible on a clear day. The Coast Restaurant transforms into a ceremony room and offers you a long, majestic carpeted entrance and exit through the reception lobby. The Elizabeth Room is a light, blank canvas that you can enhance to your liking. All four of these ceremony spaces can seat 130 loved ones.

The Afternoon Tea Parlour overlooking the gardens is ideal for couples wanting something different with a touch of the traditional. It can seat 50 nearest and dearest. The Moet and Chandon Champagne Bar is the jewel in the Hotel’s crown – think glitz and glamour charm with a laid-back attitude overlooking the sea. It can seat 40 loved ones making it ideal for a family-only ceremony. CELEBRATE IN STYLE Receptions are hosted in the impressive Imperial Ballroom, where the walls are lined with mirrors and full-length windows offering views over the lawns and sea. It’s as stunning in daylight as it is twinkly with the evening’s candlelight. Not only does it have a function bar, but the Champagne Bar is just next door. Here you can seat 130.

BEST WESTERN CLIFTON HOTEL, FOLKESTONE

01303 851 231 | www.thecliftonhotel.com

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Bringing together elements of modern style and traditional charm, The Best Western Clifton Hotel, Folkestone provides an ideal location for celebrating your big day whether it be low key or large scale. Situated on The Leas in Folkestone, next to the Clifton Gardens, the hotel offers some idyllic spots for capturing those all-important couple portraits with the English Channel in the background. CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS The Hotel’s function suites are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies for a maximum of 70 guests. The Playdell Suite is ideal for small weddings with space for a dancefloor. It can hold 50 nearest and dearest. The Romney Suite can play host to 30 and works well for an intimate celebration. Finally, and with the same capacity is The Garden Suite overlooking the Hotel gardens.

Along the way you’ll be assisted by the dedicated team who will help to plan your wedding day to perfection, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring each element is meticulously planned and executed.

BEST WESTER PLUS DOVER MARINA HOTEL & SPA

01304 203 633 | www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk

FIRST IMPRESSIONS The Hotel has been renovated to cater for the 21st-century guest while retaining its Victorian charm and elegance. A Grade II listed building Dover Marina Hotel has retained its original appearance. There are balconies on the first floor and the ground floor alcoves in the restaurant and bar overlook the sea.

Located on Dover’s waterfront, the terrace garden boasts outdoor seating allowing you to relax and enjoy the sea views. For weddings, the front facade of the Hotel with Dover Castle in the background makes for an ideal backdrop for excellent photos.

There is a large spa and health club, which features a salon, seven spa treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, relaxation area and large gym; so there’s plenty of scope here for some well-deserved pre- or postwedding R&R. There are also two Marco Pierre White dining outlets – Mr White’s English Chophouse and a Wheeler’s Fish & Chips. In addition, there’s a cafe serving breakfast and Starbucks coffee and the Waterfront Lounge Bar.

CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS The Hotel’s function rooms are all licensed for ceremonies. The Chartwell can seat 120, The Blenheim 45 and The Winston 180. Receptions take place in The Chartwell or The Blenheim and there’s a removable wall between the two making one larger space for grand-scale weddings. The former can seat 100 guests for the wedding breakfast, while the latter can accommodate 32. Overall maximum capacity for a wedding breakfast and evening reception is 120.

NEWS FLASH The Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is set to expand in 2023-24 with the addition of 36 more guest rooms, and an additional function room to cater for weddings with up to 120 guests, a bistro and lounge bar. Plans for the expansion are with the Council with the 13 new guest rooms in the Western wing already receiving planning approval.

HAVENFIELD HALL

01634 699 758 | www.havenfieldhall.com

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Hidden away from public roads, Havenfield Hall sits at the end of a long drive that opens up to reveal the building’s grand scale. Its interiors have been lovingly restored to bring them into keeping with the original building’s character and charm, with just a few modern touches added for comfort. Each of the seven bedrooms has its own individual decorative style.

As you walk past the front of the house and around to the back where it opens onto the gardens, you’ll find the external games room, complete with full-sized snooker table and bar billiards table. Further on, there’s the Old School House, Cart Shed and bar, which hug a central courtyard, providing the perfect space for live bands, DJs and entertainment.

TYING THE KNOT The Old School House is your indoor ceremony option for 80 guests, it features high ceilings and exposed timber beams, large windows and French doors, allowing natural light to flood in. For al fresco vows the Cart Shed and Courtyard (100 guests) are available, this open-faced oak-framed structure opens out onto the paved courtyard providing a lovely option that can be dressed according to your theme. Finally, for the ceremony, The Bandstand also offers a charming outdoor location for 120 loved ones.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Welcome drinks can be served in the courtyard or on the lawned area, making use of the gardens and grounds. The three buildings that surround the central courtyard can all be utilised for the reception: the Old School House, Cart Shed and Bar, with various seating options provided to allow your guests to unwind and relax. Meanwhile, the courtyard itself is ideal for live bands, DJs or evening entertainment. Wedding breakfast and reception capacity is 120.

HOLIDAY INN DOVER

01304 821 230 | www.holidayinndover.co.uk

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Set in four acres of landscaped gardens, making it a great spot for wedding photos, the Holiday Inn Dover allows you to host your dream day whether it be traditional or quirky. Simply visit the Hotel and speak to a member of its wedding and events team to discuss your vision in detail to see what they can do for you. makes it ideal for guests to witness your vows. It can host a whopping 400 guests. Alternatively, for more intimate “I dos” the new Octagon Suite with atrium ceiling, is a quiet room with six of its eight sides being large windows. It can accommodate 50 nearest and dearest.

For al fresco ceremonies the Garden Gazebo has space for 120 loved ones. It’s a beautiful spot where guests can look on as you say “I do” surrounded by nature. It is, of course, subject to the weather.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE Receptions also take place in The Grand Marquee (350 guests) or Octagon Suite (50 guests) depending on numbers. The venue’s chefs are experienced in catering for large celebrations and a menu can be designed to meet your guests’ requirements.