A story to tell...

We round up some of our favourite local stately home and manor house wedding venues

Stone Court House

01622 200 391 | www.stonecourthouse.com

Located in the heart of Kent, Stone Court House is a grand Grade II listed four-storey Georgian Townhouse of historic and national importance. With parts dating back to the Medieval period, it was once the private residence of Lady Sackville of Knole House, Sevenoaks, spanning in excess of 15,000sqft with 25 rooms. It boasts historical features such as a Medieval wall, Roman wishing well, oak-panelled Tudor and Georgian living rooms, masonic and spiritual carvings and windows, and Tudor fireplaces.

Extensions have been added onto the original building over seven hundred years, with the last addition of a large grand ballroom in the late Georgian period boasting 4m-high ceilings and crystal chandeliers with a grand Regency staircase.

After an extensive three-year, multi-million-pound restoration, Stone Court House was finally opened to guests on 3rd June, 2022, as a luxury boutique hotel. There are six large double bedrooms named after judges, inspired by the period Stone Court House spent as The Crown Judges residence. All have standout features including Gothic four-poster beds, large bathrooms with rolltop baths, Tudor oak beams, Regency styling and oak-panel detailing. Recently granted its ceremony licence, couples can now wed in the Georgian Ballroom with up to 75 loved ones. Featuring Georgian architecture with large windows it’s bright and spacious. For al fresco nuptials, the internal courtyard (30), and large Georgian veranda (100) are exquisite spaces.

Post-vows, a marquee forming an L-shape surrounding the civil room and Georgian veranda, can host 100 friends and family. With 24hr alcohol, and live and recorded music licences, you can dance the night away.

When tying the knot here, tours of the property can be arranged, and couples benefit from a free menu tasting. What’s more, 18 guests can stay overnight, and couples can enjoy a discount on their first anniversary stay! Also, why not host your hen and stag night here?

A standout feature is The Judge Wright bridal suite, which includes two bedrooms with the master bedroom containing a king-size Gothic four-poster, two bathrooms (one with a large cast iron roll top bath), dedicated bridal dressing room and with its own private living room spanning 116sqm. It can accommodate six in total.

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE

01303 234 111 | www.aspinallfoundation.org/weddings www.aranyaphotography.co.uk

A magical and unique setting steeped in history, four-star Grade II listed mansion Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife reserve and award-winning wedding venue, set within 600 acres of magnificent private parkland and home to 900 wild endangered animals.

Set among 14-acres of perfectly manicured gardens and adorned with white rambling roses, the garden Pergola seats 110 guests and is an enchanting place to say ‘I do’ outside. Additionally, the second outdoor ceremony option is the Moroccan Courtyard located in Port Lympne Hotel. Offering a more intimate wedding for yourself and 25 guests, it boasts original 1920s details from Phillip Sassoon’s original design and has also been decorated with items from Marrakesh. For al fresco entertaining post-vows, nestled amongst the gardens of the Hotel, The Iceberg Terrace can comfortably seat 100 guests and has views of the Lime Tree Avenue and the Trojan Steps.

Inside, for the ceremony, the mansion boasts delightful muralpainted rooms by famous English artists such as Rex Whistler, Spencer Roberts and Martin Jordan. The stunning Spencer Roberts room is hand-painted and showcases a mural of animals, some of which live at Port Lympne; it seats 50 for the ceremony, and 30 for the wedding breakfast.

The Long Room can be used for wedding ceremonies witnessed by 100 guests (wedding breakfasts, 50) and has wonderful views of Southern Terrace and 600-acre reserve.

The venue’s stunning new glass orangery and terrace are a creative salute to the theatrical entertainment style of the Gatsby era. Truly private and available for exclusive use only for 120 guests for wedding breakfasts, it includes a dancefloor, cloakroom and luxury washrooms, fully incorporated kitchen and has the option to add a marquee or food station on the adjoining lawn.

Private guided safaris can be arranged for you and your guests. What’s more, with unique overnight accommodation available from star gazing to luxury lodges set within animal enclosures, there’s ample choice for staying guests.

ST AUGUSTINE’S

01843 830 150 | www.staugustineskent.com

St Augustine’s is a Grade II listed building set in beautiful grounds in the heart of Westgate-On-Sea in Kent. Formerly a Catholic boarding school, it has a Chapel and beautifully maintained gardens, which boast a gorgeous gazebo, licensed for ceremonies, and a relaxing patio area along with a vast lawn complete with a swing.

An array of function rooms are available for any occasion. The Kent Suite (Chapel), hosting 218 for ceremonies, 100 for dining, 250 for informal party, is the hidden gem of St Augustine’s.

Mainly used for ceremonies and christenings, it’s also available for receptions and even has its own bar.

The Ruby Hall, hosting 500 for cocktail parties, 220 for formal dining, or 180 for a dinner dance, boasts an array of beautiful chandeliers and views of the gardens. One of the largest function rooms, it’s primarily used for wedding breakfasts and receptions.

Eastgate House

01634 332 700 | https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200272/eastgate_house

Built in 1590, Eastgate House is a Grade I listed Elizabethan town house. It’s one of Medway’s heritage wedding venues and the most impressive and distinctive building on Rochester’s High Street.

Full of herbaceous lavender and vibrant pelargoniums, the landscaped gardens are a wonderful place to congregate after the ceremony and mingle with your guests. It also provides the opportunity to get a closer look at Charles Dickens’ famous Swiss Chalet and a romantic backdrop for those all-important photos.

The building has many stories to tell, having been a family home, a Victorian school and a museum. In fact, it provided inspiration for one of the area’s most famous authors, Charles Dickens, featuring in The Pickwick Papers and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Imagine stepping through the stone archway at the front of the building and making your way up the wooden staircase to the oakpanelled ceremony room, which features an original tiled fireplace, to say your vows in front of 40 loved ones.

After the “I dos,” the historical, Grade I listed, Rochester Corn Exchange is only a short walk away. Here, The Queens Hall (up to 300 guests) and The Princes Hall (100 guests) can take you from a delicious wedding breakfast through to the evening reception.

Solton Manor

01304 448 844 | www.soltonmanor.com

Solton Manor is set within eight acres of secluded gardens and picturesque grounds in the Kent countryside. The surroundings offer enchantment and tranquillity for the duration of your wedding or event.

Fusing timeless elegance with contemporary touches, and a sprinkling of romance, you have a couple of options for tying the knot here. If you’re looking for an al fresco setting, hold your ceremony in the ruins of Godric’s Garden; the flower-filled stone ruins, with exquisite views across the countryside, can host up to 150 loved ones.

Alternatively, the converted 1950s Dutch barn, with wall-toceiling windows overlooking the wildlife lake and rambling paddock, can accommodate 150 attendees. The barn, which also boats timber beams, elegant ceiling ivory drapes, stage and bar, is a great space for the evening do for 150.

When tying the knot here, couples benefit from complimentary use of the venue’s Dovecote Cottage on the night of the wedding. The cottage can also be used that morning to get ready in with a continental breakfast hamper for up to four people. Plus, there’s ample accommodation in the historical house for up to 24 guests, available at an additional cost. An experienced wedding team is also on hand throughout the planning process.