ASHFORD, SWALE & THE WEALD Spotlight on...

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

THE WEALD OF KENT

01622 891 671 | www.weald-of-kent.co.uk

The Weald of Kent is a beautifully maintained 18-hole parkland golf course and hotel. Set in rolling Kent countryside with far reaching views, it’s just a short drive from Maidstone and Ashford, and convenient for the surrounding villages of Sutton Valance, Headcorn, Staplehurst and Tenterden.

Recently decorated in a fabulous neutral tone with the addition of luxurious carpets, together with freshly painted walls throughout, the licensed wedding rooms can hold not only your ceremony, but your wedding breakfast and evening reception too. Whatever your chosen palette, the new look will complement your day. With a highly-manicured golf course and beautiful lakes, the grounds also offer a picture-perfect backdrop, allowing you and your loved ones to relax, enjoy and capture those memorable moments.

The wedding spaces here are capable of hosting your entire day from the “I dos” to the dancefloor. The largest location is the Lakeside and Waterside Room, which has a capacity of 150 or 200 guests standing. For slightly smaller affairs, the Lakeside Room can host 100 nearest and dearest, while the most intimate of the spaces is the Waterside Room, which can seat 50 loved ones.

The hotel offers you a complimentary suite for the wedding night along with professional wedding planning from your initial booking through to the big day.

BILSINGTON PRIORY

01233 720 992 | www.bilsingtonpriory.co.uk

This grand monastic building retains its Medieval structure, built from local Kentish ragstone. Set in seven acres of mature, landscaped gardens surrounded by a moat and the abbot’s former fishponds, the Priory offers a photographer’s paradise. What’s more, its secluded, rural position lends it a truly exclusive setting, off the beaten track, yet only 15 minutes from Ashford, South Kent’s major travel hub.

The Priory’s Medieval stone structure and cavernous oak-beamed Grand Ceremony Room is the most romantic setting. Steeped in history, it was built in 1253 for the Canons Regular of St Augustine’s, in a French style of the period. Able to seat 100 ceremony guests, there’s also plenty of space for a musical quartet.

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 seat 50 nearest and dearest for the “I dos.”

The garden is focused around a chess board gazebo. Surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, it provides an intimate setting for an outdoor ceremony with room for 120 seated guests.

Receptions are held in the venue’s 12 x 12 lined marquee, which has an exposed wall to show off the historical stonework of the Priory, and also boasts a stunning Louis 15th-style chandelier. Evening entertainment takes place in the adjacent Chapter Room, where there’s a bar and dancefloor. The space can cater for 150 loved ones.

The west wing of the Edwardian manor is also offered for hire to wedding parties wishing to prepare for their nuptials on site. At the end of the day, there are four rooms available on a bed and breakfast basis.

Cave Hotel And Golf Resort

01227 752 277 | www.cavehotels.com

Cave Hotel and Golf Resort near Faversham is a stylish sanctum that seamlessly blends a high-end contemporary look with a laid-back and welcoming approach. Getting married here is a holistic experience!

The grounds boast several picturesque spots, which make for beautiful wedding photography. One of the best can be found at the edge of the golf course, in the orchard garden. Another, is by the water features, such as the pond for a touch of tranquillity. The venue also features scenic trails and paths that lead to quiet and secluded areas, perfect if you want to escape alone together for a while.

You can say “I do” al fresco, inside the enchanting pergola nestled within breathtaking surroundings. It’s a captivating setting, adorned with lush greenery. Inside, the Korean Cowgirl can play host to your ceremony. A refreshingly chic area, its highlight is the atmospheric mood lighting. Both ceremony spaces can seat 100 loved ones.

Receptions for up to 150 take place in the venue’s marquee, which you’ll have exclusive-use of from midday until midnight. Use of all white linen, tables, chairs, crockery and glassware is included in your hire price, along with a fully serviced bar and much, much more.

You’ll be invited for a menu tasting for two prior to the big day, as well as an anniversary tasting menu for two in the Firepit Restaurant.

FRASERS OF EGERTON

01233 756 122 | www.frasersegerton.co.uk

Set in the heart of the idyllic Kent countryside just 20 minutes from junction 8 of the M20, Frasers is a wedding venue with a very special difference. Located on a 300 acre eco-estate, food for its couples’ wedding days is foraged, gleaned from or grown on the estate or from a carefully selected group of local artisan suppliers and growers. What’s more, the estate operates with 60 per cent renewable energy, while its lowintensity, wildlife-rich grasslands off-set any carbon footprint, resulting in it being net carbon neutral. The ethos is to create bespoke, stylish, country weddings, that literally don’t cost the earth!

Oozing luxury and charm, Frasers is available for weddings of all sizes, and every one has exclusive use of the venue, with weekend weddings benefiting from an overnight stay and dinner on Friday evening for the wedding party. Each event is created around your requirements.

The ceremony can take place either in the traditionally built Kentish oak-framed barn or within one of the beautiful garden areas. Following the “I dos,” while you pose for photographs, your nearest and dearest will move to the fabulous Stag’s Barn for drinks and canapés, or in fine weather the wonderful garden with an upcycled, converted container bar is available.

Frasers can host receptions with up to 200 guests in its own marquee, located on the lawn surrounded by the picturesque rose garden; or smaller, boutique weddings in the oak-framed Frasers Barn with outside terrace facing the lawn. The venue also offers a complete floristry and event planning service.

The latest addition here is the The Snug, a romantic, circular space in the converted Grain Store. Offering you the option of how to use it for your wedding celebration, it provides a beautifully scenic photo location and is the perfect space for the ceremony, intimate first dance and private dining for up to 20 guests.

On-site accommodation is available, sleeping up to 20 guests in three beautiful period buildings, with nine of the suites situated on ground floor level. Nearby ancillary accommodation on a neighbouring farm can provide another five double rooms.

ASHFORD INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

01233 219 988 | www.ashfordhotel.co.uk

A four-star hotel located in close proximity to transport links and the M20, Ashford International is a contemporary hotel, with 179 bedrooms. Outside, private greens sheltered by trees offer an idyllic spot for photographs, while the large balcony and impressive staircase make for impressive interior shots.

The Courtyard Suite can host ceremonies witnessed by 80 of your nearest and dearest, while the Canterbury Suite can accommodate

200. The latter is a modern event space, which can be partitioned to fit receptions from 50 to 200 loved ones. It boasts its own private bar and moveable stage and dancefloor.

The Kent Suite is the ideal space for large weddings of 400 guests, with its own private adjoining reception and bar area. With a tall ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows, this is a bright and airy, contemporary space, which also boasts a moveable dancefloor and stage area perfect for evening entertainment.

A free taster menu is available to the two of you, as is a complimentary bedroom with breakfast included in all packages.