8 minute read
THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
THE GARDENof England
Our roundup of Kent’s most verdant venues
BROOME PARK HOTEL
01227 832 701 | www.broomepark.co.uk/weddings
Built in 1635, Broome Park Hotel offers a Grade I listed mansion-house setting in the heart of South East Kent. Situated in Canterbury, it’s set amongst no less than 250 acres of grounds, which feature a professional golf course. The site is also home to ample guest accommodation in the shape of 14 lodges and 19 hotel rooms, the interior of which reflect the traditional character of the property.
The Italian Gardens offer a stunning spot for al fresco “I dos” and boast original 19th-century features including an original archway where you can exchange your vows with 120 of your nearest and dearest looking on.
If you prefer to wed indoors the Georgian Room is a characterful spot complete with original features from the era of previous owner Lord Kitchener, including high ceilings and a large bay window. It too can host 120 for the ceremony before transforming into your reception space for 80 at a seated wedding breakfast and 100 for the evening bash.
Finally, the marquee located in the grounds overlooks the Kentish countryside with the mansion house also in full view. It can accommodate 150 for the wedding breakfast and 200 for the evening reception.
A complimentary menu tasting is included in two of the four wedding packages and an overnight stay for the newlyweds is always a feature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOvmsiXk0Gw
HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL
01303 267 441 | www.hytheimperial.co.uk
http://fleurchallisphotography.com
The four-star Hythe Imperial is a classically-styled hotel located in one of Kent’s most elegant resort towns with the beach just a stone’s throw away. It boasts uninterrupted panoramic sea views from the back with beautifully manicured gardens to the front.
The ornate Victorian gazebo is set in a secret garden with the hotel’s grand facade in the background. You can tie the knot here with the sound of rolling waves reminding you how close the sea is. Ceremonies are held in the gazebo between April and September and given the town’s microclimate this is a lovely spot for such an occasion. The area can seat 130.
The Imperial Ballroom, fronted by sundecks; The Coast Restaurant with its majestic carpeted entrance; and The Elizabeth Room, which can be enhanced to your liking can also host 130 for the “I dos.” The Garden Room is ideal for more intimate ceremonies as it can seat 70 and The Afternoon Tea Parlour, seating 50 is perfect if you’re looking for something different. The Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar is the jewel in the venue’s crown though – think glamour and charm with a laid-back attitude. The space seats 40 making it ideal for a family-only ceremony.
Receptions are hosted in the impressive Imperial Ballroom with mirrorlined walls and full-length windows offering views over the lawns and sea. It’s both glorious in daylight and romantic with candlelight in the evening. It has a function bar and the Champagne Bar is just next door.
There’s a free menu tasting available along with a complimentary night’s accommodation for you both. Some packages also treat you to a threecourse meal on your first anniversary.
WEDDINGS AT QUEX PARK
01843 482 004 | https://quexweddingsandevents.co.uk
https://immi-photography.com/
Weddings & Events at Quex Park is a family-run business situated in the coastal town of Birchington. Weddings at Quex has been in operation for more than seven years and has built up an enviable reputation thanks to its idyllic location, exceptional service and outstanding freshly-prepared food made by the onsite head chef.
No country house would be complete without extensive grounds and Quex is no exception with 15 acres of beautiful, informal gardens featuring lawns, herbaceous borders, fountains, a croquet lawn and a Victorian walled garden. The photographic opportunities are practically endless.
Both indoor and open-air options are available for your “I dos.” The Victorian-style gazebo is situated among the gardens and provides an idyllic spot for a dream summer ceremony. It can host 120 of your loved ones. The Grand Hall, with capacity for 70 guests, can be found inside Quex House, which boasts oak-panelled rooms and a sweeping staircase for a grand bridal entrance.
Celebrations take place in the Banqueting Suite, which can accommodate 120 for a sit-down meal and 200 for the evening revelries. This light and airy space provides the perfect neutral backdrop to decorate in whichever theme or palette you wish.
There’s a bridal suite inside the historical house, available for use for up to six hours before the ceremony. The venue also offers free food and wine tasting evenings, as well as a number of wedding fairs throughout the year.
https://youtu.be/hzUGcP_IYQY
www.macvideography.co.uk
https://vimeo.com/430389087
www.tdhmedia.co.uk THE PLOUGH INN AND BARN AT LEIGH
01732 832 149 | https://theploughatleigh.com
A beautifully rustic barn in West Kent, The Plough is hung with traditional Kentish hops and boasts a large country garden. Despite its idyllic countryside location, complete with birdsong ambience, the venue is conveniently close to the A21 and M25 as well as having good public transport links, so your guests will be able to join you from far and wide.
Say your vows in The Barn or al fresco beneath the gorgeous hedgerow gazebo. The Barn has capacity for 130 to150 guests for your “I dos” and wedding breakfast. Beamed and resplendently decorated in hops and fairylights, its heated by two wood-burning stoves when the weather turns chilly, perfect whatever the season.
The pub is also hung with hops and serves a great range of local Kentish ales, sure to prove popular among your guests. It’s ideal as an alternative space for mingling and catching up and means you can extend the guest list to a total of 180 for your evening reception.
HEVER CASTLE
01732 861 800 | www.hevercastle.co.uk
Hever Castle & Gardens
The venue’s Italian Gardens are award-winning and showcase original Roman statues alongside the stunning Loggia and Trevi-inspired fountain, overlooking the 38-acre boating lake. Impressive arched columns are set off against the gorgeously planted borders, bringing a taste of Italy to the heart of Kent.
THE OLD KENT BARN
01303 844 270 | www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk
The professionally landscaped grounds here create formal parterres with romantic roses, sweeping curved hedges and an informal water garden complete with fountain. Also set within the gardens is a classic wooden gazebo ideal for outdoor vows with a paved area in front for guests who can take shelter beneath the elegant glass pergolas.
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including venues • Bridal fashion shows • Entertainment • Refreshments • Covid-19 secure
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Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of
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