THE GREEN, GREEN GRASS OF HOME

Local venues blessed with glorious gardens

LEEDS CASTLE

01622 767 877 | www.leeds-castle.com/weddings

Leeds Castle rises majestically from the water in the glorious Kent countryside in Maidstone. It has a riveting history from serving six of England's Medieval queens, to its elaborate transformation into an elegant 20th-century retreat by Anglo-American heiress, Lady Baillie. Here, your wedding party is welcomed by architectural and interior excellence throughout the Castle, Maiden's Tower and Battel Hall, including 16th-century period design to original 1930s masterpieces.

Ceremonies and celebrations can be held in the Castle with 100 guests for the “I dos” and wedding breakfast and 120 for the reception (or even up to 200 in the Fairfax Hall). Your banquet-style wedding breakfast will be served in the largest room, the Salon. This room was historically used by Lady Baillie, her esteemed guests of the silver screen, society's finest and leading influencers, as they partied the night away at lavish weekend soirees in the 1930s.

Maiden's Tower can accommodate 80 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with space for 100 at the evening bash. A 16th-century stone building, this is a glamorous self-contained venue consisting of two function rooms with French doors leading onto a charming private garden and boasts five en-suite guest rooms.

Built in the early 14th-century as a Medieval manor, Battel Hall is a fine and rare example of local Kentish architecture. Say “I do” in the beautiful ceremony room featuring rich wood panelling, before you move into the drawing room or library, both wonderfully traditional rooms for entertaining guests. An intimate venue, it can host 14 loved ones throughout the day. Upstairs, five luxurious en-suite guest bedrooms offer stunning views of the gardens, the far North Downs and glimpses of the Castle. The adjacent Grade II listed Battel Hall Oast offers a further bathroom and two bedrooms.

If you wish to invite more guests in the evening, The Fairfax Barn offers more space if you're getting married in the Castle or Maiden's Tower. Here, there's room for 200 loved ones. It leads on to a large terrace where your guests can mingle on a fine evening. For weddings larger still, look towards the marquee option. Here you can invite more than 200 guests to celebrate with you on the Cedar Lawn with impressive views of the estate and Caste nestled amid the Moat. STEP BACK IN TIME Leeds Castle's mesmerising historical gardens and architectural landscapes are filled with beauty whatever the season. The Princess Alexandra Gardens are a mass of azaelas, while tall bamboo lends atmosphere to the Oriental Gardens.

The Lady Baillie Mediterranean Garden Terraces are reminiscent of sun-drenched Europe. Particularly restful, it offers benches to view the Great Water and acres of parkland beyond. Finally, the fragrant Culpeper Gardens are filled with florals, hedges and herbaceous beds bringing a sense of tranquillity and often visited by local wildlife.

ST JULIANS

01732 458261 | www.stjulians.co.uk

St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house set in charming surroundings just outside Sevenoaks and has been a secluded private club since the early 1950s. It has been licensed for weddings for more than 15 years and the professional team of experienced wedding planners will work with you to arrange your wedding your way.

The Lounge is the original drawing room of the house, with long bay windows that open onto the flagstone terrace outside. It has a beautiful marble fireplace and Steinway grand piano, which is available for you to use during your big day. Double doors lead to the Victorian conservatory, which boasts a wonderful canopy of wisteria blooming fragrantly up to four times a year. The Gallery is a great place to sit and enjoy the views and the bay window is the perfect spot for an intimate wedding ceremony.

St Julians has space for 60 guests for the “I dos” and wedding breakfast, with up to 80 loved ones able to join you for a standing evening party. You’re also welcome to use the stunning grounds and gardens for your reception drinks and photographs.

You’ll be able to plan your bespoke menu with the help of the venue’s team of experienced chefs and a complimentary menu tasting for you both is also included along with a wine tasting from the list of house wines. Finally, when you host your big day here, you’ll both be treated to social membership of the club for one year.

BREATHTAKING VIEWS Located in a show-stopping setting with breathtaking views across the rolling Weald of Kent countryside, the venue’s surroundings feature 70 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens, all of which create an exceptional backdrop for those all-important photos.

THE OLD KENT BARN

01303 844 270 | www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk

The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-famed tythe barn bursting with character and is home to the venue’s accommodation complete with stylish newlywed suite and two additional double ensuite rooms.

The New Barn is used for ceremonies and receptions, and is simultaneously opulent and neutral to coordinate with any colour palette or theme. Oak-framed and open plan, with large windows and a light tiled floor, it also features a wooden dancefloor. The space is romantically softened with ivory drapes and fairylights, while the starlit ceiling guides you onto the dancefloor for your first dance.

Ceremonies take place in the gazebo, which sits in the gorgeous grounds with a covered paved area for your guests to sit in comfort beneath glass pergolas. In the winter, you’ll marry instead beneath the starlit ceiling in the New Barn. The venue’s maximum ceremony capacity is 150 guests.

There’s also seating for 150 in the New Barn, where receptions are held. Then, in the evening you’re welcome to invite a further 100 loved ones taking the total up to 250 for the big-day bash.

You’ll be offered a complimentary tasting evening, dressing services and support in the onsite dressing rooms and a stay in the newlyweds’ suite in the on-site five-star bed and breakfast in the Old Barn.

BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL The grounds that surround the barns are professionally landscaped and feature formal parterres with romantic roses and seasonal blooms, sweeping curved hedges and an informal water garden with a fountain all set against a backdrop of mature trees and countryside. The gardens are lit up in the evening with picture-perfect fairylit areas for a little touch of magic.

RUMWOOD COURT EVENTS

The Walled Garden at Rumwood Court is a new and unique dry hire wedding and event venue available from 2022. The Walled Garden is your own private space with the Manor House providing a stunning backdrop. It is available for exclusive hire for a limited number of weekends between the months of May and October. With exclusive access to the grounds for your event along with help & guidance and food & drink from Invicta Food Design, lots of time for setting up and our list of recommended suppliers to choose from you will have all the ingredients for your perfect wedding day.

SUTTON ROAD, LANGLEY, KENT, ME17 3NN | INFO@RUMWOODCOURTEVENTS.COM | RUMWOODCOURTEVENTS.COM

FULL OR TWILIGHT WEDDING PACKAGES

STARTING FROM AS LITTLE AS £3,250!

A WEDDING AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE... Your wedding is one of the most exciting and important days of your life – one that you will cherish and remember forever. If you are looking for a dream wedding venue in Kent, St Augustine’s is where dreams come true. At St Augustine’s we believe that every wedding is different. With a wide variety of rooms and spaces from which to choose, St Augustine’s is a truly unique venue and can offer: Weddings perfectly tailored to your needs whether an intimate gathering or 200+ guests • Huge flexibility with many function rooms to choose from for your big day • Elegant outdoor ceremonies in our beautiful gazebo • Deconsecrated chapel for religious, civil ceremonies, wedding breakfasts or reception • Spacious banqueting hall with capacity for 215 guests • Late licence until 1.00 am • Stylish bridal dressing room • Fabulous wedding cuisine, sumptuous banquets and deluxe buffets • A dedicated wedding co-ordinator • It’s your day and we promise it will be perfect, right down to the last tiny, exquisite detail. *Registrar fees are not included.

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. Formally a Catholic boarding school, it has more than meets the eye with its stunning chapel and array of function rooms.

The Chapel is the venue’s hidden gem. Primarily used for wedding ceremonies and Christenings, it can seat 218 for the vows. The Drawing Room too is licensed for the “I dos,” as is The Oak Room, which can host 85 for this part of the day. The latter is a beautiful room with vaulted ceiling, and comes into its own for couples opting for the venue’s Twilight Wedding package, which allows you to say “I do” in the evening and benefit from a fab discount.

The Ruby Hall boasts an array of chandeliers and views of the gardens. It’s one of the largest function rooms here, ideal for wedding breakfasts and receptions. It can accommodate 220 for formal dining, 180 in a dinner dance setting and 500 for the evening.

Alternatively, The Drawing Room is a popular spot for dining and can seat 80 for your wedding breakfast with 150 for the evening bash, whereas The Oak Room offers space for 70 diners. The gorgeous Chapel too can be transformed into your reception space. It even has its own bar.

Finally, there’s the Lounge Bar. This can host 120 in an informal buffet setting and is super-versatile, often being used for guest arrivals.

WELL TENDED The gardens here are meticulously maintained, offering a gorgeous backdrop for those all-important photos. With a relaxing patio area, along with a vast lawn complete with a swing, they make an idyllic setting for any big day.

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL

01732 304 268 www.tonbridge-events.co.uk/weddings-catered-events

Tonbridge School offers a fabulous selection of locations, many with original historical features including leaded and stained-glass feature windows set in its Grade II listed rooms. In fact, the main buildings boast original architecture dating back to 1553 and reaching into the present day. These elements are complemented well by modern artwork and regular refurbishment to provide the ideal space for both formal wedding breakfasts and evening receptions.

There are no fewer than six wonderful locations to choose from to host your “I dos,” ranging from the traditional Headmasters Library through to the quirky cricket pavilion.

Moving on to the celebrations, you’re equally spoilt for choice. The Lowry Room has a traditional feel with vaulted ceiling, minstrel’s gallery and large feature window. There’s space here to seat 80 nearest and dearest for a wedding breakfast, and invite 120 for the evening. The OBS Gallery is an art gallery with a modern feel, offering a light and airy space for 120 wedding breakfast guests and 150 evening guests. Big School meanwhile is a wood-panelled school hall with a stage and stained-glass windows. It can accommodate seated buffet menus of 150 loved ones and up to 300 guests for the evening revelries. Finally, The Orchard Centre is a modern dining room overlooking the central school grounds. It offers seated dining for up to 150 and space for 300 in the evening.

The venue offers a free tasting menu for two, an event planner, a wedding post box and a selection of table decoration options.

SPACE TO SPARE Set in 150 acres, the site has a selection of beautiful gardens, sculptures and locations with traditional features, while also benefitting from close proximity to the local town. The venue even offers garden games allowing you to make the most of their glorious grounds.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to kickstarting our Spring wedding show season. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues, to our larger Signature Wedding Shows home to more than 100 exhibitors each, we can’t wait to welcome back our couples and help plan their wedding days.

Here’s what to expect when attending one of our events...

Whether you’re joyous that restrictions have passed, or are still a little hesitant, couples can rest assured our venues are continuing to maintain some of the government guidelines and measures to ensure everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy the day:

• Attendees will need to pre-register to attend events • There will be allocated time slots for visitors • All venues will also have enhanced cleaning procedures, with hand washing and sanitising facilities still available • Spaces between exhibition booths will be maintained to ease congestion • Optional face masks • Anyone with symptoms must refrain from visiting

Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof.

On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés, and attending our exhibitions is free!

For more information on any of our exhibitions visit County Wedding Events’ website.

We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. Sarah

X

Sarah Ellis, Sales and Events Director County Wedding Events.

Psst! Our pre-registered Signature Wedding Show visitors will have the chance to win a £250 gift voucher courtesy of Spabreaks.com

A date for your diary...

ASCOT RACECOURSE, 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2022 THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, 2ND OCTOBER, 2022 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 9TH OCTOBER, 2022 WEMBLEY STADIUM, 3TH MARCH, 2023

WEDDING SHOWS AUTUMN 2022

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

unless otherwise stated

At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area.

All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize drawcompetitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day.

ESSEX

SUN 25 SEPT

PONTLANDS PARK

West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, CM2 8HR

SUN 16 OCT

BRAXTED PARK

Great Braxted, Witham, CM8 3EN

12PM-4PM

SUN 23 OCT

HOUCHINS WEDDING VENUE

Houchin’s Lane, Coggeshall, Colchester, CO6 1RT

SUN 30 OCT

LAYER MARNEY TOWER

Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

/CountyWeddingEvents @CountyWedEvent @countyweddingevents

ALL EVENTS 11AM - 3PM

unless otherwise stated

EAST ANGLIA

SUN 23 OCT SMEETHAM HALL BARN

Smeetham Hall, Sudbury, CO10 7EU

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

SUN 25 SEPT

RACKLEYS CHILTERN HILLS

Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP

SUSSEX

SUN 18 SEPT

CASTLE GORING

Arundel Road, Worthing, BN13 3UN

12PM-4PM

SUN 30 OCT

SELDEN BARNS

Selden Lane, Patching Worthing, BN13 3UL

KENT

SUN 6 NOV

HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL & SPA

Princes Parade, Hythe, CT21 6AE

SUN 6 NOV

PENSHURST PLACE

Penshurst, TN11 8DG

SURREY

SUN 4 SEPT

GUILDFORD MANOR HOTEL & SPA

Newlands Corner, Guildford, GU4 8SE

SUN 4 SEPT

HAMPTON COURT PALACE GOLF CLUB

Home Park, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 4AD

SUN 11 SEPT

WARREN HOUSE

Warren Road, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 7HY

WORK WITH US

As part of KD Events and Publishing Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com.

Signature WEDDING SHOWS

• Free entry • First 100 couples receive a free wedding journal keepsake • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Bridal fashion shows • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more...

ASCOT RACECOURSE

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 | 11AM - 3.30PM

Sponsored by

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE

Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, CM15 9NN SUNDAY 2 OCTOBER 2022 | 11AM - 3.30PM

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

Sponsored by

WEMBLEY STADIUM

Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL SUNDAY 9 OCTOBER 2022 | 11AM - 3.30PM

Pre-register and attend the show to have a chance to win a fabulous spa break worth £250 courtesy of

London, HA9 0WS SUNDAY 5 MARCH 2023 | 11AM - 4PM