10 minute read
OUTSIDE THE BOX
We round up Kent’s coolest quirky and unusual wedding venues THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE
01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com
Shrouded in romance and history, Dode’s church offers the opportunity for something truly different. A beautiful Norman building, looking almost exactly as it did 900 years ago, with straw covering the floor and candles lighting the scene, its atmosphere is palpable. The church has been silently standing guard over the lost village for centuries and is a wonderfully appropriate place to celebrate the joy of marriage.
Overlooking the valley, the grounds, which feature two acres of meadow with small village pond and stone circle, invoke memories of times past. Plus, tucked away below the church are two 16th-century style retreat cottages constructed in English oak where you can enjoy your morning preparations and stay on the wedding night.
Dode Church is the perfect spot for you if you’re looking for a ceremony where tradition, intimacy and a link to the romance of the past are the main components. Say “I do” beneath the oak ceiling looking down on simple benches covered with warming rugs where your nearest and dearest gather. Following the vows, you’re welcome to take photographs in the grounds before returning to the church, which will have been transformed into a Medieval banquet hall for your wedding breakfast and evening of dancing and merriment. The venue can accommodate 42 all day.
Dode provides a free wedding rehearsal and a complimentary menutasting session if you’re using the in-house caterers. You’re also welcomed back after your big day to attend various events, and can even hold a renewal handfasting ceremony.
WE LOVE The minstrels gallery offers a dramatic touch of theatre with space for musicians and photographers alike.
www.curiousrosephotography.com www.curiousrosephotography.com
TURNER CONTEMPORARY
07970 938 887 | www.turnercontemporary.org/venue-hire
Turner Contemporary’s distinctive modern architecture makes it one of the most recognisable buildings in Kent. Located on the edge of the harbour it has wide sweeping views across the beach, capturing the famous Margate sunset from the terrace and balcony. The hire spaces are white minimalist rooms with high ceilings, natural concrete floors and huge windows taking in the panoramic seascape. There’s ample scope for embellishment, but very little décor is needed to make your wedding setting stylish and impactful.
There’s an outdoor terrace to the side of the main cafe, perfect for drinks receptions. Plus, the wide private balcony overlooking the sea, runs the full length of the venue, allowing guests to take the party outside.
Ceremonies witnessed by up to 110 loved ones take place in The Clore Learning Studio facing the window, which provides an incredible view of the scene beyond. The Foyle Rooms too can play host to the “I dos” when the former isn’t available, with a slightly larger capacity of 120. Mainly used for receptions though, the space is bright and boasts high ceilings, from which you can choose to suspend hanging floral installations. There’s a projector for speech slideshows and blank walls for decorating with photographs. The room can be set up with round or long tables and white chairs complete the picture. After the wedding breakfast it can be turned around for evening dancing as guests mingle in the gallery for drinks.
The Sunley Gallery is available to you once the gallery has closed to the public and offers beautiful sea views for you and 180 guests to enjoy. Here, the venue team can set up a bar and entertainment as requested.
WE LOVE There are often art exhibitions occupying The Clore Learning Studio ceremony space, so its possible to experience the feeling of true immersion in the gallery.
PRESTON COURT
07595 190326 | www.prestoncourt.co.uk
Nestled in beautiful countryside near Canterbury, Preston Court is superstylish and just a little bit bonkers! This historical venue is a 600-acre private estate and farm offering some unforgettable features such as an ornate footbridge, two vintage mechanical organs, a rare Victorian showman’s wagon, and steam engines.
Licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships, the venue boasts three out-of-the-ordinary spaces for your vows. St Mildred’s is an idyllic Saxon church, perfect for Church of England ceremonies. Alternatively, the magical Juliana’s Island offers you the chance to say “I do” beneath a romantic Regency pergoda surrounded by water against the Georgian backdrop of Preston Court itself. It has a capacity of 120. Finally, there’s the enchanting fully-decked 17th-century Kentish Barn, which can seat 120. You can even have the Duwyn organ played, which sounds incredible!
The Barn too is the ideal spot to celebrate your first meal together as newlyweds. The huge floor-to-eve doors open right up onto the southfacing barnyard allowing the sunshine to flood in. What’s more, the venue’s two Art Deco organs stand proudly at either end, and a giant Victorian wooden peacock hovers above the stage. The space can accommodate 120 of your nearest and dearest.
WE LOVE Luxury glamping is available on site including a deluxe bridal Emperor bell tent. Plus, the Victorian carousel is a real showstopper. We could go on!
BILSINGTON PRIORY
01233 720 992 | www.bilsingtonpriory.co.uk
Steeped in history, the Priory was built in 1253 for the canons regular of St Augustine’s in a French style of the period and this grand monastic building retains its Medieval structure, created from Kentish ragstone. Now a Grade I listed heritage building, it once provided hospitality for travellers and pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. Alongside, the marquee is situated over what remains of the old cloisters.
Set amongst seven acres of mature landscaped gardens and surrounded by a moat, the Priory offers a paradise for your wedding photographer. Plus, its secluded rural position provides an exclusive setting that’s off the beaten track yet still just 15 minutes from the major travel hub of Ashford.
The Grand Ceremony Room is an oak and stone hall, once the rectory for the black canons. It can seat 100 guests for the ceremony with space for a musical quartet. Meanwhile, 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 play host to 50 for the “I dos.” Finally for the vows, is the garden’s ceremony area, which is focused on a chess-board gazebo and surrounded by mature trees and shrubs. It can seat up to 120.
Receptions for 150 guests are hosted in the marquee, and evening entertainment takes place in the adjacent Chapter Room complete with bar and dancefloor.
The west wing of the manor is offered to wedding parties wishing to prepare on site. The private bathroom still has its original Edwardian features and the four-poster bedroom is blessed with wonderful views. Post celebrations there are four rooms available on a bed and breakfast basis.
WE LOVE The marquee reception setting has an exposed wall showing off the historical stonework of the Priory and also boasts a stunning Louis XV-style chandelier.
WILDERNESS WEDDING VENUE
07810 358135 | www.wildernessweddings.co.uk
Hidden away on an enchanting farm in Kent, this idyllic woodland wedding venue encompassing a 600-acre valley, is unspoilt and far from the crowd. Here, you can enjoy an unconventional day in complete privacy, surrounded by ancient woodland and water meadows, lakes and fragrant wild flowers, as you escape into the magical world of nature.
You have the option to hold a celebrant-led service in the Wilderness Woodland, but there are two licensed ceremony locations as well. The architecturally designed Woodsman’s Cabin allows you to marry among rustic interiors or outside in the open air, as it can be fully enclosed to protect guests from the elements or opened up to take in the surroundings. You also have the option for al fresco “I dos” beneath the Boat-Zebo, a charming up-turned vintage wooden clinker boat with canopy, located on the banks of Deerson Lake.
Receptions take place in no less than three interconnected Kata tipis, which are set up for the wedding breakfast and evening celebration in the woodland glade. Your 120 guests will be seated at hand crafted long wooden tables with benches, and can feast on all manner of locallysourced and foraged feasting menus. In the evening, your reception tipi transforms into a party tent with disco.
WE LOVE A purpose built, up-cycled wooden champagne shack bar serves woodland-inspired cocktails and locally grown Kentish wines from Chapel Down, Simpsons Wine Estate and Chartham Vineyard.
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