PERIOD PIECE

www.jamesirelandphotography.co.uk HISTORICAL VENUES

Period piece Our roundup of Kent’s historical venues

BRADBOURNE HOUSE

01732 897 436 | www.bradbournehousekent.co.uk

Bradbourne House is an exclusive-use, Queen Anne, Grade I listed country house located in the heart of Kent. The House boasts 20 acres of picturesque parkland featuring ancient trees, a tranquil lake and secret garden fruit orchard. From the moment you drive through the iron gates you’re surrounded by pristine striped lawns, and the grounds are home to a plethora of wildlife including hundreds of Canadian geese that return to the lake each year.

The venue offers two licensed indoor areas. What would once have been the ladies’ sewing room, The Drawing Room is the perfect spot for intimate ceremonies with up to 50 guests. The bay windows look out across the lakes and gold chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The Great Hall at the heart of the House can host up to 100 nearest and dearest. Its blue walls are one of Bradbourne House’s most memorable features, with the Twisden family portraits adorning each of them. Huge doors lead out to the marble steps at the front and look over the grounds.

The Hatton Fruit Garden is the venue’s antique apple and pear orchard. Originally planted as part of the Dig for Victory campaign, the walled gardens now provide that secret spot for you to exchange your vows. You can also say your “I dos” al fresco on The Great Hall Steps, which provide the grandest of entrances. As you ascend and arrive by the side of your beloved, the house itself provides the most spectacular backdrop.

The Great Hall can also play host to receptions with 100 seated or 200 standing from a decadent wedding breakfast to that all-important evening bash. The Breakfast Room can accommodate 40 dining guests or 100 standing. It provides a different feel within the House with its dark oak interiors and portraits. Often referred to as the gentleman’s room and complete with grand piano, this space is the perfect setting for intimate meals or relaxing with tea and cake. The Drawing Room, which can host the same numbers as the aforementioned Breakfast Room boasts bay windows practically made to frame the wedding cake, and the ceiling is beautifully ornate, covered in gold detailing.

DID YOU KNOW? The house as it stands today was built between 1712 and 1715 and served as the Twisden family home right up until 1937, when the house was auctioned and bought by the East Malling Trust.

NETTLESTEAD PLACE

01622 328 328 | www.nettlestead-place.co.uk

Still a private family home, Grade I listed Nettlestead Place has hosted many lavish events and celebrations over the centuries. Now, the gorgeous manor house and its surroundings offer a quintessentially English setting for your big day. Set among 10 acres of grounds the award-winning gardens boast their own sunken pond and far-reaching views across the River Medway. Complete with stone walls, archways, secret gardens, a maze and winding pathways, Nettlestead Place offers a wealth of unforgettable photo opportunities.

Indoor ceremonies are held in the 13th-century Undercroft, characterised by its three Medieval pillars and vaulted ceiling. The ambience is perfect for the “I dos” offering a historical location fitting for the occasion.

Outdoor ceremonies take place in the Rose Garden, with its 300-yearold lime tree, beneath which sits a wooden gazebo. The sweet fragrances of the surrounding plants along with the secluded setting make this a truly romantic spot.

Receptions are hosted in a large wedding marque, positioned to make the most of the views. It can accommodate up to 150 day guests and 200 evening guests. With wooden floors, dividing walls and a private bridal changing room, it offers a blank canvas for you to decorate however you wish.

DID YOU KNOW? Nettlestead Place was included in the Domesday Book of 1086, then owned by William the Conqueror’s half-brother Odo, the Earl of Kent and Bishop of Bayeux in Northern France and second in power after the King of England.

PENSHURST PLACE AND GARDENS

01892 870 307 | https://weddings.penshurstplace.com

Set in a 2,500-acre estate, the 14th-century Penshurst Place and its formal gardens are rich in natural splendour and breathtaking historical architecture. With sandstone walls and an impressive sweeping driveway, it has been described as the perfect combination of an inspiring castle and intimate country manor house. This grand stately home welcomes visitors through the wicket gate in the large wooden doorway that previously saw centuries of royalty pass through.

Built in 1341 and the oldest room at Penshurst Place is the spectacular Baron’s Hall brimming with character and original Medieval architecture. It can host 200 guests for a seated ceremony, 136 for the wedding breakfast or 200 for a standing reception. The Sunderland Room adjoins the Minstrel Gallery and overlooks Baron’s Hall. Hung with historical paintings, it sits atop a spiral turret staircase. It can hold136 seated for the ceremony, 88 for the wedding breakfast and 140 for a standing reception. The Buttery, once the original bottle store for the house, boasts ancient brick walls, a large fireplace and tapestries. Ideal for intimate “I dos” it can hold 40 nearest and dearest. There’s also space here for 30 loved ones at the wedding breakfast and 50 at the standing reception.

For al fresco ceremonies, the Inner Courtyard is a beautiful spot, surrounded by sandstone walls and scented roses. In addition, the newly licensed Nut Garden provides a more informal alternative to the Elizabethan rooms inside the house. In fact, so varied are the options here, we’d need most of the magazine to tell you about them! So, hop over to the website or get in touch with the wedding team to find out more.

DID YOU KNOW? Filming at Penshurst Place in recent years has included Mary Queen of Scots, Wolf Hall, The Other Boleyn Girl, and The Boleyns – A Scandalous Family, plus the 1987 classic The Princess Bride.

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.

Call 01843 830150 or email, info@staugustines.uk.com today to book your viewing 125 Canterbury Road, Westgate-on-Sea, Kent CT8 8NL | www.staugustineskent.com |

KNOWLE COUNTRY HOUSE

01474 822 262 | www.knowlecountryhouse.co.uk

As you sweep along the venue’s driveway, it’s easy to be captivated by the charm and elegance of this fine Victorian mansion, set in one of the most beautiful and historically interesting spots in Kent. Having recently undergone extensive renovation work, the venue now boasts a gorgeous conservatory with a bar, and the lovely gazebo with surrounding patio used for outdoor ceremonies has been given a new lease of life. The wonderful location never fails to impress visitors. Set in 14 acres of gardens and orchards, with a wildlife area, the grounds burst with colour whatever the season and offer views of the distant River Thames.

Located less than an hour’s drive from London with excellent rail links, The Knowle can accommodate weddings with up to 90 daytime guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with space for an additional 80 in the evening.

Receptions can be celebrated in the main restaurant with 90 loved ones or for more intimate gatherings, in the Octagonal Room (The Charles Dickens Room) for 10 nearest and dearest. Alternatively, the Garden Room can accommodate 40 guests and leads into the Victorian conservatory, an extended lounge area for everyone to enjoy. Irrespective of the numbers there’ll only be one wedding on any day, offering total privacy and sole use of the premises, with no hiring or hidden charges.

Located in the centre of the House is the venue’s getting-ready room, perfect for all your preparations. A large room bathed in natural light, it features full-length mirrors, plush furnishings, Bluetooth stereo and a privacy screen.

DID YOU KNOW? The Knowle Country House was built by Rev. Joseph Hindle, rector of Higham from 1829 to 1856, in the mid 19th century. Charles Dickens, an acquaintance of the Reverend, became a frequent visitor to The Knowle and it’s said he would have high tea in the study.

HAVENFIELD HALL

01634 699 758 | www.havenfieldhall.com

Hidden away from public roads, Havenfield Hall sits at the end of a long drive that opens up to reveal the building’s grand scale.

As you walk past the front of the house and around to the back where it opens onto the gardens, you’ll find the external games room, complete with full-sized snooker table and bar billiards table. Further on, there’s the Old School House, Cart Shed and bar, which hug a central courtyard, providing the perfect space for live bands, DJs and entertainment.

The Old School House is your indoor ceremony option (80 guests), it features high ceilings and exposed timber beams, large windows and French doors, allowing natural light to flood in. For al fresco vows the Cart Shed and Courtyard (100 guests) are available, this open-faced oak-framed structure opens out onto the paved courtyard providing a lovely option that can be dressed according to your theme. Finally, for the ceremony, The Bandstand also offers a charming outdoor location for 120 loved ones.

Welcome drinks can be served in the courtyard or on the lawned area, making use of the gardens and grounds. The three buildings that surround the central courtyard can all be utilised for the reception.

DID YOU KNOW? Havenfield Hall’s interiors have been lovingly restored to bring them into keeping with the original building’s character and charm, with just a few modern touches added for comfort. Each of the seven bedrooms has its own individual decorative style.

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...

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE, 2ND OCTOBER, 2022 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, 9TH OCTOBER, 2022 ASCOT RACECOURSE, 26TH FEBRUARY, 2023 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

BERKS, BUCKS & OXON

SUN 25 SEPT

RACKLEYS CHILTERN HILLS

Marlow Road, Cadmore End, Bucks, HP14 3PP

EAST ANGLIA

SUN 23 OCT SMEETHAM HALL BARN

Smeetham Hall, Sudbury, CO10 7EU

LONDON

SUN 13 NOV

MORDEN HALL

Morden Hall Road, SM4 5JD

KENT

SUN 6 NOV

HYTHE IMPERIAL HOTEL & SPA

Princes Parade, Hythe, CT21 6AE

SUN 6 NOV

PENSHURST PLACE

Penshurst, TN11 8DG

SUSSEX

SUN 16 OCT

CASTLE GORING

Arundel Road, Worthing, BN13 3UN

12PM-4PM

SUN 30 OCT

SELDEN BARNS

Selden Lane, Patching Worthing, BN13 3UL

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...

Sponsored by

THE BRENTWOOD CENTRE

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

Sponsored by

MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD

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

ASCOT RACECOURSE

Sponsored by

WEMBLEY STADIUM

High Street, Berkshire, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2023 | 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