Five of the best heritage wedding venues in Kent

Why not get married in a stately Kentish home or castle?

HEVER CASTLE

Hever, nr Edenbridge

The Astor Wing, formerly referred to as The Tudor Village, is licensed for civil ceremonies and civil partnerships all year round. The oak-panelled Tudor Suite Sitting Room, overlooking the castle and formal lawns, provides the perfect ambience for your special day. Reception drinks can be taken within the Astor Wing or, weather permitting, on the Tudor Suite lawns overlooking the croquet lawn and moat. The Tudor Suite Dining Room, with oak panelling and a magnificent fire place, can accommodate up to 64 guests for your wedding breakfast. If an evening reception is required, The Moat Restaurant can be transformed into spacious venue for music and dancing for up to 120 guests.

Summer sees the Italian Gardens come to life as ceremonies take place under the beautiful arched columns of the Italian loggia overlooking the 38-acre lake. This lakeside location can also be extended to your drinks. A short walk away is the Palladian-style Guthrie Pavilion, which has a license until 1am and is also suitable for evening receptions and discos or live bands to round off your special day.

Hever Castle & Gardens, nr Edenbridge TN8 7NG

01732 861709 or mail@hevercastle.co.uk

www.hevercastle.co.uk

PENSHURST PLACE

Penshurst, nr Tonbridge

Penshurst Place has been home to kings and noblemen throughout history. Licensed for ceremonies, wedding parties have access to three banqueting rooms in the heart of this medieval house. The stunning 14th-century Baron’s Hall, complete with minstrel gallery and open fire pit, accommodates up to 200 guests for ceremonies or between 80 to 136 for seated dining. The ancient stone Buttery and wood-panelled Sunderland Room offer a more intimate space within the house, while new this year is the option to marry outside in the private Inner Courtyard, surrounded by ancient walls and fragrant with climbing roses and scented flowers.

? 17 May, 9.30am-4.30pm wedding show-round day (must book).

Penshurst Place, nr Tonbridge TN11 8DG

01892 870307 or banqueting@penshurstplace.com

www.penshurstplace.com

EASTWELL MANOR

Boughton Lees, nr Ashford

This family owned, four-red star country house hotel with its individually designed bedrooms and suites, state-of-the-art spa, an award-winning beauty salon and Manor Restaurant rated fifth in The Times’ ‘most romantic restaurants in Britain,’ Eastwell Manor is the venue of choice for the discerning couple. Licensed for ceremonies in three beautiful, oak-panelled rooms or in the walled Maids Garden, while the manicured lawns are perfect for marquee weddings, meaning you can hold your bespoke ceremony and reception in one stunning location.

Eastwell Manor, Boughton Lees, nr Ashford TN25 4HR

01233 213000/020, reservations@eastwellmanor.co.uk

www.eastwellmanor.co.uk.

HYTHE IMPERIAL

Hythe

This imposing seafront hotel has recently unveiled its elegant new ballroom, which gives a decadent and contemporary spin on this historic Victorian building and opens up both opportunity and inspiration for those who want a classic and sophisticated setting for their big day. Original ornate chandeliers and mirrors combine with classic Victorian panelling and delicate romantic fabrics. With the added feature of a beautiful seascape to wow guests, expect breathtaking views and a landscaped front with a raised glass-fronted terrace and stunning panoramic views of the channel.

There is also a choice of three licensed civil ceremony rooms, plus 100 bedrooms, the Coast Restaurant, Health Club & Spa and a golf club.

Hythe Imperial Hotel, Princes Parade, Hythe CT21 6AE

01303 267441 or h6862@accor.com

www.mercurehytheimperial.co.uk

WILDLIFE HERITAGE

Smarden

If you really want a unique and special place to say “I do”, then why not try the Wildlife Heritage Foundation, ‘home of the big cat sanctuary,’ where you and your guests will get the chance to wander the site and see some of the most endangered big cats in the world, including the Amur leopard and Sumatran tiger. There are several packages, ranging from a simple Champagne and canapé reception to a three-course wedding breakfast. Personalised packages to suit your needs - an intimate wedding, renewal of vows, naming ceremony or another special celebration are all possible here. WHF also offers overnight accommodation in five-star luxury appointed cabins or a Big Cat African Safari, so why not enjoy a Champagne high tea served to your cabin, awake to the roar of the lions, have an early morning walking safari, then share a full English breakfast in the Heritage Lodge Conservatory under the watchful gaze of the resident two lions.

Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Headcorn Road, Smarden, nr Ashford TN27 8PJ

01233 771915, 01233 771915 or lainey@whf.org.uk