Often called the ‘Garden of England’, Kent is home to some of the most breath-taking venues in the country. From castles to barns to off-the-beaten track locations, this county has it all. Today, I’m sharing with you my favourite luxury wedding venues in Kent. I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph weddings at many of them, but some are still to come – could your wedding be the one?
Elmley Nature Reserve
Come rain or shine, this Kent venue offers the most amazing spaces to celebrate. For Kirsty and Sam’s Elmley Nature Reserve wedding, the heavens opened, but that did nothing at all to diminish their sparkle.
In fact, the moody storm clouds made for the most incredible light for their glorious barn ceremony, before glimpses of sunshine and a beautifully soft sunset illuminated their funfair-themed party. Offering the great outdoors and cosy under-cover options, this is a venue I can’t wait to return to.
Winters Barns
Where to start with Winters Barns? A fairy-tale picture of traditional, weather-boarded barns with lovely gardens, a sociable courtyard and even a charming bridge, this was an easy pick for luxury wedding venues in Kent. Exclusive use adds to the experience – it’s your own indulgent paradise for the day.
Cooling Castle Barn
If luxury wedding venues in Kent with oodles of atmosphere and historic charm get your vote, then you’ll fall head over heels for Cooling Castle Barn. Picture wedding photos with a backdrop of matching turreted towers and exchanging vows to a backdrop of exposed brick and charming beams.
This venue looks amazing with richly toned flowers and metallic decor (check out Louise and Brad’s Cooling Castle wedding). Don’t be afraid to add your own finishing touches to give historic settings a personal, more contemporary stamp.
Preston Court
Preston Court is one of the luxury wedding venues in Kent you’d think had been plucked fresh out of a movie set. It’s that pretty! But pretty isn’t all – this place is also full of surprises.
Hidden on the estate is a picture-perfect Georgian house, a storied character barn and – wait for it – even your own moat! Let’s not forget the carousel, which instantly adds the fun factor to your wedding reception here…
This truly is a Kent wedding venue to wow. Anyone fancy getting married here?
Orangery Maidstone
Classic couples, head this way, because the Orangery might just be your favourite venue yet! You can get married outside beneath a striking white gazebo, like Aliye and Richard at their Orangery Kent wedding, before capturing dreamy couple portraits beside swathes of lavender, frothy waterfalls and a mirror-like lake.
Coupled with a chic reception space, complete with huge windows, this is a beauty among luxury wedding venues in Kent.
Hever Castle
Give your wedding the royal treatment and tie the knot at Hever Castle. This luxury venue is incredibly flexible, offering you the chance to marry in the castle, in a marquee and even in the Italian garden.
Wherever you choose for your ceremony and party, sign me up! I can’t wait to photograph a wedding here, making the most of the stunning grounds and the archways’ shadowed light.
Lympne Castle
Lympne Castle offers the ultimate in gorgeous backdrops when it comes to luxury wedding venues in Kent. You’ve got dramatic wood-panelled walls, striking leaded windows and even a crenellated turret. So far, so grand.
Then you venture outside, into a world of cascading stone steps, lush planting and pockets of woodland. Natural, abundant and effortlessly soft, it’s the perfect contrast to the formal setting inside and a gold mine for your photos. Take inspiration from Stacey and Matt’s Lympne Castle wedding to capture all these jaw-dropping spaces.
If you’ve found the one among these luxury wedding venues in Kent, congratulations! I’m so happy to help guide you on your way and I’d love to be the one to capture it for you too. Discover more about my fine art wedding photography and enjoy the planning.
Julia x