8 Rustic Countryside Wedding Venues in Kent
Known as the Garden of England for its large number of hop gardens, orchards, wineries and abundance of local produce, this really sets the tone for how beautiful the Kentish countryside is. Home to a host of beautiful gardens including Sissinghurst, Penshurst and Goodnestone, it also has two areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the form of the North Downs and High Weald. Effortlessly combining lovely countryside retreats, pretty coastlines and lively and historic cities within one county, it’s no surprise weddings within the Kent countryside are extremely popular.
Below we’ve listed just some of our favourites to help get you inspired.
An idyllic woodland escape, Wilderness Weddings is nestled amongst an abundance of greenery, with two licensed outdoor locations to get married in. Host your reception under their three giant kata tipis complete with rustic wood trestle tables and benches with up to 120 of your guests. Serving delicious food, they have a choice of seven accredited caterers for you to choose from.
Set within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as High Weald, Kingdom at Penshurst is a beautiful 9,500 ft wooden and glass clubhouse set over four floors that fits seamlessly into its surroundings. Described as ‘dreamy, earthy and romantic’ on their website, I can confirm it is exactly that, as a recent attendee of a wedding held there. Host your ceremony under lovely dappled light in the woodlands and say your vows within their natural wonder ‘Seven Sisters’, a collection of seven entwined trees, growing together. The venue has amazing 360 degree views across the Kent countryside that are the perfect backdrop for weddings, along with pretty rustic interiors to host the various parts of your wedding within.
A lovely family-owned wedding venue that is a nationally recognised award winning spot in Kent, The Old Kent Barn is known for its impeccable service and experience running weddings. Set within the countryside, the venue provides a choice of wedding ceremony areas, including a romantic garden setting in the rural Kent countryside, and inside their oak framed barn. The venue is exclusive use and can host up to 150 guests for the ceremony and reception, with a further 100 able to join in the evening. Their team are able to provide full wedding weekend coordination and they have an in-house catering team too.
Located in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on the outskirts of Aldington, the lovely 16th century Ruffynes Barn combines old world charm with modern amenities beautifully. Consisting of a five bay barn covering 250 sqm, it has been lovingly and meticulously restored to its former glory and can host 120 guests for the ceremony and reception, and 200 guests in the evening. Positioned on the banks overlooking Romney Marshes, Port Lympne Zoo and the Channel, it’s surrounded by plenty of things your guests can enjoy on the days around the wedding.
A pretty waterside barn hidden beside an estuary, amongst a lovely wild meadow and natural wetland reserves, The Ferry House specialises in luxury rustic weddings within its 16th century property, filled with lots of country character. Choose to get married in their rustic, elegant barn or in their statement gazebo looking out onto the water, followed by a reception within the barn dining on their homegrown and locally sourced produce. The venue is just 60 minutes outside of London and has guest accommodation for over 70 of your guests too.
Nestled within 80 acres of private woodlands in the stunning Kent countryside, The Dreys is a family run wedding venue that is licensed to host civil ceremonies and blessings in the woods. On your wedding day you’ll have exclusive use of the whole site including their field shelter, marquee and their experienced team. The venue can host 100 guest for the ceremony, 160 at the wedding breakfast and up to 300 guests in the evening.
7. Great Bower Barn Canterbury
A Flemish style Edwardian brick barn tucked in a secluded part of the Kent countryside, Great Bower Barn has wonderful views of the North Downs across to Kings Wood. With large wooden and glass doors that can be opened up fully to really bring the outdoors in, this venue can seat up to 150 guests within its rustic and cosy surroundings. Well located just 8 miles from Ashford, Canterbury and Faversham, and within easy reach of London, its a great option no matter where you’re travelling from.
One of Kent’s most romantic wedding venues, the Secret Garden Ashford is a lovely rustic, relaxed and welcoming spot to get married, with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to celebrate within. From courtyards to walled gardens and a fully licensed ceremony area, you can pick the spaces that suit you best when it comes to style and guest numbers, with the ability to host up to 150 of your guests. Helping to make the whole process enjoyable and easy, they have a dedicated team of experienced wedding coordinators and they provide a variety of all inclusive packaged too.