Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells SPOTLIGHT ON... Tie the knot in a local hotspot PENSHURST PLACE 01892 870 307 | weddings.penshurstplace.com Set in an estate of 2,500 acres, the 14th-century house and formal gardens are steeped in natural splendour and historical architecture. With sandstone walls and an impressive sweeping driveway, Penshurst Place has been described as the perfect combination of an inspiring castle mixed with an intimate country manor house. With towers and crenelated ancient walls interspersed with arched leaded windows, this grand stately home welcomes visitors through the wicket gate in the large wooden doorway that previously saw centuries of royalty passing through it. The 14th-century formal gardens at Penshurst are considered to be amongst the most beautiful in England. Originally laid out in 1346, the 11 acres of Grade I listed gardens have been kept true to their Elizabethan design. CEREMONY TO CELEBRATIONS You’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding spaces here and most are so flexible they can be used for the “I dos” and reception. The Baron’s Hall (200 ceremony, 136 dining and 200 reception guests), built in 1341 is the venue’s oldest room, brimming with character and original Medieval architecture. There’s even a firepit beneath the chestnut singlespan roof, plus tall arched windows, suits of armour and Medieval trestle tables that can be decorated to suit your theme. The Sunderland Room (136 ceremony, 88 dining, 140 reception guests) adjoins the minstrel gallery overlooking the Baron’s Hall, and with part-panelled, part-sandstone walls hung with historical paintings, it sits atop a spiral turret staircase and offers a wonderful view across the parklands. Located adjacent to the Baron’s Hall, The Buttery (40 ceremony, 30 dining and 50 reception guests) with ancient brick walls, a large fireplace and tapestries, was the original bottle store for the house and is ideal for smaller ceremonies or use as a further reception area. The Garden Room (93 ceremony, 74 dining, and 100 for dancing) a few steps from the main house offers a light and spacious interior with wheelchair access. For winter weddings only, there’s also a beautifully draped marquee, which can be arranged in either the Inner Courtyard or for more guests, on the South Lawn at an additional fee. If you prefer to celebrate al fresco, the Inner Courtyard (120 ceremony and 200 standing reception guests) alongside the Baron’s Hall where you can say your vows beneath the King’s Tower, is surrounded by sandstone walls and scented roses. The Nut Garden (100 ceremony guests) located amongst 11 acres of formal gardens is an ethereal space featuring an oak pergola, which in the summertime is covered in rambling roses, climbing wisteria and ivy. Finally, if you don’t require a legal ceremony and are after blessing you’ll definitely want to look at Lancup Well (200 ceremony guests). A gorgeous lakeside location, it’s a short distance from the manor house and offers views of the surrounding 2,500 acres of parkland estate. Here, you can enjoy a blessing amongst fine topiary as the sun dapples the surface of the lake. https://parkershots.com www. georgimabee.com/ LOCAL VENUES 19
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