PENSHURST PLACE 01892 870 307 | https://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 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. 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. 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 (136 ceremony guests) located amongst 11 acres of formal gardens is an ethereal space featuring an oak pergola, which is the summertime is covered in rambling roses, climbing wisteria and ivy. Finally, if you don’t require a legal ceremony and decide to opt for a blessing, you’ll definitely want to look at Lancup Well (200 ceremony guests) as the perfect spot. Here, you can enjoy a blessing amongst fine topiary as the sun dapples the surface of the lake. THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE 01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com A beautiful Norman church looking almost exactly as it did 900 years ago, its floors are covered with straw, while candles and torches cast light on the scene. The interior of this structure would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from the time it was built in around 1100, and the atmosphere and restful silence within is palpable. Standing on an ancient, prehistoric mound ovelooking the valley of Dode, this simple, two cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland, which feature a village pond and stunning stone circle. Its walls are comprised of local flint with its roof of Kentish peg tiles partly cloaked in a mantle of ivy, truly evoking the atmosphere of times long since passed. Tucked away below the church are two retreat cottages constructed in English oak, in the 16th-century style. Civil ceremonies take place in the ancient church building itself, accommodating up to 40 guests along with the the two of you. Blessings are also permitted either inside the building or among the grounds, particularly in the stone circle. Receptions also take place inside the church, and are laid out in a Medieval banqueting-style format with various options for catering, including a hog roast banquet, grazing-style buffet or high tea. Seating 42 guests, it also boasts options for music and dancing in the evening until 10pm. The minstrels gallery in particular offers dramatic theatre with space for musicians and photographers alike. The venue is available April to October, and December. www.pennyyoungphotography.com www.mattjamesphotography.co.uk https://parkershots.com www.mattjamesphotography.co.uk 26
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