HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS, TN8 7NG 01732 861 800 | www.hevercastle.co.uk Nestled in 125 acres of idyllic Kent countryside, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, and is full of rich history. The gardens at Hever Castle combine perfectly with its history to provide a wedding venue of distinction at any time of the year. One of the most magnificent areas of the grounds is the Italian Garden, which displays a splendid collection of Italian sculptures. There are breathtaking water features, including cascades, grottos, fountains and ponds. The Rhododendron Walk, the Rose Garden, the Golden Stairs and the Blue Garden offer an unbeatable backdrop to capture those special moments. Celebrate in style The wedding opportunities on the estate are boundless. Whether it be the stately grandeur of the castle itself, the country house atmosphere of the Astor Wing, or the stunning lakeside location of the Italian Garden. For a wedding in the Astor Wing, ceremonies of up to 48 seated and 12 standing take place in the Tudor Suite sitting room, surrounded by private lawns and oak panelling throughout. The Tudor Suite has unparalleled views of the castle, moat and gardens, while windows fill the rooms with light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. For those of you looking for al fresco nuptials, you can tie the knot under the beautiful arched columns of the Italian Loggia, which overlook the lake with the gardens providing a picture-perfect setting. This magical, Italian-inspired lakeside location can also host your drinks reception; guests can take in the views from the stone piazza, complete with its very own Trevi-inspired fountain. Receptions for up to 180 people are held in the Guthrie Pavilion. Extensively refurbished in Palladian style, offering vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling arched windows, this space provides a light and airy atmosphere from day into night without losing the romantic backdrop. We love... When choosing this big-day venue, you will benefit from a menu tasting and a complimentary annual pass as a wedding gift from Hever Castle, where you can continue to experience the 125 acres of award-winning gardens. Stroll through the Italian Garden’s grandeur, with its classical statues and Pompeiian Wall. Inhale the fragrance of over 5,000 roses, marvel at the giant topiary chessboard, or find peace in the Sunken Garden. Tudor charm awaits, with seasonal blooms in the Blue Corner and Rhododendron Walk, while tranquillity reigns by the 38-acre lake, perfect for reflecting on the castle’s rich history. THE LOST VILLAGE OF DODE, DA13 0XF 01622 734 205 | www.dodevillage.com A beautiful Norman church that looks almost exactly as it did almost 1,000 years ago, The Lost Village of Dode has floors covered with straw, while candles and torches that cast light on the scene. The interior of this structure would have witnessed similar ceremonies right from the time it was built, and the atmosphere and restful silence within are palpable. Standing on an ancient, pre-historic mound overlooking the valley of Dode, this simple, two-cell Norman church is surrounded by meadows and woodland, which feature a wildlife pond and 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. Celebrate in style Civil ceremonies take place in the church building, accommodating up to 40 loved ones along with the two of you. Blessings and handfastings 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, a grazing-style buffet or high tea. Seating 42 guests, it also has options for music and dancing in the evening until 10pm. The Minstrels Gallery in particular offers a dramatic theatre with space for musicians and photographers alike. We love... The venue is available from April to December for festive ceremonies. www.terivphotography.co.uk www.terivphotography.co.uk www.mattjamesphotography.co.uk 30
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