Your Kent Wedding - November/December 2023 (Issue 111)

GOODNESTONE PARK 01304 695 097 | https://goodnestonepark.co.uk Goodnestone Park is a vast, privately-owned estate located in the heart of the stunning Kent countryside. The 1704 Queen Anne-style mansion boasts a rich history, including frequent visits from the famous novelist Jane Austen. The magnificent grounds here, complete with impressive views of the historical estate parkland, make Goodnestone a dream setting for any wedding day. What’s more, there’s accommodation onsite inside the Grade II listed house itself in the form of 12 beautiful double rooms. The intricately decorated Round Room can accommodate up to 24 loved ones for an intimate ceremony. Alternatively, for larger numbers, the Coach House offers a light and airy space with theatre-style seating for 100 guests. For al fresco vows, the Portico at the front of the house provides an impressive setting as your guests look on from the forecourt. The Church of the Holy Cross is just a short walk from the estate and is available by separate arrangement with the vicar. Your wedding party can stroll through the picturesque Holly Walk and Goodnestone Park’s Walled Gardens to return to the estate, with the beautifully maintained gardens providing many a photo opportunity along the way. The Orangery, available from 1st March until 31st October can host up to 120 reception guests. Although, orangeries were popular in the 17th century, originating from the Renaissance gardens of Italy, there are no records that one ever existed at Goodnestone Park. So, the new luxury timber-framed Orangery Marquee, custom made by LPM Bohemia, is its first. The venue provides a fully-staffed bar for the evening and you can pre-select from an extensive drinks menu and choose a spending limit or operate as a paid bar. You can bring your own drinks during the day, with no corkage. THE QUAIVES 01227 200 529 | www.thequaives.com Just beyond the picture-perfect village of Wickhambreaux, you’ll find The Quaives. Here, you have 19 acres of open space available to you for your wedding day, half of which is dedicated to beautifully manicured gardens featuring an array of beautiful flowers, plants and trees. The 17thcentury house has an interesting history, having previously been owned by Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, and is where the current owners now live. For an al-fresco ceremony, the Secret Garden with its mature trees and flowering plants will provide a beautiful background for your “I dos.” Alternatively, the meadow is the perfect spot for a marquee for larger weddings of 100 guests or more, while the Converted Barn Studio can accommodate up to 80 loved ones. Its light-filled high vaulted ceilings with underfloor heating and sliding glass double doors open onto a small terrace and set the perfect scene for your service. Traditional church ceremonies are also available in the beautiful village church, St Andrews, just a short walk through Wickhambreaux from the estate. The attractive flint and stone church was built during the 13th century and was restored in 1868. The stunning Art Nouveau stainedglass east window sets the perfect scene for a romantic church wedding. Holmstead Events can provide three hat tipi hire complete with lighting, flooring, a catering tent, tables and benches, an indoor fireplace and dancefloor. You can have live music, a DJ or both, the choice is yours. Alternatively, you can decide to party in the Converted Barn Studio. There’s plenty of on-site accommodation for guests to stay the night including two luxury two-person cottages, a stylish four-person cottage, an eight-person dormitory and 10 luxury bell tents. There is also further accommodation in the village just a few minutes away, which can be booked separately. https://kerryannduffy.com www.jamesrichardphotography.co.uk 24

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