Your Kent Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 85)

22 BILSINGTON PRIORY 01233 720 992 | bilsingtonpriory.co.uk Steeped in history, the Grade I listed priory was built in 1253 for the canons regular of St Augustine’s in the French style of the period and once provided hospitality for pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. Set in seven acres of landscaped gardens surrounded by a mote and fishponds, there’ll be opportunities aplenty for some stunning photographs. Ceremonies take place in The Grand Ceremony Room, with its Medieval stone and cavernous oak beam structure. Once the refectory for the black canons, it seats 100 guests and has space for a musical quartet. The conservatory, connected to the Edwardian manor house and accessed via a private garden, is surrounded by the mote and overlooks ancient woodlands. It can accommodate 50 of your loved ones. The garden is focused around a chessboard gazebo and is surrounded by mature trees and shrubs, providing a gorgeous setting for al fresco vows. It can seat 120. Receptions are held in the marquee, which boasts a Louis XV- style chandelier. Dressed with local Kentish hops, the chapter room hosts a cosy bar and chequerboard dancefloor – this is where evening entertainment takes place, catering for 150. The west wing of the Edwardian manor is offered for hire to wedding parties wishing to prepare on site. There are four rooms available on a bed and breakfast basis, so there’s somewhere to rest your head at the end of a long day. BLOOMSBURYS BIDDENDEN 01580 292 992 | bloomsburysbiddenden.com Floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on to the garden make this venue bright and airy. The rustic and homely wooden lodge has a simple exterior, hiding a beautifully decorated interior that combines a loving clash of colour and vintage items. The wedding lawn is the perfect place for ceremonies, blessings and games with family and friends. Rustic wooden benches line the aisle, and the gazebo is nestled among flowerbeds and hugged by wisteria. The area can hold 120 of your loved ones. The Lodge is the indoor ceremony area, lit by fairylights and draped with curtains. It too has space for 120. For evening receptions, it has a custom built bar and can hold 150. The Garden Eatery plays host to relaxed celebrations for 120. With its mismatched furniture, heavy farmhouse tables, stacks of vintage books and seasonal flowers picked from the garden, it needs very little else in terms of decoration. Accommodation is available on site at a discounted rate for you and your guests. The venue also offers free access to a range of decor items to add your own character to your nuptials, including blackboards, mirrors, card and present boxes and a vintage suitcase.