Your Kent Wedding - March/April 2021 (Issue 95)

THE OLD KENT BARN 01303 844 270 | www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-framed tythe barn, bursting with character. It now acts as the accommodation for the venue, complete with a luxurious newlywed suite and two double ensuite rooms. The design of the New Barn, where receptions are held, is both opulent and neutral to coordinate with any theme. The large windows make this a beautifully bright and airy space, complemented by the light tiled floor throughout. The solid wood dancefloor and stage area are softened with ivory drapes, fairylights surround the beams and a magical starlit ceiling welcomes you for your first dance. There’s capacity for 150 seated guests with up to 250 for the evening. The stunning grounds are professionally landscaped creating formal parterres with romantic roses, sweeping curved hedges and an informal water garden with a fountain, all set against a backdrop of mature trees and countryside. Here you’ll find the classic wooden gazebo, which hosts outdoor ceremonies, complete with a paved area to the front where guests can sit underneath the cover of elegant glass pergolas. The gardens are lit up in the evening with picture perfect fairylit areas, which create a truly magical setting. There’s even a fabulous dressing room available to you from 7.30 on the morning of your wedding. It boasts an ensuite, digital TV, music speaker, air conditioning, plenty of mirrors, dress hooks and complimentary refreshments, with the attentive staff on hand. What more could we possibly wish for? BILSINGTON PRIORY 01233 720 992 | www.bilsingtonpriory.co.uk Steeped in history, the priory was built in 1253 for the canons regular of St Augustine’s. This grand monastic building retains its Medieval structure, composed of Kentish ragstone, and alongside the marquee the remains of the old cloisters can be found. A Grade I listed heritage building, the Priory once provided hospitality for local travellers and pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. Set in seven acres of mature landscaped gardens, surrounded by a moat and the abbot’s former fishponds, the Priory is a photographer’s paradise. Its secluded rural position offers an exclusive setting, that’s still only 15 minutes from Ashford. Options for your “I dos” include the Grand Ceremony Room and the conservatory, as well as the gardens, hosting between 50 and 120 guests. Then, for your afternoon and evening celebrations you can move into the 12 x 12 lined marquee or the Chapter Room, both able to accommodate 150 guests. The west wing of the beautiful Edwardian manor is available for wedding party preparations. It comes complete with four-poster bed and gorgeous views to enjoy while you’re sipping bubbly and having your make-up done. There are also four rooms available on a bed and breakfast basis for you and some guests to rest your weary heads at the end of the day. www.chr islawsonphotography.co.uk We love… THE HISTORICAL SETTING We love… THE AL FRESCO CEREMONY AREA www.oleg ssamsonovsphotography.com www.oleg ssamsonovsphotography.com www.chr islawsonphotography.co.uk 28