Your Kent Wedding - Page number 31 - September/August 2021 (Issue 98)

PENSHURST PLACE AND GARDENS 01892 870 307 | https://weddings.penshurstplace.com Set in an estate of 2,500 acres, the 14 th -century house boasts sandstone walls and an impressive sweeping driveway – the perfect combination of an inspiring castle and an intimate country manor house. Brimming with character, the oldest part of the manor is Baron’s Hall. An awe-inspiring candle-lit space, it has an original firepit, a chestnut single-span roof, arched windows, original suits of armour and Medieval trestle tables. It can accommodate 200 ceremony, 136 dining and 200 evening reception guests. The Sunderland Room sits atop a spiral turret staircase and adjoins the Minstrels Gallery overlooking the Hall. Its part-panelled walls are hung with paintings offering an Elizabethan feel. It can host 136 ceremony, 88 dining and 140 evening reception guests. Also available for ceremonies indoors is The Buttery (40 ceremony, 30 dining and 50 evening guests). If you prefer to exchange vows in the open, the Inner Courtyard surrounded by climbing roses is an option. It can host 120 for your ceremony and 200 for an evening reception. It can accommodate a marquee too, with capacity for 160 dining and 210 evening guests. The South Lawn can also hold a marquee with space for 300 loved ones. There’s even the option to hold a humanist ceremony amongst the formal gardens or wider parkland. FASCINATING FACT Penshurst Place was originally built as a country retreat for the Lord Mayor of London in 1341. It was also once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII and now regularly features in TV and film productions. SOLTON MANOR 01304 448 844 | www.soltonmanor.com Solton Manor offers the perfect blend of a historical luxury manor house and a stunning contemporary converted barn, all nestled amongst 10 acres of glorious gardens and grounds. The beautiful summerhouse in Godric’s Garden, overlooks the Kent countryside and is a wonderful spot to say “I do” al fresco accompanied by 150 guests. Alternatively, inside for receptions as well as vows, you can choose from the Tudor Room (100 guests), the Barn (150 guests), or the more intimate Bell Tower Room (50 ceremony guests and 24 dining). Complimentary use of the Dovecote Cottage is offered for your on-the-day bridal preparations. There’s also accommodation onsite for you and your guests – somewhere to rest your weary heads at the end of a wonderful, albeit tiring, day. Plus, there’ll be an experienced wedding planner on hand to answer any questions you may have and guide you along the way. FASCINATING FACT The history of Solton Manor can be traced back to the Domesday, book compiled in 1086, and boasts Grade II listed status. www.pennyyoungphotography.com https://jamesgristphotography.co.uk https://parkershots.com https://jamesgristphotography.co.uk HISTORICAL VENUES 31