Kent offers some of England’s finest wedding venues, from medieval castles to Victorian country estates. But with so many options, how do you find the one that’s right for you? This guide covers everything you need to know — from budgets and capacity to questions you should ask on every viewing.

Why Kent Is One of England’s Top Wedding Destinations

Known as the Garden of England, Kent combines rolling countryside, historic architecture, and excellent transport links. London is under an hour away by train, while Gatwick and Heathrow are easily reachable for international guests. The county has over 150 licensed wedding venues, ranging from intimate barns to grand stately homes.

Areas like Royal Tunbridge Wells, the Weald, Canterbury, and the North Downs each offer a distinct character — from spa-town elegance to medieval charm. Unlike many counties, Kent has a high density of venues with on-site accommodation, which means your guests can stay the night and enjoy a relaxed wedding weekend.

Six Things to Consider When Choosing a Kent Wedding Venue

Before you start viewing venues, it helps to know what matters most. Here are the six factors that make the biggest difference:

Guest Capacity: Kent venues range from intimate (20 guests) to grand (300+). Confirm both ceremony and reception capacities — they often differ. Check that evening reception numbers can increase if needed.

On-Site Accommodation: Venues with bedrooms save your guests the cost and hassle of taxis. Some estates offer 40+ rooms plus self-catering cottages, turning your wedding into a weekend celebration. See our guide to wedding venues with accommodation in Kent.

Outdoor Spaces: If an outdoor ceremony matters to you, check the venue is licensed and has a covered backup. Kent’s unpredictable weather makes a wet-weather plan essential. Read more about outdoor ceremony venues in Kent.

Ceremony Licence: Not all venues are licensed for civil ceremonies. If you want both ceremony and reception in one place, confirm the licence covers your preferred space (indoors and out).

Location and Access: Consider proximity to train stations and motorways. Central Kent (Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge) offers the best balance of countryside charm and London accessibility.

Availability and Season: Peak season (May–September) commands premium prices. Autumn and winter weddings can save 20–30% and offer a cosier atmosphere with log fires and candlelight.

Types of Wedding Venue in Kent

Kent’s diversity means there’s a venue for every style:

Country house estates — Grand houses set in parkland, offering exclusive use, multiple event spaces, and accommodation. Examples include Salomons Estate and Chilston Park.

Castles — Dramatic backdrops for photography. Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, and Lympne Castle are popular choices.

Barns and farms — Rustic charm with exposed beams and countryside views. The Barn at Tunbridge Wells and Winters Barns near Canterbury are well-known.

Hotels — Convenient for guests, often with wedding coordinators on-site. Eastwell Manor and the Spa Hotel are popular options.

Gardens and outdoor venues — For couples who want an al fresco celebration. Check our guide to outdoor ceremony venues in Kent.

What Does a Kent Wedding Venue Cost?

Costs vary significantly by venue type, day, and season. Here’s a rough guide for 2026:

Barn or rustic venues: £3,000–£6,000 for venue hire, £8,000–£15,000 all-inclusive for 80 guests.

Hotels: £2,000–£5,000 for venue hire, £7,000–£18,000 all-inclusive for 80 guests.

Country house estates: £5,000–£12,000 for venue hire, £12,000–£25,000 all-inclusive for 80 guests.

Castles: £6,000–£15,000 for venue hire, £15,000–£30,000 all-inclusive for 80 guests.

Weekday bookings and off-peak months (November to March) can reduce costs by 20–30%.

12 Questions to Ask on Every Venue Viewing

Is exclusive use included or an optional extra?
What is the maximum capacity for ceremony and reception?
How many bedrooms are available on-site?
Is there a late-night music licence, and until what time?
Can we bring our own caterers, or is there a preferred list?
What is the corkage charge for bringing our own wine?
Is there a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies?
What is included in the hire fee (tables, chairs, linens)?
Are there any date restrictions or minimum spend requirements?
What parking is available, and is it free for guests?
Can we hold a ceremony rehearsal?
Is there a dedicated wedding coordinator on the day?

Considering Salomons Estate?

Salomons Estate is a Grade II* listed Victorian mansion set in 36 acres of parkland near Royal Tunbridge Wells. With 47 bedrooms, 6 self-catering cottages, exclusive use as standard, and 8 ceremony and reception spaces for 10 to 220 guests — it ticks every box on the checklist above.

Ready to see it for yourself? Book a viewing or explore our weddings pages to learn more.

Wedding Venue Search Timeline

When should you start looking? Here’s a recommended timeline:

18–24 months before: Start researching venues online. Create a shortlist of 5–8.

15–18 months before: Book viewings at your top 3–4 venues. Visit on different days if possible.

12–15 months before: Secure your venue with a deposit. Popular Saturday dates in summer book earliest.

12 months before: Book photographer, caterer, and other key suppliers. Your venue may have recommended lists.

6 months before: Finalise table plans, menu choices, and ceremony details with your venue coordinator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a wedding venue in Kent?

Most popular Kent wedding venues book 12 to 18 months ahead for peak season (May to September). For winter or weekday weddings, 6 to 9 months is often sufficient. Popular dates like bank holiday weekends and Valentine’s Day book up earliest.

What is the average cost of a wedding venue in Kent?

Kent wedding venue hire ranges from £3,000 to £15,000 depending on the venue, day, and season. All-inclusive packages typically cost £8,000 to £25,000 for 80 to 120 guests. Weekday bookings and off-peak months (November to March) can reduce costs by 20 to 30 per cent.

What questions should I ask when viewing a wedding venue?

Key questions include: Is exclusive use included? What is the corkage policy? Are there noise curfew restrictions? Is on-site accommodation available? What backup plans exist for outdoor ceremonies? Are there preferred supplier lists or can you bring your own? What is included in the hire fee versus extras?

Are outdoor wedding ceremonies legal in Kent?

Yes. Since 2022, licensed outdoor ceremony structures have been available at many Kent venues. Salomons Estate, Hever Castle and several other venues hold outdoor ceremony licences. Check that the venue has a covered backup space in case of poor weather.

What are the most popular areas in Kent for weddings?

The most popular Kent wedding areas include Royal Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Canterbury, Sevenoaks and the Weald of Kent. Tunbridge Wells is particularly favoured for its proximity to London (under an hour by train) combined with the rural Kent countryside.

How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Kent: 2026 Guide