Best Wedding Venues in KentExpert Guide 2026
Compare Kent's top wedding venues by accommodation, exclusive use, location, and price
Why Choose Kent for Your Wedding?
Kent, known as the 'Garden of England', has established itself as one of the UK's premier wedding destinations. Combining countryside beauty with convenient proximity to London (most venues are 45-75 minutes from central London), Kent offers couples the best of both worlds - stunning historic venues in breathtaking landscapes, without the travel complications of more distant destinations.
The county boasts an exceptional variety of wedding venues: medieval castles with moats and towers, Victorian mansions set in sprawling estates, elegant Georgian country houses, and rustic converted barns. Whether you envision a fairytale castle wedding, an intimate country house celebration, or a grand affair in a historic mansion, Kent delivers.
This guide compares the top 10 wedding venues across Kent, examining key factors like guest capacity, on-site accommodation, exclusive use availability, distance from London, and price ranges. We've included a mix of price points and styles to help you find your perfect match.
Top 10 Wedding Venues in Kent
In-depth reviews of Kent's finest wedding venues, including capacity, accommodation, and what makes each unique
Salomons Estate
Tunbridge Wells • 45 min from London
Salomons Estate stands out as Kent's premier wedding venue for couples seeking both grandeur and convenience. The Victorian mansion, built in 1829, combines historic elegance with modern facilities across 36 acres of stunning gardens. What truly sets Salomons apart is the accommodation - 47 en-suite bedrooms plus 6 self-catering cottages mean up to 110 guests can stay on-site, far exceeding any other Kent venue. This makes it ideal for destination weddings or couples with guests travelling from afar. The estate offers unparalleled flexibility with 8 different ceremony and reception spaces, from intimate settings for 20 to grand halls for 350. The licensed outdoor ceremony area accommodates 220 guests with the Victorian mansion as a backdrop. Exclusive use packages allow complete privacy and extended celebration times. The in-house catering team uses locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and the venue's proximity to London (45 minutes) makes it accessible without compromising the countryside feel.
Key Highlights
- Largest on-site accommodation in Kent (110+ guests)
- Victorian mansion set in 36 acres of grounds
- 8 ceremony and reception spaces
- Licensed outdoor ceremonies for 220 guests
- Exclusive use available
- 45 minutes from London
- Parking for 150+ cars
Leeds Castle
Maidstone • 55 min from London
Leeds Castle offers a truly fairytale wedding experience. This medieval castle, often called 'the loveliest castle in the world', sits on two islands surrounded by a moat. With 900 years of history, it provides an unmatched historic setting. The castle offers multiple ceremony spaces including the Maiden's Tower and Chapel. Reception spaces range from intimate rooms to larger banqueting halls. The 500 acres of grounds provide spectacular photo opportunities. On-site accommodation is available in 29 bedrooms, though this fills quickly. Exclusive use is possible on select dates at premium pricing.
Key Highlights
- Medieval castle surrounded by moat
- 900 years of history
- 500 acres of parkland
- Fairytale setting
Chilston Park Hotel
Lenham, near Maidstone • 60 min from London
Chilston Park is a magnificent Grade I listed country house dating from the 17th century. Set in 22 acres of landscaped gardens, it combines historic grandeur with hotel convenience. The venue offers multiple ceremony options including outdoor ceremonies in the gardens and indoor ceremonies in elegant period rooms. With 53 bedrooms, it's one of the better-equipped venues for overnight guests after Salomons. The restaurant offers fine dining and wedding breakfasts can be tailored to your preferences.
Key Highlights
- Grade I listed country house
- 53 bedrooms for guests
- 22 acres of grounds
- Licensed outdoor ceremonies
Hever Castle
Edenbridge • 50 min from London
Hever Castle combines Tudor history with Edwardian grandeur. Famous as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, this 13th-century castle offers a truly historic wedding setting. The Italian Garden, Rose Garden, and lakeside areas provide stunning ceremony backdrops. The Astor Wing accommodation houses 28 luxury bedrooms. Wedding ceremonies take place in the Astor Wing's pavilion or outdoors (weather dependent). Capacity reaches 250 for larger celebrations. The venue's rich history and immaculate gardens make it a premium choice, reflected in the pricing.
Key Highlights
- Childhood home of Anne Boleyn
- Tudor castle with Italian gardens
- 125 acres of grounds
- Historic moat and lake
Knowle Country House
Sevenoaks • 40 min from London
Knowle Country House is an elegant Georgian manor set in 8 acres of gardens in the heart of Sevenoaks. Its proximity to London (just 40 minutes) makes it convenient for guests, while still providing a countryside retreat. The venue offers 40 bedrooms for overnight guests, multiple ceremony rooms, and beautifully landscaped gardens for outdoor drinks receptions. Exclusive use is available, giving you complete privacy. The venue's intimate scale suits couples wanting a more personal celebration while still accommodating up to 150 guests.
Key Highlights
- Georgian country house
- 40 bedrooms on-site
- Award-winning gardens
- Close to London (40 min)
Lympne Castle
Hythe • 75 min from London
Lympne Castle offers medieval grandeur at a more accessible price point. Perched on a hilltop overlooking Romney Marsh and the English Channel, it provides breathtaking views. The castle dates back to the 11th century and features the impressive Great Hall for ceremonies and receptions. With 28 bedrooms on-site and exclusive use available, it's suitable for intimate to mid-sized weddings. The location in East Kent means it's further from London (75 minutes) but this is reflected in more competitive pricing.
Key Highlights
- Medieval castle with coastal views
- Panoramic views across Romney Marsh
- Historic Great Hall
- Affordable luxury
Eastwell Manor
Ashford • 65 min from London
Eastwell Manor combines luxury hotel amenities with historic country house elegance. The manor sits within 3,000 acres of private estate, providing dramatic landscapes for photography. With 62 bedrooms, it has strong accommodation capacity for guests. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, with several reception rooms accommodating different guest counts. The on-site spa is a bonus for pre-wedding pampering. Exclusive use is occasionally available but at premium pricing due to the hotel operation.
Key Highlights
- Luxury hotel and spa
- 62 bedrooms
- 3,000 acres of estate
- Multiple ceremony spaces
Great Barn at Headcorn
Headcorn • 55 min from London
The Great Barn offers a rustic, DIY-friendly wedding experience at a lower price point. This converted barn provides a blank canvas for couples wanting to create their own vision. Licensed for civil ceremonies and with capacity for 130 guests, it suits couples seeking a relaxed, countryside feel. The venue doesn't offer on-site accommodation, so guests stay in nearby Headcorn hotels or B&Bs. Exclusive use comes standard, and the venue allows external caterers, giving budget flexibility.
Key Highlights
- Rustic barn wedding venue
- DIY-friendly
- Licensed for ceremonies
- More affordable option
Nurstead Court
Meopham, near Gravesend • 45 min from London
Nurstead Court is a 13th-century manor house offering medieval charm at accessible prices. The venue provides exclusive use as standard and is licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The Great Hall accommodates up to 120 guests for receptions. Without on-site accommodation, guests stay in nearby hotels in Gravesend or Meopham (both have good options). The venue allows external caterers, providing cost flexibility. Its proximity to London (45 minutes) and the M20/M25 makes it convenient for guests.
Key Highlights
- Medieval manor house
- Licensed for outdoor ceremonies
- Flexible catering options
- Good value
The Watermill
Penshurst • 50 min from London
The Watermill offers a unique wedding setting in a converted 18th-century watermill beside the River Medway. Best suited to intimate weddings of up to 100 guests, it provides a charming, rustic atmosphere. The venue is licensed for ceremonies and offers exclusive use. The riverside location and water features create beautiful photo opportunities. Without on-site accommodation, guests stay in Penshurst or nearby Tunbridge Wells (10 minutes away). This venue appeals to couples seeking character and intimacy over grandeur.
Key Highlights
- Converted watermill
- Riverside setting
- Intimate and unique
- Good for smaller weddings
How to Choose Your Kent Wedding Venue
Key factors to consider when comparing wedding venues in Kent
Guest Count & Capacity
First, determine your guest list size. Kent venues range from intimate settings for 20 guests to grand spaces for 350+. Consider both your ceremony and reception numbers - they often differ as some guests attend only the evening reception.
Pro tip: Always ask about minimum numbers for peak season. Many venues require minimum guest counts on Saturdays in summer.
On-Site Accommodation
On-site accommodation is invaluable for destination weddings or when many guests travel from afar. Salomons Estate leads with 110+ overnight guests, while most Kent venues accommodate 20-40 guests on-site.
Pro tip: Check whether accommodation is included in packages or charged separately. Also confirm booking processes - some venues require guests to book directly.
Exclusive Use
Exclusive use gives you the entire venue and grounds to yourselves. This provides complete privacy, flexibility with timings, and ensures no other events happen simultaneously. It's particularly valuable if you want to extend celebrations late or start early with preparations.
Pro tip: Exclusive use often comes at a premium but may be included for certain days (e.g., Sundays) or off-peak dates.
Season & Timing
Peak season (May-September) offers best weather but commands premium pricing and requires early booking (12-18 months advance). Off-peak months (November-March) offer better rates and more availability.
Pro tip: Consider Friday or Sunday weddings for better rates and availability. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer beautiful settings with less competition.
Budget Considerations
Wedding venue costs in Kent vary significantly based on day of the week, season, guest count, and inclusions:
- Venue hire only: £2,000-£8,000 (peak season Saturdays at the higher end)
- All-inclusive packages (100 guests): £10,000-£25,000 (including venue, food, drinks, accommodation)
- Exclusive use premium: +£2,000-£5,000 typically
- Off-peak discounts: 20-40% lower than peak season
Hidden costs to ask about: Corkage fees, supplier restrictions, service charges, overtime charges, cake-cutting fees, and whether VAT is included in quoted prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Kent wedding venues
Ready to Visit Salomons Estate?
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Call us: 01892 515152