Getting Married
in Kent
Everything you need to know about planning your perfect wedding in the Garden of England — from ceremony types and legal requirements to local suppliers and insider tips.
Why Kent Is Perfect for Weddings
Kent has been a sought-after wedding destination for centuries. With its rolling countryside, historic manor houses, award-winning vineyards and easy access from London, it offers everything you need for an unforgettable celebration. Whether you dream of a grand country house wedding or an intimate garden ceremony, Kent has a venue and style to match.
The Garden of England
Rolling hills, ancient woodlands, orchards and vineyards. Kent's natural beauty provides a stunning backdrop for weddings throughout the year.
Easy to Reach
Under an hour from London by train, 30 minutes from Gatwick Airport, and well connected via the M25 and M20. Your guests can reach Kent from across the country with ease.
Outstanding Local Produce
Kent is home to award-winning vineyards, craft breweries, artisan cheesemakers, and some of the finest local produce in England. Many venues offer menus showcasing the best of Kentish food and drink.
Accommodation for Every Budget
From on-site manor house bedrooms and luxury cottages to charming village pubs and boutique hotels, Kent offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every guest.
World-Class Suppliers
Kent has a thriving wedding industry with exceptional photographers, florists, caterers, bands and stylists. Many have years of experience working at the county's finest venues.
Beautiful in Every Season
Spring blossom, summer roses, golden autumn leaves, and frosty winter gardens — Kent weddings are magical throughout the year, each season offering its own character.
Types of Wedding Ceremony in Kent
Kent offers a wonderful variety of ceremony styles. Understanding your options early will help you plan the perfect day.
Civil Ceremonies
The most popular choice in Kent. A civil ceremony is conducted by Kent County Council registrars — known locally as a Kentish Ceremony — at a licensed venue. The registrars attend your chosen venue, perform the ceremony and complete all legal paperwork. Fees are paid directly to the council, separate from your venue costs.
View our ceremony spacesReligious Ceremonies
Kent has beautiful churches and religious buildings across the county. Many couples marry in a local church and then travel to their reception venue. If you are marrying away from your home parish, some churches require banns to be read in both parishes — check with your chosen church early in your planning.
Celebrant-Led Ceremonies
A celebrant creates a fully personalised ceremony unique to you as a couple. There are no restrictions on content — you can include any readings, rituals or traditions you wish. The legal formalities can be completed separately at a register office before or after your wedding day.
Outdoor Ceremonies
Many Kent venues are licensed for outdoor ceremonies, allowing you to marry surrounded by the county's beautiful countryside. At Salomons Estate, our outdoor ceremony area is set against 36 acres of grounds with the Victorian manor as your backdrop. Indoor backup is always available.
Explore outdoor ceremoniesAt Salomons Estate, we welcome all ceremony types and all couples. Our four licensed ceremony spaces — including The Theatre, The Gold Room, The Garden Room and The Conservatory — cater for ceremonies of 20 to 220 guests.
Explore all ceremony spaces
“One wedding per day, 47 bedrooms, 36 acres — your celebration, nobody else's.”
What You Need to Know
Give Notice of Marriage
Both partners must give notice at their local register office at least 28 days before the ceremony. You will need to bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of address, and details of where and when you plan to marry. If either partner is a foreign national, the notice period may be extended to 70 days. You can find more information on the Kent County Council website.
Book Your Registrar
For civil ceremonies in Kent, you will need to book registrars through A Kentish Ceremony. Registrar fees are paid directly to Kent County Council and are separate from your venue costs. Popular dates book up quickly, so we recommend contacting them as soon as you have confirmed your venue and date.
Witnesses
You will need at least two witnesses aged 16 or over to be present at your ceremony. Most couples choose close friends or family members for this role.
Age Requirements
Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry in England and Wales. There are no upper age limits.
Your Kent Wedding Checklist
Tick off tasks as you go — your progress is saved automatically. Every wedding is different, but this covers the essentials.
Already have your date? Our recommended suppliers page features trusted Kent wedding professionals who know Salomons Estate inside out.
Make It Uniquely Kent
Kent Wines & Sparkling
Kent's vineyards produce some of England's finest sparkling wines, rivalling Champagne. Ask your venue about serving Kentish sparkling for your toast — it is a wonderful conversation starter and supports local producers.
Seasonal, Local Menus
The best Kent wedding menus showcase seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From Romney Marsh lamb to Kentish strawberries, the county's produce is outstanding. At Salomons Estate, our in-house catering team creates bespoke menus using the finest local and seasonal ingredients.
Local Florals
Kent's flower farms offer beautiful British-grown blooms throughout the year. Using locally grown flowers reduces your carbon footprint and supports Kentish growers. Our recommended florists can advise on seasonal availability.
Transport & Accommodation
Getting Here
By train: Tunbridge Wells is 45–55 minutes from London (Charing Cross / London Bridge).
By car: Direct access via the A21 from the M25, approximately 40 minutes from London.
By air: Gatwick Airport is 30 minutes away; Heathrow is 75 minutes.
Parking: Salomons Estate has ample free parking for all guests.
Tip: book local taxis in advance. Ride-hailing services can be limited in rural Kent, particularly late at night.
Where to Stay
Salomons Estate offers more on-site accommodation than almost any other Kent wedding venue — 47 bedrooms within the manor house and six luxury self-catering cottages sleeping up to 30 additional guests. This means your wedding party can stay together without anyone needing taxis.
For overflow guests, Tunbridge Wells town centre is just five minutes away and has a wide range of hotels and B&Bs.
View our accommodationPlan Your Kent Wedding
Speak to our wedding team about your plans. We would love to show you around the estate.
