Best Wedding Venues in Kent: A Guide to Stunning Countryside Celebrations
If you’re searching for the best wedding venues in Kent, you’re already on the right path to planning a truly unforgettable day. I’ve been a wedding photographer in Kent over 14 years and I know it like the back of my hand now! I really feel that Kent offers a beautiful mix of countryside, elegance and unique outdoor spaces. It’s perfect for couples who want a wedding that feels both personal and picturesque.
It can feel quite daunting when you start wedding planning, so I’ve curated a list of some of the best wedding venues in Kent. Each offering something a little different, from rustic barns to safari parks to beautiful woodlands.
Best Wedding Venues in Kent for Unique and Quirky Celebrations
Marleybrook House
Marleybrook House is a very popular venue that stands out for couples who want something a bit different. Not only a stunning venue, but it also has the UK’s largest private fairground which you can hire as part of your wedding. They have dodgems, a waltzer, a big wheel, carousel and rollercoaster, as well as smaller games. It really does have the wow factor, and it always such a fun part of the day. There are also multiple locations for your ceremony, both indoor and outdoor and beautiful gardens and locations for photos. You can check out Tilly and Bill’s Marleybrook House wedding I photographed here.
Preston Court
Preston Court is one of the most distinctive wedding venues in Kent. It is a really cool venue, with its rustic barn to its vintage carousel and it offers such a magical and memorable setting. With multiple locations for your ceremony, all of which are stunning, it is very versatile. You can even ride the vintage carousel (and it’s also somewhere you can have your ceremony!) and it’s always such a great spot for photos. Preston Court is totally fabulous and always makes such an impression on guests, who will be talking about it long after the wedding is over.
Port Lympne
If you’re after something truly unforgettable, Port Lympne offers a wedding experience like no other. Set within a wildlife reserve, couples can celebrate their big day surrounded by incredible scenery, and even go on safari as part of it. Yes, an actual safari in the trucks with all your guests! You can see giraffes, zebras, gorillas, antelope and it’s such a unique and adventurous twist to a wedding. While the safari is a big highlight, the venue is also stunning with multiple locations to use throughout your day and overnight accommodation.
Best Wedding Venues in Kent for Rustic Barn Weddings
The Oak Barn, Frame Farm
The Oak Barn at Frame Farm offers breathtaking countryside views and a beautifully restored barn. It’s ideal for couples dreaming of a rustic yet refined wedding with plenty of outdoor space for photos and celebrations. Plus the valley makes a stunning location for golden hour shots (see below example from Emily and Ollie’s wedding!) Along with the above, it also has ample on site accommodation for you and your guests to simply jump into bed at the end of the party! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing here lots over the years. If you’re interested in this venue, do check out my two blog posts from this venue: Emily and Ollie’s wedding here, and Paige and Aaron’s wedding here, both photographed at The Oak Barn, Frame Farm.
Winters Barns
Winters Barns is a popular choice among couples looking for a romantic barn venue. Featuring exposed oak beams, fairy lights, and gorgeous gardens, it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere all year round. They have on site accommodation and beautiful ceremony locations, including outdoors. Additionally, the team are so wonderful and kind! Check out Hannah and Jack’s Winters Barn wedding I photographed here.
Greenhill Farm
Greenhill Farm is easily one of my favourite Kent wedding venues to photograph at! It is such a beautiful and tranquil location, where you say your vows to each other in the woodland. Afterwards, you walk over through the willow tree to the main field, where you can choose a marquee, tipi or yurt. It’s somewhere you can really put your own stamp on and make your wedding truly unique. The surrounding views of the fields and hills are totally gorgeous and such a good backdrop for golden hour! Altogether, this is a perfect outdoor wedding venue in Kent. Check out Jess and Ben’s gorgeous Greenhill Farm wedding here.
Oak Tree Barn
Oak Tree Barn is a gorgeous rustic venue in Tonbridge which I absolutely adore. The main barn is so stunning (se below!) and I love all of the different areas of the venue. Because it has so much space and a mix of different areas, it feels really flexible. ‘The Love Shack’ which is the outside ceremony area is also so lovely. Another key point is they have on site accommodation for the night before the wedding and wedding night itself. Finally, at night it looks truly magical, with the venue being lit up with festoon lighting, fairy lights and fire pits.
Best Wedding Venues in Kent for Elegance & Garden Settings
Hayne House
For those who want an elegant venue, Hayne House could be the one for you. With its gorgeous gardens and stylish interiors, this venue is really show stopping. The real highlight for me is the orangery, which is so beautiful and bathed in natural light (a photographers dream!) Plus it has options for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, and the team are totally wonderful and efficient. Check out Emily and Harry’s gorgeous Hayne House wedding here.
The Gardens at Yalding
It’s really easy to fall in love with The Gardens at Yalding. Surrounded by gorgeous colours and flowers, it’s a unique setting that feels like a hidden gem. They have four gorgeous ceremony locations, and what I love about this venue is there truly is so much space. You have the entire gardens, the tipis for your speeches and food, and then the barn for the party. It feels like each part of the day is different and I like that you have all these locations to use. Overall, the Gardens at Yalding is a great choice for a beautiful wedding surrounded in nature.
Best Wedding Venues in Kent for Outdoor & Woodland Weddings
Wilderness Wedding Venue
True to its name, Wilderness Wedding Venue is perfect for couples who want a relaxed wedding held within nature. Imagine open fields, a giant hat tipi nestled in the woods and complete flexibility to create a day that reflects your personalities. Plus they have beautiful locations to hold your ceremony, and you can glamp with your guests to make a weekend of it! Check out Danni and Jack’s wedding at Wilderness Wedding Venue here.
The Dreys
One of my favourite venues ever, The Dreys is a woodland venue that feels secluded and totally magical. With its woodland and natural surroundings, it’s perfect for couples looking for a bohemian or a wedding surrounded in nature. I have photographed multiple times here over the years and it’s always a pleasure to work with the on site team, The Wedding Dolls who make sure everything goes perfectly to plan. It is a stunning place to be during the day, but also, a perfect place to party the night away! Afterwards, you can also glamp with your guests to make it proper festival style. Check out Julia and Jordan’s wedding at The Dreys here.
My Final Tips on the Best Wedding Venues in Kent
I really hope this post helped a little on narrowing down some of the best wedding venues in Kent! There’s no one size fits all answer – it all depends on your personalities, style, vision, and the kind of wedding celebration you want to create. Whether you’re drawn to rustic barns, elegant estates, or natural outdoor settings, Kent offers an incredible range of options to suit every couple.
Take your time to explore full weddings on blogs so you can get a vibe from other peoples celebrations. I’d also recommend having a or look around on Instagram. Then visit some venues, imagine your day unfolding in each space, and choose the one that feels right for you. After all, your wedding venue sets the tone for one of the most important days of your life.
Finally, if you’re currently planning your wedding and looking for a relaxed, joyful Kent wedding photographer, do feel free to get in touch with me here!
