A guest blog from English Wedding member Chapel House Estate with images by Fleur Challis

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There is so much to think about when starting out on the wedding planning journey. However, picking your wedding venue is one of the most critical aspects of planning your journey.

Your wedding venue sets the tone for your day, so you must ensure it is perfect. With so many choices out there it can therefore be tough to narrow your search, especially if you want to get married in Kent, one of the most sought-after counties in the country, at an outdoor wedding venue. So, if you are planning on getting married in Kent, there are a few other things to consider and keep in mind when choosing your venue.

Kent is a rural county known as the Garden of England with a history of producing apples and hops. As a result, Kent is home to several charming outdoor wedding venues, each with unique characteristics. So, if you are looking for a quaint, quintessentially Kentish wedding venue, here are our top ten tips to help you to find the perfect wedding venue:

Think about your guest list before booking a viewing.

The first step in choosing a wedding venue is to decide how many guests you will invite. This will help you narrow your search to venues that accommodate your guest list. Once you have a guest count in mind, you can contact venues to see if they are available for show-around – bear in mind they are often busy on weekends hosting weddings, so try to be flexible and opt for a weekday.

Try to be flexible on dates.

We recommend that you know which dates you categorically can’t do but keep an open mind as you might fall in love with a venue only to find they only have specific dates still available to book

Start your search early.

Kent is a hugely popular destination for couples, so it won’t be a surprise to learn that wedding venues get booked up fast in Kent, so start your search as soon as you can

Consider new wedding venues.

It’s so easy to follow in the footsteps of previous couples and book the same venue as someone you know, but why not be a pioneer and book a new venue where everything has been converted or built for you?

It is essential to visit venues before you book to:

• See the amenities
• Get a feel for the overall atmosphere and if it suits your style
• Get a sense of the space and check if the venue can comfortably accommodate all of your guests
• Make sure the staff are professional and capable
• Ensure the grounds are well maintained
• Get a sense of location. For example, you wouldn’t want to book a wedding venue that is next to an industrial estate
• Give yourselves time to ask your specific questions.

After narrowing down your online search, tour all your shortlisted wedding venues before committing to one!

Like viewing a flat or a house, photographs and videos can only tell you so much. So, if you have three viewings booked and you fall in love with the first or even second wedding venue, we recommend you don’t cancel the third viewing.

We always recommend that you follow through on the other viewings as this may serve to solidify your decision, or it might be that unknowingly you have kept the best until last. If you are worried about losing your date, venues should, if asked, hold a date for you up to ten days minimum.

Ask yourself if you want a wedding venue where everything is under one roof, or do you want a church wedding followed by a reception?

Do you have guests traveling from, for example, London, and if so, is there a good transport infrastructure and ample onsite accommodation?

Think about your budget. Consider do you want a small intimate wedding or something more luxurious

Before visiting a wedding venue, check that they have an indoor contingency for your wedding ceremony.

We wish you the very best of luck on your venue search and can’t wait to see your real wedding submissions!

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Pictures with kind thanks to Chapel House Estate, Minster, Kent, which opened on the 31st of July 2022

 

Photography credits:

 

Venue:  https://chapelhouseestate.co.uk

Photographer: http://fleurchallisphotography.com

Wedding Cake: Cakes by the Sea

Florist: https://mimifleur.co.uk

Stationery: https://www.longlivelove.co.uk

Board: Whilst Jude Sleeps

Bus: http://www.rorkiesbus.co.uk

Bridal Gown: https://bridalway.co.uk

Photobooth https://novamemories.co.uk

Concept and Wedding Venue Consultant https://theweddingowl.com

venue: @ChapelHouseEstate Photography @fleurchallisphotographyWedding Cake: @cobi_and_coco_cakesFlorist: @mimi_fleur_wedding_floristStationery: @longliveloveukBoard: @whilstjudesleepsBus: @steve_rorkeBridal Gown @bridalwayPhotobooth @novamemoriesConcept and Wedding Venue Consultant @theweddingowl