A thoughtful guide to the loveliest Kent wedding venues, from charming castles to beautiful barns – with Benjamin Toms Photography
I’ve been incredibly proud of this blog’s UK focus since day one: while other wedding blogs feature weddings all over the world, we’ve shared celebrations closer to home since 2009, and it’s meant I could virtually visit some of the most stunning views around the UK! Kent is one county I feel I know rather well, and that’s thanks to some of the amazing suppliers who’ve supported English Wedding over the last sixteen years. Benjamin Toms is a Kent wedding photographer whose documentary photography style fits the English Wedding blog like a glove. His gorgeous weddings, natural style and calm approach mean he’s a recommended photographer at some of Kent’s best wedding venues – and his knowledge of those spaces is second to none.
I had a chat with Ben the other week, and he’s told me a little about some of the stunning wedding venues in Kent where he’s captured weddings in recent years. I’ve enjoyed finding out more about some of these beauties – and seeing them through the eyes of a photographer who knows Kent and its venues so well has been fabulous. Shall we have a little look at some favourites?
Before you fall in love with every one of these photos and up sticks to move to Kent, let’s share a few tips for choosing a wedding venue!
- Don’t fill your venue to its maximum capacity – your guests need space to relax, to dine with space around them, and to shelter from the rain / heat in comfort
- If you’re having an outdoor wedding, always make sure your venue allows for a beautiful plan B, safe inside where it’s dry and warm – with plenty of space
- Choose somewhere with good transport links if you’re inviting guests who’ll be coming from a distance
- For a really personal wedding, a non-traditional flow to the day, or if you want to bring in your own suppliers, find a venue with a flexible and open-minded approach
- For an easy, relaxed day choose a venue whose close working relationship with key suppliers makes planning your day simple and stress free
- Prepare to compromise on a few things when you’re searching for your perfect venue
- Consider each venue’s approach to sustainability – do their caterers source local, organic food?
- I stumbled across these tips on choosing a wedding venue by Solton Manor – they’re really helpful if you’re not sure where to start.
Our top Kent wedding venues for every couple!
I don’t know if it’s the Kent climate, the rolling countryside or the county’s ever-growing list of vineyards, but the variety of wedding venues in the Garden of England is amazing. Whatever your wedding style, you’ll find a beautiful space to celebrate.
Gardens & outdoor wedding venues in the Kent countryside
Wilderness Weddings
The loveliest space, simply perfect for weddings with up to 40 people. Wilderness Weddings, tucked away in a secret valley just outside Canterbury, Kent, offers woodland ceremonies, tipi receptions and breathtaking natural landscapes. Picture wildflower meadows, ancient woodland, a private lake, and giant tipis glowing beneath a sky full of stars. Completely personal, wonderfully relaxed, and utterly beautiful. Natural wedding photography is perfect for this space. A unique Kent wedding venue, set on a 200-acre eco-farm involved in a re-wilding project for nearly 30 years. https://www.wildernessweddings.co.uk
The Orangery Maidstone
A hidden countryside oasis – with acres of landscaped gardens, and filled with natural light, The Orangery’s variety of backdrops means it’s perfect for relaxed, documentary wedding photography. With beautiful ceremony spaces, including outdoors by the venue’s lake! https://www.theorangerymaidstone.com/
The Secret Garden
A wonderful wedding venue for weddings with personality in a super relaxed and beautiful setting. There is no “one size fits all” approach to weddings at The Secret Garden – this is their ethos, and they understand every wedding is uniquely personal to you as a couple; they’re more than happy to help plan your day exactly as you envision it.
“An intimate and romantic venue surrounded by blooming gardens and peaceful countryside, The Secret Garden offers a warm, relaxed setting ideal for capturing genuine moments naturally.” ~ Benjamin Toms
https://secretgardenkent.co.uk/weddings/
Chafford Park
I’ve been asking wedding suppliers who’ve joined our English Wedding directory for the year they established their business… so it made me smile to read, at the top of Chafford Park’s website, “Established 1740”. The vibe is more modern: “Festival meets luxe elegance”. With a warm and personal atmosphere perfect for candid wedding photography, this is easily one of Kent’s very best wedding venues.
https://wonderlandweddingvenues.co.uk/our-venues/chafford-park-cp/
Crown Lodge
A rustic romantic cabin in the woods, a breathtaking woodland ceremony space, and cosy, rustic vibes. Set in ancient woodland near Ashford, this is a venue full of heart, and embracing the magic of the countryside – their online wedding brochure will steal your heart with descriptions of wildflower meadows, golden light and long days. https://www.crownlodge-kent.co.uk
Castle Wedding Venues in Kent
Westenhanger Castle
Characterful, dreamy and with a fascinating history, Kent’s fairytale medieval castle has ivy covered ruins and ancient stone walls – a stunning backdrop for photos.
“From outdoor ceremonies beside the castle ruins to golden-hour portraits across the lawns, it’s a dream location for relaxed, storytelling photography.” ~ Benjamin Toms
https://www.westenhangercastle.co.uk
Lympne Castle
Lympne doesn’t do “fairytale” by halves: it’s a 12th century building where “you can enjoy all the romance and majesty of a bygone era… and feel like kings and queens for a day”. It’s elegant and charming inside, with incredible panoramic views over Romney Marsh – the perfect Kent venue for romantic, timeless wedding photography. Oh, and their website has cute little arrowheads to help you skip from page to page. I like those!
https://lympnecastle.com/events/#weddings
Kent’s prettiest barn wedding venues
The Oak Barn
An eco venue and one of nature’s most enchanting settings, I adore The Oak Barn. With sweeping rural views and lovingly restored historic barns, this countryside wedding venue near Benenden is a gorgeous retreat for couples planning a sustainable wedding in Kent.
https://www.the-oak-barn.co.uk
The Old Kent Barn
With a promise to “look after you from pyjamas to pyjamas” The Old Kent Barn promises stress-free wedding planning with an award-winning team to hold your hands throughout your planning journey. On the day, they will apparently hoover the lawn (don’t ask me – it’s in their brochure) – and with stunning gardens like these, you’ll have a glorious day in some of Kent’s most beautiful countryside. https://theoldkentbarn.co.uk/weddings
We featured Dilini and Joe’s Old Kent Barn wedding last year – it’s one of the most beautiful, meaningful celebrations I’ve seen and I still adore the images which they – and of course their lovely photographer Benjamin Toms! – shared with us.
Dilini and Joe’s stunning Old Kent Barn wedding, with Benjamin Toms Photography
The Cherry Barn
The Cherry Barn’s open day is on the 29th of March (2026) – a chance for you to visit this cosy, romantic wedding venue and see its rustic, twinkly magic for yourselves. It’s set in a 400 acre working family farm, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and the views are breathtaking.
https://thecherrybarn.co.uk/venue
Preston Court
Few wedding venues can claim to be as unique as Preston Court – with its vintage dancehall organ, 1870s carousel, island and lakes, there’s everything here for a wedding full of character, quirkiness and personality.
“Having photographed many weddings here, I love how its variety of spaces creates endless opportunities for relaxed, natural photography throughout the day.” ~ Benjamin Toms
https://www.prestoncourt.co.uk/weddings
Country house Kent wedding venues
Chapel House Estate
Flexibility is a big deal at Chapel House Estate: marry inside in the Granary or outdoors in the Wild Apple Orchard, and celebrate in the Glass Courtyard. There’s a Twilight wedding option too! Chapel House Estate is private and family-run, and has a sustainable approach to weddings using home-grown produce, local partnerships, and eco-friendly practices. A lovely venue for timeless and romantic, natural wedding photography. https://chapelhouseestate.co.uk/weddings
Solton Manor
Solton Manor’s lovely – in fact, it’s exquisite. I know it’s one of Ben’s favourites, so he describes it best: “One of my favourite Kent wedding venues and a place where I’m proud to be a preferred supplier, Solton Manor offers historic character, beautiful gardens, and a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere that photographs beautifully in every season.”
With a fabulous history and a brilliant trusted supplier list, Solton Manor has glorious gardens, a huge barn and everything you need for a relaxed, exclusive wedding.
https://www.soltonmanor.com
Kent’s relaxed wedding venues
The Ferry House
A coastal wedding venue nestled between estuaries and surrounded by wildlife, The Ferry House is opening its brand new Spring Barn in April. If you want breathtaking sunsets, you can’t go far wrong – and with a promise of delicious home-farmed and Kent grown produce it’s sustainable too. https://www.theferryhouse.co.uk/weddings
The Night Yard
With its charming courtyard and characterful spaces, The Night Yard is a little gem – and if you’d like to include your dog as your ring bearer, they’re super keen! Check the website – dogs get top billing! It’s lovely for outdoor weddings, with orchards and birdsong – and all the relaxed vibes for a perfectly chilled wedding. https://thenightyard.com/wedding-options
Benjamin Toms Photography is a member of English Wedding
- An experienced documentary wedding photographer based in Canterbury, Kent
- Photographing Kent, UK and destination weddings
- UK member of Fearless Photographers
- Find Benjamin Toms under Kent Wedding Photographers on Hitched
- Listed in Bridebook: Kent wedding photographer
- And of course, on English Wedding as one of the UK’s best documentary wedding photographers in Kent
I’m a huge fan of Benjamin Toms’ documentary wedding photography. His thoughtful, perceptive and creative style stands out from the crowd of wedding photographers in the UK.
If you’re looking for wedding photography to capture the spirit and atmosphere of your day, to tell the story of your wedding as a beautiful narrative full of emotion, laughter and love, then Benjamin Toms is one of the best and comes very highly recommended by English Wedding.
He’s a lovely guy, down to earth, friendly and professional.
“I capture the people, the atmosphere, the emotion, and the love. When seen collectively, they tell the entire story of the day. Your photos should make you travel back to your special day every time you look at them.”
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