Your Kent Wedding - March/April 2023 (Issue 107)

INN ON THE LAKE 01474 823 333 | www.fcdhotels.co.uk The Inn on the Lake sits on the edge of 12 acres of woodland, and its gorgeous gardens are planted around three natural lakes. The best news is you and your photographer will have access to all of it on the big day, allowing you to capture some truly memorable photographs to treasure forever. You might even get the opportunity to pose with the friendly resident ducks! As the venue’s name implies, the lakes are a real focus of weddings here. From saying “I do” at the water’s edge and beautiful photo opps on the jetty, to a barbecue on the terrace. You can even wake up in the morning and enjoy a coffee (or glass of pre-wedding bubbly) on your bedroom’s lakeside terrace. THE “I DOS” You have the choice of three wonderful locations for your “I dos.” The Lakeside Gazebo, set on the edge of the largest lake is a beautiful outdoor setting seating up to 200 guests, or 250 standing. Alternatively, if you’d rather be indoors or the weather isn’t lending itself to al fresco vows, The Fountain Suite is an option. This is an intimate room with soft drapes, chandeliers and a natural wood floor. It can seat 100 or allow for 130 standing. Finally, The Lakeside Suite is the largest space. It boasts floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows, which flood the room with light, creating stunning panoramic views of the lakes and gardens. It’s decorated with soft white drapes and ornate chandeliers making a romantic canvas for a wedding. It can seat up to 250 guests. THE CELEBRATIONS Receptions take place in the aforementioned Lakeside Suite. With this space you also get exclusive access to the Lakeside Terrace allowing you to enjoy the best of the gorgeous outdoor space all day (and night) long. The suite can host 250 for the wedding breakfast and 300 for the evening bash. UPNOR CASTLE 01634 718 742 www.medway.gov.uk/info/200271/upnor_castle Set in the picturesque riverside village of Upnor, Upnor Castle is a rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fort. Paired with rolling hills, architectural brilliance and natural beauty, your big day here will be captured against a backdrop of history at one of England’s truly timeless places. The Castle is available for weddings from May to September, and is offered for ceremonies only, plus drinks in the grounds. It is often booked in combination with the Corn Exchange in historical Rochester, which provides an equally grand backdrop for wedding receptions and evening celebrations. Wander back in time as you make your way down the enchanting cobbled high street to the grand entrance gates, where you’ll pass through the dramatic, studded oak doors of the gatehouse, finding the grassed inner courtyard beyond. The venue boasts a river view and glorious gardens too. THE “I DOS” Climb the wooden stairs to the upper floor, where you’ll find Upnor Castle’s historical wedding room, which was once a store for munitions. Now, it boasts novel powder-barrel seating, echoing the castle’s past. Here, there’s room for 80 nearest and dearest seated, with a further 20 standing. RELAX AND MINGLE After the ceremony, you’ll be able to enjoy an al fresco drinks reception in the Castle’s gorgeous grounds, where you can sip on champagne and hold court with your guests. With panoramic views of the river, this timeless and historical venue, also provides the picture-perfect backdrop for wedding photos to be treasured forever. https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk 29 WATERSIDE VENUES

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