Your Kent Wedding - January/February 2024 (Issue 112)

THE CASTLE WESTENHANGER 01303 261 068 | www.westenhangercastle.co.uk The Castle Westenhanger is situated just outside the historic market town of Hythe. The scheduled ancient monument is surrounded by 14 acres of magnificent countryside, where couples can find countless photo opportunities. This fortified, quadrangular manor house, dating back to 1343, is a hidden gem and has been sympathetically restored in recent years; beautiful sash windows symmetrically line the front of the manor house and ancient ruins surround the venue. The venue’s interior is quirky and full of character, with surprises to be found at every turn: flagstone flooring, exposed brick walls, beautiful wooden beams − all tell the story of this historic venue. There’s also a unique and romantic dovecote with 400 nesting boxes, glowing candles, and twinkling lights cascading from the ceiling. The quirky room is perfect for intimate wedding photos and holds a special place in the hearts of many couples who have tied the knot at The Castle Westenhanger. For ceremonies the venue’s outdoor ceremony area, The Gazebo, seats up to 120 guests. Its enchanting, thatched roof and oak-frame is positioned on the castle lawn and enjoys spectacular views of the castle and Medieval ruins, including the intriguing Rosamund’s Tower. Inside, The Banqueting Hall seats up to 120 guests, with exposed wooden beams, beautiful brickwork, and Medieval windows, the former banqueting hall promises an unforgettable indoor ceremony option. For larger ceremonies the marquee, positioned on the castle lawn, has views of the ruins and provides a perfect location for up to 300 guests. Alongside the indoor ceremony area, there are two spacious getting ready rooms for the couple to use with traditional features including, a cosy open fire and luxurious roll-top bath. All wedding receptions take place in the Medieval-style marquee, seating up to 300 guests, the marquee has sweeping drapes, magnificent chandeliers, large bar and a starlit ceiling above the spacious dancefloor. For couples that have booked this venue, The Castle Westenhanger hosts a number of VIP events throughout the year to provide an opportunity to meet the team and recommended suppliers, taste the culinary delights provided by its in-house chefs, and gather ideas for their own special day. PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE 01303 234 111 | www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/weddings An enchanting and unique setting draped in history, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is Kent’s largest wildlife reserve, set within 600 acres of magnificent private parkland and home to 900 wild endangered animals. With picture-perfect panoramic views of the English Channel and Romney Marsh, the reserve’s centrepiece, the Grade II* listed Port Lympne Mansion, surrounded by 14 acres of landscaped gardens, is regarded as one of England’s finest country houses, which has entertained royalty, aristocracy, prominent politicians, and playwrights for over a century. The historic gardens are a fascinating mix of formal, fruiteries and architectural elements that complement the elegant 1920s mansion. Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is fully licensed for ceremonies; the stunning pergola (110 guests), tucked away within the ancient whispering walled garden, is a whimsically romantic setting to exchange vows. The second outdoor option is the exclusive-use Moroccan Courtyard (25); located in the mansion itself featuring marble columns, antique brass lanterns, water fountains and dramatic, pink, floral-adorned walls. For vows inside, the mansion boasts delightful mural-painted rooms by famous English artists such as Rex Whistler, Spencer Roberts and Martin Jordan. The Spencer Roberts room seats 50 for the ceremony, and 30 for the wedding breakfast. The Long room can be used for wedding ceremonies of up to 100 guests (wedding breakfasts 50) and has wonderful views over the reserve. The venue’s strikingly spectacular glass Orangery and terrace is available for exclusive-use to dine and dance the night away. It has a built-in bar, dancefloor, cloakroom and luxury washrooms, with a capacity of 120 for a banquet, 90 with dinner dance-style seating, or 72 cabaret-style. For more intimate gatherings of up to 50 guests, the elegant mansion drawing rooms and terraces are perfect − the strikingly original décor is enhanced by stunning sea views. When tying the knot here, couples benefit from a menu tasting included in the package for the couple, as well as a one-night stay in the bridal suite in the mansion on the wedding night. A private guided safari can be arranged for couples and their guests, creating perfect wedding album moments. These unique tours are like nothing else in the UK, offering a journey through the park’s vast Kentish savannah, seeing such iconic animals as giraffe, rhino, wildebeest, and zebra against a breathtaking coastline backdrop. www.thecapturedpicturecompany.com https://b-photography.co.uk 22

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