Your Kent Wedding - March/April 2024 (Issue 113)

WEST HEATH WEDDINGS 01732 468 993 | https://westheathweddings.com Set in 32 acres of stunning Kent countryside, West Heath is an impressive 18th-century manor house. Approached by a sweeping drive, there’s a turning circle at the front of the property that ensures a grand entrance for the couple and their guests. Its beautiful grounds, large south-facing lawn, and surrounding gardens are home to a stunning collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, originally dating back to the 1790s. The property is encircled by mature woodland with a huge ancient Lebanese cedar tree that provides an impressive backdrop. From the spacious foyer to the intimate bridal suite, all rooms are classically designed in Georgian style, boasting high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and a neutral colour scheme. With an abundance of original marble fireplaces, oak panelling, polished floors and intricate details throughout, West Heath really is a breathtaking venue. On-site ceremonies are held in the Red Room which has full-height Georgian windows, a charming fireplace and impressive pillars. The spacious room can hold up to 90 people for a ceremony. In the evening it’s transformed into a comfortable chill-out room with soft seating. The venue is also licensed to hold ceremonies outside on the southfacing lawn behind the Recital Room. The Recital Room embodies elegance and grandeur with three crystal chandeliers and French windows leading out to beautiful lawns. Light and airy, it’s the perfect setting for the wedding breakfast and evening reception with up to 100 guests. Leading out from the Recital Room, there’s paved veranda area with outside seating, south-facing lawn and 32 acres of grounds for guests to enjoy. The Oak Room is a beautiful wood-panelled room with another grand fireplace, this room houses the mobile bar for events, while The Diana Room − a tranquil space upstairs − can be used the morning of the wedding, or to unwind during the day. A comfortable and warm double aspect room, it has plenty of natural light which is perfect for the bridal party getting ready. When tying the knot here, couples benefit from a free menu tasting experience. Exclusive use of the property for the whole weekend means couples can bring their belongings and decorate the venue from Friday afternoon and do not need to collect anything until Sunday morning. PENSHURST PLACE AND GARDENS 01892 870 307 | weddings.penshurstplace.com Complemented by 11 acres of formal gardens, couples who marry at Penshurst Place are blessed with a collection of beautiful, seasonal backdrops. Crenelations line this historic family home, giving castleappeal to its beautiful sandstone façade. Couples and their guests will arrive via the sweeping private driveway to the north side of the house, where they can enjoy access into the King’s Tower – an area which is never open to the public! Step inside the historic manor house of Penshurst Place and discover unmatched original features. From the 60-feet-high beamed ceiling of the Baron’s Hall which is illuminated by large Gothic-style windows and features a crackling central fire, to the gorgeous wood-panelled Sunderland Room, this historic venue provides romance and character in abundance. Surrounded by centuries old sandstone walls, beautifully manicured lawn fringed with sweetly fragranced blooms, the secluded Inner Courtyard is an ideal location for greeting your guests with a drink and canapé reception during the warmer months. As the weather can be unpredictable throughout the year, there’s a suitable back-up event space which can host up to 140 standing guests, or 100 seated loved ones. The fairytale setting of the Nut Garden provides a more informal setting for a ceremony. Boasting a wooden pergola found within the formal gardens, couples have the chance to make all of the gardens their aisle, as they stroll through historic orchards before taking their seat. Inside, The Sunderland Room is a charming space ideal for small to medium gatherings of up to 100 seated guests or 140 standing. Entered via an original oak spiral staircase, your guests will be inspired by fine portraiture hanging from the half-panelled walls and warmed by an open fireplace. This room is also perfect for those looking for an event suite with a separate break-out space, with the ability to partition the room via heavy, floor-length curtains. Receptions take place in the Baron’s Hall for gatherings of up to 136 seated loved ones. Built in 1341, it’s one of few surviving Medieval halls in England. This unique space boasts a beamed ceiling, open fire, candelabra, and historical artefacts for guests to discover. When choosing this big-day venue, couples benefit from a complimentary menu tasting when booking a wedding reception. https://jeffoliverphotography.com https://parkershots.com https://florenceberry.com https://florenceberry.com 25 LOCAL VENUES

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