Your Kent Wedding - May/June 2025 (Issue 120)

HAVENFIELD HALL 01634 669 758 | www.havenfieldhall.com Havenfield Hall is hidden away from public roads; as you pass through the front gates and approach the house, its grand scale becomes apparent. The rear of the house opens onto the gardens, where guests have seating so they can make use of the space provided. The exclusiveuse venue is fully surrounded on all sides by acres of well-kept gardens, fields and woodlands. The interior has recently been fully refurbished to a high standard, and although modern touches have been added, the various rooms have been sympathetically decorated in a way that keep the character and charm. When tying the knot here, ceremonies take place in the Old School House. Featuring a high, well-lit ceiling with exposed timber beams, large windows and French doors, the schoolhouse can be arranged and dressed to suit your style, comfortably seating 80 people. Alternatively, the Cart Shed and outdoor courtyard can be used for vows with up to 100 loved ones. A traditional, oak-framed, two-bay cart shed with a slate-tiled roof, this open-faced shed is situated on a paved courtyard, providing a lovely outdoor option. The oak-framed bandstand, situated in the heart of the exquisitely landscaped gardens, also allows an al fresco option for up to 120 friends and family to enjoy an open-air ceremony. Post-vows, the welcome drinks can be served in the courtyard or lawned area, making use of the gardens and grounds. The three buildings and surrounding spaces all accommodate the evening reception, with the Old School House, Cart Shed and Bar surrounding a central courtyard, great for live bands, DJs, or evening entertainment. As you walk past the house, you will find the external games room, which has a full-sized snooker and billiards table. The bedrooms all have their own unique décor, each with a double bed, en suite, or private bath or shower room. When booking this venue, you will receive a free night’s stay, which can be taken on the wedding night or the night before and a 50 per cent reduced price on its honeymoon properties located in France. CHILSTON PARK HOTEL 01622 859 803 | www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/chilstonpark Throughout its history, Hand Picked Hotels’ Chilston Park Hotel has been home to eminent politicians, writers, lords and viscounts. Today, this award-winning four-Red Star country house hotel is revered for its styling and historic antiques, some as old as the 17th-century manor house itself. A classic British country house hotel conveniently located in rural Kent, Chilston Park Hotel boasts an abundance of style and charm. Dating back to at least 1100, Chilston Park has been home to a number of wellrespected families, many of whom left their own stamp on the property – you can find some of their portraits within the grand manor house. Set back from tree-lined lanes, the manor house at Chilston Park sits within 77 acres of Kentish parkland. Every part of this country house hotel in Maidstone is a photographer’s dream, from the grand staircase at the heart of the manor house to the original features in each of the bedrooms. Meanwhile, its award-winning two AA Rosette restaurant has helped to establish Chilston Park Hotel’s status as a dreamy setting for a countryside break, a romantic wedding or a meeting venue close to London. The beautiful Grade I listed Coach House, complete with a cobbled courtyard, is a timeless ceremony venue. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, along with its neutral décor, this room has a light and airy feel. Glistening chandeliers and gold-framed mirrors also add a touch of opulence when tying the knot in front of up to 150 of your family and friends. The Garden Gazebo is a magical setting surrounded by luscious greenery, which makes for a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Importantly, there’s just enough seclusion to give you that perfect level of privacy. Say your vows surrounded by tranquil acres of countryside with 150 of your loved ones. Culpeper’s is full of ornate intricacies, but along with those eyecatching chandeliers, it also overlooks the majestic lawns and lake. This gorgeous room is a picture of romance and can accommodate 120 of your guests. Encased in glass walls, the Orangery is designed to shine the perfect light on you and 100 of your loved ones, boasting panoramic views of the magnificent Kent countryside. Each set within the Grade I listed manor house, choose one of Chilston Park Hotel’s individually designed feature bedrooms for a truly special experience. Four-poster beds carved from oak, characterful period features and twinkling chandeliers will take you back in time. You’ll be rewarded for choosing a feature bedroom with captivating views over the hotel grounds and lake through the bedroom’s original windows. Chilston Park’s afternoon tea has gained an enviable reputation as an unmissable experience when staying in Kent. You can even book a dog-friendly break, should you wish to bring your canine companion along too! 28

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