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

PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/weddings An enchanting 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 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 and has entertained royalty, aristocracy, prominent politicians and playwrights for more than a century. The pergola is tucked away within the ancient, whispering walled garden and is a whimsically romantic setting to exchange vows, surrounded by 110 of your friends and family. The second outdoor option is the exclusive-use Moroccan Courtyard. Located in the mansion itself, featuring marble columns, antique brass lanterns, water fountains and dramatic, floral-adorned walls, it can accommodate 25 loved ones. For vows inside, the mansion boasts delightful mural-painted rooms by famous English artists. 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 of 50) and has wonderful views over the reserve. The venue’s strikingly 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 people, the elegant mansion drawing rooms and terraces are perfect. When tying the knot here, you will benefit from a menu tasting included in the package, 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 you and your guests, creating perfect wedding album moments. These tours offer a journey through the park’s vast Kentish savannah, seeing iconic animals such as giraffes, rhinos, wildebeests, and zebras against a breathtaking coastline backdrop. SOLTON MANOR 01304 448 844 | www.soltonmanor.com Set within nine acres of stunning countryside, Solton Manor’s grounds offer the perfect backdrop for any wedding. When it comes to outdoor ceremonies, you’ve got a choice of two areas. Godric’s Garden is situated in the ruins of an ‘ancient church’ and a walled garden. With an oak-framed gazebo and space to seat 150 guests, it offers an enchanting place to say, ‘I do’. You also have Finet’s Woodland Glade for couples who love nature. With space to seat 80 guests beneath natural canopy of trees, this serene and intimate outdoor venue is perfect for a relaxed, rustic wedding. The historic moat with a stone bridge adds a fairytale touch, while the manicured lawn and ornamental pond provide the perfect backdrop for romantic wedding photos. For indoor ceremonies, you have the choice of three on-site locations. The Manor House is a historic building that offers an elegant setting for memorable celebrations. With original fireplaces, period features, and a warm, romantic atmosphere – this space holds 50 people and is ideal for more intimate weddings. The Old Stables is a stunning blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, providing a beautiful indoor ceremony space with exposed flint walls, York flagstone flooring, and three chandeliers. With a lager capacity of 130 guests, this space will feel quite grand. Finally the largest space, The Dutch Barn, holds 150 seated guests and 200 standing evening guests – ideal for those seeking a large wedding. This space features floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, and soft draping. Its neutral palette allows couples to style it according to their wedding theme. Solton Manor provides couples with a seamless and luxurious experience on the day. Nearlyweds can both get ready on-site in the Garden Room of the manor house and in Dovecote Cottage; offering private, comfortable spaces to relax before the ceremony. After the celebrations, couples can enjoy a complimentary overnight stay in Dovecote Cottage or upgrade to the manor, accommodating up to 28 guests for an extended celebration with loved ones. From morning preparations to a restful wedding night, Solton Manor ensures an exclusive, stress-free, and unforgettable experience for every couple. Solton Manor hold a ceremony licence for both indoor and outdoor weddings, so you have everything you need under one glorious roof! 31 STATELY HOMES

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