Getting married in Kent? Here’s everything you need to know
So, you’re getting married in Kent!
A perfect county for weddings. Kent has a wealth of venue styles across the countryside to consider, from historic castles to Kentish barns, garden settings and stately homes.
Getting Married in Kent – Ceremony Choices
If you’re getting married in Kent, you’ll have a choice of ceremonies styles for consideration.
Kentish Ceremonies
Is your preferred venue licensed for on-site civil ceremonies?
Kentish Ceremonies are a popular ceremony choice in Kent. Registrars will attend your venue and complete both your ceremony and paperwork. Couples choose Kentish Ceremonies to be legally wed at their wedding venue or at a registry office.
Please be aware, your ceremony fees will not be included with your venue. Your ceremony fees will be payable directly to the council. Your venue may also have additional charges for on-site ceremonies.
Photo Credit: Matt Tyler Photography
Local Churches & Religious Buildings
Kent has religious buildings and local churches around the county for couples choosing to marry within. Couples will then often choose to follow their ceremonies with receptions at a preferred venue.
Before you book a venue, it’s advisable to contact any preferred ceremony locations and confirm their availability and requirements, for example if you’re marrying away from your local area, some churches will require you to complete banns in both parishes.
Your venue may permit religious ceremonies on-site, they’ll advise of the legalities of the ceremony you’ve chosen.
View our ceremony choices guide for more information on church ceremonies.
Celebrant Led Ceremonies
Most venues welcome celebrant led ceremonies. You’ll choose a celebrant of your choice who will create a personalised ceremony uniquely for you both. Any legalities you may wish to have, can be completed before or after your wedding day as a formality at a local registry office or religious building of your choice.
Getting Married In Kent – Considerations
Locally Sourced
Kent is renowned for its excellent produce. Consider incorporating locally picked fruits, hand-picked florals, beverages and sweet treats such as gypsy tarts into your Kentish wedding.
Does your caterer offer locally sourced produce? Can you offer Kentish wines and sparkling drinks? Are there any flower farms local to your venue?
Discover our delicious wedding menu choices at The Old Kent Barn.
Browse The Old Kent Barn’s curated drinks menu with Kentish drink options.
Rural Locations
Many Kent venues are often rurally located, benefiting from beautiful and peaceful Kent countryside. When visiting prospective venues consider the journey to the venue as a guest. Was it a smooth journey? Easy to find? Parking?
Does the venue have any on-site accommodation? Nearby accommodation?
What is the accessibility and ease for guests travelling from within and outside the county and beyond?
Transportation
Consider your transportation options before you book your venue. This will reduce any concerns guests may have attending your wedding. Consider researching and include transport options and venue policies in your guest information, this may be via invitations or your wedding website.
Ask can guests leave vehicles overnight at the venue? Are there local transport services? Are they familiar with your venue? Can transport be pre-booked?
Consider advising guests to pre-book transport – Uber and similar services can be limited in smaller towns and surrounding areas.
Guest Services
Your wedding day is certainly about you both, however when you’re hosting an event for a number of guests, you’ll want to consider what facilities and services will be available for guests.
Does your venue have guest support? Ask who will be looking after you and your wedding day?
Consider what facilities and guest services are on-site for guests attending your wedding. Is the venue accessible for all guests? Is it family friendly and supportive for all guest needs?
Smooth event management and seamless catering management is always appreciated by your guests to enjoy your wedding day to the fullest!
Getting Married In Kent – Barn Wedding Venue
If you’re considering getting married in Kent, have you explored The Old Kent Barn?
A Kentish barn, outdoor wedding venue in peaceful Kent countryside in an accessible village location close to the coastal town of Folkestone and Canterbury city.
Featuring two barns, outdoor and indoor ceremonies, dual dressing spaces for both partners and onsite accommodation for up to 16 guests.
Many couples getting married in Kent choose The Old Kent Barn for its exclusive use, high level service, quality menus and transparent pricing, with a commitment not to increase fixed costs on set pricing.
The Old Kent Barn is on a mission to demystify wedding pricing with an easy-to-use wedding calculator. Stay on control of your costings, create your own pricing based on your choices below.
