The definitive best wedding venues in Kent guide

So, what makes a wedding venue “the one”? Here’s what to look for:

Location, location, location

When shortlisting your favourite wedding venues, don’t underestimate the power of location. Kent is not only beautiful, but it’s also brilliantly connected to London, Essex, Sussex and beyond. It’s the perfect place to escape busy city life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside.

Solton Manor is nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside, just a few minutes drive away from the picturesque coast and the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. With excellent road and rail links, it’s easy for your loved ones to join you, wherever they’re coming from. Plus, you’ll also find an abundance of scenic wedding photo backdrops right on our doorstep – read our blog post for further inspiration. 

Budget vs capacity

When choosing the right wedding venue in Kent, you’ll need to find a spot that accommodates your guest list and your budget. Start with a rough idea of numbers – are you planning an intimate celebration for 50, or do you plan to invite 150 of your family and friends? Venue prices can vary depending on what’s included in their hire fee, so make sure you check what’s covered. Look out for:

• Hire duration (full day, multi-day or weekend)
• Tables, chairs, lighting, and sound equipment
• On-the-day wedding coordination
• On-site accommodation
• VAT (not all venues include this!)

At Solton Manor, we’re always transparent about what’s included in our wedding packages. We also host exclusive open days and private viewings throughout the year, so you can get a real feel for our stunning estate. 

Ceremony and reception spaces

Can you host every part of your wedding day in one location? Wedding venues that offer both ceremony and reception spaces help to keep everything together.. When everything happens in one place, you can focus on soaking up the magic of your special day, without the hassle of transporting your guests between locations. Or, you can find a venue like Solton Manor that gives you the best of both worlds. We are surrounded by beautiful ancient churches, so you can get married nearby and arrive at the manor house in a traditional wedding car.

We don’t just offer one ceremony space, either – you have five to choose from! Godric’s Garden and Finet’s Woodland are our enchanted outdoor wedding ceremony spaces (both seating up to 150 guests), while the recently launched Old Stables (seats up to 120 guests), the Manor House (holds up to 40 guests for an intimate wedding) and the Dutch Barn (up to 150 guests) are all perfect for tying the knot indoors. The celebrations can then continue in our picturesque Dutch Barn reception area, with its stunning full-length windows, a double-height ceiling, and impressive draped ceilings. 

Exclusive use 

You deserve a day that feels completely your own. Many wedding venues in Kent host multiple events on one day, which can make you feel rushed or prevent you from fully immersing yourself in the celebrations. If privacy is important to you, make sure you ask whether your booking includes exclusive use.

Solton Manor is exclusively yours for the entire duration of your wedding day, which means the only people you’ll find on-site will be your guests and our wedding team. You’ll never have to share your day with strangers or worry about unexpected distractions – just enjoy celebrating your love with those that matter most.

On-site accommodation

The best weddings don’t end at last orders. When you choose a wedding venue with on-site accommodation, you and your guests can celebrate well into the night, and enjoy waking up and reliving the day together the next morning. It’s also a huge help when your day starts early or you’re thinking about the logistics of hair and makeup for your wedding party. 

At Solton Manor, we offer two wonderful accommodation options, sleeping up to 28 of your nearest and dearest. The expansive Grade-II listed Solton Manor House can accommodate up to 24 guests across 10 luxurious bedrooms, with the cosy two-bedroom Dovecote Cottage sleeping a further 4. Once the celebrations are over, you can have a much-needed lie-in and hire a private chef to cook a delicious fry-up the next morning – the ultimate end to your dream wedding ‘day’.  

Atmosphere & aesthetics

A wedding venue might tick all the boxes on paper, but how does it make you feel? The atmosphere and aesthetics play a big role in how memorable your day will be. The only real way to determine this is to book a tour. Once you’ve seen the venue for yourself, you can then think about the overall vibe of the venue and whether this aligns with your love story.

Solton Manor strikes a beautiful balance between historic charm and modern luxury. From the  impressive inglenook fireplace in the Manor House to the manicured lawns and wildlife ponds, every inch of our venue sets the scene for something extraordinary. Discover more about the rich history of our wonderful wedding venue in Kent.

Personalisation options

Your wedding is a very personal occasion, so it should reflect you and your significant other’s unique love story. From table styling to your choice of entertainment (e.g. DJ or band), it’s important that your venue allows room for personal touches. 

Solton Manor provides the perfect blank canvas to celebrate your big day, your way. We give you ultimate freedom to make the space your own and unleash your creative side. We’re always here to offer helpful advice and guidance when needed, whether you need some recommendations on trusted local suppliers, or want a hand curating a bespoke wedding day drinks menu.