Why a country manor house is the best wedding venue

Classical romance and historical charm

When you think of a country manor house wedding, scenes from classical love stories such as Pride and Prejudice may spring to mind. There’s a reason why the notion of a ‘classical’ wedding, set against the backdrop of a sprawling country manor house, lives on – there’s something undeniably romantic about feeling like the honoured hosts of a grand historic estate for the day. 

Solton Manor is much more than just an English country manor house wedding venue – it’s a piece of living history. With origins dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086, the estate is positively steeped in classic historical charm, and has played a major part in writing many love stories over the centuries. The unique combination of historical architecture and charming period features sets the stage for a wedding day that feels both grand and intimate, weaving a tapestry of romance and intrigue.

Exclusive use venue hire

If you’d prefer not to share your venue with the public like you would at a historic hotel, a country manor house wedding venue could be the ideal choice for you. Premium English country houses such as Solton Manor offer exclusive use of the entire estate, creating a one-of-a-kind wedding experience that is private, personal and intimately yours. 

Solton Manor provides the perfect blank canvas to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. You and your guests can make the most of the stunning estate for the entirety of your wedding celebration; from awe-inspiring outdoor spaces such as Godric’s Garden and Finet’s Glade, to the charming interior of our Grade-II listed manor house. Whether you’re hosting 20 guests or 200 guests, you have the freedom to style every aspect of your wedding day, from the various ceremony spaces to the Dutch Barn reception room; reflecting your dream country manor house vision.

Stunning countryside setting

True to their name, country manor house wedding venues are set amidst the beautiful British countryside and are celebrated for their stunning natural landscapes. Originally built as countryside retreats or for strategic historical reasons, these grand homes now welcome couples to enjoy their timeless charm and elegance with their wedding guests. 

Solton Manor is situated on the idyllic Kent coast, with its country estate providing the ultimate backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. Couples can choose to exchange their vows beneath a flower-adorned gazebo in Godric’s Garden, or within the whimsical woodland of Finet’s Glade for 2025 weddings – watch this space for further information.

Once the legal ceremony is complete, guests can explore the nine acres of glorious gardens at their leisure. There’s romance, intrigue and history to be found around every corner…

Seasonal charm

Hosting your wedding at an English country manor house offers endless opportunities to draw inspiration from the varying seasons. The expansive gardens transform throughout spring, summer, autumn and winter, which can inspire your overall wedding colour palette or theme; think golds and reds for a winter wonderland wedding, yellows and baby blues for spring, or hot pinks for your summer nuptials.

Solton Manor’s gardens are in full bloom during the spring and summer months, providing vibrant floral backdrops for your outdoor ceremony and photos. When autumn arrives, the landscape is transformed into a stunning tapestry of reds, oranges and yellows, making it the ideal time for a cosy, rustic-themed wedding (read our blog on ‘why November could be the best time to get married’ for further inspiration). Winter brings the possibility of magical snow-dusted grounds, which contrasts beautifully with the twinkling lights and festive decor found within our manor house. 

On-site accommodation

A significant advantage to hosting your wedding at a country manor house is the convenience of on-site accommodation. Many exclusive use country manor house venues enable you to marry at the venue, but don’t allow you to use the house. However, at Solton Manor, you can invite your nearest and dearest to stay on-site, so you can enjoy spending extended quality time together on such a joyous occasion.

Solton Manor offers luxurious overnight options for the entirety of your wedding party, sleeping up to 28 people across the large manor house and accompanying Dovecote Cottage. This allows you to not only extend your celebrations over the entire weekend, but also offers the perfect base for a rehearsal dinner, morning preparations, and post-wedding brunch all in one location. This creates a seamless experience for you and your guests, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the celebrations and English charm.

Unique photo opportunities

When choosing Solton Manor’s country manor house for your wedding, we guarantee your photographer will be spoilt for choice. You’ll gain access to some of the most stunning photography opportunities imaginable, with the wide array of indoor and outdoor spaces offering countless backdrops for your wedding photos.

Solton Manor’s idyllic gardens and historic architecture are framed by acres of countryside, offering the perfect setting for capturing those precious moments. Enjoy strolling hand-in-hand through the beautiful grounds as your photographer captures those candid shots, before retreating inside the manor house to seek all those hidden photography spots. We guarantee your wedding photo album will be filled with stunning shots for you to treasure forever.

Image credits

Helen England Photography