5 reasons to choose a destination wedding in 2025

One-of-a-kind wedding location

Destination weddings allow couples to tie the knot in a stunning, one-of-a-kind location. Whether you exchange your vows within the medieval walls of a historic castle or amongst the breathtaking background of the rolling Kent hills, your choice of destination adds a unique dimension to your wedding day. 

Solton Manor is home to a Grade II-listed manor house, a converted barn event space, on-site accommodation for 28 guests and 9 acres of idyllic gardens, combining quintessential English charm with contemporary luxury. Couples can choose to have their ceremony within the enchanting Godric’s Garden or in our spectacular Dutch Barn or country manor house, before letting the celebrations continue in our stunning wedding reception barn area.

Intimate wedding guest list

Most destination weddings are smaller in scale, as only close family and friends are likely to travel to a location that is outside their local area. This creates a much more intimate, and arguably more meaningful, experience, as the couple can spend quality time with every guest in attendance.

We offer exclusive use of the entire Solton Manor country estate within all our wedding packages. As one of the top UK wedding venues, guests can escape to our little slice of paradise in the Kent countryside and immerse themselves in the beauty of the grounds with limited distractions. Every moment feels a world away from daily life; whether you’re getting ready for the wedding ceremony in Dovecote Cottage or exploring our wonderful wildlife ponds.

Integrated honeymoon

By getting married in a sought-after destination that also doubles as a honeymoon spot, couples can save both time and money. There’s no need to organise travel or book separate accommodation once the wedding day is over, and couples can embark on their honeymoon adventure the next day.

Kent is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the UK, and our delightful Dovecote Cottage offers the ideal base for exploring the garden of England. Situated just a stone’s throw away from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and Dover Castle, as well as the many Cinque Port towns on the Kent coast, newlyweds can explore Kent’s many hidden gems at their own leisure, before retreating to the idyllic country cottage for some much-needed rest and relaxation.  

Holiday for your guests

As well as providing the perfect base for a honeymoon, a destination wedding transcends the typical wedding experience into an exciting adventure for your guests, too. Guests can tag on their own travel plans to create a fun-filled wedding weekend, offering the opportunity to enjoy a mini-holiday right here in the UK.

Our on-site accommodation offers plenty of space for up to 28 guests to stay overnight. Once the festivities are over, why not give your guests some free time to explore the sights and sounds of the Kent countryside? There’s a whole world at your fingertips here in Kent – take inspiration from our Things to Do page.

Cost effective

Although a destination wedding may sound like an expensive option, they are often more cost effective than local weddings. Many venues offer catering, flowers and decor within one bundled cost, making it better value than hiring external vendors. Plus, as destination weddings attract smaller guest lists, you’ll naturally save money on food and entertainment. The majority of guests will pay for their own travel and accommodation, helping to further reduce costs. 

Solton Manor, as mentioned in the Domesday Book, has a variety of bespoke wedding packages to suit your individual needs; whether you are based in the UK or coming from overseas, for example America. Select our venue hire or venue hire + 1 or 2 night stay in the Solton Manor House and we’ll automatically throw in free “love” lights, use of our PA system and wedding decorations of your choice. Our experienced caterers go above and beyond the standard wedding fayre, serving up delectable dishes that are guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds.