SPOTLIGHT ON

SPOTLIGHT ON... Canterbury & Thanet

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

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CHAPEL HOUSE ESTATE

01843 881 290 | www.chapelhouseestate.co.uk

This former private residency has been carefully designed and renovated, with new buildings added, all with you and your guests in mind. Established in 1290 this 35-acre estate, offers you the opportunity to host an intimate wedding in The Walled Courtyard or a large affair in the Thorne Barn. Also included is on-site accommodation for up to 34 people.

Surrounded by natural beauty, the very private grounds include a lovely Arts and Crafts-style garden, wild apple orchard, meadows, three paddocks, on-site modern lodges providing accommodation and even a helicopter pad. Based around one of the oldest buildings in Thanet, this is a venue with a beautifully romantic and timeless feel.

WHERE TO WED The Wild Apple Orchard, 150 guests This is such a peaceful outdoor space for your ceremony or blessing. For the ultimate al fresco “I dos,” walk from the Beauty & Treatment Lodge, down the long border, through the wrought-iron gate, and say “I do” under the licensed, purpose-built oak gazebo with microphones allowing your guests to hear you above the bird song. The orchards are among the venue’s oldest and most beautiful gardens where the apple trees create a gorgeous natural canopy for your guests. It’s available for weddings during British summer time or for twilight nuptials. to create a gorgeous ceremony space, set up all year round. With a mezzanine floor, you can say your vows while your videographer and photographer capture you from above. You could even book a choir to sing from the glass-panelled upper tier. After the ceremony, the bi-folding doors can be flung open as drinks and canapés are served on the lawn.

The Walled Courtyard, 50 guests With its own car park and private entrance, The Walled Courtyard is available Monday to Wednesday. The white-framed glasshouse is perfect for photo opportunities and the courtyard provides a secluded sun trap, ideal for intimate al fresco weddings with an Italian vibe. The space features two former sheds that have undergone a massive transformation. The ceilings have been raised to create a comfortable and private Lounge Bar for drinks receptions, and the No9 Restaurant has been created for relaxed, buffet-style wedding breakfasts for 34 loved ones.

The Vaulted Room, 10 guests Inside the 1290 Chapel House, you can book a tiny, stress-free, luxury wedding for two to 10 people. The carefully restored Chapel is a Grade II listed Medieval building with endless charm that provides an unforgettable setting for you to say “I do” in front of your nearest and dearest.

The Thorne Barn, 200 guests You can host your wedding breakfast and after party in this new, purpose-built structure. This air-conditioned and heated banqueting barn with its large bar is perfect for seating 70 to 150, with a further 50 guests welcome for the evening revelries.

www.olegssamsonovsphotography.com www.olegssamsonovsphotography.com

THE OLD KENT BARN

01303 844 270 | www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk

The Old Kent Barn is a 200-year-old oak-framed tythe barn bursting with character and is home to the venue’s recently refurbished accommodation complete with stylish newlywed suite and two additional double en suite rooms.

The grounds that surround the barns are professionally landscaped and feature formal parterres with seasonal blooms, curved hedges and an informal water garden all set against a backdrop of mature trees and countryside. The illumination collection now features six locations within the gardens and grounds, including fairylit and festoon areas.

WHERE TO WED The gazebo, 150 guests Ceremonies take place in the gazebo, which sits in the gorgeous grounds and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The whole area is conveniently paved where your guests can sit in comfort beneath elegant glass pergolas protecting them from both rain and sun.

The New Barn, 150 day and 250 evening guests In the winter, you’ll marry instead in the New Barn. Ivory drapes create a beautifully intimate ceremony space, with bespoke wooden benches to seat your guests. This gorgeous space is used for receptions too, and is simultaneously opulent and neutral to coordinate with any colour palette or theme, it can be dressed in so many ways. Oak-framed and open plan, with large windows and a light tiled floor, it also features a wooden dancefloor, while the starlit ceiling guides you onto it for your first dance.

You’ll be offered a complimentary tasting experience, dressing services and support in the on-site dressing rooms and a stay in the newlyweds’ suite in the on-site five-star bed and breakfast in the Old Barn.

THE YARROW HOTEL

01843 460 100 (Option 3) | www.yarrowhotel.co.uk

The Yarrow is a beautiful Jacobean 280-bedroom hotel situated in the lovely seaside town of Broadstairs. Dating back to 1894 the Hotel is a stunning building combining rich history with modern luxury.

The venue offers an array of flexible wedding packages, which can be adapted to suit your requirements. All include the help of a dedicated wedding coordinator, and reduced rates on accommodation for your guests. What’s more, the two of you are invited to stay in the Master Suite on your wedding night.

Award-winning executive head chef Ben Williams has years of experience working at Michelin-starred restaurants and will provide you with a delicious, seasonal wedding breakfast prepared using locallysourced, fresh produce. WHERE TO WED Garden gazebo, 120 guests Situated on the lower ground floor with blooming flowers in the summer and privacy all year round, the garden is a gorgeous place to say “I do.”

Sir Alfred Yarrow Suite, 120 guests Also found on the lower ground floor with high ceilings, glass chandeliers and dimmable lighting, this suite is ideal for ceremonies and celebrations. There’s ample space here for a large dancefloor, DJ booth and seating along with its own bar and exclusive access to the garden.

Restaurant, 50 guests Located on the ground floor the Restaurant is well-suited for a more intimate wedding ceremony. It can seat 52 for a traditional wedding breakfast, or if you’re planning a smaller celebration, the Private Dining Room can hold 10 for an intimate meal.