Kent has it all. It boasts charming villages, market towns, buzzing cities, sandy beaches, haunting marshes and towering cliffs. It has the very best of nature’s beauty and humankind’s feats of architecture. Kent is quite the influencer too! The bordering counties are just as incredible, and Kent couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to spectacular places to tie the knot, especially if man’s best friend is tagging along. Check out these seven amazing pet-friendly wedding venues within driving distance of the heart of Kent. We’re sure your dream wedding venue is among them.
1. Coulsdon Manor Hotel & Golf Club
Just 45 minutes from the heart of beautiful Kent is Coulsdon Manor Hotel & Golf Club in Surrey. This pet-friendly hotel is an oasis of tranquillity. Initially, it was intended as a country retreat and still retains the character and charm of the 18th century. It boasts everything you would expect from a luxurious destination – rich fabrics, numerous chandeliers, ornate fireplaces, four-poster beds, stained glass skylights, a grand staircase for a grand entrance, stunning grounds and a challenging 18-hole golf course. Maybe keep the pooch away from the latter!
This venue can accommodate 20 to 200 guests, each of which is in for a transcendent dining experience. The Manor House Restaurant has a reputation for truly divine dishes that will make up your memorable wedding menu. The Terrace Bar and Orangery Restaurant provide lighter meals and snacks in an informal atmosphere throughout the day. The nibbles accompanying your post-ceremony drinks will go down a treat!
2. Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
Now heading to East Sussex, Kent couples will love Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club. The estate comprises 186 acres of landscaped lawns, secret gardens, lakes and, of course, Ashdown Forest. In case you were unaware, this is the home of Winnie the Pooh! This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty inspired one of the greatest storybooks ever written, and few wedding destinations can boast such an accolade.
A sweeping driveway through the stunning countryside will take you and your guests to a mansion house filled with elegant period rooms. The building also sports a converted chapel with lovely stained glass windows that will shine a rainbow on your ceremony.
Lake lovers will enjoy the Summer House. It is a secluded venue overlooking the water and offers a more relaxed and informal vibe, but your wedding day there will be no less romantic.
3. The Montague on the Gardens
Greater London is no long trek from the heart of Kent. Less than an hour’s drive from the centre of the Garden of England is The Montague on the Gardens. The pet-friendly wedding venue is a Georgian townhouse that exudes English charm. The hotel is kitted out nicely with rich furnishings and exquisite antiques.
You and your guests will have access to the spacious wood deck and the sunlit terraces, all of which overlook the private and spectacular gardens of the Bedford Estate. No other sunset drinks reception has ever been so beautiful.
There’s also luxury accommodation up for grabs. If your guests choose to spend the night, they’ll be just one elevator trip away from 88 deluxe guest rooms, 11 luxury suites and one apartment suite – we’d take the latter for our wedding night if we were you! Each room is unique, casual yet elegant, but overall comfortable and inviting. This is as close as one can get to sleeping on cloud nine.
4. The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel
The soon-to-be-newlyweds of Kent will be game for making the trip to WeddingDates Top Rated Wedding Venue in Greater London. The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel is a four-star jewel in London’s most exclusive and sought-after address. Anyone who’s a fan of period dramas where noble and wealthy families ‘do the season’ will be well acquainted with Mayfair. It is the picture of old British charm and sophistication.
The interiors are elegant and thoughtfully designed. Each antique, ornate mirror, gold-framed artwork and chandelier is curated to create an air of regal luxury not seen anywhere else.
You mightn’t think that a place so beautiful would welcome your mud-loving dogs, but the passionate staff at The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel is all about delivering the wedding day of your dreams, and that includes welcoming your furry family with open arms.
5. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
London’s St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel doesn’t have a wow factor – it has several wow factors! The hotel is a collection of five different wedding venues. Each is unique and offers something different, depending on your wedding guest list size. The Gallery is a romantic space for intimate weddings with your closest friends and family. Hansom Hall is best for large celebrations and can accommodate up to 280 people. A grand and sweeping staircase adds an element of drama to your wedding procession and gives your guests an idea of how the rest of your beautiful wedding will run at this fabulous establishment.
The cathedral-like appearance of the entire building will provide numerous stunning backgrounds for your wedding photos. Even your dogs will be in awe at the high ceilings and vast space. Everywhere you step will reveal a new place to snap a photo – and something new for the pup to sniff!
6. The Milestone Hotel and Residences
The Milestone Hotel and Residences is a pet-friendly wedding venue with a royal touch. The hotel resides directly across from Kensington Palace and Gardens and has enjoyed the influence of such an illustrious location. This venue is perfect for intimate weddings of up to 30 people. Your guest list may be on the smaller side, but there’s no reason it shouldn’t be just as elegant and sophisticated. The Victorian-era rooms are superbly decorated with delicate ornaments, exquisite antiques and unique artwork.
Not to rely on the hotel’s magnificence, the dedicated staff of The Milestone Hotel and Residences is all about unrivalled service. The expert team of chefs will create delicious food you’ll want to photograph before you dig into them. The experienced sommeliers will pair the perfect wine with every dish. The wait staff will look after you as though you were their own family. Your mind is sure to be at ease with everything in hand; enjoying your stress-free day will be simple.
7. The Grand Hotel
Back in East Sussex, just an hour from central Kent is The Grand Hotel. This five-star pet-friendly wedding venue is truly majestic. Everything about it is vast and impressive. Affectionately known as The White Palace, it gleams in the coastal sunshine. Newlyweds (and your puppies) can head to the water’s edge for some stunning and unique photos – these momentous you will cherish for decades.
If you tie the knot here, we’d encourage you to go all out – everyone you know should see this building on your magical wedding day! The spectacular Silverdale Room is a ballroom with super-high ceilings, intricate murals, and ornate crown moulding. The windows are arches and draped in the most delicate fabrics. A stage is set, ready and waiting for musicians and champagne toasts. Numerous chandeliers dangle from above, casting a romantic golden glow over your reception. This place is pure bliss!
