Ten quirky and unusual wedding venues in Essex and Kent
Planning your Essex or Kent wedding and looking for a venue that’s out of the ordinary?
We’ve put together a list of dramatic, unusual, and quirky venues that are sure to pique your interest.
As a wedding planning company that specialises in celebrations with a theatrical twist, we know how important it is to find the right venue that sets the stage for your celebration. We’ve gone on a tour of Kent and Essex to find the most quirky, the most beguiling, and the most downright unusual venues for weddings. From an abandoned Norman village to a fairground with its own roller disco, these venues will make the perfect backdrop for your theatrical wedding! And we’ve added three amazing London venues, too, just to tempt you with even more fantastic options…
1. Alfresco vows at Chalkney Water Meadows
The ideal venue for a couple who love to be outdoors, Chalkney Water Meadows would be a great venue for a circus-themed wedding. There are three expansive linked tipis in the main field, along with a number of bell tents for guests to stay overnight. Say your I-dos on the licensed pontoon next to the pretty lake, then dance the night away in this tranquil countryside spot.
2. Historical grandeur at Hedingham Castle, Halstead
What sets the majestic Hedingham Castle apart from other local castles is that it features both a Norman castle and a Georgian manor house, so it’s sure to fulfil all your historical wedding wishes. The array of backdrops at this Essex venue gives plenty of ways to bring your ideal wedding to life, whether it’s feasting like kings and queens in the castle’s Norman tapestry room or fulfilling your Regency fantasies in the Georgian dining room.
3. I dos in the round at Rayleigh Windmill, Rayleigh
Seating up to 20 guests, Rayleigh Windmill is a lovely venue to consider if you’re looking for an intimate wedding celebration in an out-of-the-box space. This nineteenth-century windmill is right in the heart of this Essex market town and has beautiful gardens surrounding it for your post-ceremony photos.
4. Vintage charm at Preston Court, Canterbury
On the surface, Preston Court near Canterbury looks like your usual wedding barn venue – until you look a little closer and discover all the quirky details! Choose from three places to say your I dos: the Kentish barn that’s adorned with a collection of vintage steam engines; the stunning Juliana’s Island on the lake (perfect if you’re planning a Bridgerton-style wedding and the 12th-century St Mildred’s Church. You won’t be short of amazing photo opportunities, either, from couples portraits in the 1900s showman’s wagon with mirrored ceiling and muralled walls, to shots of your guests riding the carousel during the reception!
5. Atmospheric celebrations at the Lost Village of Dode
Abandoned 600 years ago after the Black Death, the Lost Village of Dode has a hugely peaceful and welcoming atmosphere, and its two ceremony spaces will help bring your Game of Thrones fantasies to life. The Norman church allows you to have a non-religious wedding ceremony in a beautifully preserved medieval church setting, complete with flickering candles to create a truly magical atmosphere. Or opt for the sacred stone circle, an exceptional venue for a blessing, celebrant-led ceremony, or handfasting.
6. Medieval charm at Chilham Village Hall, Chilham
Chilham Village Hall is a charming venue located in the heart of the Kent countryside. Originally a 15th-century tithe barn, it exudes a picturesque beauty and is an ideal setting for couples looking for a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The village hall can accommodate both large and small gatherings, offering a flexible space that can be tailored to your specific vision. Its beautiful historic interior is the perfect setting for your themed wedding. Whether you envision a setting inspired by Wolf Hall or Shakespeare in Love? Alternatively, you could recreate the atmosphere of a village county fair, complete with jugglers, acrobats, and travelling minstrels as your wedding theme.
7. Amazing backdrops at Marleybrook House, Canterbury
A great choice for vintage lovers, Marleybrook House near Canterbury is a picturesque 17th-century thatched farmhouse set in five acres of gardens, paddocks, and woodlands. Around every corner is a fresh delight to discover: a vintage fairground with Victorian swing boats, a fortune-teller’s caravan, an antique carriage. There are a lovely range of licensed ceremony spaces, too, including a walled garden and a rustic barn.
8. Make a song and dance of it at Wilton’s Music Hall, London
Wilton’s in East London is the oldest grand musical hall in the world, so where better for a cabaret or drag-themed wedding? You get the whole of this amazing Grade II-listed building for your special day: you’ll say your vows on the main stage while your guests applaud from the stalls, then dance the night away with the backdrop of Wilton’s iconic barley-twist columns and magnificent curved ceiling.
9. Glitz and glam at Brasserie Zedel, London
Full of Art Deco touches, Brasserie Zedel in central London is a cabaret venue, cocktail bar, cafe, and brasserie, offering glamorous French-style food and amazing entertainment. If a Great Gatsby-themed wedding is on your wish list, this is a serious venue contender with its historic Art Deco cocktail bar and atmospheric stage area.
10. Travel back in time at Eltham Palace, London
Eltham Palace has to be seen to be believed – there’s literally nowhere else in the world where Tudor architecture meets Art Deco glamour. It’s a unique blend of a historic great hall with a majestic hammer beam roof (ideal for larger ceremonies and receptions) alongside beautifully preserved 1930s rooms, whose sleek curves and lavish details perfectly embody the decadence and style of this era.
At Prospero, we specialise in planning amazing, themed weddings, bringing to life the most exciting and original ideas.
From the exquisite floral detailing of a Bridgerton-style wedding to the lavish theatricality of a cabaret, circus, or drag celebration, get in touch with us if you’d like help in planning a wedding with a dramatic flair!
