When we heard that there was a new wedding venue in Kent, designed and built to meet the needs of couples based not only in Kent, but also as a destination venue for couples from London and across the UK, we sent Alison to find out more.
An Overview
Chapel House Estate is designed to offer complete flexibility in the style and setting for your wedding. The ceremonies and reception can be indoors in a traditional old stone barn, in a new glass-walled wooden barn, in the ancient cider orchard, in the ornate formal gardens or in a pretty courtyard surrounded with pear trees. The bridal party and guests can stay in the old Chapel House, the new lodges or in tents within the grounds, with a choice of breakfast venues the following morning.
Alison’s Experience
From the moment I arrived, it was clear that the team at Chapel House had designed the estate with the future in mind. Heavy wooden gates and a long driveway give the feeling of privacy and exclusivity, and the car park has a bank of electric car chargers that could rival a motorway service station.
We were met by a golf buggy for the short drive to the venue, past a large grassy field with modern wooden guest accommodation lodges. I’ll come back to the accommodation later…
Ceremony Spaces…
Although much of the development is new, at the centre is an old Chapel House, that dates back to 1290. We started the tour in the Chapel House's gardens which are strikingly different from the box hedge, rose and gravel gardens typical of many wedding venues. Unusual specimen plants, ornamental planting and unique features all jostle for pride of place within a relatively compact space, and garden lovers with intimate weddings are unlikely to go further than this in looking for the perfect space to tie the knot.
Beyond the gardens, and in contrast with the manicured lawns, is the cider orchard, where the panoramic backdrop changes with the season. I visited in the early autumn and a wide aisle had been mown in the long grass and apples were ripening on the trees. Wild flowers are sown for the spring and summer. There’s space for an unlimited number of guests.
The third outdoor location we looked at was my favourite, especially for an elegant, intimate wedding. It’s within a walled garden, with heel-friendly stone paving slabs and pear trees dripping with tempting fruit. There’s a modern restaurant to one side where guests can see the chefs at work, and a bar and lounge on the other side. It’s a small space, but I loved the intimate feel.
Moving indoors, the original stone barn, opposite the Chapel House and next to an ornamental pond, has a traditional feel and space for 150 guests. It is flooded with light from a huge window to one end, and has a minstrel gallery above the entrance.
For larger ceremonies, as well as being the obvious place for receptions, there is a huge new wooden barn with glass walls on three sides opening onto a wooden terrace for guests to spill out onto on summer evenings.
Into The Evening…
A reception barn this size works really well for dining “banqueting style” on three long tables, or you can fit up to 150 guests on round tables and still have space for a dance floor.
At the end of the barn is a well stocked bar, and tucked away behind and above the bar I found a great hideaway; a gorgeous little cocktail bar with views looking down over the barn. I can imagine it being a popular spot for the groomsmen to enjoy a pre-wedding drink while the rest of the bridal party are being pampered in the bridal prep room.
After The Event…
After the reception, the original Chapel House has its own bar and lounge for a relaxed afterparty or an opportunity to talk through the day. There is accommodation for 34 guests across several buildings onsite and the bridal suite has a roof terrace looking out over the gardens.
Alternatively, the lodges in the field opposite offer luxury accommodation in self contained double ensuite rooms, with plenty of space for glamping.
A great benefit of the venue is the privacy and the complete lack of neighbours for many miles, however it will mean that your guests will probably prefer the convenience of staying on site.
The Morning After…
For the morning after, the team at Chapel House are happy to serve hamper breakfasts in the individual lodges, we’d encourage you to arrange breakfast in the delightful walled pear garden and adjacent restaurant, to see another part of the estate before you and your guests return to the real world, at the end of a perfect wedding experience.
Summary
This is a new venue, and 2023 is its first full year of operation. It follows a great concept with a choice of locations to suit almost every style of wedding, plenty of high quality accommodation, and will benefit from high speed direct rail links to London.
They have the benefit of a highly experienced event manager overseeing the team, and we predict that this will become one of the most desirable wedding venues in East Kent over the next two years.
To arrange a viewing of Chapel House Estate, get a quote or find out more click the link below!
Discover the magic of Chapel House Estate—where your Kent wedding is transformed into an unforgettable, elegant celebration amidst stunning gardens.
Kent, Ramsgate
£POA Venues