Non-Traditional But Still Amazing Wedding Venues in Kent
So, you want a wedding venue that isn’t another country house with a beige carpet and a stiff seating plan. You want character. Style. A place that actually reflects who you are—without sacrificing elegance.
Luckily, Kent isn’t just about stately homes and barns (though it has some great ones). Whether you’re after industrial cool, coastal charm, or artsy modernism, these venues offer something different.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Beacon – Tunbridge Wells
Vibe: Modern country house meets creative retreat.
Why it’s great: It’s a restaurant with incredible food, huge windows, and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Think roaring fires in winter and sun-drenched garden dining in summer. Perfect for couples who care about good food and unfussy elegance.
2. The Winding House – Dover
Vibe: Industrial-chic meets historic charm.
Why it’s great: A restored Victorian coal mining building with towering ceilings, white walls, and huge windows. The natural light is perfect for editorial-style photography, and it’s a blank canvas for couples who want to make the space their own.
3. The Secret Garden – Ashford
Vibe: Intimate, romantic, a little whimsical (without being twee).
Why it’s great: A walled garden, a glass-roofed ceremony space, and a private dining setup make this spot perfect for smaller weddings that still feel luxurious. The food is top-notch, and the setting feels like something out of a movie.
4. The Zed Rooms at Margate House – Margate
Vibe: Boutique, stylish, and ultra-modern.
Why it’s great: If you love mid-century interiors, curated art, and sea views, this is it. The Zed Rooms offer a luxury-yet-relaxed setting in the heart of Margate’s creative scene, making it perfect for design-conscious couples from London looking for a cool coastal wedding spot.
5. Turner Contemporary – Margate
Vibe: Minimalist, high-art, coastal cool.
Why it’s great: If you love clean lines, contemporary architecture, and an oceanside backdrop, this gallery-turned-wedding venue is a dream. The space is flooded with natural light, and your guests can sip cocktails while overlooking the sea.
6. The Grain Store – Appledore
Vibe: Industrial but warm, modern but rustic.
Why it’s great: It’s a barn—but not the kind filled with hay bales and fairy lights. The Grain Store feels more NYC loft than countryside cliché, with sleek concrete floors, steel beams, and huge windows. It’s perfect for fashion-forward couples who want something unique but still relaxed.
7. The Ferry House – Isle of Sheppey
Vibe: Waterside romance meets modern rustic.
Why it’s great: This venue combines a laid-back coastal feel with modern refinement. There’s an outdoor ceremony space overlooking the water, and the farm-to-table dining is next-level. If you want a destination wedding feel without leaving Kent, this is it.
8. East Quay Venue – Whitstable
Vibe: Seaside industrial with creative energy.
Why it’s great: Right on the beach, this former oyster store is perfect for artistic couples who want a wedding that feels effortlessly cool. Exposed brick, ocean views, and a setting that’s totally different from the usual countryside manor.
9. The Old Kent Barn – Dover
Vibe: Elegant but not stuffy, classic but still cool.
Why it’s great: OK, it’s technically a barn, but hear me out. Crisp white interiors, amazing food, and beautiful gardens make this a modern take on the rustic wedding. Ideal for couples who want an upmarket feel without losing warmth and charm.
10. West Heath – Sevenoaks
Vibe: Historic, elegant, and a little unexpected.
Why it’s great: A former school with Georgian elegance, a beautiful ballroom, and incredible grounds. It’s grand without being overwhelming, perfect for couples who want something sophisticated but not over-the-top.
11. The Burlington Hotel – Folkestone
Vibe: Seaside elegance with a modern twist.
Why it’s great: Perched on Folkestone’s famous Leas, this Victorian-era hotel blends classic grandeur with contemporary style. The ballroom features high ceilings and chandeliers, while the coastal backdrop is perfect for cinematic wedding photography. Plus, Folkestone’s creative scene means plenty of cool spots nearby for portraits—think urban textures, sea views, and vibrant street art. Ideal for couples who want a refined but relaxed wedding by the sea.
Final Thoughts
Kent has way more to offer than just barns and manor houses. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that reflects your style, personality, and creative vision, these places deliver.
And when it comes to photography—if you want wedding images that look like something from the pages of a high-end magazine, not another Pinterest clone, you know where to find me.
