15 Kent Wedding Venues I Would Love to Photograph
March 18, 2026
I thought that when I moved back to my hometown from Cambridge I would really miss the University weddings but there’s no shortage of beautiful places to get married in this part of the country. Everything from luxury historic estates to countryside barns and venues on the doorstep of the sea, the variety of Kent wedding venues is part of what makes photographing here super special.
After fourteen years working as a wedding photographer, I have been lucky enough to document celebrations in some truly wonderful locations. Many of them I am now recommended at which is a massive compliment, some people even saying I’m the best which I tend to blush at.
At the same time, there are still venues I have long admired and would genuinely love the opportunity to photograph. They’re all a bit different, but this article is simply a look at some of those venues. I don’t want to tick them off a list, but they genuinely inspire me creatively and I love imagining the celebrations that happen there.
TLDR
These are some of the wedding venues that most inspire me creatively and that I would love to photograph.
- Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
- Ripple Court Estate
- Chapel House Estate
- The Orangery Maidstone
- Hayne House
- Goodnestone Park
- Oad Street
- Elmley Nature Reserve
- Wilderness Weddings
- Byre Barn
- The Secret Garden
- Turner Contemporary
- Updown Farmhouse
- Leeds Castle
- Penshurst Place
If you are exploring venues more broadly, you might also find my Kent wedding venue guide here helpful.
Contents
- How I approach photographing weddings in Kent
- Venues where I am already a recommended photographer
- Wedding venues I would love to photograph
How I approach photographing weddings in Kent
Every photographer sees a wedding day slightly differently, which is what makes it tricky when picking a photographer who will actually best suit you. For me it is always about balancing natural moments with memorable, modern authentic portraits. My style sits somewhere between documentary storytelling and gentle editorial framing. I love allowing moments to unfold naturally while also creating portraits that feel truly you without posing.
Come get to know me in the video below
Visually, I tend to favour soft light and subtle colours that remain true to how the day actually felt, similar to 35mm analogue film. What this practically looks like is shooting a mixture of digital and analogue film, which adds a nostalgia that my couples really love.
Throughout the day I have a relational approach where I get to know your friends and family so they feel comfortable and relaxed too. Then I am always watching for moments rather than manufacturing them. When it’s time for the portrait session I keep things simple by exploring the grounds, the venue and your beautiful table setup. Good light, thoughtful fashionable composition, and questions to get couples chatting so they feel comfortable rather than posing. Editorial framing and careful cropping can elevate an image without losing the authenticity of the moment.
Every venue offers its own opportunities. That is part of the excitement of photographing somewhere new.
Venues where I am already a recommended photographer
Although I want this article to focus on venues I would love to photograph, I feel very grateful to already work regularly with several wonderful venues across the county.
I am currently a recommended photographer at:
Each of these venues offers something slightly different but being trusted by venues like these is always a privilege. It means I get to work alongside teams who care deeply about the weddings they host.
Wedding venues I would love to photograph
Below are some venues that have long been on my creative radar as a luxury wedding photographer based in Kent.
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Few venues are quite as distinctive as Port Lympne. The combination of historic architecture, sweeping countryside views and the unique zoo setting makes it incredibly special.
From a photography perspective the variety of locations is remarkable. Elegant interiors, dramatic terraces, wild landscapes and beautiful evening light across the hills.
It feels like a venue where every part of the day could offer a completely different visual atmosphere.
Ripple Court Estate
Ripple Court Estate has quickly become one of the most talked about luxury wedding venues in the area. The Georgian architecture and beautifully kept gardens create a setting that feels both grand and relaxed.
What stands out most is the balance between elegance and openness. It feels like a venue where editorial portraits and natural moments could exist side by side.
Chapel House Estate
Chapel House Estate has a calm, refined atmosphere that many couples fall in love with and is just down the road from me in Thanet.
The grounds offer a mixture of manicured gardens and countryside views, which naturally lend themselves to relaxed portrait sessions and quiet documentary moments throughout the day. It is however very busy, almost 200 weddings a year!
The Orangery Maidstone
The Orangery has a classic elegance that suits romantic weddings beautifully.
Orangeries tend to photograph wonderfully because of the soft, even light they create. When ceremonies take place in spaces like this the atmosphere often feels bright, calm and intimate.
Hayne House
Hayne House blends countryside charm with a sense of occasion.
The gardens and outdoor ceremony areas offer plenty of opportunities for relaxed photography during the drinks reception. These parts of the day often produce some of the most natural images.
Goodnestone Park
Goodnestone Park feels quintessentially English. The historic house and beautiful gardens create a setting that feels timeless and elegant.
It is the kind of venue where a slower, more relaxed approach to photography fits perfectly.
Oad Street
Oad Street offers something slightly different. It has a creative, artisan atmosphere that suits couples looking for a more relaxed celebration.
Venues like this hidden gem often produce wonderfully natural moments because guests quickly feel at home.
Elmley Nature Reserve
Elmley is one of the most unique wedding locations around.
The vast open landscapes, wildlife and incredible skies create an atmosphere that feels completely different from traditional venues. Sunset portraits here would be extraordinary. It can be tricky to get to from the very South East but it’s super worth it.
Wilderness Weddings
Wilderness Weddings lives up to its name. Open countryside, rustic barns and a genuine sense of space.
These kinds of venues often create beautifully relaxed celebrations where documentary photography really shines.
Byre Barn
Byre Barn has a warm rustic charm that suits intimate weddings particularly well.
Spaces like this encourage guests to relax quickly, which often leads to genuine and spontaneous moments throughout the day.
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is known for its intimate setting and charming courtyard spaces.
From a photography perspective it offers a lovely mix of architecture, greenery and soft natural light.
Turner Contemporary
For couples planning something a little different, Turner Contemporary offers a striking modern setting. Think gallery (because that’s what it is) by the sea.
The clean architecture and coastal location create a very distinctive backdrop for wedding photography.
Updown Farmhouse
Updown Farmhouse has a quiet elegance that feels incredibly welcoming, is super fashionable, and in my favourite home town Deal.
The interiors, gardens, pool and countryside surroundings create a beautiful backdrop for relaxed celebrations.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is one of the most iconic wedding venues in the county, and it’s not in Leeds!
Historic architecture, beautiful grounds and a setting surrounded by water offer endless opportunities for timeless photographs. I’m pretty sure there is a golf course there too, ideal for any sport lovers.
Penshurst Place
Penshurst Place is rich in history and character.
The Tudor architecture and formal gardens feel perfectly suited to classic, elegant wedding photography.
Final thoughts
Kent is filled with remarkable wedding venues, each with its own atmosphere and character. This is a cracking selection of wedding venues ideal for luxury weddings, and while I feel very fortunate to already work regularly at several wonderful locations, discovering new spaces is always exciting as a photographer. Every venue brings a slightly different rhythm to the day.
If you happen to be planning your wedding at one of these venues, do get in touch. I occasionally offer a small creative incentive in my wedding photography packages for couples marrying somewhere I’ve long wanted to photograph, so if you don’t ask you don’t get, right?
