Wedding

Planning The Perfect Outdoor Wedding in Kent


Kent, known as the “Garden of England,” is a stunning place for outdoor weddings. With diverse venues and beautiful landscapes, it’s ideal for a perfect day. Here’s how to plan your outdoor wedding in Kent.

  • Choose from a variety of outdoor venues, including rustic barns and coastal settings.
  • Understand legal requirements and have a weather backup plan.
  • Embrace Kent’s natural beauty in your decor and use local vendors.
  • Consider unique Kent experiences and focus on creating a tailored guest experience.
  • Pay attention to outdoor logistics and small details for a smooth event.
Newlyweds celebrate amidst outdoor wedding guests and confetti.

Top 10 Essential Tips

1. Choose the Perfect Outdoor Venue

Kent offers a range of outdoor venues, from gardens to historic castles. Consider the size of your guest list and amenities. Many Kent wedding venues provide both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering flexibility.

Popular venues include:

  • Rustic barns
  • Elegant country houses
  • Coastal settings
  • Vineyards
  • Historic castles
A bride in a strapless white wedding gown stands outdoors on a gravel path next to a brick building at Mount Ephraim in Kent. She holds a bouquet of flowers tied with a pink ribbon and smiles, her long train trailing behind. Lush greenery and flowers adorn the serene wedding setting. Image by Pearce Wedding Photography.

2. Understand Legal Requirements

For a legal ceremony, from 2022 you no longer need a a fixed, permanent structure to get legally married. But of course, check current regulations with your venue or local registry office. This is FANTASTIC news!

I’m having a vast increase in couples who get “legally” married during a intimate registry office ceremony, and then have a close friend marry them in a “mock” ceremony. Mostly this is due to the location they’ve chosen to get married, perhaps a family members garden or a place they love and have permission to use.

Bride walking down garden aisle with older man.

3. Weather-Proof Your Wedding Day

Kent’s weather can be unpredictable. Consider renting a marquee or teepee, and have indoor options available. Provide umbrellas, blankets, or heating systems depending on the season. From a photography point of view, I love all options.

Main Points to consider…

  • Marquees: Rent tents for shelter.
  • Flooring: Elevated flooring to avoid mud…perhaps a nice carpet rug!
  • Heating/Cooling: Fans, heaters, or blankets.
  • Weather Updates: Regular checks and apps.
  • Guest Comfort: Umbrellas, ponchos, or sunscreen.
Two men in black suits and bow ties walk out of Hayne House through large glass doors. The groom in front smiles, a flower bouquet on his lapel. Behind him, the second man also wears a boutonniere. Green plants dot the exterior, while chairs are visible inside, hinting at an elegant wedding event. Image by Pearce Wedding Photography.


4. Embrace Kent’s Natural Beauty in Your Decor

Incorporate local elements like lavender, apple blossoms, or hops. Use local, seasonal flowers and produce for a unique, sustainable touch.

Ideas include:

  • Floral Themes: Lavender, roses, wildflowers.
  • Local Produce: Apples, hops, and seasonal fruits.
  • Eco-Friendly: Reusable decorations, local plants.
  • Cultural Touches: English garden party, rustic countryside.
  • Table Settings: Wooden details, nature-inspired centerpieces.
Wedding welcome sign with drinks table setup.

5. Plan for Outdoor Logistics

Don’t forget essential details:

  • Lighting for evening events. So many actual wedding venues have NO lighting outside, which is pretty bonkers considering we aren’t exactly blessed with many sunlight hours, apart from of course the classic british summer period.
  • Comfortable seating. For the less mobile of wedding guests especially.
  • Sound systems
  • Restroom facilities
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with chairs and greenery.


6. Choose Local Kent Vendors

Support local businesses and ensure authenticity by choosing Kent caterers, florists, and other vendors. Consider incorporating local specialties like Kent cherries, cheeses, and wines.

Look for:

  • Caterers: Local specialties, seasonal menus. Fern & Farrow have sustainability very high on their values.
  • Florists: Native flowers, eco-friendly practices.
  • Bakers: Kentish cakes, traditional desserts.
  • Entertainment: Local bands, traditional acts.
  • Transportation: Vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages.
A bride in a white dress laughs heartily while seated next to a groom who is covering his face with one hand, appearing amused or embarrassed. Captured by a skilled photographer at their Rochester wedding, they are at a decorated reception table with flowers, food, and drinks under warm, festive lighting. Image by Pearce Wedding Photography.

7. Capture Your Day with Professional Photography

Kent’s landscapes are perfect for wedding photos. Hire a photographer experienced with outdoor weddings in Kent to capture beautiful memories. I’m a relaxed Kent Wedding Photographer, and I’d love to hear all about you both.

Photographer considerations:

  • Experience: Familiarity with Kent’s outdoor venues.
  • Style: Candid, posed, or a mix.
  • Timing: Golden hour shots, sunset photography.
  • Backdrops: Iconic Kent locations, natural scenery.
  • Equipment: Weatherproof gear, backup plans.
Man in blue shirt carrying cameras outdoors.


8. Consider Unique Kent Wedding Experiences

Explore unique options like vineyard ceremonies or beach weddings. Kent offers diverse experiences for a memorable celebration.

Options include:

  • Vineyard Weddings: Wine tastings, vineyard tours.
  • Historic Sites: Castles, manor houses.
  • Beach Ceremonies: Coastal backdrops, beach bonfires.
  • Garden Weddings: Picnic settings, flower-filled gardens.
  • Farm Venues: Rustic barns, animal interactions.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs, facing a bride and groom under a columned, ivy-covered structure, surrounded by greenery and garden hedges.

9. Create a Tailored Guest Experience

Provide local treats as favors, offer Kent wines, and suggest nearby accommodations. Organise activities to explore the area or a pre-wedding event at a local pub. For the drinks reception, consider garden games! These can be provided by Finickity Fayre and they’re absolutely awesome!


Enhance guest experience with:

  • Welcome Bags: Local treats, maps, and schedules.
  • Activities: Wine tasting, garden tours, beach outings.
  • Favors: Local products like jams, teas, or chocolates.
  • Guides: Suggested local attractions, dining.
  • Seating Arrangements: Thoughtful, personalized placements.
At The Gardens Yalding, a bride in a white wedding dress playfully pours a yellow substance over the groom's head as he bends over, leaning on a wooden structure. Guests smile and watch amidst the beautiful garden trees and shrubs. A moment of joy during their unforgettable wedding. Image by Pearce Wedding Photography.


10. Don’t Forget the Details


Small touches like sunscreen stations, blankets, or parasols can enhance the experience. Offer lawn games or flip-flops for dancing on grass.

Options include:

  • Guest Comfort: Blankets, fans, bug spray.
  • Signage: Clear directions for guests.
  • Dance Floor: Safe, stable flooring for outdoor dancing.
  • Hydration: Water stations, flavored drinks.
  • Night-time: Fire pits, stargazing areas, evening entertainment.
A crowd of people gather in front of a food truck at night, illuminated by a sign that reads "PIZZA" amidst trees and foliage, creating an enchanting atmosphere for those mindful of their wedding budgets.

Planning an outdoor wedding in Kent provides endless possibilities. Consider the weather, understand legal requirements, and focus on creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. With these tips, you’re on your way to planning the perfect outdoor wedding in the Garden of England.


Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Kent wedding?

Hello, I’m James, the creative force and photographer behind Pearce Wedding Photography. I love capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day. If you enjoy my work on this blog, let’s work together. Click below to see my packages or contact me directly

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