Wedding Photographer at Preston Court, Kent
I’m James, a Kent wedding photographer based in Ramsgate. Preston Court is one of my favourite venues in the county — it’s generous with its quirks and its beauty in equal measure, and for documentary-style and candid wedding photography, that combination is a gift.
There aren’t many wedding venues like Preston Court. A 17th-century barn, a vintage fairground, a lakeside island gazebo, camping in the summer fields — it’s the kind of place that was built for couples who want their wedding day to feel genuinely different. I’ve photographed weddings here and every time, the venue surprises me. Which is exactly what makes it such a pleasure to document.
About Preston Court
Preston Court sits in the Kent countryside near Canterbury, combining history and natural beauty in a way that’s hard to find at newer venues. The restored 17th-century barn forms the heart of the celebration space — high ceilings, exposed timber and a warmth that suits a wedding perfectly. Around it, the lakeside gardens offer beautiful outdoor space for ceremonies, cocktail hours and long summer evenings.
The venue can host up to 120 guests for the ceremony and dining, and up to 200 for an evening reception, making it well-suited to both intimate celebrations and larger parties. For summer weddings, the glamping field gives guests an option to stay on-site and make a weekend of it.
What makes Preston Court unique?
It’s the combination of things you don’t usually find in one place. The island gazebo — surrounded by the lake on all sides, with the gardens and countryside beyond — is one of the most striking ceremony settings in Kent. The vintage fairground isn’t a token gesture: it’s a proper, working fairground that your guests will actually use, and it creates moments I never get anywhere else.
Inside, the 17th-century barn is versatile and genuinely characterful — exposed stone, original beams, the kind of space that needs very little dressing because it already looks extraordinary. And the sister venue, Wilderness Weddings, is right next door for couples who want a more purely outdoor, natural setting.
Photographing a Wedding at Preston Court
The challenge with Preston Court — the good kind — is that there’s almost too much to photograph. The fairground rides catching the late sun. Reflections of the barn in the still lake. Guests discovering the vintage games. Children on the carousel. Couples stealing five minutes by the water before dinner. I work in a documentary style, which means I’m always moving, always watching, looking for the moments that tell the story of your day.
For portraits, the island gazebo is the obvious destination — surrounded by water with the gardens behind, it creates images that are genuinely distinctive and unlike anything you’d get at a conventional venue. The lakeside paths, the barn exterior and the wider grounds all offer strong alternatives depending on the light.
Preston Court Wedding Gallery
Here are some Preston Court photos I’ve taken on a summer wedding day.
Preston Court Weddings FAQs
What’s the capacity at Preston Court?
Up to 120 guests for ceremony and dining, and up to 200 for the evening reception. The island gazebo is available for outdoor ceremonies.
Is there accommodation at Preston Court?
Preston Court doesn’t have a hotel, but the venue provides a bridal suite and glamping options in the summer months. There are several hotels and B&Bs nearby in Canterbury for guests.
Can you have outdoor ceremonies at Preston Court?
Yes — the island gazebo is one of the venue’s signature features. Surrounded by the lake and gardens, it’s a genuinely spectacular outdoor ceremony setting.
Is Preston Court related to Wilderness Weddings?
Yes — Wilderness Weddings is Preston Court’s sister venue and sits directly next door. It’s a more outdoor, nature-focused setting. If you’re deciding between the two, I’ve photographed at both and am happy to talk you through the differences.
Looking for a Photographer for Your Preston Court Wedding?
If you’re getting married at Preston Court and want photography that captures all of it — the big moments, the quiet ones, the fairground at golden hour and the lakeside ceremony and everything in between — I’d love to hear from you, get in touch.
→ Exploring other Kent wedding venues? See my full Kent wedding venues guide.