Wedding venue inspiration - Manor house, Stately homes

Knowlton Court, Canterbury

This quintessentially English house oozes calm and serenity in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The house is beautiful, and the rooms are elegant, complete with fine artwork, huge stone fireplaces and fabulous features. Sitting in 20,000 acres of private land, Knowlton Court is approached by an avenue of lime trees culminating in the circular lawn and walled garden. The house is surrounded by formal gardens and you feel a sense of calm and tranquility wandering through them. The amusing topiary hedges are always a talking point and the masses of climbing roses add fantastic colour and an unbelievable scent. There are a number of properties within the estate, which can accommodate up to 64 overnight guests, including the ten-bedroom Dower House.

Eastwell Manor, Ashford

With its oak-panelled spaces, open stone fireplaces, quirky original features, grand staircase, ornate windows and doors, and stylish early Art Deco interior design, Eastwell Manor exudes charm. Built more than 450 years ago, the grey stone exterior of this Neo-Elizabethan manor house is covered in beautiful ivy, which changes colour with the seasons. Set in 3,000 acres of landscaped gardens, this idyllic spot provides a stunning backdrop for your nuptials. Situated at the end of a long tree-lined drive it boasts 72 elegantly styled bedrooms and suites. All wedding packages include a deluxe suite for the newlyweds and nine bedrooms, with bed and breakfast. The venue also offers exclusive hire of the manor house, which includes all 23 of its bedrooms.

Nettlestead Place, Nettlestead

As you arrive at Nettlestead Place via the beautiful 14th-century gatehouse, the Grad I listed manor comes into view. It's still a private family home and has, over the centuries, hosted many a lavish event and celebration. This lovely historical building, along with its stunning surroundings, offers a quintessentially English setting for your big day. The venue has 10 acres of award-winning gardens with its own picture-perfect sunken pond and beautiful far-reaching views across the River Medway. With its stone walls, archways, secret gardens, and winding pathways, Nettlestead Place offers a wealth of incredible photo opportunities. What's more, you're offered a complimentary menu and wine-tasting experience when you book your wedding date here.

Cobham Hall, Cobham

Nestled in 150 acres of Grade II listed parkland, Cobham Hall dates back to 1208 when the original manor was granted by the King to the De Cobham family. The Hall is home to a priceless collection of paintings and antiques as well as to the famous ashes of English cricket, which were gifted by the then English cricket captain and future 8th Earl of Darnley, Ivo Bligh, in 1883. Now operating as an independent day and boarding school for 200 girls, Cobham Hall is one of the country's finest historic country houses. Only 28 miles from central London and within easy reach of the A2, M2, M20 and M25 the venue is conveniently situated, while enjoying a picturesque and tranquil setting. Offering a maximum of 20 wedding dates per year, Cobham Hall is a hidden gem that will amazing your guests with its history, grandeur and elegance, and its dedicated wedding team will help you create a day designed exclusively for you. What's more on booking your wedding day at Cobham Hall, you'll be invited to a complimentary menu tasting and wine pairing. Plus, there a bridal dressing room and groom's lounge on site for use on the morning of your wedding.

Hayne House, Hythe

Located close to the beautiful and historical village of Saltwood, nestled in the serene and tranquil setting of its immaculately landscaped private family estate, is wedding venue Hayne House. It's a venue that offers a wonderful combination of traditional country house charms, coupled with the sophistication of the ultra-modern. Purpose built in 2018, the Orangery at Hayne House was conceived and constructed with the dreams of its couples in mind. Fronted by uninterrupted floor to ceiling French doors and stunning overhead lanterns, the space forms a natural link to the outdoors. Light and airy, it's like being seated in the beautiful gardens once the doors are flung open, offering a wonderfully flexible, contemporary, stylish and eco-friendly venue for any style of wedding. There are three stunning ceremony areas to choose from including the new outdoor pavilion, and the Orangery, also with the option for blessings anywhere the gardens. All spaces seat up to 120 loved ones.

Penshurst Place and Gardens, Tonbridge

This wedding venue is set in an estate of 2,500 acres, the 14th-century house and formal gardens are steeped in natural splendour and historical architecture. With sandstone walls and an impressive sweeping driveway on the private north-side entrance, it's been described as the perfect combination of an inspiring castle combined with an intimate country manor house. The 14th-century, Grade I listed, gardens are considered to be amongst the most beautiful in England. Originally laid out in 1346, their 11 acres have been kept true to their Elizabethan design. Colourfully surrounding the house with a breathtaking blend of roses, tulips, blossoms and herbaceous plants, they make Penshurst Place an enchanting photographic backdrop.

St Julians Club, Sevenoaks

St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house wedding venue set in charming surroundings just outside Sevenoaks, which has been a secluded and exclusive private club since the early 1950s. Overlooking the Weald of Kent, surrounded by 70 acres of woodland and beautiful manicured gardens, St Julians offers a characterful and traditional venue for your special day. The Lounge is the original drawing room of the house, with long bay windows, which open onto the external flagstone terrace. It has a beautiful marble fireplace and Steinway grand piano, which is available for you to use on the day. Double doors lead to the Victorian Conservatory, with its incredible canopy of wisteria giving fragrant blooms up to four times a year. The Gallery boasts the same amazing views and the bay window is the perfect spot for a more intimate wedding ceremony.