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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2022

Last update: November 2023

If you are looking for somewhere unique to hold your wedding reception in Canterbury, Kent, then Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is the perfect destination. Get in touch to learn more about this one-of-a-kind venue.

Facilities and Capacity

Set within the beautiful grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, the venue forms part of a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. With multiple spaces to choose from, you should not have any trouble incorporating your event into this location. The Cathedral Lodge offers couples an exceptional and truly unique wedding reception venue. This destination caters for anything from a small intimate wedding breakfast in the Refectory Restaurant, with its own private garden, to a sit-down meal for up to 120 guests in the stunning Clagett Auditorium. Couples may choose to enjoy a drinks reception in the Kentish Barn, which enjoys beautiful views of the Cathedral from its large bay windows. Alternatively, the Campanile Garden is available for summer drinks receptions and, of course, those significant photos, whatever the season.

Services Offered

The team at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge invites you to host your nuptials here. They will be available throughout your celebration to assist with anything you may need. Your loved ones can stay overnight in one of the 34 well-appointed hotel bedrooms, with the majority enjoying stunning views of the Cathedral and gardens. All overnight guests receive a full English breakfast and entrance to Canterbury Cathedral throughout their stay. In line with the true ethos of the Cathedral, you will be assured of a very warm welcome. Some additional services and amenities offered include:

  • Dance floor
  • DJ facilities
  • In-house catering
  • MC services
  • Parking

Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

Small hotel
Historic
Landmark
In the city
Unique weddings

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Corkage option
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Master of ceremonies/toastmaster
Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Beautician

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Changing room for wedding guests
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Do you have any questions?

Request pricing
5.0 out of 5 rating
33 reviews
  • Quality of the service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples
L
Libby F. Sent on 23/06/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The Perfect Day

In just 3 weeks, the lodge managed to create the best day for my husband and I, even during covid. The food was incredible, the venue beautiful, and the hosting was especially amazing. They constantly checked on me before and catered to all our needs, and on the day, were phenomenal. I would 100% recommend this location.
A
Anonymous Sent on 15/08/2019
5 out of 5 rating

The Perfect Space

'It was so easy to get in touch and a pleasure to chat with Catherine about our ideas. She helped us sort out all the details, took on our last minute ideas and was so helpful with any complications.

The food and drink was delicious, it was hard to choose what we wanted on the day even having had our menu tasting beforehand (which was such a treat). We definitely feel we got value for money and our guests really enjoyed their meal.

The rooms were spacious and comfortable and being in the Cathedral grounds was lovely and quiet after dark. The staff were super helpful in organising accommodation for those staying in the venue and I can't fault the breakfasts and general service.

The venue was the perfect space for our wedding and the staff were so helpfully on hand when we needed them. Danielle was so organised in keeping things moving when our timeline inevitably changed throughout the wedding day and I had no worries that everything would go smoothly. Thank you to everyone who helped us; we had the perfect day!'
T
Tim Sent on 10/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

We loved Every Moment!

We had a absolutely wonderful wedding day, we loved every moment. Staff were so attentive, hardworking and friendly we felt so well cared for! Many of my family mentioned that the event ran smoothly, that the food was delicious and staff very helpful and friendly. Even down to making sure my sister had tea/ coffee while she was out practicing for her performance. It just felt so personal, thank you!

Thank you so much for all your work its been such a great experience working with you and being privileged to have such a beautiful venue.
C
Charlotte Sent on 05/09/2019
5 out of 5 rating

So special!

We would like to say a huge thank you to the team at the Cathedral Lodge for making our wedding day more than we could have hoped for. We were so pleased with how everything went, both in advance and on the day, and that’s down to you and all the team, so thank you.

All the guests (and ourselves) rated the quality of the food very highly. It was really beneficial to be able to offer a menu with so many options to our guests, making sure there would definitely be something all the guests would like. We were particularly happy with the main courses – it was such a dilemma choosing which ones to have ourselves! And being able to go for a tasting in advance was a really nice way of deciding, and such a lovely experience!

It was so unique to have our reception with such a historic and beautiful backdrop in Canterbury Cathedral. The Campanile Garden was a lovely, open backdrop to host guests in. It was so nice to be so central in Canterbury and yet be in such a quiet space. The Claggett Auditorium was slick and modern and a perfect size for the number of guests we invited. Having a wooden backdrop made it really easy to pick colours to decorate it with, and all the team at the Lodge helped the room look so beautiful on the day.

It was the customer service, beyond anything else, which made us so happy we picked the Cathedral Lodge for our wedding. Every member of staff had so much time for us and were willing to show us round the venue and answer all our questions no matter how small.
Thank you so much to everyone involved for making it so special.
D
Danni Sent on 24/05/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Thank you for a perfect day!

My husband and I have just had our wedding day and it was perfect!
The staff were amazing and ensured the day ran like clockwork! There were so accommodating to us and all so friendly! The food was amazing and all of our guest commented on how good it was, as well as the location of the venue!
Catherine our wedding coordinator was also amazing, very responsive to emails and played a big part in our wedding planning!
Overall our wedding reception was perfect from start to finish and all the staff at Canterbury cathedral lodge were excellent!
C
Charlotte Sent on 07/01/2019
5 out of 5 rating

A Huge Thank You!

My husband and I would just like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge for all their hard work that went into making our wedding day so wonderful! Throughout the two years of wedding planning our wedding coordinator Catherine was exceptional her dedication, organisation and overall wonderfulness was second to none. Catherine was always at the end of the phone or an email if either of us ever had any questions. Everyone was so kind and acomadating throughout the day making sure everything flowed with precision. The food was so delicious which was commented on by all the guests. The level of attention and service in which we received from the moment we enquired about the possibility of the Cathedral Lodge being our wedding venue to the morning after the wedding was outstanding! The overall location and setting of Canterbury Cathedral Lodge makes it the perfect wedding venue and we would not hesitate in recommending it to any couple looking for that perfect venue! Thank you!!
Charlotte and Ian
M
Matthew Sent on 14/01/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Relaxed and Fun!

Matthew and I had an absolutely wonderful wedding day and a beautiful reception at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge. We looked around a number of reception places but Canterbury Cathedral Lodge was definitely the one we wanted to go with and our decision did not falter on experience.

The staff made our guests feel welcomed and relaxed and the children had so much fun.

We had a big decorating job which took approx. 2 days to do - Canterbury Cathedral Lodge were very understandings and flexible to help us to make the day our own and how we wanted it to be. We didn’t feel any pressure on timings on the day or routine for the wedding. This made us feel very respected and relaxed.

The staff were very polite and down to earth whilst being professional. A great team of people to have behind you on the day.

The reception is gorgeous and you make it your oyster- decorate how you wish to. The rooms are comfortable, clean and inviting. We had the buffet and we even had food left over- great value for the money which you pay.

We can’t wait to go back for our years anniversary and this time with our expected new born baby.
A
Anonymous Sent on 05/07/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Hidden gem in the heart of Canterbury

What a hidden gem in the heart of Canterbury. From the start my wife and I knew this was the place we wanted our special day. We arranged a meeting with Tania and she could not have been more helpful, the packages are reasonable price and include so much and can be adapted if we required. Every step of the way as the big day came nearer Tania was on hand to put our minds at ease and answer any questions.
On the day we had great weather which meant we could take full advantage of the use of the garden and have that amazing view of the cathedral. Staff were absolutely fantastic they all worked hard to give us our special day. When it come to the sit down meal, we had previously had a food trial so we knew the food was going to be fantastic and it didn’t disappoint all our guest loved every meal. The whole day was the best day of our lives and we can’t thank Tania and her staff enough for all the hard work they put in.. thank you

Overall the Cathedral Lodge 5 star and we would highly recommend it..
A
Anonymous Sent on 27/11/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Fautless!

Our experience with the Cathedral Lodge was faultless. Catherine made planning our reception easy and hassle free, which was really appreciated at such a stressful time.

The venue provided us with the perfect blank canvas to create the setting we wanted for our guests. The outside space was a beautiful back drop for our photographs and made choosing our favourites very difficult.
A
Anonymous Sent on 21/03/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Nothing Too Much Trouble!

Having very recently got married and having had our reception at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge I cannot speak highly enough of the team and the venue itself. From the first time we met Catherine and she told us she would be our wedding coordinator, she has been a great source of support, and a comfort to us. She was always warm, welcoming, and very professional, provided invaluable guidance, and basically made what could have been a very stressful period into one which we have thoroughly enjoyed. The day itself was incredible and ran perfectly, and I think that was largely due to her efforts and experience. She has been a wonderful wedding coordinator and we couldn't have done it without her!

I spent two nights at the Lodge and the rooms, service, and experience was fantastic. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, the staff were very friendly and always on hand to help, the location, naturally, incredible, and the food excellent. On the day of the wedding, the events team were amazing. We have had numerous comments from guests, all of whom have offered unequivocal praise for the venue and the team. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them, and they all went above and beyond in trying to make the day as special for us as possible. We are incredibly grateful for all their efforts and incredibly thankful we opted to have our reception at the Cathedral Lodge - thank you so much to all involved!
A
Anonymous Sent on 04/09/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Personal Touch

We first enquired about having our wedding reception at The Cathedral Lodge a good 2 years before our planned wedding date via email, and from the first email we were impressed with the quick and efficient reply that we received.

Our wedding co-ordinator was Catherine, and she was amazing throughout the whole process. Catherine was very professional and organised and although you know she has lots of other weddings to organise, whenever we met or had communication via email, I always felt like our wedding was the only wedding she was planning - she gave a real personal touch to everything!

The actual venue is a brilliant space to have, as although you are in the Cathedral grounds with stunning views, the auditorium is like blank slate, which you can decorate in anyway, but it would still compliment the location.

Being both first timers to getting married, both my husband and I had no idea what happens regarding timings etc, but Danielle (our toast master) kept us in the loop the whole day and handed over to another member of staff who kept us informed once again.

Our wedding journey was a slightly bumpy road, but the Cathedral Lodge and Catherine accommodated our every need and it was a perfect day!

If you are reading this review and are still not sure about whether the Cathedral Lodge is the right venue for you, I would defiantly give them a call and go and have a look - I am sure that you won't be disappointed!
A
Anonymous Sent on 08/09/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Every Detail Perfect

Our wedding reception at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge on the 5th of August 2017 was stunning!
From start to finish Catherine and her team were absolutely amazing. The lodge was the first venue we looked at and we fell in love with the setting straight away. The lodge and the gardens were so well presented, it truly felt like we were the only ones who had ever celebrated there, as everything from the drinks on offer, to the decor was unique to us. We spent a long time organising our wedding so we really got to know the team, the hotel was a lovely clean, welcoming and fresh place to spend your wedding weekend!
The day itself was amazing, we couldn't believe how beautiful it all looked, we unfortunately drove back to the lodge from the church in the biggest thunderstorm we'd seen in a while, the team were there at the door offering towels and umbrellas to our guests along with a much needed drink!
The wedding breakfast was absolutely delicious … our guests are still talking about how much they enjoyed it! Catherine and Danielle (who acted as our master of ceremonies) were so helpful and professional, all of the staff had big smiles on their faces. We all took our drinks to the bar whilst the team cleared the area for the evening, it looked so lovely with the DJ filling the dance floor straight away and the Buffet (which was huge!) went down a treat. Some of our older guests who preferred to sit and chat used the tables on the balcony looking out onto the dance floor. That's what we loved about it. It was so perfectly thought out, every detail. The day went so smoothly without one problem. Amazing!
A
Anonymous Sent on 04/08/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect!

“Me and my husband had our wedding reception at the Lodge on the 15th July 2017 and it was perfect.
Catherine was our wedding coordinator and she went above and beyond to make our day extra special - 2 years we were emailing, and she was in touch with us all the way up to the big event - on our wedding she was there to greet us. We are so thankful that everything went smoothly due to our time line, and the amazing staff at the Lodge. It is the most beautiful place to have your wedding and such a stunning place - even our room was amazing. Definitely couldn't ask for a better day, thank you so much.
Lots of the love, the new Mr & Mrs Raggio”
Z
Zara Sent on 26/07/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Thanks a Million

We needed a reception venue which had the wow factor. We can honestly say that Canterbury Cathedral Lodge ticked every one of our boxes.

The Lodge speaks for itself, when asked where we had picked for our reception venue, it was more often than not responded with an 'oh wow!'

Fast forward to our special day. The organisation that went into our day was second to none, with Catherine organising our suppliers to ensure everything ran smoothly. On arrival at the Lodge as Mr and Mrs we were greeted by Catherine shown the Clagett Auditorium. Seeing everything pulled together was wonderful, and a moment that we will cherish forever. It was stunning.
Joining our guests in the garden and enjoying a welcome drink was beautiful. The view of the Cathedral, the sounds of the city and the laughter of our family and friends all made for a perfect atmosphere.

Seeing our guests’ faces as they took in the auditorium was priceless, no one could get over the space we had and that it could even exist amongst its famous surroundings.
The wedding breakfast was served, and the empty plates spoke for themselves.
In the evening I was too busy dancing to the awesome DJ to think about food. From what I heard, the bacon and cheese turnovers and mini Yorkshire puddings were incredible!

We could say thanks a million times over and it still wouldn't come close to how grateful we are for everything. We've been on such a wonderful journey, that we are sad that it's all over.
For future Brides, please don't hesitate booking Canterbury Cathedral Lodge for your special day, it really is everything you could want and more. Go see for yourself and fall in love with it the way we did!
A
Anonymous Sent on 04/05/2017
5 out of 5 rating

Local Menu, Magical Location

From our first enquiry we knew the Lodge was the right place for our wedding. The function space was large and the choice in how we wanted to use the rooms, along with the fact we would be the only wedding on that day made us feel special and like we could really put our own stamp on the day. Catherine was a huge support throughout the entire planning process, she was patient with all our questions, incredibly thorough and made all our ideas possible. All the staff at the Lodge were fantastic as always. They went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. We were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the food; we loved the locally sourced menu that the chef designed for us. The accommodation is always faultless and the location is magical. There is no other place quite like it.
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Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Real Weddings

Emily & Joel
109 photos · 18/07/2020

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