Crown Lodge, located in Wye, offers breathtaking views over the Kent Downs National Landscape, extending into Sussex. Nestled in the peaceful countryside near Ashford, Kent, the venue is surrounded by ancient woodland and vibrant wildflower meadows, providing a secluded, intimate space for weddings.

The Lodge is a versatile, perfectly sized venue with all wedding elements accommodated in a single room. It comfortably hosts up to 90 guests for the day, with an additional 50 guests welcomed for the evening reception. Upon entering Crown Lodge, couples are greeted by a rustic, romantic cabin that shines during summer weddings and offers a warm, inviting atmosphere for winter celebrations.

Inside, the Lodge features a beautiful log slice wall backdrop on one side, with floor-to-ceiling windows on the other, allowing ample natural light and uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. This makes for stunning sunset photography, a favourite among couples. The outdoor space includes seating for up to 50 guests on wooden benches, perfect for an al fresco reception, along with garden games provided by local businesses and our quirky new Drinks Shack, adorned with a diamond chandelier.

The Lodge is adorned with festoon lighting, giving it a cosy, magical feel after sunset, perfect for the first dance and evening celebrations. A fully licensed and staffed bar, accessible toilet facilities, and a flexible adjacent room—closed off during the day—are all within the venue. This separate room, one of our two licensed ceremony spaces, also doubles as an evening entertainment area where DJs or bands can set up without interrupting the flow of the day.

For outdoor ceremonies, our gazebo nestled in the woodland is an idyllic spot. Seating up to 90 guests on permanent benches, complete with sheepskin throws for added warmth, it offers a serene and romantic setting. Portable speakers and microphones ensure all guests can hear the vows clearly, making it a seamless outdoor experience.

At Crown Lodge, we are committed to keeping our costs affordable while delivering a high-quality experience. By offering venue hire and drinks packages only, couples have the flexibility to choose the catering that best suits their tastes and budget. We work with a variety of caterers, from street food suppliers to taco and ice cream vans, ensuring a personalised dining experience.

In 2022, we introduced a popular prop hire service, providing trending décor items like table runners, postboxes, and vintage bikes. This sustainable initiative allows couples to rent rather than buy, reducing waste and offering affordable alternatives.

Couples can personalise their day by setting up the space themselves the day before, adding their own touches while we handle the setup of tables, chairs, and linens.

From the first viewing, we aim to build a strong relationship with our couples. During a 45-minute consultation, we gather detailed information to tailor a bespoke quote and recommend suitable suppliers. After the deposit is paid, we provide a comprehensive wedding confirmation pack, including essential details for the couple and their guests, such as local accommodation and taxi services.

We schedule two in-person meetings at six months and six weeks before the wedding to finalise guest numbers and timelines. However, we always emphasize that couples are welcome to visit as often as they like, whether with family, friends, or suppliers.

We focus on building a relationship with each couple through regular communication, including monthly check-in emails and scheduled meetings at six months and six weeks before their big day. We also encourage couples to bring their suppliers for site visits, especially those unfamiliar with the venue, to ensure everyone feels comfortable on the day. Our open days allow couples to explore different décor styles, and we offer unlimited support via phone calls whenever needed.

While we allow external caterers, we ensure quality by approving caterers before couples commit. To offer a more complete experience, we have launched “The Wild Garden Catering Co.” in July 2024, an exclusive service featuring local, sustainably sourced ingredients. This new option will provide everything from pizza to afternoon tea, offering flexibility and style to suit any wedding.