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Recommended by 100% of couples

About this venue

On Hitched.co.uk since 2025

Last update: October 2026

An Intimate Riverside Wedding at Leven is Strijd

Celebrate your love in total privacy aboard Leven is Strijd, a beautifully restored Dutch barge on the Medway Estuary in Upchurch, Kent. Perfect for couples seeking a unique and intimate wedding, our exclusive riverside venue welcomes up to 28 day guests — you, your partner and 26 of your nearest and dearest.

  • Day guests: Up to 28 for your ceremony and wedding breakfast.

  • Evening guests: An additional 30–40 guests may be accommodated by arrangement.

Please note: We have no Saturday dates available between May and September. Thank you for your understanding.

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Our Venue

Exchange vows in our beautiful glass-fronted stretch tent, offering shelter whatever the weather and stunning views across the tranquil river and surrounding countryside. Afterwards, gather aboard our historic Dutch barge for an intimate sit-down wedding breakfast.

Built in the Netherlands in 1928, Leven is Strijd combines original character with understated elegance, creating a wedding setting that is both distinctive and unforgettable.

Enjoy canapés and drinks in our stylish tented lounge and bar area before and after your ceremony. Whether you’re planning a late-afternoon wedding followed by a leisurely meal or relaxed evening celebrations beside the water, your day can be tailored to reflect your wishes.

Your day is yours to personalise, with exclusive hire options to suit your plans.

Intimate, individual and full of character, Leven is Strijd offers a wedding experience unlike any other.

Your Wedding at Leven is Strijd Includes

  • Exclusive venue hire: Choose the historic barge for dining, the tent for your reception, or both for your ceremony, reception and wedding breakfast.

  • A beautiful dining experience: Enjoy canapés and a delicious three- or four-course sit-down meal, with menus created by our talented culinary team.

  • Riverside celebrations: Enjoy drinks and conversation in our glass-fronted stretch tent, with beautiful views across the Medway Estuary.

  • Comfort and elegance: Tables, dining chairs, a fully set dining table and lounge seating create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

  • A truly intimate setting: Designed for weddings with up to 26 day guests, with additional evening guests available by arrangement.

  • A personal approach: Flexible venue options and thoughtful service help you create a celebration that feels entirely your own.

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Begin Married Life in the Captain’s Cabin

Make your wedding even more memorable with a stay in our new Captain’s Cabin honeymoon suite, beautifully restored within the barge’s original captain’s quarters.

Combining the charm of the boat’s 1920s heritage with modern comforts, this romantic retreat features a king-size bed, private shower room and loo, a peaceful lounge area, and heating and air conditioning.

Enjoy the original features, including the sliding door and fireplace, before settling in for your first night as a married couple. Breakfast and bubbles are included, giving you time to relax together and wake up beside the river the following morning.

Whether you’re staying after your wedding or planning a special riverside escape, the Captain’s Cabin adds another memorable chapter to your Leven is Strijd experience.

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A Wedding to Remember

From exchanging vows overlooking the water to sharing a wonderful meal with your closest family and friends, Leven is Strijd offers a setting with a character all of its own.

With exclusive use, beautiful riverside surroundings and the option to stay aboard in our romantic honeymoon suite, you can celebrate your wedding and begin married life somewhere truly special.

Features

Woman-owned

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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Unusual weddings
Marquees and tents
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Alcohol licence
In-house catering

Evening entertainment:

Marquee available
Evening reception facilities

Venue staff assistance:

Wedding coordinator

Other features:

Exclusive use
Car parking
Confetti permitted
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Reviews for Leven is Strijd

Kaye
Kaye Sent on 29/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating

This event space is something really special.

This event space is something really special. I hired it in October as a surprise for my husband to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and transformed the beautiful glass-fronted stretch tent into a cinema for the evening.

The hosts were incredibly helpful, assisting with the AV screen and speaker setup, and even letting me transform the bar area into a 1990s-style cinema concession stand, complete with classic canned drinks, popcorn, and sweets. It was such a fun touch and went down a storm with all our guests, especially my husband!

The setting is absolutely beautiful. Although it feels wonderfully tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it's surprisingly easy to reach. Our guests travelled from Surrey, Essex, and across Kent with no problems, and there was plenty of parking for everyone.

If you're looking for a unique venue for a wedding, anniversary, birthday celebration, private party, or any special occasion, I highly recommend it.
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Preferred suppliers

Emma Migden Photography
5.0 out of 5 rating , 1 review
· Photographers

Map

Twinney Wharf, Susans Lane, ME9 7HA Upchurch (Kent)
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