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About
Unique, exclusive-use, lovingly restored Norman Church is available for intimate civil ceremonies, hand fastings and private events for up to 42 people.
Far, far away, in a magical place, where time has stood still, in an almost forgotten valley between Luddesdown and Holly Hill, nestled in the North Kent Downs in the South East of England, there stands a beautiful, charming, enchanting, privately owned, romantic, former Norman church – the only trace of the now ‘lost’ village of Dode.
The Lost Village of Dode is perfect for couples who want to begin their tale of love, romance and desire, either inside or outside. You can choose from an intimate indoor Civil Ceremony or Partnership and Renewal of Vows. Or for an outdoor Blessing or Pagan Handfasting Ceremony, you can hold your event within the ancient Stone Circle followed by a lavish Wedding Reception, with dancing and then stay overnight, onsite, in one of the two superb award-winning cottages.
We offer bespoke weddings, tailored to each couple, or package weddings, so you can have your perfect day exactly the way you want it. After your ceremony guests usually spend time in the stunning grounds, enabling you to have your group photos and enjoy a glass of bubbles and perhaps a selection of canapes. And for your evening reception, we work alongside a number of fantastic professional caterers who can provide a Medieval Style Banquet Wedding Breakfast Reception with all the trimmings. Your Wedding Breakfast might include a hog roast or a roast lamb or we can cater for various dietary requirements...We can also offer a number of unique additions to your day including Ollie the Owl to deliver your rings, or bubbles as you leave the church.
No hidden charges and no corkage charge either!
To end the evening why not choose to add a final chapter to your epic love story by booking one of our award-winning on-site cottage retreats.
For more information please contact our Wedding Coordinator Becky who would be more than happy to discuss your requirements with you.
- Kent Countryside venue with a Church for non religious civil ceremonies
- Exclusively yours for the day
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Animal friendly
- Winter/Christmas Weddings
- Professional team of caterers and no corkage fees
- On-site award winning cottage retreats including hot tub
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Frequently asked questions
Venue type:
In the country
Unusual weddings
Historic
Landmark
Church
Outdoor license
Unique weddings
Ceremony options:
Chapel or temple on-site
Civil ceremony licence
Dining options:
Seated meal facilities
Private catering allowed
Buffet meal facilities
In-house catering
Evening entertainment:
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
Overnight accommodation:
Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests
Venue staff assistance:
Wedding coordinator
Venue leisure facilities:
Hairdresser
Other features:
Exclusive use
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Pet-friendly
Reviews for The Lost Village of Dode
Jack Sent on 18/05/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Just a Perfect Day - Glad That We Spent It With You!
We knew immediately on the day we visited Dode that it would be the perfect place for our wedding venue. There's something special about Dode that we instantly fell in love with.
Communications with Becky (our Ceremony Coordinator) were timely and informative and the list she provided of 'prefered' suppliers from our Photographer (Matt James), Florist (Moody Blooms), Drinks Van (Double Bubble), Musicians (Sandra & Paul) and the most amazing grazing platter (Prinsa's Celebrations) all proved to be top tier! and being able to organise all of this amongst these 'friends of Dode' made the whole process hassle free!
We wanted a small and intimate celebration (16 guests) and we couldn't have wished for a more beautiful day, Paul & Matt were our hosts and they did an outstanding job, really making us and our guests feel relaxed and welcomed.
We'll be returning to Dode (in 1 year & 1 days time) to renew our handfasting vows, and I'm sure that it'll feel like visiting an old friend.
Dode will always have a special place in our hearts and we can't thank everyone involved enough for the magic they brought to our day!
Lucy & Jack
Communications with Becky (our Ceremony Coordinator) were timely and informative and the list she provided of 'prefered' suppliers from our Photographer (Matt James), Florist (Moody Blooms), Drinks Van (Double Bubble), Musicians (Sandra & Paul) and the most amazing grazing platter (Prinsa's Celebrations) all proved to be top tier! and being able to organise all of this amongst these 'friends of Dode' made the whole process hassle free!
We wanted a small and intimate celebration (16 guests) and we couldn't have wished for a more beautiful day, Paul & Matt were our hosts and they did an outstanding job, really making us and our guests feel relaxed and welcomed.
We'll be returning to Dode (in 1 year & 1 days time) to renew our handfasting vows, and I'm sure that it'll feel like visiting an old friend.
Dode will always have a special place in our hearts and we can't thank everyone involved enough for the magic they brought to our day!
Lucy & Jack
Helena Sent on 08/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely perfect in every way!
We got married here on 21st December 2024 and it could not have been more perfect. We had an elopement wedding with six guests and our 3 dogs and stayed in one of the on site cottages .
The venue is just stunning and with just one wedding a day it is all yours and the surroundings are beautiful, with lots of wide open space.
We worked closely with Becky and it was completely stress free and she guided us through everything we needed to do.
We stayed in the two bedroom cottage which had two bathrooms with shower, a kitchen and its own hot tub! It was very clean, cosy and extremely private and the dogs were welcome too.
We would highly recommend Dode and we look forward to coming back for a stay in one of the cottages. Without any doubt in my mind this is the perfect place to get married!
The venue is just stunning and with just one wedding a day it is all yours and the surroundings are beautiful, with lots of wide open space.
We worked closely with Becky and it was completely stress free and she guided us through everything we needed to do.
We stayed in the two bedroom cottage which had two bathrooms with shower, a kitchen and its own hot tub! It was very clean, cosy and extremely private and the dogs were welcome too.
We would highly recommend Dode and we look forward to coming back for a stay in one of the cottages. Without any doubt in my mind this is the perfect place to get married!
Charlie Sent on 20/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Authentic and Natural Wedding Experience
We just wanted to say a massive thank you to the whole team at The Lost Village of Dode for making our whole wedding experience so incredibly special and authentic as we had hoped. From start to finish, everything was perfect, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the love and care you all put into our celebration.
A special mention must go to Paul, who was absolutely amazing. He performed our handfasting ceremony, which was so meaningful to both of us and something we will treasure forever. His warmth and energy made the moment even more magical.
We were also blown away by Matt, who went above and beyond in ways we could never have expected. He wasn’t just our photographer, but also our go-to person throughout the whole day. From the moment we arrived, Matt was there, calm and reassuring, especially before the ceremony. His support helped ease any nerves we had, and he ensured that everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Plus, his friendly, approachable manner made him a real joy to have around—our guests loved him, and we’ve already seen some incredible photos!
And of course, we can’t thank Becky enough for all of her hard work and guidance throughout the entire year. From the moment we met her in January, she was a constant support, helping us navigate all the planning and making sure every detail was covered. She was the calm and steady hand we needed throughout the planning process and on the day itself. We truly felt that with Becky and the whole team, we were in the best possible hands.
We’re so happy to have celebrated our wedding at The Dode, and we know it will always hold a special place in our hearts. We look forward to returning over the years as we grow older together.
Best wishes,
Charlie & Mike Strawson x
A special mention must go to Paul, who was absolutely amazing. He performed our handfasting ceremony, which was so meaningful to both of us and something we will treasure forever. His warmth and energy made the moment even more magical.
We were also blown away by Matt, who went above and beyond in ways we could never have expected. He wasn’t just our photographer, but also our go-to person throughout the whole day. From the moment we arrived, Matt was there, calm and reassuring, especially before the ceremony. His support helped ease any nerves we had, and he ensured that everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Plus, his friendly, approachable manner made him a real joy to have around—our guests loved him, and we’ve already seen some incredible photos!
And of course, we can’t thank Becky enough for all of her hard work and guidance throughout the entire year. From the moment we met her in January, she was a constant support, helping us navigate all the planning and making sure every detail was covered. She was the calm and steady hand we needed throughout the planning process and on the day itself. We truly felt that with Becky and the whole team, we were in the best possible hands.
We’re so happy to have celebrated our wedding at The Dode, and we know it will always hold a special place in our hearts. We look forward to returning over the years as we grow older together.
Best wishes,
Charlie & Mike Strawson x
Tasha Sent on 26/09/2024
5 out of 5 rating
Very special venue
I recently got married at Dode and highly recommend this place! It’s very peaceful, calming, unique and unlike other wedding venues. Becky was very helpful with the wedding planning and Paul was brilliant on the day. A big thank you to all the staff involved. All our guests absolutely love the place, you won’t be disappointed if you choose here for your venue.
Amanda Sent on 14/09/2024
4.2 out of 5 rating
24/08/24 Sam and Amanda
Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Everyone, including us, were blown away by how pretty the place was on the big day. Paul, our help for the day from the venue, was a god send and ever so kind, putting my mind at rest.
Stayed in the cottages overnight before and after the day, and arrived to a personalised card :) room with a hot tub which was wonderful, hard to control and couldn't find the switch that was described.
All in all, wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else. Thank you
Stayed in the cottages overnight before and after the day, and arrived to a personalised card :) room with a hot tub which was wonderful, hard to control and couldn't find the switch that was described.
All in all, wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else. Thank you
Lexie Sent on 07/08/2024
5 out of 5 rating
A perfect, magical wedding
Dode is a magical place. It has a stillness, peacefulness and a history to it that culminates in an atmosphere that is not easy to put into words. We had a wonderful wedding here. All of our guests commented on just how unique the wedding and the venue was. Becky was very responsive to all of our questions in the year leading up to the event. Paul and Charlotte were amazing on the day for organising and making sure things ran smoothly. We also chose to do a hand-fasting which was also very special and allowed us to say more meaningful vows. Despite being a nearly 1000 year old church, Dode was able to accommodate for my family members that had access needs.
Sue N. Sent on 30/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Wedding in May
I had always wanted my wedding to be in an intimate, candle-lit venue, but living in Kent I wasn't sure I'd find "it". Thankfully after an Internet search, up popped Dode Church in the Lost Village of Dode. We arranged to meet Becky, who became our co-ordinator, and she must have thought me quite strange because as soon as I walked into the Church I was struck dumb and whenever I did go to speak, I let out a sob instead! It was just perfect, the venue of my dreams. We had the Dode package using their recommended suppliers for catering, flowers, photos, bar etc and having had to cancel our first date due to covid restrictions, Becky took care of contacting them all with the new date. On the day, Graham was hand to ensure the smooth running of proceedings and was a godsend. All our guests were blown away with the venue, food etc as were we. Thank you so much Team Dode, especially Doug for having the vision and Becky and Graham for all their assistance. Dode will forever be in our hearts.
Claire Sent on 31/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating
The perfect venue!
We got married at the Lost Village of Dode in August 2021. We had to re-arrange our wedding twice because of COVID, and everyone at Dode was so professional. We had heard horror stories from couples who had had to cancel their weddings, but the team at Dode made sure that everything was changed seamlessly. The wedding day was perfect. We had a rehearsal with Becky a couple of days before so we knew exactly what we were doing, and then Graham was amazing on the day, making sure that everything ran smoothly. The venue is stunning, and all of the suppliers were used were fantastic - The Flying Pig Kitchen, Moody Blooms and Matt James Photography. Another great thing about Dode is that the venue is animal-friendly so we were able to bring our dog Stanley along to celebrate with us.
Eddy Sent on 20/09/2020
5 out of 5 rating
Amazing Venue
We got married here on 19.9.20 and had an absolutely amazing day the pictures do not, do this place justice Graham was very helpful and made everyone welcome and at ease and was very accommodating
Thank you to everyone at Dode for making our day amazing
Eddy & Cheryl
Thank you to everyone at Dode for making our day amazing
Eddy & Cheryl
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Great Buckland DA13 0XF Luddesdown (Kent)