Wedding Venue at Leeds Castle
Some brides believe that the perfect fairytale wedding should take place in a castle, some wish to be married in a place of grandeur, beauty and exclusivity as well as steeped in history.
Nowadays all these things are easily achievable, especially with venues such as the beautiful, idyllic and romantic Leeds Castle available for a bride to choose as her ‘out of this world’ stunning wedding location.
Leeds Castle, often referred to as ‘the loveliest castle in the World’ is built on two adjacent islands on the River Len in the heart of Kent, within 500 acres of stunning parkland and gardens. The 900 year old castle has been home to royalty, lords and ladies until being purchased in 1926 by the Hon Mrs Wilson Filmer, Lady Baillie, an Anglo-American heiress. Following her death the castle was handed over to the Leeds Castle Foundation.
Weddings at the Castle
There are a choice of venues within the stunning castle and its grounds to create the perfect romantic and serene settings for ceremonies and celebrations. Each wedding is tailored to meet individual specific wishes.
Rooms within the Castle
The Henry VIII Banqueting Hall
Situated in the Gloriette, the 13th century castle keep, the Banqueting Hall is named after the castle’s most famous owner, Henry VIII, who was responsible for many architectural changes to the building including installing the magnificent bay windows that have over the centuries have had little alterations done to them and look out to breathtaking panoramic views.
The Banqueting Hall which offers a glimpse into majestic Tudor entertaining is the largest room in the castle, measuring over 70ft in length with a heavy beamed ceiling and a 16th century carved fireplace.
The Hall is traditionally furnished and a blazing log fire provides the finishing touch in winter. The Hall seats up to 100 dinner guests with the added use of the nearby Heraldry Room for dancing.
The Fairfax Hall and Terrace Room
The Fairfax Hall is an immaculately restored Kentish timber-framed barn that dates from 1680. The adjoining Terrace Rooms offers some of the most stunning views of Leeds Castle, with doors leading out to a terrace where wedding guests can mingle on a summer’s evening.
The Fairfax Hall and Terrace Room can be used together for a perfect wedding combination or booked separately.
Combined the hall and terrace can accommodate up to 170 guests for dinner and dancing while the Hall on its own is available for up to 140 guests.
The Dining Room
Redesigned by leading interior designer Stephane Bouding for Lady Baillie, the use of soft pastel colours, delicate lighting and eighteenth century tapestries with selected pieces of Chinese porcelain give the room a light airy feeling.
The Dining Room provides an ideal venue for intimate ceremonies of up to 60 wedding guests. Seating for up to 50 guests is available or 100 for reception drinks and buffet. The Library can also be used in conjunction with the Dining Room.
The Gatehouse
The Gatehouse is one of the oldest parts of the castle dating from the 13th century. It was built by Edward I to strengthen the castle’s defences and now forms the impressive entrance to the castle Island. For the last 700 years the massive oak doors are locked at night, to keep the castle and its guests safe and secure. The Gatehouse is entirely self-contained and its facilities include a reception area, ceremony room, private bar and cloakrooms, all of which combine to offer an intimate and private setting for marriage ceremonies and receptions.
For weddings with a larger number of evening guests the Fairfax Hall and Terrace Room can be used as reception venues. The Gatehouse can accommodate from 25 to 50 guests for reception drinks and ceremonies.
The Library, Dining Room, Gatehouse and Maiden’s Tower are all licensed for civil marriage and partnership ceremonies. A choice of impressive settings is also available for your reception – from banquets in marquees on the lawns, to small intimate gatherings of family and friends in the castle.
Accommodation at the Castle
The castle itself can accommodate up to 38 guests in 20 luxury bedrooms, all of which are furnished with beautiful antiques, paintings and objects d’art collected by Lady Baillie.
Five of the bedrooms have four-posted beds and many have art deco marble-lined bathrooms which were installed in the 1920’s.
Many of the rooms boast magnificent views overlooking the castle’s moat and parklands. A few minutes’ walk from the castle is the Culpeper Garden Suite which holds a further 15 bedrooms.
The castle also has three historic properties located within the Estate which are available to hire on a self-catering basis. The Keepers House which was originally home to past gatekeepers can sleep up to 10 with the Weir Cottage offering snug and romantic base for 2 and would be ideal for the bride and groom.
The Battel Hall Oast has its own country style kitchen with accommodation for up to 5.
All of these properties have been fully refurbished to the highest standards and offer luxury accommodation with all modern facilities whilst retaining their charm with the added bonus of beautiful sweeping views of the countryside.
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Rooms hired in the castle itself are on an exclusive-use basis and the Castle becomes yours with the option of booking further rooms around the estate to expand the wedding party.
Doomsday Book
Considered to be one of the most romantic and historic buildings in England: Leeds Castle is listed in the Doomsday Book and was passed into royal hands in 1278 when it became part of the Queen of England’s dowery.
Over the course of 150 years it was held by six medieval queens: Eleanor of Castile; Margaret of France; Isabella of France, Joan of Navarre; Anne of Bohemia and Catherine de Valois. Henry IV retired to Leeds castle on account of the Plague in London, and his second wife, Joan of Navarre, was imprisoned there. It was a favourite residence of the Court in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The wife of Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester, was tried for witchcraft. Dutch prisoners were confined there in 1666 and contrived to set fire to some of the buildings. Queen Elizabeth I was imprisoned in Leeds for a short time before her coronation. Since being in private ownership the castle has been a garrison, prison, convalescent home and a family residence.
Leeds Castle History
The castle has a chequered history starting from its construction as an earthwork enclosure with wooden palisades, to a Motte and Bailey castle by William the Conqueror (using enforced Angle-Saxon labour to work on the construction) to a fortified stone fortress built by King Edward I (r.1272-1307). The original wooden castle was replaced by the stone fortified castle in 1119.
The unique and well place position of the castle on the River Len meant that construction was made easier, ensuring that materials were easily transported. The River also ensured that the castle’s occupants were prevented from being starved during sieges as fresh supplies and provisions were also transported using the River.
Description of Leeds Castle
The castle occupies three islands surrounded by an artificial lake. The outermost island is referred to as the Barbican and is nearest to the shore of the lake and is accessed by three different causeways. The castle consists of two huge buildings, which with a strong gatehouse and barbican, form four distinct forts, each capable of separate defence should any or one of them fall into enemy hands. Each of the three causeways has a drawbridge, gate and portcullis and lead to the smallest island or inner barbican. A fortified mill also contributes to its defences.
The castle is connected to the main island via a stone bridge, at the end of which stands the Constable’s Tower. A stone wall surrounds the island, the Maiden’s Tower and the Water Tower defend the south side of the island. A two story building on arches now connects the main island with the Tower of the Gloriette, which has a curious old bell with the Virgin and Child, St. George and the Dragon, and the Crucifixion depicted on it, and an ancient clock.
What else can Leeds Castle offer?
- The castle boasts magnificent gardens, offering continuous colour throughout the year. The stunning grounds offer spectacular scenery and backdrops for the most memorable wedding photographs.
- Their internationally renowned aviaries offer insight into the world of modern conservation and captive breeding programmes.
- Swans glide on the moat, peacocks wander thorough the grounds and birds of prey soar through the air during their falconry displays.
- A host of finishing touches to any wedding such as musical entertainment, stunning floral arrangements prepared by the castle’s florist, along with an extensive list of wines and champagnes from the castle’s very own Norman cellars are all offered.
- A VIP hot air balloon ride.
For more information visit the official website for Leeds Castle Weddings >>
The choice of options available at Leeds Castle are endless, your day can be tailored to your specific requirements and offer you the most memorable, perfect, beautiful princess wedding day for you to remember for the rest of your life.
