Wedding suppliers in Canterbury

Planning a wedding in Canterbury

Canterbury's cathedral, the mother church of the Church of England, rises above medieval streets, city walls and the River Stour. Together with St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church, it forms a World Heritage Site, and the old city around it gives wedding photographs a strong sense of history.

The Kent setting

Kent is known as the Garden of England, and the countryside around Canterbury is full of orchards, hop gardens, oast houses and timber-framed barns. Couples looking for rural venues will find farms, country houses and estates within a short drive. The coast is close too: Whitstable, with its fishing harbour and beach huts, and Herne Bay lie just to the north, while Faversham, a market town with a creek and historic streets, is to the west. Further east and south, Margate, Deal, Dover and Folkestone each have their own seaside character.

Seasonal flowers and food

Spring blossom in the orchards and summer in the hop gardens make Kent particularly attractive for weddings in those months. Local florists and caterers often make the most of seasonal produce, including Kent fruit, wines and beers. Ask what will be at its best on your date.

Practical points

• Canterbury is popular with visitors, particularly in summer, and the city centre is largely pedestrianised. Arrange drop-off points for wedding cars and supplier vans.
• High-speed trains reach London St Pancras in around an hour, and the M2 and A2 link the city to London and the Channel ports.
• Rural venues may be dry hire. Allow time to source caterers, bar staff, furniture and lighting.

In England, civil ceremonies must be held at a register office or approved premises, and you give notice at your local register office. The Kent register office service can confirm current notice periods and ceremony options.

Book your venue first, then lock in photographers and entertainment for summer weekends.