The Kentish Barn

The 17th century Kentish Barn can be used for civil marriages, renewal of vows, naming ceremonies and civil partnerships on every day of the week.

This is a simple but enchanting building which can seat up to 150 people for ceremonies, with further capacity for up to 120 people for receptions.

There are many options for your wedding ceremony, please scroll through the chapters to the right.

The barn is a large, traditional wooden framed agricultural building, originally used for storing threshing and other farm equipment. The dramatic space inside can be complimented by pretty fairground organs, while there is a dance floor and area for bands and D.J.'s

You will have full use of the Kentish barn and long lodge buildings for your wedding reception.

This is a very versatile space and can be decorated and themed to your requirements, while we also have an number of suitable plans and table dressing ideas.

Juliana’s Island
Weddings and Blessings

Juliana’s Island is available for romantic garden ceremonies. This is a stunning island situated in the lake in front of the house. Wedding blessings and other ceremonies will take place in a pretty rose arch bower, cradled by an ancient yew tree. There are serene views across the garden and lakes.

Leading to the island there is a wonderful decorative iron bridge, complienting this idillic setting, and perfect for memorable photographs.

With capacity for 120 people.

St Mildred's Church, Preston

Traditional weddings and blessings can also take place in St Mildred’s Church.

This is a gorgeous 12th century rural church with pre-Saxon origins. The churchyard directly adjoins the gardens and farm at Preston Court, being less than 100 meters from the Kentish barn where receptions and celebrations can be held.

The church enjoys a secluded location, in a pretty churchyard surrounded by ancient yew trees and with views accross open countryside.

With capacity for 150 people.

C of E Weddings & Blessings

Full Church of England weddings are, of course, also available here in the church.

These traditional religous ceremonies are available if you believe St. Mildreds has special significance to you, either through family or other close connections.

If not , it is also possible have a Marriage Blessing in the Church, with the legal formalities of the ceremony conducted nearby in the Kentish Barn, or elsewhere.

A Little History...

The site of Preston Court and St Mildred's Church has very ancient origins, streching back to pre-Roman times, with much archeaology still lying waiting to be discovered.

The current Saxon church was built next to a natural spring which still feeds the two fish ponds and, even now, provides drinking water at Preston Court.

According to legend, St Mildred allowed her deer to run wild across the countryside and wherever they found drinking water she built a church.

The largest house to occupy Preston Court is thought to have been built in the 12th century for Juliana de Leybourne, a very wealthy woman and, at one time, the richest in England.

Thought to have been held in high regard, Juliana lived at Preston for most of her life.

The front pond originates from this time, being a medieval 'monk' pond, used to keep carp which could be harvested for the occasional Friday fish supper. The pond has, just recently, been dredged of mud for the first time in 200 years, and is over 14 feet deep in places.

Weddings with a Twist....

A Preston Court you can, of course, enjoy the traditional white wedding but we can also offer you something a bit different.

We would love to provide that extra ‘WOW’ factor, and we have a range of themes, plans and decoration ideas which can be tailored as desired.

We can recommend some very professional, wedding coordinators who know the Kentish barn and gardens and would only be delighted to talk you through all your hopes and aspirations for your day.

Places for the Ceremony:

1. A traditional wedding at St. Mildred's.

2. A rustic ceremony in the Kentish Barn.

3. A country wedding on Juliana’s Island.

and Some Example Themes:

The Medieval Banquet.
A Rustic Romance and a Barn Dance.
The English Country Garden Wedding.
A Fairground Themed Wedding.
The Gypsy Style Wedding.
a Victorian Steam Theme.
And an Old Fashioned Circus Theme...

Food & Decorating Service

We can help provide high quality, locally grown food. Sourcing speciality caterers, we can provide anything from a garden picnic style feast to an eloborate silver service banquet.

 

Planning & Coordination

Our hire rates cover a choice of 3 venues for Wedding Ceremony, either in St Mildreds Church, Juliana's medieval Island or the Kentish Barn.

According to your requirements, you will have full use of both historic barns plus the famyard and/or gardens for your wedding reception.

The barn seats up to 120 people with a dance floor area, while there is ample private car parking.

You are welcome to make full use of the barn for decoration and other preparations, for one day prior to event and one day after.

The Steam Museum Collection

A fantastic backdrop.

The Steam Museum is housed at Preston and encompasses all manner of old fashioned machinery, from steam traction engines and vintage fairground rides, to stationary engines, railway locomotives and impressive mechanical organs.

Also used for regular events held here, the collection can provide an unusual, but very British backdrop to entertain you and your guests.

There are a varitey of possibilities, and we are happy to provide ideas and plans, as desired.

The Farm

We are a traditional mixed farm with a variety of animals including horses, sheep and cattle, plus many birds. A pretty river borders our farm, much of which is wetland nature reserve, with bluebell woods above.

The farmyard is a conservation area with a number of historic buildings including a handsome 3 kiln Kentish Oast House and a wooden granary sitting high up on saddle stones.

Many of these buildings house impressive steam machinery including a beautiful Victorian beam engine from a local waterworks.

Places to Stay

There are plenty of great places to stay locally, varying from smart hotels to charming B&B's and country cottages & inns, to suit all pockets and most within a few minutes drive of Preston Court.

We can, of course, also arrange taxis for you and your guests.

Our aim is to take away the worry and hassle, to make your experience as stress free as possible.

Wedding Car Hire

We have extensive contacts and can organise all manner of interesting transport for your wedding, from the traditional white Rolls-Royce or horse and carriage, to a range of other vintage cars and vehicles.

Please do ask, and we will provide details of some unusual possibilites to make your wedding car just that little bit special...

Putting a smile on everyone's faces we have, for example, 'ARI'. This charming classic Fiat 500 can carry the Bride or Groom in Italian style to the venue and then whisk them both away again at the end of the day.

She loves to be dressed up too!

"Thank you so much for everything you did for us so we could have our unforgettable ceremony in your barn!  The barn was so lovely and wonderfully lit - and with everyone in there; it had just such a wonderful atmosphere. It was magical for us!  We'll never forget it!  And our journey in your car! Also, unforgettable"!

Esther Irwin & Ryan Laslett. October 2009

 

If this is not for you then don't worry! - there is so much choice and we are pleased to help find you those special things that will make you day that much more memorable.

For more information on the many options available and to tailor your perfect day, please do contact us for a chat - see our contacts page for details.

We also hold occasional Wedding Fair Open Days in the spring and autumn. At these many of our suppliers also bring decoration ideas for ceremonies and receptions. Dates will be advertised on our home page.

 

 

This is a family run venue, so we are always on site to lend a hand or answer any questions.