The Old Kent Barn

What a fantastic venue and place to work - I personally had the most fun photographing here, the staff were so incredibly accommodating for not only the couple but also for the suppliers I just had to put together a slideshow of the shoot to demonstrate just how wonderful your wedding day can be here - regardless of weather

After the slideshow I take you around the various parts of the venue so you can start to see exactly how your day can unfold and also some useful information about the venue, taxis and local accommodation.

The best of the kent barn weddings

https://www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk/

The old kent barn originally operated as a B&B, but the owners transformed this venue beautifully into a truly unique wedding venue. I loved working here - their ethos around supporting and helping their clients is unrivalled in my opinion - operating for over 14 years they have got their planning and turnaound of the venue down to an absolute art form - if i wasn’t busy photographing I could quite happily watch just how impressive they turn the ceremony into a gorgeous reception room.

The first I heard about the old kent barn was when I won the Kent wedding industry awards for the best photographer south east and this coincided with the venue also winning - well done guys and well deserved.

Where exactly is the old kent barn swingfield?

As you can see the Barn is located in a countryside location not far from canterbury, it’s nestled in there so you do not see or hear any of the factories just before it - but this location gives extra options for a sunset stroll - sometimes those golden hour walks in a peaceful field give you that time back on your wedding day you crave, some time together, just for a few minutes, away from the hustle and bustle of the day to spend with just the two of you.

Getting ready at the old kent barn

The preparation room at the old kent barn is gorgeous and importantly spacious, which is so important when you have a large wedding party, there is plenty of space for hanging dresses and sitting down whilst make-up and hair are done. It is also awesome for a first reveal to a dad/mum or someone else important to you - there is a lot of space which means that we can position everyone to get that gorgeous and emotional moment.

It is also awesome for a first reveal to a dad/mum or someone else important to you - there is a lot of space which means that we can position everyone to get that gorgeous and emotional moment.

Winter ceremonies at the Old Kent Barn

You really are spoiled for choice at this idyllic rural barn wedding venue - outside or inside, both offer fantastic options for your wedding day. If the weather is not favourable or you have opted for a winter wedding then the inside ceremony looks stunning. The rustic benches for guests to sit on really compliment the overall decor of the venue and you have the choice of what final dressing you want to do to make the ceremony room feel like yours. This wedding below had gorgeous warm light, sparkling fairy lights and large letters which all add a lovely winter ambient glow to the ceremony. The long delicate veils mean there is no risk of accidentally seeing the bride before you should do.

How does the bride get from the bridal suite to the ceremony without anyone seeing her?

I get asked this a lot - the preparation room is behind the ceremony but you definitely don’t want to be hiking around the outside of the venue so you can come in through those glorious barn doors and walk down the aisle - so how do the team manage this? There is a stair case by the bridal prep suite that allows the bridal party to come down the stairs and outside where you will find a on site taxi - that will drive you to the smaller barn on site - this means they avoid anyone seeing you and of it is cold or rainy then you just won’t be impacted by it. once you are at the smaller accommodation barn you have a short walk to the main barn for the ceremony - you know how i mentioned the team look after their clients - just look at the umbrellas and what the team are doing to ensure the bride does not get wet.

Are you allowed confetti indoors at a winter wedding?

In short - Yes. I personally would recommend this as well unless you do have a bright warm winter day. Getting everyone outside, getting everyone arranged can take 10 - 15 minutes depending on how many guests so I would recommend arranging this inside along the aisle as the photos below show

What if it rains at the old kent barn?

It’s a great question and lets face it something that most people are going to worry about, but you really shouldn’t worry too much. The fantastic thing about this wedding venue is there are plenty of opportunities inside for photos and all the most amazing spots outside for photos are easily reached quickly if there is a break in the rain. All the photos below used the weather to it’s advantage:

This picture above for example was taking in a dark corner of the car park - we really used the rain to amazing effect.

This photo was taken inside the barn itself as the wind and rain were thrashing around outside. Using creative light techniques I could create something unique and wonderful for the couple

All these photos were taken in a short break in the wind and rain (under ten minutes) and we were able to get to all these great spots of the venue outdoors

Hotels near the old kent barn

I get asked this all the time so I thought i would map it out for you - I hope you find this useful

Closest hotel is the rose and crown - This is a 12 min car drive with 6 ensuite rooms available and has a 4.5 rating on google

Almost the same distance away is the Marquis of Granby - This is a 12 minute drive with 10 rooms available and has a 4.4 rating on google - food looks very nice here

A bit further at 13 minutes you have the holiday inn in Dover - This is likely to give you the best price and highest availability of rooms

A little further on - 16 minute drive you have a premier inn - Again expect a larger number of rooms and competitive price

A similar distance but opposite direction you have the premier inn fokestone

Can I leave my car overnight?

There are 29 car park spaces at the old kent barn - yes you can but your wedding co-ordinator will advise you when you have to pick up in case there is a wedding the next day

I really hope you found this page useful. I am the 2019 south east wedding photographer of the year (the wedding industry awards) winner and it is one of my favourite venues to photograph at. If you would like to chat about me photographing here for your wedding then please just get in touch - you can view my prices, portfolio and contact form here - just get in touch and I am always happy to discuss

Real weddings at the old kent barn