Top 5 Scenic Locations for Marquee Hire in Kent

Known as the “Garden of England,” Kent offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from rolling hills and ancient woodlands to dramatic coastlines and manicured estate gardens. This natural beauty makes it one of the most sought-after counties for marquee events. A marquee gives you the freedom to create a bespoke venue amidst this breathtaking scenery, allowing you to host a wedding, party, or corporate function with a truly unforgettable backdrop.

Choosing the perfect spot is the first step in bringing your vision to life. To help you find your dream location, we have curated a list of five of the top scenic locations for marquee hire in Kent. These venues showcase the diverse charm of the county and provide the perfect canvas for a spectacular event.

Why Choose a Scenic Kent Location?

Before we dive into the list, it’s worth noting why Kent is such a prime choice. The county is rich with historic houses, picturesque farms, and hidden gems that welcome marquee events. This allows you to create a completely private and personalised experience, away from the limitations of a standard venue. You can enjoy exclusive use of a beautiful setting, with the flexibility to design everything from the layout to the lighting, all while surrounded by quintessential English countryside.

1. The Lost Village of Dode, near Luddesdown

Best for: A Mystical and Historic Wedding

For a truly unique and atmospheric setting, nothing compares to The Lost Village of Dode. Tucked away in a secluded valley, this venue is built on the site of a Norman-era village abandoned after the Black Death. At its heart stands a beautifully restored 900-year-old Norman church, perfect for intimate ceremonies. The surrounding meadows provide an idyllic and spiritually resonant space for a marquee reception.

Why it’s perfect for a marquee:

Hiring a marquee at Dode allows you to host your reception just steps away from the ancient church. The surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and tranquil atmosphere, creates a sense of being transported back in time. It’s a photographer’s dream, offering rustic and romantic backdrops at every turn. A marquee here feels like a natural extension of the historic site, allowing guests to celebrate in comfort while remaining immersed in the venue’s mystical charm.

2. The Night Yard, near Canterbury

Best for: A Rustic and Relaxed Festival-Style Event

Situated within a classic Kentish fruit farm, The Night Yard offers a relaxed, rustic, and incredibly charming setting. The venue centres around a beautiful quadrangle, with converted farm buildings providing character and shelter. The spacious paddock is the ideal spot for a large marquee, giving you plenty of room to create a festival-style wedding or a fun, informal party.

Why it’s perfect for a marquee:

The Night Yard is designed for celebration. The paddock provides a flat, expansive area perfect for a marquee of any size, with easy access for suppliers. You can create a brilliant indoor-outdoor flow, with guests enjoying drinks in the courtyard before moving into the marquee for dinner and dancing. The surrounding apple orchards provide a stunning backdrop, especially in spring and late summer. It’s a versatile venue that gives you the freedom to plan anything from a formal sit-down meal to a relaxed event with food trucks and outdoor games.

3. Preston Court, near Canterbury

Best for: A Quirky and Unforgettable Celebration

Preston Court is a venue that bursts with personality and eclectic charm. Featuring a 17th-century barn, beautiful gardens, and even a vintage carousel and steam engines, it offers a wealth of incredible photo opportunities. The sprawling grounds include several picturesque locations perfect for positioning a marquee, allowing you to tailor the space to your event’s needs while being surrounded by whimsical features.

Why it’s perfect for a marquee:

A marquee at Preston Court allows you to take full advantage of this incredible estate. You can hold your ceremony on the charming little island, enjoy drinks by the vintage carousel, and then lead guests to a stunning marquee for your main reception. This creates a wonderful sense of journey and discovery for your guests. The large, open grounds provide the flexibility to choose your preferred view, whether it’s overlooking the lakes or nestled beside the historic barn.

4. Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens, near Faversham

Best for: An Elegant and Classic Garden Wedding

For a truly grand and quintessentially English setting, Mount Ephraim is hard to beat. This privately-owned stately home is set within ten acres of magnificent terraced gardens, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding Kent countryside. The perfectly manicured lawns provide a superb platform for a marquee, allowing you to host an elegant event with a backdrop of classical architecture and stunning floral displays.

Why it’s perfect for a marquee:

Placing a marquee on the lawns of Mount Ephraim allows you to enjoy the splendour of the estate with the flexibility a marquee provides. The venue is particularly known for its spectacular west-facing views, meaning your evening guests can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the estate. The gardens, which include a rock garden, water garden, and an intricate grass maze, offer endless opportunities for beautiful photographs and for guests to explore.

5. Wise Wedding Venue, near Tonbridge

Best for: A Magical Woodland and Treetop Experience

If you dream of a magical, bohemian, or nature-inspired event, Wise Wedding Venue is the perfect choice. Set within ten acres of established woodland, this venue is a wonderland of natural beauty. It features a treehouse bridal suite, quirky outdoor lighting, and winding paths that lead to enchanting clearings. The main clearing is an ideal spot for a marquee, allowing you to be completely surrounded by the forest.

Why it’s perfect for a marquee:

A marquee at Wise Wedding Venue feels like a secret party in an enchanted forest. You can use a clear-roof marquee to allow guests to dine and dance under the canopy of trees, creating an unforgettable connection with the outdoors. The venue is already equipped with atmospheric lighting that illuminates the trees at night, adding to the magical ambience. It’s a venue that encourages creativity and is perfect for a relaxed, informal, and truly unique celebration.

Final Thoughts

Kent offers an incredible array of scenic locations that are perfect for marquee hire. Whether you are drawn to the mystical history of Dode, the rustic charm of The Night Yard, or the woodland magic of Wise Wedding Venue, there is a setting to match every style. By choosing one of these stunning locations, you secure a beautiful backdrop and create the foundation for a truly personal and memorable event.