£2280 - £4220 for Venue Hire
Up to 42
3 Bedrooms
Exclusive Use
Wedding Licence
1 / 51
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Late Availability
Last Minute Dates Available
2023 Last Availablity
Unique with no other venue offering the seclusion, history or atmosphere in an original medieval Norman Church and approached by a winding lane overhung with trees and lit by candles and braziers.
Pricing & Costs
Venue Hire Only
Prices Start At
£2,280
Maximum Price
£4,220
Venue hire can be for ceremony only or the full day to include reception time. Special prices available for Micro Weddings of 15 people or less.
What is included in this pricing:
Furniture included
Exclusive use
Guest accommodation included
Packages(total price)
Prices Start At
£5,865
Maximum Price
£8,142
Our packages include a superb two-course hog roast banquet with more than enough food for over 40 people, flowers for the church and also our in-house photographer who will be there to capture your special day. We work with only the best suppliers who have worked with Dode for a number of years so we pride ourselves on being able to provide a seamless and stress-free day for you.
Custom packages can be catered for on request.
What is included in this pricing:
Exclusive use
Canapés included
Furniture included
Wedding coordinator available on the day
Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)
Multiple course wedding breakfast
Features & Capacity
Overview
Venue Type
Unique
Dining Capacity
42
Reception Capacity
42
No. of Bedrooms
3
Sleeps No. of People
6
Bridal Suite
Standard Room
Usual Access Time
11:00AM
Usual Finish Time
10:00PM
Ceremony & Reception
Sound System Available
Confetti Permitted
Wedding Licence
Venue
Landscaped Gardens
Exclusive Use
Pet-Friendly
Disabled Access
On-Site Parking
Outdoor Reception Space
In-House Wedding Coordinator
Bridal Changing Facilities
Food and Drink
External Catering Permitted
In-house Catering
No Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
Cultural Specialists
Other
Full Description
As voted in the Independent as being one of the country’s 50 best Wedding venues, the Lost Village of Dode Is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive and sought after Wedding venues in Kent.
Far, far away, in a magical place, where time has stood still, in an almost forgotten valley between Luddesdown and Holly Hill, nestled in the North Kent Downs in the South East of England, there stands a beautiful, charming, enchanting, privately owned, romantic, former Norman church – the only trace of the now ‘lost’ village of Dode.
The Lost Village of Dode is perfect for couples who want to begin their tale of love, romance and desire, either inside or outside. You can choose from an intimate indoor Civil Ceremony, Partnership or Renewal of Vows. For an outdoor Blessing or Pagan Handfasting Ceremony, you can hold your event within the ancient Stone Circle followed by a Wedding Reception with dancing, and then stay overnight on-site, in one of the two superb award-winning cottages.
We offer bespoke weddings tailored to each couple or package weddings, so you can have your perfect day exactly the way you want it. After your ceremony guests can spend time in the stunning grounds, enabling you to have your group photos and enjoy a glass of bubbles and perhaps a selection of canapés. For your evening reception, we work alongside a number of fantastic professional caterers who can provide a Medieval Style Banquet Wedding Breakfast Reception with all the trimmings. Your Wedding Breakfast can include a hog roast or a roast lamb (catering for various dietary requirements) or an afternoon tea. We also offer a number of unique additions to your day including an Owl to deliver your rings, or bubbles as you leave the church.
No hidden charges and no corkage charge either!
Personal Message from the Manager
Name of Wedding Contact: Becky Bosman
We look forward to your email or call to make an appointment to come and visit us - you will not be disappointed.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
1999
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
3
Reviews
(60)
A
Anna & Adam
Happy couple married in October
November 2022
The church was breathtaking...
We wish to thank you for your absolutely outstanding service and facilities on our hand fasting on Saturday.
We had a absolutely fantastic and beautiful day, with all of our guests saying how wonderful they found the location and how amazing they found the service that Paul gave. The church was breathtaking, Graham was very helpful and accommodating and Paul was fantastic, making us feel loved and special.
We cannot thank you all enough for making our day so special and allowing us to use Dode as the place to host it.
Thank you and best wishes.
C
Carlie & Doug
Happy couple married in September
September 2022
Dode is such a special place to get married
After searching high and low for a venue for a smaller intimate wedding we stumbled across Dode. I contacted Becky who was so helpful with all the information we needed and booked a visit. We visited and instantly knew this was the right place for us to get married, Paul showed us around and he was great. From booking with Becky to the day she was so helpful with any questions we had. On the day we had Graham as our host and he made the day go swimmingly so helpful and attentive we didn’t worry about a thing it was all under control. Paul did our hand fasting ceremony which everyone thought was a great extra touch. Dode is such a special place to get married we had the best time we could have wished for. Thank you to all at Dode for making our day so special.
Carlie & Doug
02.09.22
B
Beth & Bill
Happy couple married in August
September 2022
Highly recommend this beautiful little venue
We recently had our wedding at Dode and the whole experience from start time finish was fantastic. Becky was on hand to answer any questions and book us in and lovely Graham was there on the day to ensure things ran smoothly. The venue itself is very small but perfect for an intimate and no frills wedding - exactly what we wanted. We got the package option and Flying Pig kitchen as our caterers were ASTOUNDING. Highly recommend this beautiful little venue if you are looking for a small, unique and personal experience.
V
Vicki & Daniel
Happy couple married in August
September 2022
It could not have been more perfect...
Thank you for always being on hand if we had a question and a massive thank you to Paul. He went out of his way to talk to our guests, answering their questions about Dode and the traditions of handfasting and just generally making everyone feel so welcome. He is a special part of Dode and we could not have been more happy to spend our day with him.
We cannot thank you enough for letting us have our special day in such an amazingly beautiful, magical place. It could not have been more perfect.
Everyone said how calm and peaceful it is there. Some said they did not know what to expect but were blown away by the ceremony. Many said it's the best day they have had and what a beautiful way to do things by literally tying the knot.
We wish we could do it all over again, we wouldn't change a thing we just want to do the whole day again and again.
Warmest wishes
Daniel and Vicki
M
Marc & Kerry
Happy couple married in July
July 2022
You all provided an A* service...
We’d like to say a massive thank you for making our day absolutely perfect. You all provided an A* service that made our day fantastic!! All the guests gave positive feedback for each and everyone of you. So again a huge thank you from Mrs and Mrs Goodey ♥️
A
Andrew & Juliet
Happy couple married in July
November 2022
A truly perfect wedding...
A massive and sincere thanks to you all for delivering a truly perfect wedding event for us last Saturday at Dode.
Juliet and I are both reliving all of the fond memories from our perfect wedding day on an almost hourly basis, particularly today on our 1-week anniversary!
The cottages made for a perfect stay on Thursday night with our friends and then for the bridal party the night before.
The Dode setting really is magical, all of our guests being blown away with the setting, the work that has gone into the restoration and upkeep of the church and grounds and the true passion and commitment that is visible to all that all of you put in to make this so such a special and memorable place. We will definitely be back, either for the renewing of our vows in a year and a day or to simply stay in the cottages and soak up the atmosphere and memories.
Credit goes to the rest of the team you worked with on our wedding as Sally from the Flying Pig and Matt the photographer stepped in to help setup and calm my nerves as if they were part of your Dode team.
A true credit to the team work between you all.
We really could not have asked for a better wedding and along with our guests we shall be singing your praises for many months and years to come.
Warm regards,
Andrew & Juliet
Location & Contact Details
Address
The Lost Village Of Dode, Luddesdown, Kent, DA13 0XF, England
Travel Notes
Turn off the A228 at Cuxton and proceed along Bush Road. At the junction take the left fork, signposted Luddesdown.
Follow this lane and watch out for the signpost indicating Great Buckland.
Before reaching Great Buckland there is a ‘no through road’ sign to the left. This is the lane leading to Dode, which is on the right after half a mile or so.
Nearest Town
Maidstone kent
Nearest Motorway & Junction
M2
Nearest Train Station
Sole Street
Nearest Airport
Gatwick, London
Press & Awards
(6)
Press & Awards (4)
Your Kent Wedding
Bridebook Awards (2)
FAQ
(10)
Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?
Too many to pick one out.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Just stay relaxed and enjoy your day, if things go wrong your guests don't know so don't panic.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
A tattoo on the foot of one of our couples.
Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.
Romantic, unique, Intimate, historic
Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?
So many, it's hard to choose....one of my favourites has to be the back wall of the building, the old stone and greenery climbing up really add a stunning backdrop to any photo.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?
N/A
What’s your favourite canapé?
Bloody Mary shots with king prawn and celery
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Vintage Ice cream treats on a tricycle
What is your venue's most unique feature?
Our stones in the grounds where we hold spiritual ceremonies and handfastings.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We are a small family run business and are very personable
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