£2280 - £3840 for Venue Hire
Up to 42
3 Bedrooms
Exclusive Use
Wedding Licence
shortlisted
46
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COVID-19 Update
We are open for limited in person show rounds on Sundays and some weekdays from January 2021, please get in touch to discuss availability and options.
We look forward to welcoming you to The Lost Village of Dode.
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
£3,840
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
Features & Capacity
Overview
Venue Type
Unique
Dining Capacity
42
Reception Capacity
39
No. of Bedrooms
3
Sleeps No. of People
6
Bridal Suite
Standard Room
Usual Access Time
11:00AM
Usual Finish Time
10:00PM
Venue
Landscaped Gardens
Exclusive Use
Pet-Friendly
Disabled Access
On-Site Parking
Outdoor Reception Space
In-House Wedding Coordinator
Bridal Changing Facilities
Ceremony & Reception
Sound System Available
Confetti Permitted
Wedding Licence
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
true
No. of People In Team
3
Reviews
(41)
Carrie and Gerry
Married in September 2021
September 2021
From the very moment of booking Dode we knew we were in good hands
Hi Becky
From the very moment of booking Dode we knew we were in good hands, and this was further confirmed when we had to delay a year due to the pandemic. There was nothing but reassurance from yourselves and nothing for us to do as you guys liaised with all the suppliers for us.
When the big day finally arrived, what a weekend we had, pretty much perfect! From the cottages the night before to the way everyone looked after us on the day was second to none. Our guests were blown away by the setting and just how fantastic all your suppliers were - the photographer, the caterers, the florist and of course Graham who made sure everything ran seamlessly on the day.
Everything about Dode is truly amazing and we feel truly blessed to have been married in such a special place.
Carrie and Gerry
PS - will be happy to share some photos at Dode when we get them.
Martina & Matt
Married in September 2021
September 2021
We are only just coming back down to earth!
Hi Becky,
We are only just coming back down to earth! We had the most magical of days. Thank you so much. Every guest praised our choice of venue and all said what a unique and special place Dode is. The best wedding they had ever attended in some cases!!
What a fantastic team you have put together. The Flying Pig were outstanding, going above and beyond your average caterer. Matt James just brought the whole event together and we cannot wait to see his finished work. The flowers were beautiful, Jo did a wonderful job. Lastly, and by no means lest, Graham. He is a character and was stupendous. He looked after Matt & I wonderfully.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our special day perfect.
All the best
Martina & Matt x
Claire & Gordon
Married in August 2021
September 2021
The wedding day was perfect.
"We got married at the Lost Village of Dode in August 2021. We had to re-arrange our wedding twice because of COVID, and everyone at Dode was so professional. We had heard horror stories from couples who had had to cancel their weddings, but the team at Dode made sure that everything was changed seamlessly. The wedding day was perfect. We had a rehearsal with Becky a couple of days before so we knew exactly what we were doing, and then Graham was amazing on the day, making sure that everything ran smoothly. The venue is stunning, and all of the suppliers were used were fantastic - The Flying Pig Kitchen, Moody Blooms and Matt James Photography. Another great thing about Dode is that the venue is animal-friendly so we were able to bring our dog Stanley along to celebrate with us."
Phoebe Wallis
Married in August 2021
September 2021
We had the most magical and beautiful wedding day
"We had the most magical and beautiful wedding day. The entire team at dode we’re amazing and we couldn’t have wanted more! Just wish we could do it all over again!! Thanks so much! Phoebe and Joel xxx"
Jenny and Nick
Married in August 2021
September 2021
thank you all for making our special day so very perfect
Dear All
We just wanted to send you a note to thank you all for making our special day so very perfect.
The venue looked beautiful thanks to the amazing flowers provided by Jo and the day ran smoothly thanks to the hard work of Graham, who was on hand at Dode at every opportunity making sure things were exactly as we had hoped (I do hope his mouth has now healed). The food was absolutely delicious (agreed by all those present) and the catering was seamless thanks to Rob and the Flying Pig Team who all worked really hard throughout the day. Matt was great fun, getting the best out of everyone for the photos and we look forward to sharing some of these with you when they arrive.
With our very best wishes to you all and our deepest thanks for making it truly a day to remember.
Jenny and Nick
Phoebe
Married in August 2021
August 2021
Can we do it all again?
We had the most magical and beautiful wedding day. The entire team at dode we’re amazing and we couldn’t have wanted more! Just wish we could do it all over again!! Thanks so much! Phoebe and Joel xxx
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
(4)
(4)
Videos
(5)
FAQ
(7)
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 is your venue's most unique feature?
Our stones in the grounds where we hold spiritual ceremonies and handfastings.