Your wedding day is one of the most extraordinary and memorable days of your life. It will be one of many days which you and your partner can spend appreciating each other. It will be remarkable wherever you host it, but having the best wedding venue makes the day that extra bit special. Whether you want a traditional wedding day in an unusual location or have always envisioned making your day your own with a theme then a safari wedding venue is a great way to add some fun to your big day, not to mention that it will give you some amazing photo opportunities.
But animal-loving brides and grooms needn’t venture to Africa for a wild wedding venue as Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve in Kent has announced the opening of two luxurious new wedding venues and unique spaces for you to say ‘I do’. Set within the grounds, the spectacular glass orangery and stunning pergola – which are now available to view and book – offer picture-perfect locations for not just weddings but proposals packages as well.
With a three-decade long history of already creating perfect indoor and outdoor weddings, Port Lympne’s dedicated team of wedding experts provide a completely bespoke service. The hotel’s expert chefs will craft an impeccable dining experience for guests, with menus curated from locally-sourced ingredients, coupled with glamorous cocktails and wine pairing with award-winning Kentish vineyards.
These versatile, adaptable and beautiful private spaces are easy to tailor for a multitude of different wedding styles.
The Pergola
The pergola, tucked away within Port Lympne mansion’s historic whispering walled garden, is a captivating venue for a ceremony, nestled in one of the most serene, romantic spots in the reserve. Fully licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships, this magical setting comfortably hosts up to 100 guests for a seated wedding ceremony and is also available to hire for photoshoots or as part of a proposal package.
The Orangery
A perfect venue for a truly unforgettable occasion, the elegant glass orangery and terrace, within 14 acres of tranquil landscaped gardens and surrounded by the park’s 900 animals, are truly private and available for exclusive use only. The orangery has capacity for 250 for a reception and 180 theatre-style, in addition to a built-in bar, dance floor, cloakroom, and luxury washrooms. This magnificent space includes its own fully incorporated kitchen for all fine dining requirements.
The first bride to get married in the new venues commented: “The setting is insanely beautiful. We felt truly privileged to be the first marriage in the pergola and everything about the day was a dream come true for us.”
The exclusive new venues join the list of beautiful wedding spaces to hire at the 600-acre wildlife park, including the opulent muralled drawing rooms within the Grade II*-listed mansion and the ornate Moroccan courtyard. The hotel and reserve can also accommodate wedding guests overnight across a variety of interior-designed luxury lodges, cottages, cabins and treehouses.
Want to share your wedding day with lots of rare species? Consider hosting your wedding at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, which offers a beautiful mansion building with three rooms to choose from for your wedding ceremony and four to pick from for your wedding breakfast and evening reception.
Accommodation
For a wedding night to remember, Port Lympne Hotel has a stunning variety of rooms available. The hotel itself has gorgeous rooms with luxury facilities but for something a little different there are an array of lodges available as well as a beautiful treehouse hotel. The happy couple can sleep in the luxury lodge close to the lions and tigers, keep each other warm in the shepherd’s hut, or go glamping under the stars.
Luxury Lodges
Perfect for fans of animals, these individual lodges overlook the habitats of some incredible animals. Wake up in the morning to see an inquisitive tiger at your window, or to watch lions playing outside.
Cabins
Leopard Creek is the perfect sanctuary, offering cosy two person cubs, stylish four person cabins or luxurious four person wigwams. Your guests can watch the morning mist rise across the sweeping vista towards the Kent coast, with exclusive views of the Amur Leopards.
Cottages
The charmingly restored cottages allow you to wake up to a rhino at the bottom of your private garden or watch these majestic creates into the evening as you unwind by the open fire pit.
Treehouses
Set among the trees, the Treehouse apartments provide award-winning accommodation tucked into the canopy of Port Lympne, with far reaching views over the rhinos. Each suite sleeps four guests and has a glass front to make the most of the incredible view, along with a private balcony and open plan kitchen and living area.
Port Lympne Hotel
The venue’s boutique hotel has fantastic views from each of its bedrooms. Each room benefits from a smart TV, an ensuite bathroom, and use of a buggy to get around the 600 acre reserve.
If your guests weren’t amazed enough by the amazing setting or places to stay, wait until you reveal to them that you’ll all be going on a VIP safari around the Wilds of the African Experience…
To find out more, contact Port Lympne’s Weddings & Events team at [email protected], on 01303 234111, or visit: https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/weddings/.
