Country Hotel/Home · Hythe, Kent
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Grade II listed mansion and gardens within a wildlife reserve near Hythe, Kent.
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve is a Grade II listed mansion with landscaped gardens, set inside a large wildlife reserve in Kent. It is licensed for weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and vow renewals.
Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples
Port Lympne is a strong fit for couples who want something with real character. The venue offers three formats, from elopements for just the two of you to small weddings of up to 50 guests and exclusive weddings of 50 to 120. Civil partnership ceremonies are listed among the licensed options, so every couple can choose the scale that suits them.
Ceremonies
The mansion has drawing rooms and terraces, a Moroccan courtyard, a garden pergola and a glass orangery with wide views over the Kent countryside. There are indoor and outdoor options in every season, so you can plan a ceremony in the gardens or under glass.
Receptions and food
Receptions can be held in the mansion rooms and courtyard. The venue publishes a food and drink guide, so ask the events team for current menus and options, and request the wedding brochure when you enquire.
Staying
You and your guests can stay on the estate. The venue lists a Moroccan Courtyard Suite, other suites, and lodges, and it has guidance on accommodating guests.
Getting there and the area
Port Lympne is near Lympne and Hythe on the Kent coast, with the postcode CT21 4PD. Folkestone, Ashford and Canterbury are within a short drive, and Ashford International station offers fast trains to London. The reserve covers hundreds of acres, and the gardens cover around 14 acres for smaller weddings.
Planning your day
Port Lympne is a working reserve as well as a hotel, so a wedding here has a different feel from a standard country house. Ask the events team about timings for arrivals, how the day fits around the reserve, and what the format options mean for the number of guests you can invite. The venue publishes a brochure and package information, and its team arranges viewings. If you are choosing between a small wedding and an exclusive wedding, the guest list is usually the deciding factor.
Good to know
- Small weddings take up to 50 guests and exclusive weddings 50 to 120.
- Elopements for couples only are offered.
- Viewings are arranged through the events team.
Frequently asked questions
Can we have a civil partnership ceremony there?
Yes. The venue lists civil partnership ceremonies among its licensed options.
Can we elope?
Yes. Elopements for the couple alone are one of the three wedding formats.
Can guests stay overnight?
Yes. The estate has suites and lodges, and the team can advise on accommodating guests.
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