Why London Couples Are Choosing Wedding Locations in Kent and Suffolk?

While there are plenty of incredible wedding venues in London, they typically lack the space and stunning natural backdrops of those in more rural counties. For London-based couples, the perfect combination is often a rural venue that’s still accessible to the capital, whether by car or by public transport. 

Both Kent and Suffolk are both accessible to London by car in under 2 hours, while major cities like Ipswich and Southend-on-Sea have rail links, making it easy for friends and family in the capital to attend your special day. 

Here are just a few of the reasons London-based couples are branching out further afield to check out the best Wedding Venues in Kent and Suffolk have to offer. Let’s get into it.

London is one of the world’s greatest cities, but one thing it doesn’t boast is much space. The same goes for its wedding venues. Typically, pubs or function rooms, many London venues have a capacity of only around 100 guests, which doesn’t work as well for large or Asian celebrations. 

Once you get out into more rural destinations, the venues tend to be much larger, with bigger capacities and sprawling grounds for those all-important Insta snaps.

While the whole South East isn’t cheap, London is undoubtedly the most expensive part. This means you tend not to get as much bang for your buck when it comes to wedding venues. 

You’ll pay more than you would elsewhere for typically smaller venues, so wedding venues Suffolk and Kent offer better value for money than those in central London. 

Because space is tighter in London, venues are often part of another space, like a hotel or pub. This typically means you’ll share the venue with people visiting the venue like they would on any other day. 

In the countryside, such as in Kent and Suffolk, more of the venues are large manor houses or barns set within large grounds that will be exclusively yours for the day. If your venue being exclusive-use is a priority of yours, opting for a countryside wedding is the way to go.

If you want the convenience of being close to where you live while enjoying the benefits of a more rural ceremony, Suffolk and Kent are ideal. They’re both within 2 hours away from the capital by car and offer train links to main cities and towns. That way, it’s not hard for your other London-based loved ones to join you on your special day.

Hosting your wedding outside of where you live gives you that destination wedding feel without going abroad. The best wedding venues Kent and Suffolk have to offer are often set in lavish grounds or even by the sea, so they’ll feel like a mini holiday, especially if you opt for a summer wedding.

Many of the best wedding venues Suffolk and Kent boast are located in charming towns and villages. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital or stay in more quaint accommodation, opting for more rural wedding venues will allow for this. While London weddings can be super cool, you might prefer not to take the tube to your special day!

London can be expensive and difficult to navigate for those who aren’t used to visiting the busy metropolis. For couples with families spread across the country, rural destinations such as wedding venues in Kent and Suffolk can be more accessible. 

Not only are they often easier to drive to (navigating London traffic isn’t fun for anyone!), but they’re also easier to get around once you’re there.

One thing that the most rural counties do really well in terms of venues is boast traditional venues with contemporary features and facilities. Many of the wedding venues Suffolk and Kent have to offer are gorgeous, sprawling manor houses, but with the modern facilities you’d expect from a new venue.

London does have its share of iconic venues, but the big, historical manor homes and listed buildings tend to be in the countryside. If you’re planning on having your ceremony in a Georgian manor that boasts centuries of history, you’re much more likely to find something like this in Suffolk or Kent. 

Curious about wedding venues in Kent and Suffolk? We’ve got you covered. At For Better For Worse, we’re home to a huge range of venues in and around London. No matter your capacity, vibe, or preferred location, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our huge and varied collection.