Ceremonies
Blessings, handfastings and celebrant-led ceremonies
At Woodhill we specialise in relaxed, personal ceremonies in the heart of the Kent countryside near Faversham. Free from the restrictions of a licensed civil ceremony, your day can be exactly as you imagine it, under the stretch tent, in our secret ceremony area, or out among the open fields.
Your Ceremony
Choose the ceremony that feels like you
Celebrant-led ceremonies
A ceremony written entirely around the two of you. Your celebrant weaves in your story, your words, readings and music, with no set script to follow. Held in our private ceremony area or beneath the Bedouin stretch tent.
Blessings
A heartfelt way to mark your commitment, whether alongside a separate legal ceremony or as a spiritual celebration in its own right. Warm, personal and as traditional or relaxed as you wish.
Handfastings
An ancient ritual where your hands are gently bound with cords or ribbons, the origin of the phrase "tying the knot". A beautiful, symbolic moment that suits Woodhill’s rustic, natural setting perfectly.
The Legal Side
How getting legally married works
Woodhill is a blessing, handfasting and celebrant-led ceremony venue. We are not licensed for civil marriages or civil partnerships, which means the legal part happens separately, and it is far simpler than it sounds.
To be legally married in England and Wales, you and your partner give notice at your local register office and then hold a short legal ceremony there, usually a quiet appointment with two witnesses. Most couples do this in the days or weeks before their Woodhill date.
You then celebrate properly with us. Your celebrant creates a personal ceremony, blessing or handfasting with your own words, readings and rituals, and none of the restrictions that come with a licensed civil ceremony. If you would like recommendations, we are happy to share a list of trusted local celebrants.
Please confirm the current legal requirements and notice periods with your local register office, as these can change.Registrar and legal details to confirm.
Faversham · Kent
Let us help you plan your ceremony
Book a viewing and we will talk through the ceremony options and how to make your day completely your own.