If you’re searching for a wedding venue that feels elegant, peaceful and quietly impressive, Goodnestone Park might just steal your heart.

Tucked away in the Kent countryside, just outside Canterbury, Goodnestone Park is a historic house built in 1704 and lovingly cared for over the years. It has all the grandeur you’d expect from a stately home, but without any of the stuffiness. It’s warm, welcoming and incredibly beautiful – the kind of place that instantly makes you slow down and imagine what your wedding day could feel like here.

If you’re drawn to timeless style, natural light and a relaxed, refined atmosphere, you’re in exactly the right place.

First Impressions – Arriving at Goodnestone Park

There’s something about the drive in to Goodnestone that immediately sets the tone. The countryside opens up, the house comes into view, and suddenly everything feels calmer.

This is the kind of venue where guests arrive and say, “wow” – but in a quiet, appreciative way. It’s impressive without being overwhelming. Grand without being cold. And that balance is what makes it such a joy to photograph and to experience as a couple.

The House – Elegant, Light and Full of Character

Let’s talk about the house, because it really is special.

The interiors at Goodnestone Park are beautifully decorated, with a timeless, classic feel that works perfectly for fine art wedding photography. Nothing feels forced or overly styled – it’s just naturally elegant. The rooms flow beautifully, the colours are soft, and there is so much natural light, which is a dream if you love bright, airy images.

The breakfast room in particular is stunning. The views stretch out over the gardens and countryside, and it genuinely feels like the world has disappeared for a while. On your wedding morning, that sense of space and calm is priceless.

Getting Ready at Goodnestone Park

If you’re wondering where you’ll get ready on the morning of your wedding, you’re spoilt for choice here.

Goodnestone Park has 12 bedrooms in the main house, all full of charm and character. They feel cosy and personal, while still being elegant and spacious – exactly what you want on such an important morning.

My favourite room for bridal prep is the master bedroom. It’s filled with natural light and has enough space for hair, makeup, dresses, flowers and the people you want around you. It never feels cramped or chaotic, which makes such a difference to how the morning unfolds – and how it photographs.

There’s also Bonnington Cottage on the estate, which sleeps four. This is a lovely option if you’d like parents, grandparents or close family nearby, but with a little extra privacy.

The Gardens – Calm, Romantic and Quintessentially English

If you love the idea of spending part of your day outdoors, you’ll fall in love with the gardens at Goodnestone.

They’re beautifully maintained, classically English and wonderfully peaceful. On a sunny day, they’re perfect for drinks receptions, lawn games, relaxed wandering and natural, unposed photos. There are so many little corners and pathways that create gorgeous backdrops without ever feeling staged.

And if the weather doesn’t play ball? You’re still covered. One of the best things about Goodnestone is that the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. There are so many light-filled rooms, staircases and nooks that create stunning, editorial-style couple portraits – no dark corners, no awkward lighting, no compromises.

Ceremony Options at Goodnestone Park

One of the lovely things about Goodnestone is the flexibility. You can really shape the day around what feels right for you.

You can choose to marry at the Church of the Holy Cross, which is just a short walk through the gardens – a beautiful option if you’re dreaming of a traditional church ceremony without any travel stress.

If you’d prefer a civil ceremony, you can hold it on site, keeping everything in one place for you and your guests.

There’s also The Barn House, which has a more relaxed, rustic feel, and the Orangery Marquee, available from March to October. The Orangery is light, elegant and spacious, seating up to 120 guests, and works beautifully for both your wedding breakfast and evening celebrations.

It’s a brilliant space for dining, dancing and live music – and if some of your guests would rather wind down quietly, they can head back to the house for a nightcap before bed.

A Venue That Truly Feels Like Home

This is the part couples often mention after their wedding – how easy Goodnestone felt.

The staff are genuinely wonderful. Warm, kind, calm and incredibly accommodating. They take care of you, your guests and your suppliers in a way that makes the whole day feel supported and unhurried.

There’s no sense of being rushed, no feeling of being “processed”. Just a quiet confidence that everything is in safe hands. It makes such a difference to how relaxed you feel, and that always shows in your photographs.

Where Is Goodnestone Park?

Goodnestone Park feels wonderfully tucked away, but it’s actually very easy to reach.

If you’re travelling from London, you can take the train to Canterbury and then a short 20-minute taxi ride. By car, it’s around 90 minutes from London and under 30 minutes from Dover.

It’s a great option if you have guests coming from different parts of the country – countryside setting, without countryside logistics.

Goodnestone Park Wedding Prices

Wedding prices at Goodnestone Park start from £19,200, which includes a two-night stay and a range of services. Prices vary depending on the season, day of the week and length of hire, so I always recommend contacting the venue directly for the most up-to-date information.

If you’re in the early stages of planning, it’s well worth reaching out to them – they’re incredibly helpful and happy to talk through your options.

Is Goodnestone Park Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels:

elegant but not formal
refined but not stiff
calm, beautiful and unforced

…then Goodnestone Park is absolutely worth seeing in person.

It’s a venue that gives you space to breathe, space to celebrate, and space to truly enjoy your day – and it’s a joy to photograph.

FAQs – Goodnestone Park Weddings

Are dogs allowed at Goodnestone Park?
Yes – dogs are welcome, which is always lovely if your four-legged friend is part of the family.

How much does a Goodnestone Park wedding cost?
Prices start from £19,200 for a two-night stay, with various services included. Costs vary depending on season and hire length.

How many bedrooms does Goodnestone Park have?
The main house has 12 bedrooms, with an additional 2 bedrooms in Bonnington Cottage.

How many guests can Goodnestone Park accommodate?
Up to 120 seated guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Can you have both your ceremony and reception at Goodnestone Park?
Yes – many couples choose to hold their entire day on site.

Is Goodnestone Park exclusive use?
Yes, the venue is exclusive use, giving you complete privacy for your wedding.

Is Goodnestone Park suitable for fine art wedding photography?
Very much so. The natural light, elegant interiors and gardens make it ideal for a fine art, editorial style of photography.

Is Goodnestone Park suitable for winter weddings?
Yes – the interiors are light, warm and inviting, making it a beautiful choice year-round.

Is there accommodation for guests on site?
Yes, guests can stay in the main house and Bonnington Cottage, making it perfect for a full weekend celebration.

More Stately Home Wedding Inspiration

If you love historic venues and classic settings, you might also enjoy reading about Ivor and Gia’s wedding – another beautiful stately home celebration.