Imagine a wedding where the guest list includes giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas - not just friends and family. Welcome to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, a breathtaking 600-acre Kentish savannah where conservation meets celebration. This remarkable destination invites couples to exchange vows in a setting like no other, blending a unique location, unforgettable safari adventures, and unique guest accommodation for a truly extraordinary wedding experience. Whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Port Lympne brings the magic of the wild to your big day.
Port Lympne boasts an impressive range of wedding venues to suit every couple’s dream. For larger celebrations, the Walled Gardens provide an enchanting outdoor setting. The flower-clad Pergola offers a fairytale vibe for up to 100 guests, while the light-filled Orangery accommodates 120 under dazzling gold-leaf chandeliers. These venues seamlessly blend natural beauty with refined elegance, creating a backdrop as memorable as your vows.
Planning something more intimate? The historic Mansion House delivers charm in spades. With hand-painted animal murals, sea-view terraces, and opulent rooms like The Spencer Roberts and The Long Room, this space is perfect for smaller gatherings. For a splash of exotic glamour, the Moroccan Courtyard transports you to North Africa with its pink walls, octagonal fountain, and handpicked antiques from Marrakech.
No matter your choice, the wedding team at Port Lympne ensures every detail is tailored to you - from bespoke menus featuring local Kentish produce to unique touches like food trucks or harpists serenading your guests.
One of the standout features of a Port Lympne wedding is the opportunity to incorporate a guided safari into your day. While your venue transitions from day to evening, guests can hop aboard safari jeeps to explore the park’s sprawling savannahs. They’ll encounter free-roaming giraffes and the UK’s largest herd of black rhinos. For a more personal touch, intimate safari experiences let you and your wedding party feed the animals or snap unforgettable photos with your favourite species.
Your wedding isn’t just a day - it’s an experience, and the accommodation options at Port Lympne are nothing short of extraordinary. From boutique hotel rooms and lodges that look out to the wildlife, to stargazing in a panoramic bubble pod, there’s something for everyone. During my visit, I stayed in one of the newly designed treehouses - a breathtaking treetop retreat overlooking the rhino paddocks. With a private balcony, comfortable living spaces, and your very own golf buggy to explore the park after dark, it’s the perfect choice for guest accommodation or a romantic minimoon.
Choosing Port Lympne for your wedding means your celebration contributes to a greater cause. Profits support the Aspinall Foundation, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and rewilding efforts. So hosting your wedding here isn’t just beautifully different, it’s meaningful.
Whether you’re envisioning a grand event surrounded by the lush Kentish landscape or an intimate ceremony with a safari twist, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve delivers a wedding experience like no other. It’s a place where love, luxury, and conservation come together to create memories that will last a lifetime. So why settle for ordinary when you can start your forever on the wild side?