As the sun sets over the fields and evening light catches the estuary, The Harty Estate is at its most beautiful. A twilight wedding here trades the formalities of a full day for something more relaxed – a ceremony as the light fades, drinks by the water, beautifully laid grazing food and dancing into the night.
Twilight weddings are available most days throughout the year, including Saturdays in winter.
They work beautifully whether you’re planning something intimate or celebrating with a crowd, welcoming 15-260 ceremony guests, and up to 350 for the evening reception.
Other late available dates may also be available. Please get in touch with the dates you have in mind.
Each of our ceremony and reception spaces has its own character, transformed as the evening light arrives.
The Hop Barn is warm and atmospheric at any time of year. As the daylight fades, the fairy lights strung through the oak beams and the glow of the exposed brick come into their own. Three sets of French doors open onto the terrace and the estuary beyond, letting the last of the evening light in as your guests take their seats.
Facing the estuary, large feature windows fill the barn with the evening sky and water views as dusk sets in. The barn has fully adjustable lighting - colour and intensity - so you can set exactly the atmosphere you want, from soft and romantic for the ceremony to vibrant and celebratory for the dancing later.
There's an in-room bar, lounge and dancefloor, everything you need for the evening in one space. The festoon-lit courtyard with its feature fireplace sits just outside, made for evenings like this.
Available from April to October, the Oak Gazebo sits on the waterside terrace overlooking the Rose Garden, wild meadows and the Swale estuary. At twilight, with the water catching the last of the light and the Rose Garden below, it's a beautiful backdrop to say your vows to.
Once the ceremony is done, the estate opens up. Guests spill out onto the festoon-lit waterside terrace, drinks in hand, or into The Ferry House - our 16th-century private pub, full of period character and, in the winter months, glowing fires.
The light at this time of day is a photographer's dream. While your guests enjoy the drinks reception, it's the perfect moment to slip away for couple portraits - by the estuary, out across the meadows, through the orchard or along the fields that surround the estate. Many couples organise sparklers for later in the evening too, which always makes for a brilliant photograph.
Your Twilight ceremony will likely start from 4.30pm, which means the morning is completely yours. Our two stylish preparation rooms are yours from 10am – plenty of time to get aisle ready, enjoy a brunch platter and perhaps a bottle of bubbles and ease into the day and enjoy the anticipation.
From the ceremony onwards it’s one long, relaxed evening. Your drinks reception and canapés follow, complete with rustic lawn games as the light fades over the estuary, then food, music and dancing in one of the wedding barns. No formalities, no rush – just a brilliant night with the people you love.
At the end of the evening, your honeymoon suite is waiting. The following morning, join your overnight guests for breakfast on the estate and let the celebrations spill into the next day.
After your ceremony and drinks reception, guests graze from a beautifully laid evening spread. Kentish hog roasts, stone-baked pizzas, sharing plates and more - made using produce from our Kitchen Garden and family farm, alongside the best of Kent's suppliers. No seating plan, no formality - just good food and good company.
Wedding Food & DrinkFrom 7pm, the evening is all about the dancefloor. Our in-house DJ is the real thing - he knows your music, your vibe and how to keep a room moving from the first dance to the last song of the night.
See our DJ in actionWhen the dancing is done, there's no need to go far. We have guest rooms and cottages on the estate and - enough for 75 guests to stay over and join you for breakfast in the morning.
Wedding Accommodation