Why choose a coastal wedding venue in Kent?

Getting married on the Kent coast

There’s something very special about getting married by the seaside…

Maybe it’s the ocean views. Perhaps the fresh sea air. Or simply because you just love spending time by the sea.

Whatever the reason, coastal wedding venues have a magic all of their own. And no, you certainly don’t need to fly halfway around the world to find one!

Set by the sea in Kent, the Hythe Imperial proudly looks out across the English Channel. Add landscaped gardens, our grand, modern interiors and everything you’d expect from a luxury hotel… and you have all the ingredients for a proper seafront celebration.

Still not sure? Here are just some of the reasons so many couples choose to get married by the sea…

The sea views

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way… and it’s all about the romance of the ocean and looking out at those sea views…

The top thing about a Kent coastal wedding is the scenery is constantly changing. It can be bright blue skies one minute, and dramatic clouds the next.

At the Hythe Imperial Hotel, the English Channel forms the backdrop to one side of the hotel, with our Imperial Ballroom’s private sundeck and terrace looking out towards the ocean.

It’s unmistakably Kent rather than the Caribbean – and that’s exactly its charm!

Because while you can decorate your wedding venue beautifully, some backdrops simply come ready-made…

Think of the photos!

Your professional wedding photos are going to stay with you for a long time, and the setting really makes all the difference…

One of the biggest advantages of Kent coastal wedding venues – especially like ours – is that you get the best of both worlds. Coast and countryside!

At the Hythe Imperial, many wedding couples make use of the beach and our private terraces which look out over the sea. But that’s only half the story…

On the other side, you can also use the landscaped gardens and Victorian-style gazebo, all set within the hotel grounds.

We’ve all seen those wedding photos that have the same backdrop, with the guests changing. Your photos won’t be like that, thanks to the hotel’s different areas, both inside and out.

And because the beach is right there, just a few feet away, you don’t need to disappear from your own wedding for a two-hour photography expedition either…

Make your wedding a little seaside break

Another reason couples love seaside wedding venues is the instant holiday vibes…

Resort towns like Hythe and nearby Folkestone have a long history of tourism dating back to Victorian times. But in recent years, they’ve become hugely popular again.

No flights. No passports. No asking Auntie Sue to navigate an airport in her formal wear!

And choosing a Kent wedding venue with accommodation means your guests don’t have to rush off after the last dance. You can can stay at the hotel, waking up by the coast in the morning, and meeting up again for breakfast before heading home.

It means your wedding becomes a little seaside break shared with the people you love, and much more memorable for everyone…

Coastal dining at your Kent wedding

Of course you’ll be looking for delicious food to be served your wedding… and that’s another reason why a Kent hotel wedding is a great choice.

Because a beautiful location is one thing… but what about the catering?

Fortunately, the Hythe Imperial has its very own restaurant called Coast – and you could say the clue is in the name!

Our hotel’s in-house restaurant specialises in modern British food using fresh, seasonal ingredients, with produce sourced from suppliers around Kent. It’s also been awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence, for the past ten years in a row!

And it’s these same hotel kitchens that are behind the wedding breakfasts and food that will be served at your wedding here.

Wedding menus can include everything from traditional roast meats to fish and vegetarian dishes, or relaxed evening finger buffets. We even offer quirky wedding menu upgrade options such as a fish and chip van or barbecues.

All dietary requirements can be catered for, and best of all, you’ll get to taste and discuss your menu ahead of the big day.

After all, if you’re going for a hotel wedding in Kent, it seems only right that a bit of Kent should find its way onto the plate too…

Ready to plan your own seafront celebration?

It’s clear that a coastal wedding doesn’t have to mean bare feet on a tropical white-sand beach.

Sometimes… it’s much better than that!

It can mean a beautiful wedding venue in the Garden of England, all your loved ones around you, an unforgettable celebration and yes, the ocean waves just a few feet away.

That’s the real charm of getting married here on the Kent coast.

To talk about making your dream Kent wedding by the sea a reality, you can call our friendly Weddings Team on 01303 267441 – or send them an email.

Tell us what you have in mind, and we’d love to make it happen!