Boxley Abbey

Boxley Abbey

A stunning Grade 1 listed stone hospitium available for wedding receptions and functions. At nearly 200 feet this is one of the longest and most notable surviving monastic buildings in the country and was originally the guest house for pilgrims visiting the abbey. The room available for functions is at the east end of the building and is approximately 80 by 30 feet, suiting guest numbers of up to around 150 , although the layout also lends itself well to smaller numbers. The roof structure, a beautiful scissor truss dating from 1387 soars about 40 feet above the floor, and when lit with specialist lighting is quite spectacular.

The Hospitium is conveniently situated close to Junction 6 of the M20, in the North Downs area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the precincts of a former Cistercian monastery. The beautiful gardens which are set around the monastic ruins may be used as a location for wedding photography by prior arrangement.

The venue will suit those wishing to get fully involved in all the organisation of their function, including choosing a caterer. It will be available for 3 days before and 2 days after a booking for setting up and clearing. As the building is a Scheduled Ancient Monument it has no infrastructure other than basic lighting. As with a marquee event the catering, trailer toilets, generator and lighting scheme will need to be organised by each hirer. (The owners can recommend suppliers and provide an estimate of cost).

This is a very beautiful and important building and the interior has been enhanced by recent limewashing. When lit and decorated there can be few venues more magical and for those that seek somewhere to maximise their individuality it will be hard to beat. Providing no damage is caused to the building the owners are open to suggestions as to how hirers wish to organise their event.

They don't have a license for ceremonies, so it will be ideal for those who wish to get married in a nearby church or licensed premises, and use the venue for the reception. And of course it could suit the many couples who want to organise their own bespoke ceremony or celebration, having attended a registry office for the legalities beforehand.

The venue has a few 2019 dates and good availability from May to September 2020 at a cost of from \xa32,500.

Access to the venue is via a field track, and parking is in the adjacent field. Events are restricted between May and September. Our planning permission requires events must finish at 11pm, with an hour for all to leave the site. Music may be played at up to 95 decibels, which is very much a normal level for wedding parties.