The perfect intimate wedding venue

The Lost Village of Dode is the perfect intimate wedding venue and is available for exclusive hire for your special day

Located in an almost forgotten valley between Luddesdown and Holly Hill in the heart of the Kent countryside, having been lovingly restored by the current owners, this beautiful, unique and intimate medieval church and its surroundings are known as The Lost Village of Dode.

Experience our unique wedding venue accommodating up to 40 guests, with self-catering accommodation for the wedding party conveniently on-site in our two superb award-winning cottages.

Offering a truly unique and evocative setting—a blank canvas upon which to paint the wedding celebration of your dreams.

Whether you envision a small, intimate gathering within the hallowed walls of our ancient Norman church or now—newly blessed by the law—a legal wedding ceremony held beneath the open sky within the sacred embrace of our Stone Circle, Dode welcomes you.

Here, you may choose to celebrate your union in a way that feels most authentic to your spirit:
– a legally recognised indoor ceremony or civil partnership within the candlelit church
– a heartfelt exchange of vows in the open air, within the timeworn circle of standing stones
– a spiritual blessing or pagan handfasting beneath the elements
– or a renewal of vows to mark enduring love.

Whichever path you walk, your day may unfold into a joyous feast—a banquet to rival those of old—with food, laughter, and dancing beneath the stars to mark the start of your new chapter together.

Civil Wedding Ceremonies, Civil Partnerships, Renewal of Vows

Unlike conventional wedding venues, the Lost Village of Dode is a place where time gently folds in on itself—a sacred, candlelit haven cradled in history and nature, perfect for those who seek something rare and deeply meaningful. Whether you're planning a quiet elopement, a small wedding with up to 40 guests, or a handfasting ceremony in the open air, Dode provides a flexible and intimate setting—ideal for both your legal ceremony and your reception, all in one beautiful, secluded location.

Now, couples can legally wed in not just one, but two extraordinary spaces—each rich in atmosphere and soul. Exchange your vows within the weathered walls of our medieval Norman church, its flickering candlelight and ancient stone steeped in centuries of silent witness. Or choose the open embrace of the great outdoors, where the standing stones of our sacred circle rise from the earth, offering a powerful and elemental place to begin your journey together.

Both spaces are fully licensed for legal marriage and civil partnerships, allowing you to say “I do” in a way that truly reflects your spirit—traditional, spiritual, or something uniquely your own.

At Dode, there is no need to compromise. Whether you choose to wed within the candlelit embrace of our ancient Norman church or beneath the open skies of the sacred stone circle, your entire celebration can unfold in one magical, hidden corner of Kent. After your ceremony, raise a glass with loved ones and settle in for a joyous feast. The church—atmospherically lit with flickering candles and lined with carved oak benches draped in warming rugs—transforms into a characterful reception space, ready to host a grand medieval banquet. As the evening draws on, the merriment continues with dancing, laughter, and memories made beneath timeworn beams and starlit skies.

Our Wedding Packages have been carefully created to ensure you are getting the best value for money and the best quality service from a team that’s passionate about creating your ideal ‘I do’. They have been carefully curated using our knowledge and experience, along with our carefully chosen suppliers, affectionately known to all as the Friends of Dode.

The Lost Village of Dode prides itself on being an inclusive Kent wedding venue, where everyone can come together, be themselves and enjoy each other's company. Furry friends are also welcome to join in on the fun, we are proud to be a dog-friendly wedding venue.

Blessings, renewal of vows, ceremonies and thanksgivings

The Lost Village of Dode is one of Kent’s most unique venues, ideal for celebrating milestones in your married life. You can book a wedding blessing ceremony, renewal of vows or thanksgivings, led by a Celebrant. Many of our couples choose to have their blessing outside, amongst the unique Stone Circle, in the knowledge that, if there is inclement weather, you can move into the church.

Booking a wedding blessing at The Lost Village of Dode enables you to work with your celebrant to shape your ceremony in any way you like, whether you want to stay traditional or personalise it to you and your loved one. You might choose to include a particular style of music and outfits – perhaps something medieval inspired or even a hint of a Steam Punk wedding theme?

The Lost Village of Dode provides lots of opportunities to make your wedding day truly unique. This historic, memorable and romantic venue is the perfect canvas for you to add your own personal twist to your special day.

Enchanting Wedding Banquet receptions

After your wedding ceremony at The Lost Village of Dode, guests usually spend time enjoying a glass of bubbles and some canapés in our stunning grounds, which also make a unique backdrop for your wedding photos.

Behind the scenes we’ll be busy transforming Dode Church ready for your wedding banquet reception, with all the trimmings! There are lots of food options including traditional hog roast wedding reception, roast lamb with seasonal side dishes, a lavish grazing table or High Tea.

If you would like to write your own enchanting, epic love story and get married at the Lost Village of Dode, or you want to celebrate an important family occasion or event that will go down in your family folklore, please just let us have some information (that we promise not to share), that will help us to give you an introduction to your narrative: