Located in an almost forgotten valley between Luddesdown and Holly Hill in the heart of the Kent countryside, there stood, sadly unloved, and decaying, a former Norman church built over 900 years ago – the only trace of the now ‘lost’ village of Dode.
Now having been lovingly restored by the current owners, this beautiful, charming, privately owned medieval church is known as The Lost Village of Dode and is available for hire.
We can now offer you a magical, relaxed, romantic, unique wedding venue for up to 40 of your closest family and friends, with some on-site Self-catering accommodation.
The Lost Village of Dode is perfect for couples who want to begin their tale of love, romance and desire, either inside or outside. You can choose from an intimate indoor Civil Ceremony or Partnership and Renewal of Vows. Or for an outdoor Blessing or Pagan Handfasting Ceremony, you can hold your event within the ancient Stone Circle followed by a lavish Wedding Reception, with dancing and then stay overnight, onsite, in one of the two superb award-winning cottages.
Get in touch Download brochureMaybe it’s the stunning architecture, the sense of tradition, or how special churches or chapels feel that draws you to such buildings? But, a traditional church ceremony is just too religious for you or your loved one, whilst a civil ceremony just doesn’t feel spiritual enough? Here at the Lost Village of Dode the former Norman Church enables you an amazing opportunity to ‘have and to hold’ the best of both worlds, in that the ancient and sacred building allows you to have all of the tradition and the beauty, all under one magnificent roof, but without the religious restraints or connotations.
This ancient place of worship, now a licensed wedding venue, enables you to get married in a quaint, lovingly preserved, medieval former church but, and importantly, it enables you to book a non-religious Civil Ceremony or Partnership, followed by your Wedding Reception and Wedding Drinks in a church.
The interior is atmospherically illuminated with flickering torches. Flanking the central walkway to the nave there are carved oak wooden benches, covered with warming rugs, on which your guests sit during the ceremony that then become the seating during your ‘Medieval’ Wedding breakfast after which you can end the evening with dancing and much merriment.
With all our knowledge and experience, along with our carefully chosen, suppliers the Friends of Dode, we have created a Wedding Package to ensure you are getting the very best value for money, the best quality service, whilst working with a passionate team that will help create your ideal ‘I do’.
After booking your Civil ceremony we at The Lost Village of Dode will organise your paperwork with the registration department once your booking is formally complete, thus removing any unnecessary hassle from the planning of your big day.
If you would like to hold a Blessing or you are looking to celebrate a milestone in your married life, at The Lost Village of Dode, you can book a Blessing Ceremony, Renewal of Vows or a Thanksgivings. With a Celebrant conducting your wedding ceremony, at the Lost Village of Dode you can choose to hold your Blessing outside, amongst the unique Stone Circle, in the knowledge that, if there is inclement weather, you can still use the church.
Booking a Blessing is an increasingly popular option, as it enables you to work with your Celebrant to shape your ceremony in any way you like, whether you want to stay traditional or include your own elements. As such you have much more choice in your order of proceedings. You might choose to include a particular style of music and outfits – perhaps something medieval inspired or even a hint of Steam Punk? With an intimate wedding Blessing there are lots of opportunities to make your wedding day truly unique. This historic, memorable and romantic venue enables you to add your own personal twist to your special day.
During this time it enables us to set up for your Medieval Style Wedding Banquet Reception with all the trimmings. Your Wedding Banquet might include a hog roast, or a roast lamb with a multitude of seasonal side dishes, or how about a Grazing Package or High Tea.
Example wedding breakfast menu* *Subject to change based on seasonally available and locally sourced producedFor your Drinks reception you are welcome to provide your own drinks (no corkage charge) or we recommend that you work direct with one of our Friends of Dode suppliers, such as Double bubble Van who can provide either a converted bike or camper van to serve.
Our Friends of DodeBy choosing to hold your wedding or event at the Lost Village of Dode, you can add a final chapter to your epic story. Why not book one of our superb on-site cottages to stay.
The AccommodationFor some extra magic, if you love birds and in particular owls, at The Lost Village of Dode you can also include our feathered friends, to silently carry your precious ring box, in your Order Of The Day.
Special TouchesIf you want to completely abolish the formality and pressures of a traditional wedding, please be aware we only hold wedding celebrations and events during the summer months, April to end of October, and over Christmas on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday. Please contact us to discuss your initial requirements.
Contact UsIf 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:
The Lost Village of Dode,
Great Buckland,
Luddesdown,
Kent,
DA13 0XF
The Lost Village of Dode,
Great Buckland,
Luddesdown,
Kent,
DA13 0XF
enquiries@dodevillage.com
01622 734 205
enquiries@dodevillage.com
01622 734 205