Unique, exclusive-use, lovingly restored Norman Church is available for intimate civil ceremonies, hand fastings and private events for up to 42 people.As voted in the Independent as being one of the country’s 50 best Wedding venues, the Lost Village of Dode Is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive and sought after Wedding venues in Kent.Far, far away, in a magical place, where time has stood still, in an almost forgotten valley between Luddesdown and Holly Hill, nestled in the North Kent Downs in the South East of England, there stands a beautiful, charming, enchanting, privately owned, romantic, former Norman church – the only trace of the now ‘lost’ village of Dode. 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.We offer bespoke weddings, tailored to each couple, or package weddings, so you can have your perfect day exactly the way you want it. After your ceremony guests usually spend time in the stunning grounds, enabling you to have your group photos and enjoy a glass of bubbles and perhaps a selection of canapes. And for your evening reception, we work alongside a number of fantastic professional caterers who can provide a Medieval Style Banquet Wedding Breakfast Reception with all the trimmings. Your Wedding Breakfast might include a hog roast or a roast lamb or we can cater for various dietary requirements...We can also offer a number of unique additions to your day including Ollie the Owl to deliver your rings, or bubbles as you leave the church.No hidden charges and no corkage charge either!To end the evening why not choose to add a final chapter to your epic love story by booking one of our award-winning on-site cottage retreats.For more information please contact our Wedding Coordinator Becky who would be more than happy to discuss your requirements with you.
15 Reviews
david
25/03/2021
Used to play in the old church when it was derelict making sure never to fall down the bottomless well or meet any ghosts. Now a day's it is a beautiful little building especially if you like medieval buildings
bowwave paul
14/12/2020
Beautiful Church . Private owned. Check website to contact owner for Weddings. History - Dode (in Old English, Dowde) was a village in England that was wiped out by the Black Death in 1349. All that remains is the deconsecrated church, which was rebuilt in the 1990s. Folk law - said to be haunted by the last remaining person of Dode Village. The Black Death taking everyone. A child off 7 took refuge in the Church before her own Death . The Dode child Said to be seen every 1st Sunday every month .
Louise Wiltshire
08/12/2020
Dode were fantastic throughout this year and on the magical day itself, helping to give us the day we had always dreamed of.They have a super friendly team and were really accommodating when we had to rearrange it three or four times! They have very kindly facilitated us to split our day in two, so we will be having the handfasting ceremony next year on our first wedding anniversary where we can celebrate with all of our friends (hopefully). The location is as incredible in real life as it is in the pictures, the building creates a very personal and intimate feel. We would highly recommend this venue to anyone getting married. Thank you everyone!
Katy Sherry
05/10/2020
We could not recommend The Lost Village of Dode more! From the moment we were shown around by Doug, to returning the night after our wedding to stay at the cottage together, we fall in love with it more and more every time. Stepping into the church with hay strewn across the floor and candles glowing you can’t help but get a feeling of warmth, love and belonging. Every one of our guests were taken aback by the beauty of Dode and spent a lot of time just taking in the stunning surroundings. We booked our wedding with Becky and despite the ever changing rules and regulations around COVID, she made sure we were kept updated every step of the way and could plan our big day while adhering to the guidelines. Our day was run so smoothly by Graham who introduced himself to us in the morning, made sure we were put at ease and everything was in place for our guests. He has a great character and clicked very quickly with us all, being around when you need him but making it feel like we had the place all to ourselves to celebrate with our loved ones. Even going so far as to help collect all of our belongings strewn about and lock up the cottage following the last minute madness before the ceremony! We will always hold a very special place in our hearts for Dode. We cannot wait to return for future events with our family and have the opportunity to remember our magical wedding day together. Doug, Becky and Graham, we can’t thank you enough. The new, Mr and Mrs Amat xx Photo taken by Kate Hennessy Photography.
Dan Johnson-Allen
29/09/2020
A very interesting place, worth a visit but recommend learning the history of the place.
Cheryl Tyler
21/09/2020
We have just got married at Dode it is an amazing place, they was very helpful and accommodating altogether made it a day to remember and we would highly recommend this venue to everyone Cheryl & Eddy
Mike Sarah
16/08/2020
Stunning surroundings, a really special place for an unforgettable event. Friendly and professional management too. I would love to come visit Dode again soon
Kate O Loughlin
05/08/2020
Beautiful place to stay. Relaxing and remote, would highly recommend as accomodation for a weekend away.
Gerry Boyle
15/01/2020
An absolutely lovely place to visit. A local "find".
Tray Nix
04/01/2020
A hidden gem. A place Steeped in history telling the story of the black death which was found here back in the 13th century. Surrounding by green fields and some large ancient stones arranged in a circular shape. It was a very peaceful beautiful place and the walk to it was long but most enjoyable.. Small road which goes on for miles all within the countryside.