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Price: £1,500 – £7,250
Guests: 90
Deals available: 5
Limited-Time Offers & Deals (5)
- Exclusive Bridebook Dealonly 18 days leftBridebook Couple Discount5% Off
- Late AvailabilityLast Minute Dates Available20% Off
- Bridebook Dealonly 18 days leftSeasonal Offer AvailableWinter Weddings
- Bridebook DealMidweek Offer AvailableJust £7700
- Bridebook Dealonly 18 days leftOffer AvailableIntimate Weddings
Description
Description
The Secret Garden is easily one of Kent’s most romantic and picturesque venues, it’s a passionately run family business with a talented team who are dedicated to making sure wedding couples have their perfect day. Based in the original Mersham le Hatch estate, it's historic surroundings provide a perfect secluded escape for weddings. There are endless photo opportunities to suit couples of all tastes and styles - from the relaxed and rustic Wild Flower Gardens and Shepard’s Hut to the elegant Cobbled Courtyards, Old Archways and Clock Tower. This venue is a dream for photographers as well as couples!
The Secret Garden offers a variety of fully licensed ceremony spaces, including the beautiful Gazebo located in the heart of the Gardens, the historic and elegant Chapel which is perfect for weddings in all seasons or weather and the Glasshouse which is the best of the outdoors inside and is the perfect space for smaller and more intimate weddings.
As well as the gorgeous settings, the Secret Garden has an incredibly talented team including dedicated servers, highly talented and knowledgeable wedding coordinators and world class chefs who pride themselves on using Kent’s finest and locally sourced fresh produce. We even grow our own fruit and vegetables onsite! Whether you're looking for a delicious 3 Course A La Carte, or a more relaxed informal BBQ Breakfast, the options for catering at Weddings here are endless and bespoke menus can even be arranged for couples who are looking for something really special.
We offer Exclusive Hire as part of our All-Inclusive Packages for all Wedding parties over 30 guests, however we do also offer Non-Exclusive Hire for more intimate celebrations – meaning The Secret Garden is the perfect venue for all parties from 2 guests to 150!
Message from the team
Name of Wedding Contact: Stephanie
A huge congratulations on your engagement!
We LOVE to celebrate love here at Secret Garden, and we believe that is the core of what makes an amazing wedding day for all involved - a celebration designed to fully embrace and commemorate your love! And by your love, we mean your specific love; your journey and adventures that brought you to be here with us, standing at the top of our aisle and making your commitments to one another.
We can’t wait to see what that looks like exactly for you.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
2006
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
25
Overview of The Secret Garden, Ashford
Wedding Venue Type
Garden / Outdoor
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
90
Reception Capacity
150
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Sound system available
Dancefloor available
Outdoor Ceremony Available
Confetti permitted
Wedding license
Wedding Venue Details
Landscaped gardens
Exclusive use
Pet friendly
Disabled access
On-site parking
Outdoor Reception Space
In-house wedding coordinator
Grade I/II Listed Building
Open Flame Permitted
Wedding Catering
In-House Wine List
In-house catering
Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
Alcohol license
Western / European
Pricing for The Secret Garden, Ashford
Pricing for The Secret Garden, Ashford
What's Included?
Exclusive use
Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)
Private room(s) included (non-exclusive use)
Furniture included
Wedding coordinator available on the day
Multiple course wedding breakfast
External caterers not permitted
Reviews (57)
- MMark and Claire26/07/2024Simply the best day!Simply the best day!Where do we start.... from the initial viewing to the day after our wedding. It was an amazing experience. Alisha was so helpful, she made sure our day ran smoothly and no hiccups! Everything was beautiful and perfect. A day we will always remember. Thank you xxxWhere do we start.... from the initial viewing to the day after our wedding. It was an amazing experience. Alisha was so helpful, she made sure our day ran smoothly and no hiccups! Everything was beautiful and perfect. A day we will always remember. Thank you xxx
- CCianna & Andrew12/05/2024Wonderful Venue Wonderful VenueHad my wedding here last month and it was unforgettable. The staff were lovely and a special thanks to Amy for helping us plan it and going above and beyond to make our day special. Even though the weather didn’t go our way and we had to move the ceremony inside, the team did everything in their power to make it special and for that, we couldn’t be more grateful. Food was absolutely amazing, exactly what we asked for and a large selection of drinks at the bar too! We would 100% recommend this venue for your big day, you will have no regrets!Had my wedding here last month and it was unforgettable. The staff were lovely and a special thanks to Amy for helping us plan it and going above and beyond to make our day special. Even though the weather didn’t go our way and we had to move the ceremony inside, the team did everything in their power to make it special and for that, we couldn’t be more grateful. Food was absolutely amazing, exactly what we asked for and a large selection of drinks at the bar too! We would 100% recommend this venue for your big day, you will have no regrets!
- SSrebrena and David05/02/2024A dream wedding at The Secret GardenA dream wedding at The Secret GardenFrom the moment we stepped into The Secret Garden for our wedding, we were met with an atmosphere of pure enchantment and elegance. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our special day was flawless, demonstrating a level of helpfulness and attentiveness that was truly remarkable. They anticipated our every need, making us feel completely at ease throughout the entire process. The venue itself was breathtakingly beautiful, presenting a perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated charm. Every corner of The Secret Garden was meticulously maintained, creating a magical backdrop for our ceremony and reception that our guests are still raving about. As for the food, it was nothing short of delicious. Each dish served was a testament to the venue's commitment to quality and excellence, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of dining. The flavors were rich, the presentation was exquisite, and the overall dining experience was exceptional. Choosing The Secret Garden for our wedding venue was the best decision we could have made. It provided an unforgettable setting that captured the essence of our celebration perfectly. We are eternally grateful to the staff for their hard work and dedication, and we recommend The Secret Garden to any couple looking for a venue that offers beauty, elegance, and a team committed to making your wedding day as perfect as you’ve always imagined.From the moment we stepped into The Secret Garden for our wedding, we were met with an atmosphere of pure enchantment and elegance. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our special day was flawless, demonstrating a level of helpfulness and attentiveness that was truly remarkable. They anticipated our every need, making us feel completely at ease throughout the entire process. The venue itself was breathtakingly beautiful, presenting a perfect blend of natural beauty and sophisticated charm. Every corner of The Secret Garden was meticulously maintained, creating a magical backdrop for our ceremony and reception that our guests are still raving about. As for the food, it was nothing short of delicious. Each dish served was a testament to the venue's commitment to quality and excellence, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure of dining. The flavors were rich, the presentation was exquisite, and the overall dining experience was exceptional. Choosing The Secret Garden for our wedding venue was the best decision we could have made. It provided an unforgettable setting that captured the essence of our celebration perfectly. We are eternally grateful to the staff for their hard work and dedication, and we recommend The Secret Garden to any couple looking for a venue that offers beauty, elegance, and a team committed to making your wedding day as perfect as you’ve always imagined.
- IIsabelle15/01/2024The perfect dayThe perfect dayFrom our first visit to the Secret Garden, we fell in love with the place with Harry being so helpful and friendly from the beginning. Throughout the year of planing, Alisha & Amy were brilliant, calm, quick to respond, so flexible & friendly. We felt reassured throughout the process, nothing was too much trouble and we really felt they cared. Dropping off our decorations and personal items the morning before, they were amazing and even let us have coffee in the gardens. We walked away very confident and had absolute trust in the team to make everything look beautiful. When I arrived on the day, it was perfect. I could not fault a single thing. The gardens are totally beautiful, coach house stunning, delicious food & the team were amazing, brilliant service, calm & happy. Alisha & Amy and everyone else in the team – we cannot thank you enough. Our wedding was so special & memorable and I have no doubt it was because of everything you guys did.From our first visit to the Secret Garden, we fell in love with the place with Harry being so helpful and friendly from the beginning. Throughout the year of planing, Alisha & Amy were brilliant, calm, quick to respond, so flexible & friendly. We felt reassured throughout the process, nothing was too much trouble and we really felt they cared. Dropping off our decorations and personal items the morning before, they were amazing and even let us have coffee in the gardens. We walked away very confident and had absolute trust in the team to make everything look beautiful. When I arrived on the day, it was perfect. I could not fault a single thing. The gardens are totally beautiful, coach house stunning, delicious food & the team were amazing, brilliant service, calm & happy. Alisha & Amy and everyone else in the team – we cannot thank you enough. Our wedding was so special & memorable and I have no doubt it was because of everything you guys did.
- GGeorgina & Jemma10/01/2024Our dream wedding Our dream weddingThankyou so much for the most amazing day! You kept everything running as smoothly as possible and kept everyone calm, happy and relaxed in the crazy September heatwave 🥵 You were so polite, respectful and attentive! We didn’t want for anything- even taking a selfie at the end of the night staff spotted and came straight over to offer assistance. The attention to detail went above and beyond anything we could have asked for! The venue was immaculately clean and well dressed and when we came to collect our things the next day so much care had been taken in packing our things back away. The food was lovely and such care was taken in the presentation and delivery of our afternoon tea and pizza- definitely cooked with love! You made our day so special, something that we will never forget and are very grateful for!Thankyou so much for the most amazing day! You kept everything running as smoothly as possible and kept everyone calm, happy and relaxed in the crazy September heatwave 🥵 You were so polite, respectful and attentive! We didn’t want for anything- even taking a selfie at the end of the night staff spotted and came straight over to offer assistance. The attention to detail went above and beyond anything we could have asked for! The venue was immaculately clean and well dressed and when we came to collect our things the next day so much care had been taken in packing our things back away. The food was lovely and such care was taken in the presentation and delivery of our afternoon tea and pizza- definitely cooked with love! You made our day so special, something that we will never forget and are very grateful for!
- IIzati and Ben28/12/2023Perfect and effortlessPerfect and effortlessThe first and only place we viewed, we fell in love with it straight away. It fits our personalities our vibe and the size of our wedding. We wanted an intimate feel although we had around 60pax for our day reception, they were all important people and they loved being there. The team is the most amazing! Very accommodating, very understanding, makes everything looks easy. Never made me feel like I’m asking for something silly or too big. Very responsive even though my queries were during summer peak season as our wedding was in November. And no fault at all for everyone working on our big day and evening. All the guests keep talking about how great they have all been. Food is perfect too, for day and evening. The first and only place we viewed, we fell in love with it straight away. It fits our personalities our vibe and the size of our wedding. We wanted an intimate feel although we had around 60pax for our day reception, they were all important people and they loved being there. The team is the most amazing! Very accommodating, very understanding, makes everything looks easy. Never made me feel like I’m asking for something silly or too big. Very responsive even though my queries were during summer peak season as our wedding was in November. And no fault at all for everyone working on our big day and evening. All the guests keep talking about how great they have all been. Food is perfect too, for day and evening.
- AAmy & Charlie23/12/2023Wedding of DreamsWedding of DreamsIf you haven’t booked The Secret Garden for your event yet what are you waiting for! The Venue = Just Perfect The Staff = Amazing, Helpful & the nicest people The Food = Truly delicious The day went so smoothly. It’s such a professional set up with the best touches! It was like friends running the show. All of our guests commented on how superb the day was and they especially loved the custom dessert set up they allowed us to create. The Secret Garden = The BESTIf you haven’t booked The Secret Garden for your event yet what are you waiting for! The Venue = Just Perfect The Staff = Amazing, Helpful & the nicest people The Food = Truly delicious The day went so smoothly. It’s such a professional set up with the best touches! It was like friends running the show. All of our guests commented on how superb the day was and they especially loved the custom dessert set up they allowed us to create. The Secret Garden = The BEST
- FFrancesca & Andy12/08/2023Absolutely amazing dayAbsolutely amazing daySuch a good day. Super chilled, like us, and we felt fully confident in their hands. Took control of the day, did everything we asked, and helped us out when caterers messed up. Can’t rate more highly.Such a good day. Super chilled, like us, and we felt fully confident in their hands. Took control of the day, did everything we asked, and helped us out when caterers messed up. Can’t rate more highly.
- JJulie & Matt03/06/2023We really could not have asked for a better day...We really could not have asked for a better day...We would just like to say thank you to everyone at the Secret Garden for making our wedding day so perfect yesterday 😍. Both myself, Matt and all of our guests had such an amazing time, with everyone complimenting how beautiful and special the venue is, how attentive and friendly all of the staff are, and how incredible all of the food was. We really could not have asked for a better day, The Secret Garden really is a special place and we will cherish the day forever.We would just like to say thank you to everyone at the Secret Garden for making our wedding day so perfect yesterday 😍. Both myself, Matt and all of our guests had such an amazing time, with everyone complimenting how beautiful and special the venue is, how attentive and friendly all of the staff are, and how incredible all of the food was. We really could not have asked for a better day, The Secret Garden really is a special place and we will cherish the day forever.
- NNatasha & Hugh16/01/2023everyone at the secret garden is amazingeveryone at the secret garden is amazingWe had so many lovely comments about our day and how perfectly it went, it was relaxed, fun and the food!! Wow!! It was phenomenal!! Everyone was raving about how incredible the food was! Every little detail was so well thought out, the placement of everything worked so well with the flow of the venue, just perfect! The gardens are beautiful, there are so many different areas all with their own little quirks, we had a badminton net set up and the kids loved running around there.We had so many lovely comments about our day and how perfectly it went, it was relaxed, fun and the food!! Wow!! It was phenomenal!! Everyone was raving about how incredible the food was! Every little detail was so well thought out, the placement of everything worked so well with the flow of the venue, just perfect! The gardens are beautiful, there are so many different areas all with their own little quirks, we had a badminton net set up and the kids loved running around there.
Location & Contact Details for The Secret Garden, Ashford
Location & Contact Details for The Secret Garden, Ashford
Wedding Venue Address
Travel Notes
How to find Secret Garden
Our address:- Secret Garden, The Courtyard, Hythe Road A20, Near Ashford Kent, TN25 6NH/5NH
Car:
From London: - Follow the M20, Leaving junction 10a, take 2nd exit onto the A20 Hythe Road. Follow A20 for approx. 1.6 miles. We are on the left hand side of the road next to Mersham Le Hatch Cricket ground. If you go past a café called Blue and White you need to turn around.
From Folkestone:- Follow the M20, Leaving at junction 11, take 3rd exit onto the A20. Follow road for approx. 4 miles. You will go through the village of Sellindge. We are just pass a café called Blue and White on the right hand side next to Mersham Le Hatch Cricket ground.
Satellite Navigation systems do not always send you in the right direction, please check as per above directions.
Leaving Cars: You are welcome to leave your car overnight within the main car park. Please note however that we do not own the car park and thus cars are left at your own risk. The main car park shall be locked between 12midnight and 7am.
Train: Our nearest train station is Ashford International Station, which is approx. a 15 minute car ride away (5 miles)
Bus: Number 10/10A – Ashford to Folkestone – Nearest Stop: Mersham
Nearest Town
Ashford
Nearest Motorway & Junction
Junction 10A M20
Nearest Train Station
Ashford International
Nearest Airport
Gatwick
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Gallery
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FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs
Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?
Every couple and every wedding are completely unique - no two are ever the same, and that's the best part of working in this industry.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
We would always say remember it’s your own day - pick the drinks, food and snacks YOU would like on your day, not what you think your second cousin would enjoy. This applies to every decision along the way too, not just on the food!
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
We love anything that truly captures a couples personality - it’s so fun to be able to feel like we get to know you too! Also - a personalised neon sign as a photo backdrop was super fun. Think ‘The Smiths’. The couple said they were going to hang it above their sofa afterwards!
Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.
Unique, Rustic, Enchanting, Secluded and Relaxed.
Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?
Hidden in the Wildflower Meadow!
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?
We hosted a very special baby shower event for a delightful and well known couple you may recognise from Strictly Come Dancing.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Our Canapes are to die for! I couldn't possibly pick one! (Probably the Mac & Cheese bites with baconnaise though.)
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Definitely a to-go Pizza from our Woodfired Pizza Oven - or obviously, the classic Wedding Cake.
What is your venue's most unique feature?
Our restored Victorian Glasshouse; which is a licensed Ceremony Area, perfect for Intimate Wedding Breakfasts or the perfect Botanical Chill-Out Area for larger Wedding parties. Complete with rustic exposed brick, festoon lights along with a Kiwi Vine wrapping the middle beams, its a completely unique space to us that perfectly compliments The Secret Garden - bringing the Gardens indoors.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our lovely and dedicated Wedding Coordinators, Front of House and Kitchen Team! Without them, we would not be able to offer the customer service, care and menus we have.
Press & Awards
All our awards & press mentions
Recommended Photographer
Looking to find a great photographer?
Seattle to London Photography has previously worked at The Secret Garden, Ashford. Check out their work!
Bridebook Benefits
Bridebook Special Offer5% off venue hire