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Guests: 250
Bedrooms: 27
Description
Description
Your Perfect Kentish Country Wedding at The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
Nestled within two acres of peaceful countryside near the historic town of Sandwich, The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel offers a truly charming and exclusive setting for your wedding day. Known for creating original, fun, and personalized weddings, this venue provides a private and intimate atmosphere where you and your guests can relax and celebrate in style. The venue’s unique “perfectly imperfect” charm ensures a warm, welcoming environment that feels just right for your special day.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces Designed for You
When you choose The Blazing Donkey, you get exclusive use of the entire venue and grounds for your wedding. As the first venue in Kent licensed for outdoor ceremonies, it features a stunning garden gazebo set against manicured lawns—an ideal spot for your romantic “I dos.”
- Outdoor Ceremonies: Say your vows in the beautiful gardens, creating unforgettable memories in a truly romantic setting.
- Grand Marquee: Celebrate your reception in a spacious marquee pavilion that can comfortably seat up to 240 guests for dinner and dancing.
- The Barn: Welcome your guests through a historic great barn, full of rustic character and charm, serving as the main entrance and reception area.
An Unforgettable Venue Experience
More than just a wedding venue, The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel is a countryside retreat blending rustic elegance with genuine hospitality. Their dedicated wedding planning team works closely with you to ensure every detail is perfectly arranged, so your day runs smoothly from start to finish.
After the celebrations, you and your guests can unwind in comfortable on-site accommodations. Choose from romantic suites in the main house, cosy rooms in the converted stables, or even unique glamping options for a memorable overnight stay.
The in-house catering team offers a range of delicious options—from traditional wedding breakfasts to relaxed BBQs and hog roasts—tailored to your tastes and style.
With its exclusive use policy, beautiful countryside setting, and distinctive character, The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel is a top choice for couples seeking a memorable and authentic Kent wedding.
Message from the team
Name of Wedding Contact: Richard & Sherry Martin
You are invited and welcome to join us for a complimentary lunch or dinner during your viewing visit.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
1992
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
25
Overview of The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
Wedding Venue Type
Countryside Hotel
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
250
Reception Capacity
250
Wedding Venue Accommodation
No. of Bedrooms
27
Sleeps No. of People
60
Bridal Suite
Honeymoon Suite
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Reviews (8)
- CChris and Ali01/09/2025Doesn’t Return DepositsDoesn’t Return DepositsI’m writing this review so our experience doesn’t happen to couples in the future. Please search deposit in the Google reviews before you book this place. I got married here at the start of August and would have loved to give a good review as the although there a few hiccups the day actually went well and all the guests had a lovely time. However, our experience has been completely tarnished by the aftermath of the wedding. We prepaid for the rooms to get a discount for our guests. We paid £3000 as a holding amount in which the guests would call up, book, and pay for their rooms. We would then get the initial holding amount back directly as the wedding finished. The reason for this 1 star review is the fact that, not only have we not received this back within a month, but we have had barely any contact from the hotel. We also haven’t received our £350 security deposit. No reply’s to emails, one phone call answered amongst multiple where we were assure the money would be returned within 5-10 days. We even went down to the venue to be told the manager and anyone working there felt awful but couldn’t do anything. We were told all deposits go through Richard the owner. We have called him directly, emailed him directly and the phone now goes directly to voicemail. If you search ‘deposit’ in the reviews you will see that the non return of deposits is not an isolated incident and has happened multiple times. I’m heartbroken for the staff at the blazing donkey (Charleigh and John) as they do genuinely care to make weddings special and were helpful and supportive both during the wedding and afterwards. However, the actions of the owner not returning the funds owed to us has really ruined our wedding experience leaving us struggling to pay for our honeymoon. I’m writing this review so our experience doesn’t happen to couples in the future. Please search deposit in the Google reviews before you book this place. I got married here at the start of August and would have loved to give a good review as the although there a few hiccups the day actually went well and all the guests had a lovely time. However, our experience has been completely tarnished by the aftermath of the wedding. We prepaid for the rooms to get a discount for our guests. We paid £3000 as a holding amount in which the guests would call up, book, and pay for their rooms. We would then get the initial holding amount back directly as the wedding finished. The reason for this 1 star review is the fact that, not only have we not received this back within a month, but we have had barely any contact from the hotel. We also haven’t received our £350 security deposit. No reply’s to emails, one phone call answered amongst multiple where we were assure the money would be returned within 5-10 days. We even went down to the venue to be told the manager and anyone working there felt awful but couldn’t do anything. We were told all deposits go through Richard the owner. We have called him directly, emailed him directly and the phone now goes directly to voicemail. If you search ‘deposit’ in the reviews you will see that the non return of deposits is not an isolated incident and has happened multiple times. I’m heartbroken for the staff at the blazing donkey (Charleigh and John) as they do genuinely care to make weddings special and were helpful and supportive both during the wedding and afterwards. However, the actions of the owner not returning the funds owed to us has really ruined our wedding experience leaving us struggling to pay for our honeymoon.
- BBecca19/08/2025The wedding was a mess The wedding was a messPlease check reviews on Google, bride sites, and search Richard Martin court cases before you book here Richard promised us the world and took half of the money upfront making us pay the rest monthly, meaning we were tied in no matter what He did not stick to any promises. We were handed to a different wedding planner every few months, and I’m sorry to say they were all useless John the manager takes after Richard in being extremely rude and he’s involved in the scams as much as he wants to play innocent Richard is the most vile human I’ve ever met. He passes blame to everyone else, speaks rudely, scams people (lots of ongoing court cases) and even said he was keeping our deposit because some guests left bad reviews This venue ruined our wedding and that is a memory that is going to stay with us for life. Posting my review below for info: Below are the majority issues we faced on the day, though all are overshadowed by Richard’s attempt at scamming us out of a deposit Everything confirmed by email, on their beloved Sonas, AND I phoned the week before to confirm. Bean burgers served at bbq instead of promised fake meat Asked for non alcoholic drink to be ordered for alcohol free toasting option and it was not served Alcohol served to guests we flagged as needing non alcoholic multiple times for toasting - they were told it was alcohol free (was not!) No cutlery for evening food Empty water multiple times after we had to fight to even have water provided They “ran out” of Prosecco until we argued and then suddenly more found Plastic cups served during dinner service - wine glasses were on table so why not glasses at this point? Evening sure, but during dinner was tacky. Also had complaints they were cheap and flimsy Cake on wobbly table with kids running around was not safe - vendor even confirmed not safe - staff wouldn’t move it Cake not cut we had to ask for this Cake not all brought out / went missing Cake boxes we purchased were taken away and not put with cake Waitress laughed in my face and was extremely rude DJ told a guest she was killing the vibe DJ playing his own music including first and last song and told us “that’s just how it goes” DJ taking requests after being told multiple times to stop then shouted on mic “brides said no more requests” to throw me under the bus … but he was the one who offered requests DJ offered to fight my husband because he asked him to play the playlist we provided and not his own music Music ended at 11.30 we were told 12 - all guests had cabs booked at 12/12.15. They were ushered out early by staff before 12. We were told wine would be served until what we ordered ran out - it was not and it wasn’t brought out either for guests Had to ask staff multiple times to replenish wine - I barely sat down running around doing the staffs job for them Handed my personal phone which they used for music to a guest instead of me or husband - luckily the guest found me to give it to me. This is my personal property and it was just handed off to someone random? Played music during grooms vows Constantly calling my husband the wrong name - even when we came by recently to get our deposit this continued (more on that later) Guests complained that staff were rude and un attentive We were told groomsmen and groom would have an area to change in. On the day there was nowhere offered. They had to get in an aunts room and change after a lot of hassle. This took so long that i didnt get any photos with bridal party before ceremony as the photographers didn’t know what was happening with groom pics. Wine went missing at end of night and staff told us it all was finished, they didn’t know where cake stand was which we had a deposit on, only when John the manager returned next day did we get these back. We had a family of 4 drop out and asked for the extra portions to go on groom and groomsman plates. It went to 2 groomsmen and 2 other guests. Not other groomsman or groom. Bridal suite toilet door does not shut and had not been cleaned - cobwebs and old stagnant water on side and multiple dead spiders - horrible place to get ready. We were assured it was being redecorated before our wedding. More lies We had to turn up during a wedding to get our deposit back. We did not enter the marquee as I would hate to ruin a wedding the way they ruined ours, but it took hours of arguing with John inside the restaurant area for him to admit Richard doesn’t care about returning deposits, so many people take him to court and he doesn’t show up, he essentially is running a scam We managed to get the deposit back with threats to go into the wedding happening, they still refuse to tell us what was left on bar tab, and at that point I was ready to never see the place again. If you have booked here and are not sure what to do, cut your losses and elope. And don’t listen lies of “false reviews” as they will do anything to take your money.Please check reviews on Google, bride sites, and search Richard Martin court cases before you book here Richard promised us the world and took half of the money upfront making us pay the rest monthly, meaning we were tied in no matter what He did not stick to any promises. We were handed to a different wedding planner every few months, and I’m sorry to say they were all useless John the manager takes after Richard in being extremely rude and he’s involved in the scams as much as he wants to play innocent Richard is the most vile human I’ve ever met. He passes blame to everyone else, speaks rudely, scams people (lots of ongoing court cases) and even said he was keeping our deposit because some guests left bad reviews This venue ruined our wedding and that is a memory that is going to stay with us for life. Posting my review below for info: Below are the majority issues we faced on the day, though all are overshadowed by Richard’s attempt at scamming us out of a deposit Everything confirmed by email, on their beloved Sonas, AND I phoned the week before to confirm. Bean burgers served at bbq instead of promised fake meat Asked for non alcoholic drink to be ordered for alcohol free toasting option and it was not served Alcohol served to guests we flagged as needing non alcoholic multiple times for toasting - they were told it was alcohol free (was not!) No cutlery for evening food Empty water multiple times after we had to fight to even have water provided They “ran out” of Prosecco until we argued and then suddenly more found Plastic cups served during dinner service - wine glasses were on table so why not glasses at this point? Evening sure, but during dinner was tacky. Also had complaints they were cheap and flimsy Cake on wobbly table with kids running around was not safe - vendor even confirmed not safe - staff wouldn’t move it Cake not cut we had to ask for this Cake not all brought out / went missing Cake boxes we purchased were taken away and not put with cake Waitress laughed in my face and was extremely rude DJ told a guest she was killing the vibe DJ playing his own music including first and last song and told us “that’s just how it goes” DJ taking requests after being told multiple times to stop then shouted on mic “brides said no more requests” to throw me under the bus … but he was the one who offered requests DJ offered to fight my husband because he asked him to play the playlist we provided and not his own music Music ended at 11.30 we were told 12 - all guests had cabs booked at 12/12.15. They were ushered out early by staff before 12. We were told wine would be served until what we ordered ran out - it was not and it wasn’t brought out either for guests Had to ask staff multiple times to replenish wine - I barely sat down running around doing the staffs job for them Handed my personal phone which they used for music to a guest instead of me or husband - luckily the guest found me to give it to me. This is my personal property and it was just handed off to someone random? Played music during grooms vows Constantly calling my husband the wrong name - even when we came by recently to get our deposit this continued (more on that later) Guests complained that staff were rude and un attentive We were told groomsmen and groom would have an area to change in. On the day there was nowhere offered. They had to get in an aunts room and change after a lot of hassle. This took so long that i didnt get any photos with bridal party before ceremony as the photographers didn’t know what was happening with groom pics. Wine went missing at end of night and staff told us it all was finished, they didn’t know where cake stand was which we had a deposit on, only when John the manager returned next day did we get these back. We had a family of 4 drop out and asked for the extra portions to go on groom and groomsman plates. It went to 2 groomsmen and 2 other guests. Not other groomsman or groom. Bridal suite toilet door does not shut and had not been cleaned - cobwebs and old stagnant water on side and multiple dead spiders - horrible place to get ready. We were assured it was being redecorated before our wedding. More lies We had to turn up during a wedding to get our deposit back. We did not enter the marquee as I would hate to ruin a wedding the way they ruined ours, but it took hours of arguing with John inside the restaurant area for him to admit Richard doesn’t care about returning deposits, so many people take him to court and he doesn’t show up, he essentially is running a scam We managed to get the deposit back with threats to go into the wedding happening, they still refuse to tell us what was left on bar tab, and at that point I was ready to never see the place again. If you have booked here and are not sure what to do, cut your losses and elope. And don’t listen lies of “false reviews” as they will do anything to take your money.
- LLaura & Tim09/08/2025We had a great day! We had a great day!Charley the wedding coordinator was fantastic as was John the general manager. They were there for us all day. Charley especially went above and beyond for us. The food was a bit disappointing as they have changed chef from when we had a lunch. However only the main was a bit of a disappointment. The starter, dessert and buffet were really nice. Some of the bar staff were a little unhelpful and they ran out of white wine. However everyone had a great time and commented on the beautiful venue. The DJ was brilliant and listened to our requests. The last couple of hours he played bangers and really read the room on what people were enjoying. Overall for the cost of the wedding you cannot beat it. The value was great in my opinion and we had a day better than we could have imagined. Charley the wedding coordinator was fantastic as was John the general manager. They were there for us all day. Charley especially went above and beyond for us. The food was a bit disappointing as they have changed chef from when we had a lunch. However only the main was a bit of a disappointment. The starter, dessert and buffet were really nice. Some of the bar staff were a little unhelpful and they ran out of white wine. However everyone had a great time and commented on the beautiful venue. The DJ was brilliant and listened to our requests. The last couple of hours he played bangers and really read the room on what people were enjoying. Overall for the cost of the wedding you cannot beat it. The value was great in my opinion and we had a day better than we could have imagined.
- NNeed09/07/2024Avoid at all cost Avoid at all costI will start the as congratulations to my friends who got married. For the Ham Gardens or the blazing donkey witch ever name you want to go under these days to cover yourself. I know for a fact the the happy couple are not so happy with the experience they had from your company and the money they spent on what wa ment to be the best day of there lives. First off when they pay for a wedding planner in there wedding and they go off and you do see her for ages because she is sorting her child out to go to 2 birthday party not on it's not very professional for starters all the venue they payed for was a lot cleaner and tidyer when they visited the first time there was no holes in the floor the dance floor was not lifted as shown in the pictures. The bride was told to set up a playlist for her wedding day witch she did for her bridesmaids to walk down the the wrong song, once again not professional. The couple have said when the taster they had was beautiful but coming to the on the day was not what they expected at all it was under cooked in all aspects they didn't want to kick up a fuss as they were trying to enjoy there day also the wedding planner was no were to be seen. The bar staff was serving under age children there was 15 year old girls being served with out being asked for ID but a Young lad who was 18 got asked not professional again. The bride had fallen over on the morning when trying to sort out the gazebo as the flooring has holes init. The couple had asked about there deposit back as they got up the morning after the wedding to help the staff clean up as it was very hot in the gazebo and got told by the owner they wouldn't be getting there deposit back witch is not fair maybe they should lose there licence for serving alcohol to 15 year olds with out asking for ID because they are female being served by a young male bar staff. I would AVOID not worth the money this couple has payed they haven't kicked up as fuss because they are stressed and frustrated on the standard and service they was provided. There are other members of this party witch are not happy either. They were told there deposit what was put on after paying the full amount for the wedding was for damages witch was not the true at all. SO PLEASE SAVE YOUR MONEY &AVOID I do hope the not so happy couple get there deposit back as they have worked very hard to get there perfect wedding day and didn't get that at all. And the parents of the children that were being served under age will be looking into what will happen next.I will start the as congratulations to my friends who got married. For the Ham Gardens or the blazing donkey witch ever name you want to go under these days to cover yourself. I know for a fact the the happy couple are not so happy with the experience they had from your company and the money they spent on what wa ment to be the best day of there lives. First off when they pay for a wedding planner in there wedding and they go off and you do see her for ages because she is sorting her child out to go to 2 birthday party not on it's not very professional for starters all the venue they payed for was a lot cleaner and tidyer when they visited the first time there was no holes in the floor the dance floor was not lifted as shown in the pictures. The bride was told to set up a playlist for her wedding day witch she did for her bridesmaids to walk down the the wrong song, once again not professional. The couple have said when the taster they had was beautiful but coming to the on the day was not what they expected at all it was under cooked in all aspects they didn't want to kick up a fuss as they were trying to enjoy there day also the wedding planner was no were to be seen. The bar staff was serving under age children there was 15 year old girls being served with out being asked for ID but a Young lad who was 18 got asked not professional again. The bride had fallen over on the morning when trying to sort out the gazebo as the flooring has holes init. The couple had asked about there deposit back as they got up the morning after the wedding to help the staff clean up as it was very hot in the gazebo and got told by the owner they wouldn't be getting there deposit back witch is not fair maybe they should lose there licence for serving alcohol to 15 year olds with out asking for ID because they are female being served by a young male bar staff. I would AVOID not worth the money this couple has payed they haven't kicked up as fuss because they are stressed and frustrated on the standard and service they was provided. There are other members of this party witch are not happy either. They were told there deposit what was put on after paying the full amount for the wedding was for damages witch was not the true at all. SO PLEASE SAVE YOUR MONEY &AVOID I do hope the not so happy couple get there deposit back as they have worked very hard to get there perfect wedding day and didn't get that at all. And the parents of the children that were being served under age will be looking into what will happen next.
- PPatricia27/03/2024Thanks for such a wonderful day!Thanks for such a wonderful day!My son got married here and I have to say the whole experience was just perfection - Thank you!My son got married here and I have to say the whole experience was just perfection - Thank you!
- AAbi27/03/2024Great Venue!Great Venue!Great Venue!Great Venue!
- CClair McDonald13/11/2018Our Wedding Day Our Wedding DayAn amazing day was had by all . Our wedding planner Jen was outstanding & all the staff worked so hard . A beautiful venue ! An amazing day was had by all . Our wedding planner Jen was outstanding & all the staff worked so hard . A beautiful venue !
- LLouise & Kristian01/11/2018Best day of my life Best day of my lifeThe blazing donkey really looked after us on our wedding day... The wedding planner Jen went above & beyond... The blazing donkey really looked after us on our wedding day... The wedding planner Jen went above & beyond...
Location & Contact Details for The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
Location & Contact Details for The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel
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FAQs
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Where is The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel located?
The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel is located in Ham, Sandwich, Kent, England, with the postcode CT14 0ED. It is nestled within two acres of peaceful countryside near the historic town of Sandwich.
Does The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel offer exclusive use for weddings?
Yes, when you book a wedding at The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel, you receive exclusive use of the entire venue and grounds, providing a private and intimate setting for your special day.
Can I have an outdoor wedding ceremony at The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel?
Absolutely. The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel is the first venue in Kent licensed for outdoor ceremonies. It features a beautiful garden gazebo set against manicured lawns, perfect for saying your vows in a romantic garden setting.
What reception spaces are available at this wedding venue?
The venue offers several distinctive reception spaces including:
- Grand Marquee: A spacious pavilion that can comfortably seat up to 240 guests for dinner and dancing.
- The Barn: A historic great barn full of rustic character and charm used as the main entrance and reception area.
Does The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel provide wedding planning assistance?
Yes, the venue has a dedicated wedding planning team who work closely with couples to arrange every detail and ensure that the wedding day runs smoothly from start to finish.
What accommodation options are available for wedding guests?
The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel offers various comfortable on-site accommodations including romantic suites in the main house, cosy rooms in the converted stables, and unique glamping options for a memorable overnight stay.
Is catering provided at The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel weddings?
Yes, the in-house catering team offers a range of delicious options tailored to your tastes and style. Choices include traditional wedding breakfasts, relaxed BBQs, and hog roasts.
How many guests can The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel accommodate for a wedding reception?
The Grand Marquee can comfortably seat up to 240 guests, making it suitable for medium to large wedding receptions with space for dining and dancing.
What makes The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel unique as a wedding venue?
The venue offers a charming "perfectly imperfect" rustic elegance in a countryside retreat setting. Exclusive use, outdoor ceremony licensing, a historic barn, and personalized wedding services make it a top choice for authentic Kent weddings.
Is The Blazing Donkey Country Hotel suitable for couples seeking a personalized wedding experience?
Definitely. The venue is known for creating original, fun, and personalized weddings within a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring your day reflects your personality and style.
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