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, Partnership or Renewal of Vows. For an outdoor Blessing or Pagan Handfasting Ceremony, you can hold your event within the ancient Stone Circle followed by a Wedding Reception with dancing, and then stay overnight on-site, 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 can spend time in the stunning grounds, enabling you to have your group photos and enjoy a glass of bubbles and perhaps a selection of canapés. 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 can include a hog roast or a roast lamb (catering for various dietary requirements), grazing tables or an afternoon tea. We also offer a number of unique additions to your day including an Owl to deliver your rings, cuddly alpacas or bubbles as you leave the church.
Dog friendly so you'll be welcome to bring your furry friends with you. No hidden charges and no corkage charge either!
Personal Message from the Manager
Name of Wedding Contact: Becky Bosman
We look forward to your email or call to make an appointment to come and visit us - you will not be disappointed.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
1999
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
3
Overview of The Lost Village Of Dode
Venue Type
Historic intimate
Dining Capacity
42
Reception Capacity
42
No. of Bedrooms
3
Sleeps No. of People
6
Bridal Suite
Standard Room
Usual Access Time
11:00 AM
Usual Finish Time
10:00 PM
Ceremony & Reception
Sound System Available
Confetti Permitted
Wedding Licence
Outdoor Ceremony Available
We also offer the unique opportunity of having a handfasting ceremony alongside a civil ceremony
Venue
Landscaped Gardens
Exclusive Use
Pet Friendly
Disabled Access
On-Site Parking
Outdoor Reception Space
In-House Wedding Coordinator
Bridal Changing Facilities
Food and Drink
External Catering Permitted
In-house Catering
No Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
Cultural Specialists
Other
Pricing for The Lost Village Of Dode
Venue Hire Only
Prices Start At
£2,280
Maximum Price
£4,220
Venue hire can be for ceremony only or the full day to include reception time. Special prices available for Micro Weddings of 15 people or less.
What is included in this pricing:
Furniture included
Exclusive use
Guest accommodation included
Packages
(total price)
Prices Start At
£5,865
Maximum Price
£10,142
Number of Guests Included
42
Our packages include a superb two-course hog roast banquet with more than enough food for over 40 people, flowers for the church and also our in-house photographer who will be there to capture your special day. We work with only the best suppliers who have worked with Dode for a number of years so we pride ourselves on being able to provide a seamless and stress-free day for you.
Custom packages can be catered for on request.
Turn off the A228 at Cuxton and proceed along Bush Road. At the junction take the left fork, signposted Luddesdown.
Follow this lane and watch out for the signpost indicating Great Buckland.
Before reaching Great Buckland there is a ‘no through road’ sign to the left. This is the lane leading to Dode, which is on the right after half a mile or so.
Describe the best wedding that happened at The Lost Village Of Dode?
Too many to pick one out.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Just stay relaxed and enjoy your day, if things go wrong your guests don't know so don't panic.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
A tattoo on the foot of one of our couples.
Describe The Lost Village Of Dode in 5 adjectives
Romantic, unique, Intimate, historic
Where’s the best photo spot at The Lost Village Of Dode?
So many, it's hard to choose....one of my favourites has to be the back wall of the building, the old stone and greenery climbing up really add a stunning backdrop to any photo.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at The Lost Village Of Dode?
N/A
What’s your favourite canapé?
Bloody Mary shots with king prawn and celery
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Vintage Ice cream treats on a tricycle or I am a sucker for a sweet table!
What is The Lost Village Of Dode most unique feature?
Our stones in the grounds where we hold spiritual ceremonies and handfastings.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We are a small family run business and are very personable dealing with all the couples directly, no big teams to have to worry about working around.