An Inside Look at the Hotel Du Vin Wedding Venue in Tunbridge Wells with Events Manager Sophia Holland

About Your Venue

Can you tell us a little about your venue and how it became the perfect place for weddings?

Our venue is a delightful Grade II listed building, once the holiday home of Queen Victoria.

With two licensed ceremony rooms, we offer the perfect setting for intimate weddings, while also being able to host larger celebrations of up to 80 guests.

What sets your venue apart from others in terms of ambiance and location?

At Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells, our stunning gardens offer the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos, exclusively for your use.

With a romantic atmosphere, exceptional food and drink and a dedicated wedding team, we’ll ensure your day is flawlessly executed to bring your vision to life.

How would you describe the overall vibe and atmosphere of your venue for couples looking to get married there?

A romantic, timeless and classic venue with the perfect backdrop to capture the special memories of your day.

About Your Services

What types of wedding packages do you offer and do they include options for customisation?

At Hotel du Vin, we strive to meet every couple's unique needs and are always open to customisation.

We offer a variety of packages with flexible inclusions, including upgraded menus and drink options, to create a personalised experience for your special day.

Do you provide on-site coordination and what does your planning process look like for couples?

In the lead up to your big day, I’m here to support you with anything you need.

On the day itself, I’ll be there to assist and ensure everything runs smoothly.

My goal is to provide the couple with a familiar face they can trust, so they feel comfortable asking for anything. During the final details meeting, we’ll go over decorations, timelines and suppliers to make sure everything is perfectly organised and ready to go.

How do you ensure the smooth running of a wedding day at your venue?

I’ve been working at the hotel for nearly four years, specialising in weddings, so our process is finely tuned.

We have a skilled wedding team and I collaborate closely with them to ensure we deliver the best possible service for the couple and their guests.

Clear communication is essential to making sure the day runs seamlessly and that every final detail is accounted for.

Can couples personalise the décor or do you offer in-house design and styling?

We provide a selection of trusted, experienced vendors for you to choose from, or if you prefer, you’re welcome to supply your own decorations and our team will handle the setup on the day.

What types of wedding ceremonies can be held at your venue? (E.g., religious, civil, etc.)

We can host all ceremonies at the hotel and you can also have a celebrant to conduct a non-legal ceremony.

Memorable Moments

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve hosted at your venue and what made it stand out?

We have hosted an array of incredible Weddings, my favourites are the ones with lots of beautiful flowers.

Can you share any touching or unexpected moments that have happened at a wedding in your venue?

One unexpected moment occurred when the DJ didn’t show up for the wedding and it was only realised halfway through the turnaround for the evening reception.

However, at the last minute, we were able to secure a replacement DJ, ensuring the rest of the evening went off without a hitch!

Tips & Advice

What are your top tips for couples when it comes to choosing the perfect wedding venue?

Always think what is most important for your day and this will help narrow down your venues.

If you’re looking for excellent food, an extensive list of quality wines and beautiful gardens we are your venue.

How far in advance should couples book their wedding venue?

I would recommend 1.5 – 2 years planning so you can really enjoy the process!

However, we have planned weddings for just two months’ time and executed them to perfection.

What are the most common mistakes couples make when choosing a venue and how can they avoid them?

I believe one of the biggest mistakes is not establishing a budget before visiting venues, only to fall in love with the perfect one that’s out of reach financially.

Venue-Specific Features

Do you offer options for both indoor and outdoor weddings? If so, how do you accommodate changes in weather?

Currently, we only offer indoor ceremonies.

What are some of the most popular photo spots around your venue that couples love?

The gardens are our main feature, whether it’s warm or cold!

The Experience

What is the most rewarding part of being part of a couple’s wedding day at your venue?

There are so many parts of my role which are rewarding, I love working with the couple throughout the process, seeing the excitement gather, watching the bride enter the room and seeing the groom’s reaction and especially receiving exceptional feedback.

Can you describe a typical day at your venue from start to finish, especially on a wedding day?

The ceremony lasts for 30 minutes, during which we’ll coordinate your ceremony music and gather your guests.

I’ll stay in the room, directing the guests and working with the registrars, while Lauren, our Operations Manager, gathers the bridal party.

After the ceremony, we transform the room for a beautiful wedding breakfast, while the bride, groom and guests enjoy canapés and fizz.

The wedding breakfast lasts 2 ½ hours, including speeches and features a quintessentially British three or four-course menu with a modern French twist.

Following this, guests will leave the room for tea and coffee and the evening entertainment and bar will begin.

The UK Wedding Collective

What inspired you to join The UK Wedding Collective and what do you enjoy most about being part of it?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jax and Lauren for years, so when I heard they were launching their own wedding collective, I knew we had to be part of it.

Hosting the first Wedding Fayre at Hotel du Vin was a truly special moment and I’m so excited to continue collaborating with them to plan Jax and Adam’s wedding.

Fun & Personality

If your venue had a signature style or theme, what would it be?

I am very much here for a neutral theme, lots of flower and candles are key!

As our main room is mirrored it makes the room look so magical!

What’s your favourite wedding trend or theme you've seen at your venue recently?

I am quite traditional when it comes to weddings.

I think live music is a must to bring the vibes and get everyone of the dance floor!

Details for The Hotel Du Vin Tunbridge Wells

Sophia Holland: Events Manager

Contact number: 01892 320 749

Website: Hotel Du Vin Tunbridge Wells

Address: Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LY