The Oak Grove
Susan's Lane
Upchurch
Kent
ME9 7HA
Based on a weekend wedding in August.
- Exclusive use of The Oak Grove, parking field and surrounding meadows.
- Exclusive use of all three magically lit stretch tents with solid wood floors and dance floor.
- Use of licensed ceremony area with full PA system.
- Amazing 'Horse Box' luxury toilets - which includes one with disabled access.
- Tables, chairs, glasses, crockery, cutlery, and much more!.
These items are not included in the price above but can be added for an additional fee:
- Ceremony fees, food and drink.
Please contact the venue for detailed prices.
Ancient oak trees define the setting at The Oak Grove, where a woodland clearing becomes a private space for a rural celebration. The venue hosts just 18 weddings between May and September, creating a calm, unhurried atmosphere and a sense of true exclusivity. With only one wedding per week and three days of private use, couples have time and privacy to shape the site to their plans, free from outside interruptions.
Across the woodland, three stretch tents form the heart of the venue. Warm lighting, wooden flooring, and thoughtful design create a space that feels open to nature while remaining sheltered and comfortable in changing weather. The result balances relaxed outdoor living with thoughtful details, giving your celebration a setting that feels both grounded and carefully prepared.
Woodland surroundings frame ceremonies at The Oak Grove, whether couples choose a legal marriage, blessing or handfasting. The natural canopy of oak trees creates a sense of enclosure and focus, allowing the moment to feel personal while remaining open to the surrounding landscape. With full access to the site over several days, there is time to plan and rehearse and to let the ceremony unfold at a comfortable pace.
Receptions centre on the trio of stretch tents, where wooden floors and soft lighting create a setting that shifts easily from dining to dancing. The layout suits up to 134 guests for a seated meal and 180 for the evening, allowing the day to move naturally from relaxed afternoon gatherings to a lively night under the trees. As darkness falls, illuminated branches and the surrounding woodland shape the mood without the need for heavy styling.
All key furnishings are provided, including tables, chairs and essential pieces, giving a well-designed base that still leaves room for personal details. A log fire adds warmth later in the evening, encouraging guests to gather, talk and linger outdoors as the celebration continues.
The Oak Grove believes in flexibility, so you’re free to bring in your favourite caterers, food trucks, or even let friends and family help with the feast. You’ll have full access to the woodland kitchen, as well as glassware, crockery, and cutlery to keep things simple.
And the drinks? That’s where they shine. Alongside their fully licensed antique bar, you’ll find their much-loved covered outdoor cocktail bar; a beautiful, weatherproof space where your guests can gather, mingle, and enjoy expertly mixed drinks beneath the trees, no matter what the weather brings.
Add in a glowing log fire, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for relaxed summer evenings that stretch late into the night.
Environmental responsibility underpins the way The Oak Grove operates. Since 2010, the site has relied heavily on renewable energy, using solar panels, battery storage and wind power to support everything from lighting to refrigeration. Around 80% of current energy use comes from these sources, with further expansion of solar capacity and storage planned to reduce reliance on the grid.
This long-term approach reflects an ongoing effort to minimise environmental impact during event hosting, enabling celebrations with a lighter footprint on the surrounding woodland.
The Oak Grove sits in a beautiful pocket of rural North Kent between the quiet villages of Upchurch and Lower Halstow. The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty and steeped in history, featuring rolling farmland, ancient woodlands, and the meandering River Medway, which creates a peaceful and picturesque landscape.
The venue is situated along the historic Saxon Shore Way, a long-distance walking route that follows the old Roman coastline, offering scenic views and a genuine sense of place. The nearby villages are charming and tranquil, with traditional pubs, local churches, and characterful country lanes that give the area its timeless appeal.
Despite its secluded feel, The Oak Grove is surprisingly well connected, just a short drive from Sittingbourne, Rainham, and the Medway Towns, with easy access to London by rail (high-speed links, only 10 minutes from Rainham Station). In addition to fast road links, including the M2 and M20, the venue is accessible from Kent and London.
Visit The Oak Grove for a relaxed and inspiring day beneath the trees. Explore this beautiful riverside venue, meet the friendly team, and discover...