DIY Wedding Venue in Tonbridge, Kent - Designed for Freedom in a Characterful Countryside Barn
Planning a wedding that reflects your personality, style, and traditions starts with choosing the right space. Shires Oast is a DIY wedding venue in Tonbridge, Kent, offering flexible dry hire packages for couples who want creative freedom without compromising on setting, quality, or location. Set within the countryside of The Hop Farm, our Grade II listed oast house and barn provide a characterful backdrop for weddings that are truly your own.
Whether you are envisioning a relaxed rustic celebration, a culturally bespoke ceremony, or a fully personalised day styled from scratch, our DIY and dry hire options give you the space, time, and flexibility to bring it all together.
Why Choose Shires Oast for a DIY Wedding:
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Grade II listed barn and converted oast house full of character
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Licensed for marriages and civil ceremonies indoors and outdoors
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Flexible dry hire packages with no compulsory suppliers
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Beautiful countryside setting
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Adaptable indoor and outdoor event spaces
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On-site facilities suitable for weddings and receptions
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Experienced events team on hand for guidance
What Is A DIY or Dry Hire Wedding Venue?
A DIY or dry hire wedding venue provides you with the space itself rather than a fixed, all-inclusive package. As a DIY wedding venue in Tonbridge, Kent, Shires Oast allows you to design your day around your own suppliers, décor, catering choices, and schedule, within clear and professional venue guidelines.
This approach is ideal for couples who want:
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Control over styling, layout, and theme
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The freedom to choose trusted suppliers
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A wedding that reflects personal, cultural, or creative preferences
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Transparency around costs and priorities
Unlike restrictive dry hire venues, Shires Oast combines flexibility with support. You are free to create your day your way, while benefiting from a licensed venue, established infrastructure, and an experienced events team.
Our DIY / Dry Hire Packages at Shires Oast
Our DIY and dry hire packages are designed for couples looking for a wedding venue in Tonbridge that balances freedom with reassurance. While package details are tailored to each enquiry, all dry hire bookings at Shires Oast include access to our core venue spaces and facilities.
A Characterful Countryside Setting
Shires Oast is located at The Hop Farm surrounded by the countryside. The venue includes a historic oast house and barn, offering rustic charm with practical modern amenities.
Licensed Ceremony Spaces
We are licensed for civil ceremonies both indoors and outdoors, allowing you to host your ceremony and reception in one location. This reduces logistics, travel time, and stress on the day.
Flexible Supplier Choices
You are not required to use in-house suppliers. Couples can bring their own caterers, florists, stylists, and entertainment, subject to venue approval and health and safety requirements.
Our spaces can be styled to suit intimate gatherings or larger celebrations. Layouts can be customised for ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, and evening receptions.
Adaptable Event Spaces
Who Is A DIY Wedding at Shires Oast Ideal For?
Our DIY wedding venue is particularly suited to:
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Couples planning a bespoke or non-traditional wedding
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Those wanting cultural or religious celebrations with specific requirements
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Creative couples who want full styling control
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Couples working with trusted external suppliers
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Wedding planners seeking a flexible Kent venue
DIY weddings are not about doing everything yourself. They are about choosing what matters most and building your day around that.
What Makes Shires Oast Different From Other Dry Hire Venues in Kent?
Many dry hire venues offer flexibility but little support. Others restrict timelines, suppliers, or ceremony options. Shires Oast sits between these extremes.
A Dedicated Events Venue
Shires Oast is positioned as a dedicated events and wedding venue, not simply a pub or space that also hosts weddings. This focus means layouts, facilities, and planning processes are designed with weddings in mind.
Flexibility Without Isolation
While you are free to plan your day your way, our experienced team is available to answer questions, share guidance, and ensure your wedding runs smoothly.
Location & Accessibility
Based in Tonbridge, Kent, Shires Oast is easily accessible for guests travelling from across Kent and the South East, while still offering a rural countryside feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your DIY Wedding
Choosing a DIY wedding venue allows you to create a wedding that feels personal, meaningful, and memorable. At Shires Oast, we provide the setting, flexibility, and experience to help you bring your plans together with confidence.
If you are looking for a wedding venue in Tonbridge known for flexibility, character, and countryside charm, we would love to hear about your plans.
Get in touch with Shires Oast today to check availability, arrange a viewing, and discuss our DIY and dry hire packages. Create a wedding that is truly yours in a venue that gives you the freedom to do just that.
Call Us: 01622 234707
