Wedding photography and film at The Friars

The Friars is a hotel wedding venue in Kent, set within a medieval Carmelite friary at Aylesford near Maidstone, where restored cloisters, a chapel, and riverside gardens create one of the most atmospheric and historically layered settings in the South East.

The medieval Carmelite friary at Aylesford near Maidstone — one of the oldest places of Christian pilgrimage in England — whose restored cloisters, chapel, and riverside gardens provide a deeply atmospheric and spiritually resonant setting for both ceremonies and celebrations.

We are genuinely drawn to the quality of light and character a place like this offers, from the ancient stonework of the cloisters to the gentle movement of the River Medway beyond the gardens. For couples seeking a ceremony that carries real spiritual and historical weight, this is a rare find, and it is a venue we would love to bring our cameras to.

Frequently asked questions about The Friars

What is it like to get married at The Friars in Aylesford?

Getting married at The Friars is a genuinely rare experience, rooted in centuries of history and spiritual significance. The restored cloisters, chapel, and riverside gardens create an atmosphere that feels both ancient and deeply personal, giving ceremonies a sense of weight and meaning that is hard to replicate in a modern venue. Couples often describe the setting as quietly awe-inspiring, with the River Medway and the medieval architecture lending a natural grandeur to the day.

Is The Friars suitable for both the ceremony and the wedding reception?

Yes, The Friars offers spaces that can accommodate both the ceremony and celebrations within the same historic grounds, which makes it a wonderfully cohesive setting for the whole day. The chapel provides a spiritually resonant space for the ceremony itself, while the cloisters and gardens offer beautiful surroundings for gathering, dining, and marking the occasion together. Having everything within one atmospheric location means the day flows naturally without the need to travel between venues.

How does wedding photography and videography work at a historic religious venue like The Friars?

Shooting at a venue like The Friars calls for a thoughtful and respectful approach, particularly during any ceremony taking place within the chapel or sacred spaces. We always liaise closely with the venue and any officiants beforehand to understand what is permitted, ensuring we capture everything beautifully without ever disrupting the moment. The architecture, natural light, and riverside grounds at The Friars offer a wealth of visual depth, and we would love the opportunity to document a wedding in such a distinctive setting.

Can I book Big Day Productions for my wedding at The Friars?

Absolutely, we would love to hear from you if you are planning your wedding at The Friars. It is the kind of venue that genuinely excites us as a team, combining medieval architecture, chapel light, and riverside gardens into something that feels singular and full of character. Get in touch with us through our contact page and we can talk through your plans, availability, and how we can best cover your day.

What are the travel and accommodation options for guests attending a wedding at The Friars?

The Friars is located in Aylesford near Maidstone, which sits in the heart of Kent and is well connected by road and rail from London and across the South East. Maidstone has a mainline rail connection, making it accessible for guests travelling without a car, and there are accommodation options in the surrounding area to suit different needs. We would recommend directing guests to book early, particularly if your wedding falls during a busy period in the local events calendar.

Is The Friars only suitable for religious ceremonies, or can non-religious couples marry there too?

The Friars is a working Carmelite friary and a place of active Christian pilgrimage, so it carries a genuine spiritual character that is central to the venue. Couples considering marrying here should speak directly with the venue team to understand what types of ceremonies are offered and whether the setting aligns with their own wishes and beliefs. For those who are drawn to its history and atmosphere, it can be an extraordinarily meaningful place to begin a marriage.