All day

Day guests to arrive

Ceremony

Drinks & canapés

Wedding breakfast

Speeches & Toast

Allington Castle

Evening

Wedding party moves over to Allington Barn

Cake Cutting

First Dance

Evening food to be served

Last orders at the bar

Our Wedding

The origins of Allington Castle date back to "The Anarchy" (1135–1153), a period of civil unrest when an unauthorized fortification was first built on the site. This early structure was dismantled later in the century when the monarchy reasserted control. By the 13th century, the site had become a fortified manor house, constructed with royal permission and later modified by successive owners, blending medieval and Tudor architectural styles. In 1281, Stephen de Penchester, a notable figure of the time, received royal approval to “embattle” the manor house. He added crenellations, marking the structure as a true castle and enhancing its defensibility. Ownership then passed to the influential Cobham family and, in 1491, to the Wyatt family, who transformed the castle into a more comfortable mansion. Allington Castle is steeped in Tudor history, with Sir Thomas Wyatt—both a skilled diplomat and one of England's earliest sonneteers—entertaining illustrious guests here. Wyatt is credited with introducing the sonnet form to English literature, likely inspired by his diplomatic missions to Italy. Around 1530, Wyatt hosted Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn in the castle’s great hall, during a period when he and Anne were close friends, with rumors hinting at unrequited affection. This gathering would have been a grand event, marked by feasting and entertainment. The castle also hosted other influential figures, including Henry VII, Cardinal Wolsey, and Catherine Parr. Allington’s story takes another dramatic turn with Sir Thomas Wyatt’s son, also named Thomas, who famously led the Wyatt Rebellion against Queen Mary I in 1554. His goal was to prevent her marriage to Philip II of Spain, fearing it would subordinate England to Spanish influence. Though unsuccessful, this rebellion remains a significant chapter in the castle’s history. Today, Allington Castle is surrounded by forty-two acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with a scenic moat that has guarded it for centuries. A modern lake, flanking both sides of the approach causeway, enhances the grand entrance, and the grounds feature expertly restored gardens with ponds, fountains, and a traditional tiltyard garden. Inside, the castle’s interiors are tastefully furnished in the character of its medieval heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the elegance and resilience of England’s storied past.

Venue History

Electronic Travel Authorisation

From January 2025, the UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors from certain countries. This means some of our international guests—including those travelling from the United States and Europe (such as Finland, Switzerland, and Czechia)—will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. What is an ETA?An ETA allows you to stay in the UK for&nbsp;up to 6 months&nbsp;for:• Tourism• Visiting family and friends• Business• Short-term study Key information•&nbsp;Your ETA is valid for&nbsp;2 years&nbsp;(or until your passport expires, whichever comes first)• You can travel to the UK&nbsp;multiple times&nbsp;while your ETA is valid• It costs&nbsp;£16&nbsp;to apply, either using the&nbsp;UK ETA app&nbsp;or online at&nbsp;<a href="https://homeoffice.queue-it.net/?c=homeoffice&amp;e=eta1&amp;ver=v3-javascript-3.6.3&amp;cver=18&amp;man=prod-eta&amp;t=https%3A%2F%2Fapply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk%2Fapply%2Felectronic-travel-authorisation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GOV.UK</a>•&nbsp;Every traveller, including&nbsp;babies and children, must apply individually• You’ll receive an email confirmation once approved—your ETA is linked to your passport How long does it take?• Most people receive a decision&nbsp;within 3 working days• Many get approved much sooner, but we recommend applying&nbsp;well in advance 🔗 For full details, including exceptions (e.g. dual citizens or travellers who already hold UK visas), please visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">UK government’s</a>&nbsp;official ETA guidance: Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions—we’re so excited to welcome you to the UK!

Airport Guidance

For those traveling to England, flights are available to two of London's international airports. It is very easy to get into the city via train, whichever option you choose. You can pay via your existing contactless cards. You do not need an Oyster card or a paper ticket, unless you prefer.

Heathrow (LHR) - West of London

🚝&nbsp;Jump on the tube (Piccadilly Line)&nbsp;to get into Central London in approximately 1 hour. Prices start at £5.50 and trains run every 10 minutes. 🚝&nbsp;Jump on the Elizabeth line&nbsp;to get into Central London in approximately 30 minutes (dependent on the final station). Prices start from £12.80 for a journey to or from Heathrow airport, where that journey starts, ends or goes through Zone 1. 🚝&nbsp;Take the Heathrow Express&nbsp;to get to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. The cost of a Heathrow Express ticket depends on when you buy it and the class of travel. NOTE: The tube or Elizabeth line are more budget-friendly than Heathrow Express.

Gatwick (LGW) - South of London

All rail services operate from London Gatwick's South Terminal. If you arrive at North Terminal simply take the terminal shuttle service to the South Terminal which takes just two minutes. 🚝&nbsp;Take the overground ‘Thameslink’ train&nbsp;into Central London (London Bridge) in approximately 35 minutes. A Thameslink train from Gatwick Airport to Central London can cost between £11.90 and £14.40, depending on the time of day, route, class, and when you book.

Getting to Maidstone

How do you travel to Maidstone from London?To get to Maidstone from London, why not take the train? With 115 trains per day and an average journey time of 1 hour and 1 minute, taking the train is a great way to travel. You can also catch the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/buses/london-to-maidstone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bus from London to Maidstone</a>. See Trainline’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-to-maidstone#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Journey Planner</a>&nbsp;for up-to-date times and prices. How long does it take to get from London to Maidstone by train?On average, it takes around 1 hour and 1 minute to travel from London to Maidstone by train, although you can get there in 52 minutes on the fastest services. With 115 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check Trainline’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-to-maidstone#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Journey Planner</a>&nbsp;for more information. How much is the train ticket from London to Maidstone?The price of a train ticket from London to Maidstone can start from as little as £9.40, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day. How fast can trains travel from London to Maidstone?The fastest time a train can travel the 32 miles (52 km) from London to Maidstone is 52 minutes. Explore more by visiting <a href="https://www.thetrainline.com/train-times/london-to-maidstone" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trainline here</a>!

Your Travel

This is our main hotel for the wedding party and guests. However, there are plenty of alternative options in the area, including AirBnb.

Village Hotel Maidstone

Accommodation

The Night Before

If you are staying at the Village Hotel Maidstone, check-in is available from 3:00pm. Please join the bride and groom on Friday, 10 October 2025 to kick off the wedding celebrations with welcome drinks and food platters. The couple have reserved the outdoor heated terrace at The Chequers Inn for guests to enjoy from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Come as you are — casual or smart casual attire is perfect. 📍 The Chequers Inn63 High Street, Aylesford, ME20 7AY5-minute drive from the Village Hotel Maidstone Getting to the pubParking is available at the bottom of the High Street. Uber is not active in Maidstone. A list of recommended taxi services is below:•&nbsp;Express Cabs: +44 1622 222222 or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/express-taxis-kent/id1054351437" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">download the app</a>•&nbsp;Apollos Taxis: +44 1622 882020 or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apollo-taxis-kent/id1457820230" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">download the app</a>•&nbsp;Streamline: +44 1622 750000 or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/streamline-taxis-kent/id6746539011" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">download the app</a>

On The Day

GETTING TO THE VENUE

To and from the Village Hotel MaidstoneA 50-seat coach will depart in the morning at 12:15pm for a 12:30pm arrival at the venue. If the coach is full, taxis can be called. At the end of the evening, two 53-seat coaches will return guests to the main hotel. For those wishing to leave earlier, local taxis can be arranged on the night. ParkingGuests driving to the venue will be directed onto the property for access to the parking lot. If you leave your car overnight, you must pick it up between 9:00 - 11:00am on Sunday, 12 October. Please ask the Bride or Groom for contact details. A list of recommended taxi services is below:•&nbsp;Express Cabs:&nbsp;+44 1622 222222 or&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/express-taxis-kent/id1054351437" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">download the app</a>•&nbsp;Apollos Taxis:&nbsp;+44 1622 882020 or&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apollo-taxis-kent/id1457820230" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">download the app</a>•&nbsp;Streamline:&nbsp;+44 1622 750000 or&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/streamline-taxis-kent/id6746539011" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">download the app</a>

REMINDER OF THE DAY

Q + A

Wedding Gift

As we’ve settled into our home after four years of renting — and knowing the high cost of attending our wedding for so many of you — we’ve decided not to request traditional wedding gifts. However, if you would like to mark the occasion of our marriage with a gift, we would be truly grateful for a contribution towards our honeymoon in 2026. Your support means so much to us and will help us create unforgettable memories together as The Evans. We’re still dreaming up the perfect adventure for our first big trip as newlyweds, with a few ideas we’re especially excited about: • Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru • Road-tripping through the USA and Canada • Soaking in the sun, food, and culture across Italy Your generosity will help us mark the start of this next chapter in a way that reflects everything we love — adventure, nature, good food, and time together. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Link to our honeymoon fund

<a href="https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/daveandkay2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://app.collectionpot.com/pot/daveandkay2025</a>

David & Karianne

David & Karianne

D&K