If you like the idea of getting married later in the day and moving straight into an evening celebration, a twilight wedding could be a lovely fit. You can still include the moments that matter to you, from walking down the aisle to speeches and a first dance, with a timeline shaped around a later start. For couples exploring twilight weddings in Kent, here is what to think about.
The term usually describes a wedding with a later ceremony and a celebration focused on the afternoon and evening. The exact hire times and inclusions vary between venues, so always check the details. At The Night Yard, Twilight hire starts from 1pm and is currently £5,000. This is the venue hire fee, with catering and drinks planned separately.
Starting later works best when you leave enough breathing room between each part of the day. Allow time for guests to arrive, your ceremony, congratulations and photographs before food and dancing. A ceremony around 4pm could be a starting point for discussion, rather than a fixed schedule. The right timing depends on your date, suppliers and how you would like the evening to feel.
You might want a seated meal, relaxed sharing food or a more informal evening feast. Discuss what is possible with your caterer and think about how long guests will be at the venue before eating. A later start does not decide the menu for you. It simply gives you a different framework for planning food, drinks and the parts of the day you want to include.
A later ceremony can give you more time earlier in the day, but hair, makeup and supplier setup still need a clear plan. The Old Piggery, our getting ready suite, is included in Twilight hire. Ask us about suite access and venue setup times so your wedding party and suppliers can organise their arrival.
Twilight weddings can look different across the year. Summer gives you more daylight into the evening, while an autumn or winter wedding may move into a cosy atmosphere earlier. Ask your photographer about portrait timings for your date. If outdoor photographs are a priority, decide where they sit in the schedule before filling the evening with other moments.
Think about your preferred ceremony time, the amount of food you want to serve and how much of the day you would like to spend at the venue. Compare the actual inclusions of Twilight and full day hire before choosing. To explore a twilight wedding near Canterbury, book a viewing at The Night Yard. We can show you the spaces and discuss eligible dates and a timeline that works for you.