A Romantic Kent Castle, perfect for an American Couple’s elopement
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes
When it comes to elopements, nothing says romance quite like a centuries-old English castle. For Allison and Alex, who travelled from the United States to elope at Allington Castle in Kent, the experience was nothing short of magical.
They found team E-Lope while searching for UK elopement packages that offered intimacy, elegance, and ease of use. “We wanted something special, simple and full of history,” Allison said. Alex added,” We also want something that is intimate and for just us”
Allington Castle was the perfect answer, a hidden gem steeped in medieval charm, just 45 minutes from London, and exclusive to couples who dream of something different and an intimate elopement.
A Destination Elopement in the Heart of Kent, England
Allison and Alex’s April elopement at Allington Castle, in Maidstone, Kent, was timed perfectly for their pastel coloured Pinterest Board. Spring blooms framed the ancient walls, and the soft light created a dreamlike atmosphere for their ceremony. Here’s how their intimate castle wedding day unfolded:
- Noon – The couple arrived at Allington Castle, ready to begin their new chapter. They used the East Wing for pre-drinks before their elopement.
- 12:30 pm – Guests and their photographer joined them whilst we gave Allison her previously unseen bouquet and pinned Alex’s matching buttonhole onto his suit.
- 1:00 pm – Their outdoor wedding elopement blessing took place on the castle grounds, under the Summer House, surrounded by timeless stonework and birdsong.
- 1:30 pm – Photos captured every joyful detail, from moments in the Green House, real confetti (made by Sam), in the Italian Garden, stolen glances, whispers by the vintage Rolls Royce, to sweeping castle backdrops.
- 2:00 pm – After their elopement and photos, the couple and their family enjoyed a candlelit wedding breakfast, featuring a traditional English Afternoon Tea, in the Great Hall. After eating, the speeches followed with tears and laughter echoing through the historic space.
- 4:00 pm – Carriages back to the stunning Boys Hall near Ashford (as recommended by E-Lope).
Why They Chose to Elope AT ALLINGTON cASTLE, England
Allison and Alex met when friends introduced them to each other. “We started talking one night and never stopped,” she laughed. Together since the age of 18, they now share a love for weekend adventures, antique shops, and cooking up culinary experiments — especially spicy Korean food. “We’re big foodies, and we love learning about different cultures,” Alex added.
Alex proposed to Allison at the Asheville Arboretum, a plant-lover’s paradise that perfectly captured her personality. “He knows me so well,” she said. That same thoughtfulness led them to choose a wedding that felt personal, not performative.
Planning an Intimate Castle Wedding with E-Lope
From helping them book everything from abroad to curating a stunning wedding day, the E-Lope team ensured every moment ran smoothly, on time, and was more than the couple could have imagined.
Whether you’re from the UK or overseas, E-Lope specialises in destination weddings at historic venues in Kent and East Sussex, offering flexible packages for couples who want a stress-free experience that still feels luxurious and deeply personal.
Allison and Alex’s INTIMATE Ceremony details
- Entrance music ‘Young and Beautiful’ by Antonin Charvet
- Welcome
- Group Commitment
- Love Story
- Reading from The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman
- Personal Vows
- Blessing of the Rings (Make You Feel My Love by Status
- Ring Exchange
- Handtying, Joint Vows and Presentation
- Certificate Signing (Story of My Life by The Piano Guys)
- Dismissal (Love On Top by Beyonce)
Thinking of Eloping in England?
If you’re dreaming of a UK castle elopement, Allington Castle offers one of the most romantic and exclusive settings imaginable. Tucked away in the Kent countryside and surrounded by a peaceful moat, this privately owned 13th-century castle is steeped in history and framed by tranquil waters, hidden gardens, and medieval architecture. It’s a breathtaking location for couples who want that fairytale “I do” without the pressure of a large wedding. From its elegant interiors to its enchanting outdoor ceremony spaces, few know it exists. But for those who do, they never forget. Allington Castle is a hidden secret where exclusive storybook weddings unfold in complete privacy and timeless romance.
Allison and Alex’s day at Allington Castle is proof that you don’t need a big wedding to have a breathtaking one, just the right setting and the right people around you.
Congratulations to this beautiful American couple; your story now lives within the walls of Allington Castle and in the hearts of the team at E-Lope.
Guests who flew in from America, WITH ALLISON AND ALEX
- Angela -Allison’s mom
- Aaron – Allison’s dad
- Bart – Alex’s dad
- Tracy -Alex’s mom
- Alyssa – Alex’s sister
- Evan- Alex’s brother
Sam made every single detail a fairytale for my daughter. I cannot imagine a more perfect back drop than Allington Castle, it was a breath-taking experience. Sam became like family to us and gave my daughter her fairytale moment. Thank you, Sam, Mike, Fleur and Meghan. You were all the dream wedding team. Sending love across the pond from the United States.
Dream team
Photographer – Fleur Challis Photography
Second shooter – Meghan Hope Photography
Videography – Mac Videography
Castle – Allington Castle
Florist – House Of Mimi Fleur
Wedding Car – Molly’s Classic Wedding Cars
Wedding Cake by @cakes_by_carina_
Celebrant – Justine Celebrant UK
Afternoon Tea – Bilsington Priory Estate
Organiser – The Wedding Owl on behalf of Elope South East England
Please visit our Supplier Page to learn about the companies we enjoy working with. If you are considering Eloping at Allington Castle, for more information about booking a tiny wedding at the Castle, follow the link. Also, why not read our blog about our bride, who also came from America
