The Night Yard

Tucked away on Highland Court Farm, just outside Canterbury, The Night Yard is one of those venues that has a bit of everything a wedding photographer could ask for: history, character, open sky, and acre after acre of apple orchard for backdrops.

I’ve had the pleasure of shooting weddings here, and it’s become one of my favourite Kent venues to work in.

Here’s a bit about the history behind the place, and why I think it’s such a brilliant choice for your wedding day.

A Yard with Real History

The Night Yard is a lovely barn conversion dating back to 1898, when they served as the night shelter for the farm’s dairy herd, which is exactly where the venue gets its name. The farm itself has been in the same family since 1928, and that sense of heritage is still very much part of the atmosphere today. A refurbishment in 2014 turned the space into one of East Kent’s premier wedding venues, while keeping hold of the details that give it character, think old hay feeders, timber barn doors and that traditional Kent peg-tiled roof.

The Setting

The Night Yard is built around a self-contained rectangle, with a big open grass courtyard at its heart and a covered space under the eaves for ceremonies. It’s a layout that gives you privacy and exclusivity for the day, while still feeling wonderfully rural. The recent glasshouse is a recent addition which gives you a lovely airy indoor ceremony option too (for when the Kent weather has other ideas!).

Step outside and you’re straight into acres of apple orchard and wildflower meadow, which is about as good as it gets for portraits with soft, natural light and greenery in every direction. The courtyard’s two gated entrances make for a proper “grand arrival” moment as a couple walk down the aisle together.

Why I Love Photographing Here

As a photographer, I like things natural, relaxed and full of genuine emotion, The Night Yard hands me so much to work with. The exposed timber and rustic textures under the eaves give real depth to the ceremony shots, while the open courtyard is brilliant for group photos and confetti throws in proper daylight.

Then there’s the orchard with rows of apple trees that change character completely with the season and they make an incredible, softly-lit setting for couple portraits.

It’s a genuinely rural, working farm setting, that comes through in the photos: relaxed, warm and full of Kentish character, right down to the resident red tractor.

So whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a bigger celebration with well over a hundred guests, the space flexes to suit, comfortably seating up to 140 for the wedding breakfast with room for plenty more standing for the evening do.

The Practical Bits

Capacity: up to around 140 seated, with standing numbers well beyond that for the evening
Exclusive use of the venue for your day
Indoor (Glasshouse) and outdoor (Courtyard) ceremony options
Fully stocked and staffed licensed bar
Pet-friendly well-behaved four-legged guests welcome
Onsite parking for around 80 cars
Location: just 10 minutes from Canterbury, around an hour from London by train

Final Thoughts

The Night Yard has that rare combination of genuine agricultural history and real warmth, the kind of venue that feels rustic and romantic without a hint of pretence. Old timber, orchard views and a courtyard full of possibility.

If you’re getting married at The Night Yard, or still deciding on your venue, I’d love to have a chat about capturing your day there in a way that feels natural, fun and completely you. Get in touch and let’s see if I’m free on your date!