History

Hever Castle began as a Medieval defensive castle, originally constructed in 1383. In the later 15th and 16th centuries it was home to the Boleyns, one of the most powerful families in the country, and the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, who after her marriage to Henry VIII was Queen of England for 1000 days. It was her insistence that she be his wife, rather than merely his mistress, that made Henry renounce Catholicism and establish the Church of England, to enable his divorce from Catherine of Aragon. Their love story was intricate and although it ultimately ended in Anne's tragedy, it is widely accepted that Henry never subsequently felt a love so deep as he did for his second wife.

Hever was later passed to the ownership of Anne of Cleves and following her demise in 1557 a succession of families inhabited the Castle, including the Waldegraves and the Humphreys. The castle fabric fell into decline during the 19th century, until it was purchased in 1903 by William Waldorf Astor, who then restored it well enough to remain as a wonderful historic survival today.

Facilities

The Castle Inner Hall

This lavish hall is decorated with portraits of three generations of Tudor monarchs, Henry VII, Henry VIII and Edward VI, and contains a minstrels' gallery inspired by King's College Chapel.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 40 Guests

The Castle Dining Room

The Castle Dining Room also contains a minstrels' gallery, and showcases fine oak panelling and an ornate carved fireplace.

Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 40 Guests

The Astor Wing

The Astor Wing was commissioned in 1903, and construction work was done using Tudor tools to maintain authenticity, as it joined these interconnecting Tudor-style additions to the castle.

The reception space within The Astor Wing is formed of three interconnecting rooms, which make a Tudor Suite. This suite has amazing views out across the Castle, moat and gardens.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 60 Guests
Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 60 Guests

The Tudor Lawns

The Tudor Lawns are perfect for summer outdoor drinks and canapés receptions, where guests can enjoy a full view of the Castle but retain elements of privacy away from public visitors.

The Moat Restaurant

This lovely restaurant overlooks the Castle and is licensed until midnight. It has a bar, a performance space for a band or disco and a separate area which is ideal for the evening party buffet.

Evening Reception Capacity - 120 Guests

The Italian Garden

This gorgeous garden was designed to display William Waldorf Astor's collection of Italianate sculpture, and includes the Rose Garden which showcases over 4000 different species of plants.

Outdoor wedding ceremonies can take place under the arched columns of the Italian Loggia over the lake. This element of the wedding is often extended to accommodate a drinks reception.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 180 Guests

The Guthrie Pavillion

The Guthrie Pavillion is perfect for an Italian Garden wedding breakfast. With its delicate vaulted ceilings and full-length arch windows, this room witnesses a magical day-to-night transition.

Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 180 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 220 Guests

Catering And Accommodation

Catering

The dedicated team at Hever Castle ensure that all catering requirements are met, and their meticulous attention to detail means that everything, from the canapés to the luxury wedding breakfast menu and the evening buffet, is perfect. They focus on delicious traditional cuisine with a modern slant. With every booking at Hever Castle, couples are offered a complimentary tasting and can sample items off the Castle's seasonal menus.

Accommodation

With its 27 bedrooms recently refurbished, accommodation at Hever Castle contains necessary amenities while still retaining its classical and historical ambience. The rooms have recently been awarded Five Star Gold for guest accommodation, which is the highest rating and accolade achievable. Each of them is unique; some contain four-poster beds and others have rolltop baths. Antiques are furnished throughout, and beautiful views of the castle can be enjoyed through the lead-glazed windows. The Edward VII Suite is the most spectacular of the rooms, and has amazing views across Anne Boleyn's Orchard to the castle.

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