Our 14th century farmhouse makes a wonderful venue for any event, but we know that beautiful surroundings are only part of the story.
To create truly unforgettable occasions, you need a dedicated and experienced team, and we’re lucky enough to have just that.
Our team will take care of every detail for you, from planning your event to ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day.
Our family
Here at The Orchard, you’ll get to know our wonderful team of Wedding Coordinators throughout your planning journey. With years of experience, passion, and a wealth of knowledge, our team are here to guide you every step of the way.
From the smallest details to the biggest moments, our coordinators take great care in getting to know each couple and understanding what makes your wedding unique. With a personal approach and attention to every detail, you can feel confident knowing your special day is in safe and experienced hands.
Katie
Wedding and Event Coordinator
Katie began her journey with The Orchard as a Front of House Supervisor before progressing into the Weddings & Events Office. With years of hands-on experience, she has built a wealth of knowledge and expertise in creating unforgettable wedding days.
Katie will be one of the first friendly faces you’ll meet when you visit us for your initial viewing, guiding you through everything our venue has to offer. She also continues to coordinate weddings, giving her valuable first-hand insight into every stage of the wedding journey and ensuring each couple receives exceptional support from their first visit through to their special day.
Devon
Wedding and Event Coordinator
Devon has been part of The Orchard team for many years, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to every couple she works with. She began her journey with us as our Front of House Supervisor before progressing into the Weddings & Events Office, where she now helps guide couples through every stage of their wedding planning journey.
Devon will be one of the first friendly faces you’ll meet when you visit us for your initial viewing, where she’ll take the time to answer your questions, share her expertise, and help bring your wedding vision to life. With her years of hands-on experience at The Orchard, she knows the venue inside and out and continues to provide valuable support and guidance from your very first visit through to your special day.
Jessi
Wedding and Accounts Administrator
Jessi has been a valued member of The Orchard team for many years, gaining experience across a variety of roles throughout the venue. Her broad hands-on experience has given her a wealth of knowledge about every aspect of The Orchard and what goes into creating a truly unforgettable wedding day.
Now based predominantly in the Weddings & Events Office, Jessi helps guide and support couples throughout their wedding planning journey. You may also meet Jessi during your initial viewing, where she’ll be on hand to answer your questions, share her knowledge, and help you start imagining your special day at The Orchard. Her experience across the venue means she understands exactly what goes into bringing each couple’s vision to life and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
Amy
Wedding and Events Administer
Amy plays an important role within The Orchard team, bringing a calm and organised approach to every couple’s wedding journey. She works closely with our in-house suppliers and wider team to ensure every detail is carefully planned and that each couple’s vision is brought to life.
Amy will be one of the friendly faces you’ll meet at your first booking meeting, where she’ll guide you through the next steps and help you feel confident as you begin your wedding planning journey. As a Wedding Coordinator, she continues to support couples throughout the planning process and on their special day, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly and creating a seamless experience from start to finish.
Caroline
Wedding and Events Coordinator
Caroline is on hand to support all our couples throughout their wedding journey, helping to ensure every detail is carefully planned and brought to life. As one of our Wedding Coordinators, she plays an important role in running and coordinating weddings, making sure each couple feels supported and looked after every step of the way.
With a passion for creating memorable experiences, Caroline helps deliver the beautiful weddings we host at The Orchard each year.
Tez
Owner of The Orchard
Tez is the heart behind The Orchard, with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a deep love for the beautiful venue she has proudly nurtured into the beautiful place it is today.
Her warmth, vision and dedication are felt in every detail, creating a welcoming and personal experience for every couple who chooses to celebrate with us.
Working with us
When it comes to planning your wedding at The Orchard, you’ll have the support of our whole Weddings & Events team throughout your journey. Rather than assigning you to just one coordinator from the very beginning, we work collaboratively as a team, sharing notes and keeping up to date with every detail of your plans.
This means you’ll have the benefit of our combined knowledge and experience, and you may get the chance to speak with different members of our team along the way, all of who are familiar with your wedding plans.
Around three months before your special day, you’ll be invited in for your final planning meeting, where you’ll be introduced to your dedicated Wedding Coordinator. They will work closely with you on the final details, ensuring everything is perfectly prepared and that you feel confident and excited as your wedding day approaches.
Front of House Supervisors
Our Front of House Supervisors play an essential role in bringing your wedding day to life. Working behind the scenes, they carefully prepare every element of your day, ensuring everything is set up perfectly and runs smoothly from start to finish.
They work closely with our Wedding Coordinators in the lead-up to your wedding and throughout the day itself, helping to create a seamless experience for you and your guests. From coordinating the finer details behind the scenes to supporting the wider team, our Front of House Supervisors help ensure every moment of your special day is delivered with care and attention.
Kitchen Team
Our in-house kitchen team love bringing each couple’s wedding menu to life, creating dishes that are not only beautifully presented but also become a memorable part of your special day. Every plate is prepared with passion, care, and attention to detail, with the team taking great pride in creating food that you and your guests will continue to talk about long after your wedding day.
Our Head Chef, Callum, is also very hands-on throughout the planning journey. He understands that food is an important part of your wedding experience, which is why he is always happy to take the time to speak with couples personally and answer any questions about their menu. From discussing ideas to ensuring every detail is considered, Callum and the team are dedicated to creating a dining experience that feels truly special and personal to you.
Testimonials
Our historic home
The Orchard is a grade II listed, 14th century farmhouse, which has been tastefully extended over the years to become a wonderful venue for weddings and events.
While now located in the modern parish of Downswood, The Orchard was originally part of Otham parish.
Constructed in the 14th century, it started life known as Otham Grove or Otham Lodge, a farmhouse serving the nearby orchards. Many of the original features remain, including the stunning Viking oak roof beams.
As well as providing shelter for the orchard farmers, our elegant lower Oak Rooms started life as housing for farm animals!
Over the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries, significant alterations were made to the building, creating the traditional Wealden look it has today.
In the 20th century it was converted to a pub, The Orchard Spot (“Spot” being a reference to our location on Spot Lane).
We bought The Orchard in 2010 and developed it into the beautiful venue you see today. We’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.
It was the most amazing day of our lives and I cannot express how magnificent the venue and its staff were. It was perfect.
Meera & Ian
