For over 9 centuries the spiritual center of Dode village, Dode church, has been a place of peace, worship, tolerance and respect. Shrouded in romance and history the church is the ideal place to for a truly unique ceremony.

Down a narrow path, entry is through a solid oak and iron studded door. Once inside, the ancient stone and flint walls and beautiful oak beamed ceiling all lit by candlelight and flaming torches will capture your imagination. The delightful smell of English herbs and straw laden floors will arouse a distant memory of a time when somehow life was simply more beautiful.

Dode church has been silently standing guard over its lost village for centuries and is the most appropriate place to celebrate the rites of passage in your journey through life.

Weddings

Dode Church is perfect for small, intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions, combining tradition, intimacy and the romance of the past. The church is a sacred and highly spiritual place to get married, without religious restraints or connotations.

Imagine your wedding venue lit by candle light flickering on the ancient stone walls. The smell of straw on the floors and dried flowers and herbs. The beautiful oak ceiling looking down on simple benches covered with warming rugs as your family and friends gather in this Kentish wedding venue to celebrate.

Following the wedding ceremony, you may want to take photographs in the grounds, making the most of Dode’s circle of ancient stones and beautiful secluded valley.

Meanwhile, the church will have been transformed into a medieval banqueting hall for your wedding breakfast, dancing and merriment.

For the lucky ones who may have stayed in one of The Lost Village of Dode’s two award-winning cottages the night before the wedding, there is always the opportunity to stay the night again.

This might be your first visit, however, it could be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with this truly unforgettable place.

The Lost Village of Dode also makes an ideal location as a venue for blessings, renewal of vows, wedding ceremonies and thanksgivings.

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Baby Naming Ceremonies at Dode

As the world becomes less connected spiritually some important traditions are slowly fading from our lives.

Traditionally the first major milestone in a person’s life, the naming of a child brings together family and friends who promise to support and protect the child though life. Here at Dode we recognise the importance of this part of life for all concerned.

Dode Church is a truly unique baby naming ceremony venue, and a place that will become important in your child’s life story, where they may return to celebrate and recognise other major milestones in their life. Dode has been here for centuries. It will always be here for them.

Baby naming ceremonies are led by our Guardians of Dode however your own celebrant is also welcome and we invite and encourage all of those who will take responsibility for the child’s journey to take part.

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Memorial services at Dode

At a time of loss, it is the most natural thing in the world to want to connect to the past and consider our true place in the world. We will support you to do this here at The Lost Village of Dode.

This beautiful place in a Kentish valley is an unequalled location to celebrate and remember the life of a loved one. Within Dode’s ancient church you cannot help but feel closer to the mother earth. Its history. Its sense of calm, comfort, respect and dignity will allow you to say farewell in peace and harmony.

Memorial services can be held on any day of the week and you are invited on Sunday afternoons between Easter until the end of October to remember the significance of a life that touched yours.

Here, you will always be able to remember them because their spirit has been released into the care of Dode to be nurtured in this special place until the end of time.

An experienced celebrant will be available to liaise with and create a special and unique memorial ceremony that will truly celebrate and remember the life of your loved one.

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Ollie's Garden

Tucked away peacefully in our beautiful grounds at The Lost Village of Dode, is a small, secluded area surrounded by nature that is reserved for the quiet memorial and remembrance of beloved pets.

Like so many meaningful things that happen here, a young barn owl’s arrival was unexpected.  But Ollie the owl quickly became a much loved member of our little team, delivering wedding rings with style and panache for some seven years. When, sadly, it was time to say our final goodbye, Ollie’s Garden, a pet memorial garden was created in his name.

The loss of our pets touches us deeply and from time to time we have a need to remember the friendship, joy, comfort and companionship that they brought us. Ollie’s Garden provides a garden of remembrance and pet memorial at The Lost Village of Dode, to lovingly scatter the ashes of pets and occasionally return, to quietly sit and recall shared time upon our good earth.

The Lost Village of Dode has become regarded by many as a ‘place to centre your life’, and where better than surrounded by the woods and fields of our beautiful valley to remember your pet.

Prices start from £200 for the scattering of ashes.