Wedding car timings: a guide for Kent and Sussex venues

By 888 Executive Cars · Updated November 2026

Start from the ceremony time

Work backwards from the time the ceremony starts. Guests and the wedding party usually arrive first, and traditionally one partner arrives last, a few minutes before the start. Add the drive from where you’re getting ready, a margin for traffic, and time for photos before you leave.

A typical running order

• Photos at home. Allow 15 to 20 minutes before departure for photos with the car.
• Leaving. Drive time plus at least 10 minutes’ margin, more on country lanes or summer Saturdays.
• After the ceremony. The couple’s car waits for photos, then takes you on to the reception.
• Guests. Shuttles run between the ceremony, the reception and the hotels. For large numbers, plan two runs or a bigger vehicle.
• Going home. Book the late journeys at the same time, so nobody is left waiting at the end of the night.

Town venues

In Tunbridge Wells, churches and hotels such as The Spa Hotel and Hotel du Vin are close together, but town traffic and space at the church door can be tight. Agree a drop-off point with the venue in advance.

Country houses and castles

Penshurst Place, Hever Castle and Chiddingstone Castle are reached by narrow lanes, where a tractor or a slow coach can add ten minutes. Long private drives take longer than they look, too. Allow extra time and ask the venue where cars should stop for arrival photos.

Barns and outdoor venues

Barn and oast venues around Ticehurst, Uckfield and Paddock Wood often have gravel or grass approaches. Check access for larger vehicles, such as a 16-seat Sprinter, before you plan guest shuttles.

Marrying at Salomons Estate?

We’re based at Salomons Estate on Broomhill Road, itself a wedding venue, so if you’re marrying there your car won’t have far to come.

Booking

Book as early as you can: spring and summer Saturdays fill up first. Send us your venues, timings and guest numbers and we’ll suggest a plan and a price. See our wedding cars, and the questions to ask any wedding car company.