Saying “I Do” Sustainably: How The Oak Grove is Redefining Eco-Friendly Weddings
Saying “I Do” Sustainably: How The Oak Grove is Redefining Eco-Friendly Weddings
If you’re planning a wedding that reflects your love not just for each other, but for the planet too — welcome to The Oak Grove.
Nestled between Upchurch and Lower Halstow in Kent, along the peaceful banks of the River Medway, The Oak Grove offers a naturally beautiful backdrop for a relaxed, outdoor celebration. However, what truly sets it apart is the venue’s deep commitment to sustainability, a value that permeates everything they do.
Powering Love with Solar Energy
Sustainability at The Oak Grove starts from the ground up, or more accurately, from the roof. The venue is powered by a 12 kW solar array, supported by a smart energy storage system made from repurposed EV batteries. This means that much of the celebration, from the fairy lights to the music, is powered by the sun.
When extra energy is needed during the darker months, The Oak Grove draws from certified renewable sources, ensuring that around 80% of all power comes from clean, green energy. It’s a system that allows couples to celebrate surrounded by nature, without costing the earth.
Letting Nature Do the Decorating
Choosing to get married outdoors is, in itself, a more sustainable decision. At The Oak Grove, couples often find they need far fewer decorations, as the surrounding woodland, open skies and riverside views provide a naturally beautiful backdrop. By working with the landscape rather than against it, weddings feel more relaxed, authentic and intentionally styled.
Natural daylight also plays a powerful role. Sunshine and soft evening light reduce the need for artificial lighting, while creating a warm, flattering atmosphere that photographers love. The result is timeless imagery that feels effortless and organic, capturing the day as it truly unfolds, framed by nature at its best.
A Network of Like-Minded Suppliers
Sustainability here doesn’t stop at the venue’s edge. The Oak Grove carefully curates its supplier recommendations, choosing to work with local, independent businesses that share the same respect for the environment. Suppliers such as:
Ryan Devine Films who plants ten trees for every wedding he films, is a beautiful gesture that gives each couple’s story a living legacy.
Events in Bloom creates stunning floral displays and signage designed for reuse, so every wedding is stylish, sustainable, and waste-free.
4YaParty Sustainable and Eco-friendly Wedding and Event Decor company that believes celebrations should leave lasting memories, not a lasting impact on the environment. That’s why they create stunning, sustainable setups for all of life’s big (and little) moments, all without a single-use item in sight.
By collaborating with partners who care about their environmental impact, The Oak Grove ensures that every detail, from the décor to the memories you take home, supports a shared mission to protect the planet.
Thoughtful Choices Behind the Scenes
Sustainability at The Oak Grove isn’t just about big systems and long-term land care, it’s woven into the everyday details of how the venue operates.
Cleaning across the site is carried out using eco-friendly, food-safe products that are tough on germs but gentle on the environment. These materials meet strict hygiene standards, ensuring spaces are safe, spotless and welcoming without relying on harsh chemicals.
The venue also uses real, non-chemical toilets, avoiding the environmental impact of traditional chemical loos. Even the smaller details are considered, from recycled toilet paper supplied by Who Gives A Crap.
The Oak Grove is proudly run with the help of local staff and suppliers, keeping travel to a minimum and directly supporting the surrounding community. Where possible, supplies are delivered straight to the venue, cutting unnecessary journeys and excess packaging.
Waste reduction is a priority too. The venue actively recycles glass, paper and plastics, including behind the bar, and does not provide single-use items as part of its offering. Every decision is made with longevity, reuse and responsibility in mind.
As part of the hire, couples are also provided with eco-friendly lavender confetti, grown and sourced locally, a beautiful, fragrant alternative that’s entirely natural and kind to the land.
Protecting the Land Between Celebrations
The Oak Grove hosts just 18 weddings each year, all on Saturdays during the summer months. This exclusive schedule is intentional; it gives the venue and surrounding landscape time to recover and return to nature between events.
The land itself is treated with the same care. No pesticides or chemicals are used, and planting is chosen to encourage bees, butterflies, and bats. Fallen logs and natural materials are left to form wildlife habitats, creating a thriving ecosystem that couples get to share for a single, special day.
It’s this balance between people and place that makes The Oak Grove truly unique, a venue that’s as alive as it is loved.
How Couples Can Make Their Day Even More Sustainable
Couples choosing The Oak Grove often find that the setting naturally encourages more thoughtful wedding choices, and there are plenty of simple ways to reduce environmental impact without compromising on style or celebration.
Shared transport, such as coach or bus hire, is a popular option, helping guests arrive together while significantly cutting down on individual car journeys. It is also a great option to save on a designated driver!
Many couples are also embracing zero-waste wedding favours, opting for meaningful, consumable or experience-led alternatives rather than items destined to be discarded.
When it comes to wedding attire, sustainability can be approached in a way that feels right for each couple. Some choose pre-loved or second-hand dresses, while others rent elements of their wedding party’s outfits, such as bridesmaid dresses or groomsmen suits.
There is also a growing movement towards ethically made, environmentally conscious bridalwear. These designs use materials such as organic silk, English lace and vegan bamboo to create beautifully crafted garments with a lighter footprint. Recycled elements, like buttons and zips, may also be incorporated, proof that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand, with absolutely no sacrifice to style.
A Wedding That Feels Good, and Does Good
Every couple who chooses The Oak Grove becomes part of a bigger story; one where love and sustainability go hand in hand. With a renewable energy system, a limited wedding calendar that honours the land, and a network of eco-conscious creatives, The Oak Grove offers a celebration that’s both joyful and responsible.
So if you’re dreaming of a summer wedding that’s relaxed, beautiful, and kind to the world around you, The Oak Grove is a place where your values and your vision can come together naturally.
Now booking 2026–2028 weddings. Speak to us to arrange a visit or for more details.
Call: 01634 944297 | email: mail@theoakgrove.uk