Waterside Weddings and Special Occasions Venue

Now open for booking in 2025 and beyond…
The Leven is waiting for you.

Imagine saying your vows in a beautifully romantic space, surrounded only by those who matter most.

Tucked away on the peaceful waterways of Kent, our unique venue offers couples a truly intimate wedding experience, a celebration of love with up to 26 guests, where every moment feels deeply personal and every detail is crafted with heart.

Step aboard Leven is Strijd, our historic Dutch barge, and be transported into a world where time slows down and the setting becomes part of the story. Nestled near the charming village of Upchurch, just moments from the Medway Estuary, this hidden gem is enveloped by nature and rich in maritime history.

The surrounding landscape, with its reed-fringed banks, migrating birds, and ever-changing skies, offers the most magical backdrop for your special day.

Whether you're local or discovering the area for the first time, there's something truly special about this corner of Kent. It’s quiet, calm, and full of character, a place where you can breathe, connect, and celebrate in a setting that feels like it was made just for you.

Our venue is about more than just a beautiful location; it’s about creating memories in a space that reflects your love story, in a community that values craftsmanship, heritage, and heartfelt hospitality. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s small in size but big in meaning, “Leven is waiting”.

Services we offer

Licensed Weddings

Wedding Breakfast created onboard

Intimate Dining, celebrations & occasions

Weddings

Our bespoke wedding package is priced at £3,200*

*excluding catering from our preferred partner, drinks and the registrar’s fee, which is paid directly by you.

Spring & Summer Weddings: Mid-April to the end of September
– 24 exclusive Fridays

Christmas Weddings: 4 magical Saturdays
– 3 before Christmas and 1 around New Year

Your special day is all about you and your loved ones, with the perfect setting for a wedding of up to 28 (couple plus 26 guests).

Your celebration begins with a 4 pm ceremony, followed by reception drinks and delicious canapés.

After that, enjoy an exquisite meal onboard the boat, complete with heartfelt speeches and after-dinner drinks either at the table or in our charming stretch tent.

Intimate Dining, celebrations & occasions

Our bespoke package is priced at £1,600

*excluding catering from our preferred partner and drinks

Outside of wedding season, from October through to April, Leven transforms into a unique space for intimate private dinners and celebrations.

Available on Fridays and Saturdays (October - April) and select Fridays throughout the summer season, our beautifully restored Dutch barge provides a one-of-a-kind setting for hosting meaningful events in style.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, a special anniversary, or gathering friends and family for an unforgettable Christmas party, Leven offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s full of charm and character. Our soft lit dining space, set against the gentle backdrop of the river and winter skies, creates a sense of occasion without ever feeling formal.

Perfect, too, for small business dinners, team thank-yous or creative off-site gatherings, the barge is ideal for those seeking something more personal than a restaurant and more distinctive than a function room. With thoughtful interiors and plenty of personality, your guests will feel instantly relaxed and truly looked after.

At Leven is Strijd, we believe every celebration deserves care and creativity, no matter the season. Let us help you host an occasion your guests will remember.

Our company ethos

We believe that love should be celebrated in the most unique and intimate way possible.

We honor the beauty of simplicity, offering a personalised, tailored experience where every moment feels as intimate as the love you share.

Our commitment is to provide a tranquil, enchanting environment where you and your loved ones can come together and create lasting memories.

We aim for a light environmental footprint and welcome low-impact choices. From local, seasonal catering to eco-conscious décor. We use water-safe cleaning material and grey water where possible. The venue to powered by sunshine, solar and wind, and is used as much as possible.

Whether you're exchanging vows under the open sky or enjoying an intimate reception surrounded by the calming rhythm of the river, we are dedicated to making your day extraordinary.

Let us help you create a celebration that is uniquely yours, one that reflects the love, joy, and adventure of your journey together.

Our story

Leven Is Strijd is a Waterside Wedding and Intimate Dining Venue in North Kent.

Leven is Strijd is a beautifully restored 29-meter Dutch barge built in 1928 in Woubrugge, Holland. The name "Leven is Strijd" translates to "Life is a struggle" in Dutch, reflecting the vessel's enduring spirit.

Originally used for transporting goods along Dutch waterways, this barge has traversed many miles before finding its home in Kent.

Now moored in North Kent, Leven is Strijd serves as an intimate wedding venue, offering a one-of-a-kind setting for up to 28 guests.

Despite its vintage charm, the barge is equipped with modern facilities, including a glass-fronted stretch tent for ceremonies and a well-stocked Art Deco bar.

Discover the magic of celebrating your love aboard this historic vessel. Contact us to learn more about hosting your wedding on Leven is Strijd.

Get in touch

We’re so excited to welcome you to our new wedding venue, opening in April 2025! Whether you have questions about our spaces or availability or would like to schedule a tour, we're here to help.

Please fill out the form below, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We can't wait to be part of your special day!