Waterside Weddings and Special Occasions Venue
Now open for booking in 2025 and beyond…
The Leven is waiting for you.
A Wedding Like No Other. Intimate, Personal, and Unforgettable
Tucked away on the peaceful waterways of Kent, Leven is Strijd offers a truly intimate wedding experience, a celebration of love for up to 26 guests, where every detail is personal and every moment feels meaningful.
Step aboard our beautifully restored Dutch barge and be transported into a slower, more soulful space. Nestled near the village of Upchurch on the Medway Estuary, this one-of-a-kind venue is surrounded by nature and steeped in maritime heritage, a hidden gem full of charm and character. Alongside the barge, our elegant glass-fronted stretch tent provides a stylish and sheltered space for your celebration, with sweeping views over the boat and river beyond.
With reed-fringed banks, migrating birds, and ever-changing skies, the landscape provides a naturally magical backdrop to your day. Whether you're local or visiting this peaceful corner of Kent for the first time, the sense of calm and connection here is unmistakable.
Leven is Strijd is more than just a beautiful setting; it’s a space for gathering, celebrating, and creating memories that truly reflect your story. Thoughtfully run with care, community, and craftsmanship at its heart, this is a venue for couples who want something meaningful, personal, and deeply special.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s small in numbers but big in soul — Leven is waiting.
Our Weddings
Spring & Summer Weddings: 24 exclusive Fridays, Mid-April to the end of September
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Christmas Weddings: 4 magical Saturdays December to January
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.
Christmas, Beautifully Packaged
If you're looking to host a Christmas party that’s less about loud music and more about great conversation, good food, and genuine connection, Leven is Strijd offers something truly special.
During December, our beautifully restored Dutch barge becomes an intimate, atmospheric setting for festive dinners that feel personal and thoughtfully put together. With soft lighting, seasonal decor, and a warm, welcoming feel, it’s the perfect space for teams who want to slow down, celebrate the year, and enjoy each other’s company.
Available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Leven is ideal for relaxed Christmas gatherings, whether it’s your work party, entertaining clients, a large family gathering, a small team dinner, or a festive evening with colleagues and clients. Think candlelit tables, laughter over shared plates, and a space that encourages conversation, not karaoke.
We believe the best celebrations are the ones where everyone feels looked after, and nothing feels rushed. At Leven is Strijd, we create evenings that feel more like memorable dinner parties than traditional office dos, full of warmth, flavour, and a little festive magic.
Let’s make your Christmas gathering one to remember.
Intimate Dining, celebrations & occasions
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.
Licensed Small Weddings
Wedding Breakfast created and served onboard
Intimate Dining, celebrations & occasions
Our 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!
01634 944293
mail@leven.me.uk
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