Karen - Weddings, Stays and Events Planner
Weddings, Stays and Events PlannerKaren has been part of Solton Manor’s story from the very first wedding, and she’ll be there to help guide yours.
She expertly oversaw our inaugural celebrations from 2009 and licenced weddings from 2011, and ever since, on behalf of the owners of Solton Manor, she has supported countless couples through their planning journey with calm confidence, practical insight, and genuine care. From intimate blessings and vow renewals to local church ceremonies and full-scale celebrations for up to 150 guests, Karen understands that every wedding is entirely unique and gives each one the time, attention, and personal focus it deserves.
With her extensive experience, deep knowledge of the estate, and exceptional eye for detail, Karen not only leads the team at Solton Manor but plays a vital role in shaping its future. She oversees key developments across the estate, including the creation of the new licensed Woodland Ceremony space and the indoor Old Stables, ensuring the venue continues to evolve in line with the needs of modern couples, while remaining true to its historic charm.
Every member of the team, from front of house and planning support to the bar, venue operations, maintenance, and grounds, reports into Karen, whose leadership sets the tone for the exceptional service and consistency that define the Solton Manor experience. Karen is the kind of person every couple or event organiser hopes is behind the scenes. Calm under pressure, endlessly professional, and always across every detail, she brings a steady, reassuring presence to even the most complex days. And once the speeches are finished and the evening celebrations are well underway, she quietly slips away, knowing everything is exactly as it should be and that you are being looked after by Will our Bar Manager and his team.
Jackie - Weddings & Events Consultant
Weddings & Events ConsultantJackie is often the first point of contact when you enquire about a wedding, event or stay at Solton Manor. With her calm confidence and deep industry knowledge, she brings an immediate sense of professionalism and care.
With over 30 years of experience in luxury hospitality, knows the property inside and out and is truly passionate about helping couples find their perfect wedding, event or stay venue and guiding them through the earliest stages of a beautifully curated celebration.
An incredible florist by trade, Jackie has a natural flair for elegance and a refined eye for detail. Her ability to visualise styling, layout, timelines and flow ensures that every couple begins their Solton Manor journey with a sense of clarity and excitement. She brings together beauty and practicality with ease, offering expert insight while always keeping your vision at the heart of every conversation.
Behind the scenes, Jackie works closely with our dedicated team — including Emilie, Leanne and Karen — to ensure your experience is as seamless as it is personal. From your very first enquiry to the moment you wake up the morning after your celebration, you’ll be supported with care, consistency and a commitment to excellence.
Emilie – Planning Support Coordinator
Planning Support CoordinatorOnce you’ve booked your wedding, event or stay at Solton Manor, thank you!, you’ll be supported by our wider wonderful team. Emilie, our Planning Support Coordinator, is one of the new friendly faces you’ll get to know well, alongside Leanne Wedding, Events and Stays Coordinator, Karen, our Weddings, Stays and Events Planner, and the much-adored Jackie.
Working together behind the scenes, the whole team is here to support you and ensure every detail of your wedding, event or stay is carefully looked after, from your initial enquiry through to the big day and waking up in the Manor House or Dovecote Cottage. While we are all here to help, Emilie along with Leianne, is another point of contact in the office. She’s on hand throughout the planning process to answer questions, assist with payments, and help keep everything running smoothly, so you can enjoy the journey with confidence.
A mum of one and proud dog mum to two cheeky rescue ‘pups’, Emilie lives in Folkestone, just a short ride from Dover, and has been with her partner for nine years. She has a passion for upholstery and interior design so is loving all the exciting developments on the Estate, which shines through in her love for thoughtful details and beautifully curated spaces.
Whether you need a quick update, a gentle reminder, or calm reassurance, Emilie is here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way, because at Solton Manor, planning your wedding is a team effort, and we’re all in it with you and can’t wait to share your special celebration.
Karl and Tom - Estate Maintenance & Grounds Team
Estate Maintenance & Grounds TeamKarl and Tom take care of every aspect of estate maintenance and presentation, ensuring Solton Manor looks its very best for every wedding, event, and stay.
Karl, our Head Caretaker, has been part of the Solton Manor story for over 14 years. With his in-depth knowledge of the estate and a meticulous approach, he ensures everything is maintained to the highest standard, from historic features to modern amenities. He works closely with Tom, our Groundsman, who plays a key role in maintaining the gardens, keeping the lawns immaculate, and ensuring the grounds are always picture-perfect.
Reporting to Karen, our Weddings, Stays and Events Planner, they dovetail their work with the wider team to ensure each space is not only beautifully maintained, but also safe, functional, and ready to welcome you and your guests. From ongoing maintenance tasks to helping move furniture and assisting with ceremony and reception setups, their quiet expertise ensures everything is where it should be, when it needs to be and working as it should.
Their hard work and dedication behind the scenes is part of what makes Solton Manor feel so effortlessly well kept and wonderfully welcoming.
Will - Bar Manager
Bar StaffAt Solton Manor, Will understands that the bar is more than just a service, it’s an essential part of your wedding or event, and a key contributor to your guests’ overall experience.
Whether it’s elegant post-ceremony drinks on the lawn, Pimm’s or beer served from the Horse Box Bar, a champagne toast after your wedding breakfast, or expertly mixed cocktails as the evening unfolds, Will, our Bar Manager, ensures every moment is delivered with style, precision, and professionalism.
Reporting into Karen, our Weddings, Stays and Events Planner, Will leads our trusted team of regular bar and service staff, each of whom understands not only the significance of each pour and toast, but also how seamlessly the bar integrates into the flow of your day. The teams familiarity with Solton Manor means that every element, from welcome drinks and toasts to the evening bar in the Dutch Barn — runs with calm, elegant efficiency.
From your first glass of fizz to your last night cap, Will’s experienced, thoughtful approach ensures your guests are always well looked after and the service never misses a beat.
At Solton Manor, the bar isn’t just a feature, it’s part of the atmosphere, part of the celebration, and the perfect complement to your catering by Invicta Food Design elevating your day and leaving a lasting impression from the first sip to the last.
From the vibrant orange hue of an Aperol Spritz, to the joyful clink of glasses on the lawn, every pour becomes part of your special occasion.
Sam – Marketing Manager
Marketing ManagerWith over 20 years of experience in weddings and events, Sam brings a deep understanding of the industry and a genuine passion for sharing the magic of Solton Manor with the world. From showcasing the Estate’s unique charm to telling the stories behind each celebration, Sam leads all things marketing with insight, creativity, and heart.
With over 20 years of experience in weddings and events, Sam brings a deep understanding of the industry and a genuine passion for sharing the magic of Solton Manor with the world. From showcasing the estate’s unique charm to launching exciting new offerings, such as the introduction of the Old Stables, she leads all things marketing with insight, creativity, and care.
Although part-time, she’s also your point of contact for press and publicity enquiries, and loves nothing more than shining a light on our historic venue. If you’re looking to collaborate, feature the estate, or share something truly special, Sam would be delighted to hear from you please contact her on her personal mobile 07957218340 [email protected]
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