East Sussex Wedding Venues
There are so many gorgeous wedding venues in East Sussex that I’m sure you’ll love including relaxed, cozy, luxury, boutique…
I’ve split this section into ‘venues in Brighton’, and ‘all others in East Sussex’ to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for.
Here are some of my favourites with links to their websites…
40 Brighton Wedding Venues
Royal Pavilion: Built as King George IV’s seaside pleasure palace when the city was at the heart of fashionable Regency society. This unique venue has exotic interior design and architecture that mixes influences from India and China with the Regency period. A truly opulent venue. If you’re looking for something really special look no further.
Brighton Dome and Corn Exchange: A stunning venue that regularly hosts shows, live music and more. You can hire the venue for your own private celebrations. There’s a choice of five unique event spaces with capacity for 50 to 1700 wedding guests. The main attraction has to be the Grade I listed Corn Exchange - a big space with a high vaulted ceiling, regency windows and decorative features.
The Spire: A former church located in the beautiful and fashionable regency area of Kemptown in East Brighton, The Spire provides a great customisable backdrop for your special day accommodating up to 300 guests. A ‘different’ venue within strolling distance of the seafront. Definitely worth serious consideration.
Hotel du Vin: Set in the lanes a few steps from the seafront this is a really great and popular venue. Formal or informal, brilliant staff, rooms available onsite and not your ‘usual hotel’. I love this place and recommend that you take a look at their large light and airy Dome Room or the more intimate Lombard room. This venue has a certain ‘something’.
Brighton Harbour Hotel: A quirky boutique hotel with plenty of rooms for guests to stay. Right on the coast road near to Brighton Pier and The Lanes with rooms that look out to sea. Features a mix of original Regency period features and a contemporary interior. Two event rooms. They offer themed settings: a Vegas-inspired ‘white chapel’ wedding, a vintage-themed wedding, and a rock-style wedding!
Grand Brighton: The luxurious ‘Grand’ overlooking Brighton seafront needs no introduction! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate Brighton wedding or a large celebration for up to 500 guests they handle both with their flexible event spaces. Famous for its high levels of service, amazing food, and beautiful interiors. Make sure to check out the amazing sea-facing Empress Suite.
Brighton Town Hall and registry office: Looking for a Brighton Registry Office Wedding? Perfect if you’re looking for something a little more understated and don’t need large numbers of guests at your ceremony. An old building with some very nice ornate areas inside for photos (they have a lovely ornate staircase that’s perfect for photos) and their ceremony rooms are tastefully decorated to suit the occasion.
The Bandstand: Beautiful and unique, located right on Brighton's seafront. First opened in 1884, it was restored to its original condition and reopened in 2009. Considered to be one of the finest examples of a Victorian bandstand still surviving in England today, available to hire for weddings and civil ceremonies between April and September.
Hotel Pelirocco: Super quirky with different themes in every room this one of a kind venue describes itself as ‘rock and roll’! You can hire their late night cocktail bar and take advantage of canapés and/or a three course menu. You really do need to check out their website to truly appreciate the charm and uniqueness of this venue.
Brighton College: A Brighton College wedding gives you a beautiful chapel, a lovely quadrant with lawns, and right in the middle of the Kemptown district. This is not your run-of-the-mill college! Options to have your wedding breakfast in the Great Hall with its adjoining gallery, or the Dining Room. A stunning venue. About a 5 minute stroll to the area of the seafront between the Brighton Palace Pier and the marina.
British Airways i360: A 162m high observation tower with a large ‘pod’ (capacity for 175 standing, or 60 seated in a theatre style) that starts at ground level and goes all the way to the top. If you don’t like heights this one isn’t for you, but if you want great views of Brighton, the South Downs and the sea it’s impossible to beat! Right on the seafront by the West Pier. There’s a ‘Sky Bar’ in the pod, and beachfront event rooms with capacity for 1100 people.
Brighton Palace Pier: I can’t think of anything more ‘Brighton’ than the pier so if you’re looking for a seaside wedding that’s a bit different this is definitely worth looking at. Fancy getting married on a rollercoaster? Want candy floss, fish and chips, want to hire ‘Elvis Shmelvis’ for your ceremony? You can do it all here! You can’t get closer to the sea that this here!
Fabrica: Although not registered for ceremonies, there are plenty of places nearby where your ceremony can take place. Fabrica is a one-of-a-kind venue for your party or reception. You can decorate it to your own taste that makes a statement in its own right and can be decorated to your own taste. A statement interior that you can make your own.
Stanmer House: Located in Stanmer Park, a large, beautiful green space surrounded by woodland. It’s about a 10 minute drive north of the city, but locals still think of this venue as being in Brighton, and it’s too good to ignore. An 18th Century Manor House, beautifully restored in 2006. It’s licensed for civil ceremonies, and Stanmer church is within easy walking distance. Amazing catering and tastefully decorated rooms.
Angel House: Perfect for smaller days, this is a grand but intimate Grade 1 listed Regency town house with space for up to 60 at your ceremony and wedding breakfast. Don’t be deceived by the word ‘house’ - this is a stunning and romantic venue with more space than you’d imagine. Overlooking Hove lawns and the sea (between the coast road and the seafront promenade), it’s an easy stroll to the bandstand and pier. The east wall of the house is actually the Brighton and Hove border.
Claremont Hotel: A beautiful Victorian villa a very short stroll from the the Hove end of the city seafront. Not right in the middle of Brighton (around a 20 minute walk to the busier part of the city) but a very pleasant location. Rooms suitable for between 25 to 120 guests. A lovely walled garden suitable for drinks etc. If you have guests staying over, some extremely nice restaurants are within a few minutes stroll.
Blanch House: Blanch House has been a Brighton institution for as long as I can remember. Quirky with a really great bar! A perfect venue for between 4 and 40 guests. A couple of minutes walk from the Pier. If you’re looking for a boutique feel to your wedding then you should put this on your ‘one to consider’ list.
Mercure Brighton Seafront: Overlooking the seafront and promenade this is an elegant grade II listed Victorian hotel. It has lovely features for gorgeous photos such as the grand Regency staircase, stuccoed mirrors, a high-ceilinged ballroom and exquisite chandeliers. 4 rooms licensed to hold civil ceremonies - the ballroom can accommodate 180 guests at your ceremony. 123 bedroom for overnight guests is a big bonus.
West Hove Golf Club: Located on the outskirts of Brighton this is a very nice club, experienced in weddings. There are plenty of clubs around Brighton and Hove, but this is my recommendation for weddings. You don’t have to like golf to appreciated the views, but if you do you’re at the right venue! The decor here is extremely nice - check out their lovely function room. Sit down meals for up to around 100 people.
Brighton Racecourse: If you’re into horse racing then this could be the perfect venue for you. Racing doesn’t need to be a part of your day of course. Set in 20 acres of beautiful countryside the racecourse has some of the best views of Brighton, the sea and the downs. A very short taxi ride to the centre of Brighton and less than 10 minutes drive from the A23. Excellent hospitality suites and capacity for 650 guests.
Hilton Brighton Metropole: This venue gives you a lovely combination of classic Victorian elegance and the vibrant, lively and contemporary feel of Brighton. Located on the seafront with amazing sea views. There’s a marble staircase for some memorable photos of you. Their converted chapel (the Clarence Suite) on the grounds of the hotel dates back to 1819 and is one of four stunning wedding suites with maximum capacity ranging from 50 to 250.
Pangdean Old Barn: A very popular gorgeous oak framed barn, built in 1720. 6 miles north of Brighton in a rural setting, with the benefits of being easy to drive to (1 minute from the A23, but quiet) and plenty of free parking. It’s sympathetically renovated, fully insulated and heated. Plenty of space for you and your guests to wander around their beautiful large, walled farmhouse garden while you have drinks and canapés. A lovely venue.
The Old Market: A really vibrant Grade II listed building with tons of character. There’s the Main House, a 150 wedding breakfast & 500 standing capacity room (depending on the layout) with various seating and staging arrangement possibilities. A separate bar, and function room too. If you’re thinking of having a live band you really need to ask them about their excellent stage/performance facilities. A ‘different’ but great venue.
Brighton Unitarian Church: Right in the middle of the city in a lovely area very close to the Royal Pavilion, and opposite the Pavilion Gardens. They are ‘a diverse and vibrant community and do not insist that each person has the same beliefs’. A lovely venue for your ceremony with the perfect frontage for your confetti shots.
Sussex Cricket Ground: You don't have to be a cricket lover to love this venue, but if you are this could be the perfect venue for you! They have two event spaces that can accommodate up to 120 or 240 guests. The Long Room is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships, a lovely dining room, and they have a tented facility on the boundary of the pitch (capacity 240). Located in the Hove area and around a 5 minute walk to the seafront promenade.
Patterns: A bright and airy venue with Art Deco features and stained glass. There’s space for 85 at your wedding breakfast and 200 standing. This is a great location with a sea facing terrace opposite the Brighton Palace Pier. Perfect if you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional hotel wedding. Downstairs has been fitted with a high spec sound and lighting system - perfect for a full wedding band and your afterparty!
Oh So Social: Perfect for summer weddings, they’re located right on the lower promenade of the Brighton seafront. You’ll struggle to find a venue closer to the beach! This is a beachfront bar-restaurant with tons of personality. There’s a heated terrace too. If you’re thinking about having a singer or DJ they have an ample outdoor staging area. A fun venue for your celebrations.
Proud Cabaret: This is the number one spot for cabaret in Brighton, and it’s available for private hire. Licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests. Dining for up to 120. Known by locals as ‘The Ballroom’ this is a one-of-a-kind venue with a sumptuous interior. It’s a brilliant space for your wedding. If you’re looking for something unique and memorable then this could be perfect for you.
Malmaison Brighton: A hotel venue in Brighton Marina with large entertaining spaces and a terrace that looks out over the yachts and the sea. Licensed for wedding and civil ceremonies, with lots of flexible space for your wedding celebrations. This venue has contemporary and inviting decor. There’s plenty of parking available in the marina car parks for all of your guests. Exclusive use of the venue is available.
The Old Ship Hotel: Overlooking the seafront, near the Lanes and Brighton Palace Pier, this hotel is one of the oldest in the city. It has lovely ornate decor - perfect for your wedding photos, with 154 bedrooms and 12 function rooms. If you’re looking for a romantic wedding setting this one should be on your list. Previously frequented by royalty, their stunning ballroom needs to be seen.
Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront: A large modern hotel overlooking the seafront near to the Brighton Palace Pier. A luxurious hotel with function rooms catering for up to 220 guests. There’s also a huge, light and airy foyer to relax in. They have a range of spaces suitable for wedding ceremonies and celebrations. An excellent venue.
The Tempest Inn: Located on the lower promenade by the beach this is a bar venue experienced in hosting weddings. You should take a look at this venue if you fancy a venue with lots of character. The interior is cozy and goes back under the coast road - they describe it as having a ‘warren of caves’ downstairs! Plenty of outside space on their terrace. Great for a less formal wedding celebration.
Drakes Brighton: If you’re looking for a bit of luxury then Drakes should absolutely be on your list. This is a high class Grade II listed double townhouse with a personal touch complete with gorgeous rooms overlooking the pier and seafront. Their award winning food is hard to beat. 20 bedrooms and capacity for 40 guests. Licensed for civil ceremonies. You really must check this venue out - it’s perfect for smaller weddings.
Preston Manor: This is a classy, elegant Edwardian manor located about a mile from the seafront, set in the corner of Preston Park. With capacity for 30 people, your ceremony would take place in the Dining Room with lovely views across the croquet lawns. Ceremonies are performed by Brighton & Hove Register Office (additional fee). There’s space for drinks receptions in the grounds or their grand entrance hall.
The Hove Club: This 19th century Grade II listed building with its elegant decor is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s in the heart of Hove and a short stroll to the beach. Choose from the Holland, Garden or Reading room with capacities of up to 90 seated and 130 for the evening celebrations. They have a gorgeous garden for you to use too, with space for a gazebo. A lovely relaxed setting.
Duke of York’s Picturehouse: If you fancy a wedding ceremony that’s really different and quirky then the Duke of York’s Picturehouse could be exactly what you’re looking for. You could even get married with a video playing on their large screen at the same time. Your guests can sit in the tiered cinema seating while you say your vows on the theatre stage! Then head off to another venue such as Proud Cabaret to continue celebrating.
Old Police Cells Museum: Located in the basement of the Brighton Town Hall, the old police cells are licensed for weddings! If you’re after a venue with glamour this isn’t the one for you, but if you want a fun experience with a bit of history thrown in then do give this one a look. After your wedding, have a tour of the facility, then head off for food and celebrations in one of Brighton’s lovely restaurants!
The Greene Room: This is is an exclusive venue located on its own floor above The Cricketer’s pub, smack bang in the middle of the Lanes. There’s a lot of local history associated with this venue. It’s perfect for an intimate wedding wedding reception (they can cater for up to 45 people for a sit down meal). Get married in a church or the nearby Town Hall and take a stroll here afterwards. Close to the seafront and nearby attractions.
Amex Community Stadium: If you’re not from around Brighton, this is the Brighton and Hove Albion Football stadium. Even if you’re not into football, you should still give this venue serious consideration. It’s geared up to host weddings with up to 450 guests, has 10 modern lounges and 21 hospitality boxes! You can have up to 60 at your civil ceremony in a lounge overlooking the pitch. This is a cracking venue with lots of free parking, and easy road access.
St Peter’s Church: The size of this church means that you can’t miss it if you’re driving to the seafront from the north of the city! It definitely has that wow factor. Catering in the most part for a younger crowd it can cope with a large wedding congregation. If you’re looking for a church wedding this one is definitely worth considering. A friendly community.
East Sussex wedding venues not in Brighton
Blackstock Country Estate: A beautiful barn wedding venue, close to Hellingly, set in 70 acres of beautiful grounds. They have two lovely restored barns that can be hired separately or together. Read my detailed guide with photos here
All Saints Chapel: Situated at the base of the South Downs in Eastbourne the chapel has amazing large stained glass windows and is the best example of Victorian Gothic in the region. Some call it Eastbourne's very own St Pancras station! Read more about All Saints Chapel in my blog of top Sussex wedding venues.
Birling Manor: This venue has a gorgeous secluded natural setting, with its wonderful heritage, magical ancient trees and glimpsed views up to the North Downs. A perfect setting for your Festival, Country Garden or Woodland wedding.
Gildredge Manor: One of Sussex’s finest privately owned Georgian Manor houses. We’re located in Eastbourne Old Town, within the stunning Gildredge Park. Newly owned since 2011 and fully restored into one of the areas most exclusive wedding venues.
The Grand Hotel Eastbourne: The only 5 star hotel by the sea in Eastbourne and known by some as the ‘White Palace’, with a range of stunning reception rooms and plenty of rooms for guests to stay if required. See my top wedding venues blog for more information.
The View Hotel Eastbourne: Beautiful wedding suites with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views, they say they’re the only hotel on the seafront that can offer you the option of balcony rooms.
Chatsworth Hotel: Newly renovated as a contemporary boutique hotel, situated on Eastbourne beachfront, yet with an ornate exterior and stately position overlooking the historic pier and bandstand.
Folkington Manor: Pronounced Fo’ington, this is a beautiful grade II* listed English historic house, family home to Jacquie and Harry Brünjes.. Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Set over 85 acres of imperious lawns, landscaped gardens, lakes and woods, Folkington Manor plays host to some of the finest and most unique events in Sussex.
Glynde Place: This venue offers use of the stunning Elizabethan House for part of the celebrations, including the impressive Gallery and Long Hall, and then its beautiful grounds for the wedding breakfast and party. The grounds are completely private with unparalleled views of the South Downs. A stunning location.
Deans Place Hotel: A highly regarded Alfriston Hotel and Restaurant, combining heritage charm with impeccable service and tranquillity. Complete with 4-acre onsite gardens and river, including our dedicated wedding garden with its own wishing well and gazebo, a large flinted outside terrace with stunning views of the East Sussex Countryside.
Eastbourne Pier: The Ocean Suite, situated on the end of Eastbourne Pier, is a unique setting. a private traditional terrace area, perfect for your drink reception, the suite can hold up to 180 guests and is glassed to three sides and bathes in natural light which gives a spectacular feeling of being on board a luxury boat!
St Mary in the Castle: This unique venue on the seafront is actually carved into the side of the West hill! It’s a grade II listed building with an auditorium and domed roof that you really need to see. It’s even used for film location and photo shoots.
Hastings Register Office: This is a really beautiful venue for your wedding ceremony with three room available for use - The Mayors Parlour, The Rosetti Room and The Council Chamber. Make sure to head over to their website to see images of the decor - you’ll be surprised!
Battle Abbey School: Don’t be put off by the word ‘school’. If you’re looking for a castle style wedding then you must look at this one. Situated in the heart of Battle, it’s full of history, picturesque buildings and views. It’s the perfect backdrop for amazing photos of your wedding.
De La Warr Pavilion: An iconic Art Deco building that’s sometimes claimed to be the first major modernist public building in Britain. They specialise in modern creative weddings so if that’s your thing, you should take a closer look. I love this building.
Cooden Beach Hotel: If you’re looking for a ‘beachy’ wedding you’ll love this venue. Literally right on the beach near Bexhill - I love the location of this venue. Amazing views of the beach (which is nice and uncrowded at this end of the beach) and sea while you get married.
Bannatyne Spa Hotel Hastings: Located between Hastings and Battle, this is a large stunning Georgian country house set in 38 acres of formal gardens and woodlands. Complete with large conservatories attached to the house, and a perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies too.
Saltcote Place: This is a really lovely venue in Rye, perfect for more intimate weddings. They say “The only Wedding venue in the UK to rank Number 1 on TripAdvisor in England and to rank 3rd in the World at the same time”. There’s a good reason why! It has amazing views across the countryside to the sea, and manicured gardens.
Brickwall House: An incredibly picturesque historical manor house (who opened their doors to visitors in 1666) set in manicured gardens. Set in a 60-acre estate, this impressive Grade I listed Jacobean Manor House, has 17th and 18th century interiors. A perfect backdrop for stunning photos.
Bodiam Castle: Yes - you can get married at Bodiam Castle! A national trust property, a castle, a moat - what more could you want! Ceremonies take place inside the castle, under the gatehouse tower, followed by celebrating with your guests in the castle courtyard. Marquee weddings available here.
PowderMills Hotel: Less than 7 miles from Hastings, this is a beautiful Georgian house hotel set in 150 acres of countryside. Depending on your wedding size they you can choose from their Cloisters Suite, Pavilion Suite, or even the Lake House. They handle up to 250 guests.
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