10 brilliant Rye wedding venues
Welcome to my guide of the best 10 wedding venues in Rye, East Sussex.
Just imagine getting married in this brilliant place with its great range of venue styles from slightly more modern to places with tons of history and character.
I love it’s charming cobbled streets and tiny passageways and old buildings with crooked walls that make for memorable wedding photos. And don’t forget Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Castle - small but atmospheric.
The centre of town is around two miles from the sea, and if you’re interested in Rye beach wedding venues make sure to check out The Gallivant (see below) near Camber Sands beach - only four miles from the town centre.
However, with all of the venues here there’s the option to be whisked off to the vast beach and amazing sand dunes for some epic photos.
Rye is also well known for it’s antique shops, collector’s book shops, and large range of art galleries showing the works of local artists, so there’s plenty to browse if you’re planning to stay here after your wedding day (there’s a great choice of accommodation in the town).
I have sneaked a couple of not-to-be-missed venues that aren’t in the town such as Battle Abbey School and Brickwall House. They’re just too good to leave out, and only a short drive from Rye.
So, in no particular order, here are the venues - I hope that you find your perfect place.
Click for more details, or simply scroll past the the index…
Page contents
Venue index
SALTCOTE PLACE
THE GEORGE HOTEL
THE MERMAID INN
RYE TOWN HALL
BRICKWALL HOUSE
THE CHERRY BARN
BATTLE ABBEY SCHOOL
ST MARY’S HALL
WHITE VINE HOUSE
THE GALLIVANT
Rye Wedding Venue Details
Saltcote Place
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”! Well deserved, I say. This country house gives you exclusive use, with accommodation for 14 guests and another 70 in a nearby associated property.
Set in secure elevated grounds with amazing views, and formal gardens, Saltcote has options for indoor and outdoor weddings with a maximum capacity of 200, although they welcome intimate weddings. Their lawns and gardens are a lovely backdrop for your wedding photos.
They’re a very short walk into town - perfect for guests staying in the middle of the town, or for you to wander around the cobbled streets the day after your wedding, if you’re sticking around for a bit.
The George Hotel
An exquisite family run Grade II listed hotel and wedding venue that dates all the way back to 1575 when it was a coaching inn. Perfect for smaller and large weddings with a maximum capacity of 120 guests. It’s available on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis.
Make sure to check out their elegant Georgian Ballroom with minstrel’s gallery that seats up to 120 guests and is licensed for civil ceremonies. Their 16th century Benson room is ideal for more intimate weddings and can be used in tandem with the ballroom for a drinks reception or a separate bar.
They have 34 individually-designed ensuite bedrooms, but the icing on the (wedding) cake is ‘Room 41’ - outrageously decadent, the jade green suite has a skylight, round bed and an internal staircase leading to a huge bathroom with nickel double roll-top bath!
If you’d prefer your ceremony at the Town Hall (see further below) rather than the Regency Ballroom, this is no problem - carry on your celebrations at The George.
The Mermaid Inn
One of the oldest Inns in England, the Mermaid Inn is stacked with history with cellars dating from 1156 and the building rebuilt in 1420.
If you like the charm of old creaky floorboards, sloping ceilings and old staircases, and a secret passageway entrance that local smugglers used in the 1730s and 1740s, this one could be just right for you - I love the history it evokes.
Local Wedding Ceremony venues for you are St Marys Church in Rye and Rye Town Hall. Follow this with options that include The Tudor Room, which provides the perfect stage for up to 90 guests for your wedding breakfast / champagne reception.
They also have the cozy, atmospheric Dr Syn’s Dining Room (look for the wall carvings of the Catholic priests fleeing to the continent at the time of the Reformation) or the privacy of the Board Room for smaller functions.
There’s a Honeymoon Suite for you and accommodation for guests in 31 unique rooms.
Despite it’s central location they’re the only hotel in the centre of town with its own on-site parking (space for 15 cars at the moment due to Covid restrictions, but normally more with double parking).
Website
Google map location
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Rye Town Hall
Fancy the services of the Town Crier on your wedding day? You can if you have your ceremony at the Town Hall!
He will:
Greet you guests on arrival
Escort you (the bride) to the Main Chamber
After the ceremony, when everyone is gathered outside, he’ll deliver the wedding ‘cry’, announcing your marriage to the town!
If your reception is being held within the town, he can also lead your wedding party to your venue
Your ceremony will take place in the oak panelled Main Chamber of the Town Hall, which is an elegant Georgian building built in 1742.
It’s located in the heart of Rye, within convenient walking distance of a number of the local reception venues. However… please note that it’s up a cobbled hill with narrow pavements, so if you have guests that would find this a struggle it would be wise to arrange for them to be dropped off outside. Please read my parking and transportation notes further below.
The Town Hall provides a stunning setting for the perfect wedding photos, as well as being close to a number of beautiful settings including the Gun Gardens, which also offer great photo opportunities with views stretching out to sea.
Brickwall House
When you arrive here you’ll be so impressed by the gates and long driveway leading up to this gorgeous Grade 11 listed Manor House. It’s located in Northiam a 15 minute drive from the centre of Rye.
You can choose either to marry in a civil ceremony in their drawing room, with space for 90 inside, or with 120 (90 inside and 30 in the courtyard) or to have a symbolic ceremony on their lawns, or next to the Topiary Garden looking out onto the beautiful deer park. St. Mary’s Church in Northiam is within walking distance. They have an on-site marquee for up to 200 guests. You’ll have access to the bridal dressing room.
It’s worth noting:
Their late licence available until 1am, with silent disco
There are no corkage fees
Parking for up to 50 cars
Space for a pool party
Exclusive use
Lastly, their gorgeous landscaped gardens are the perfect location for your photos!
Website
Google map location
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The Cherry Barn
Although a relatively new venue (launched in June 2018) they’ve hosted over 50 weddings. It’s a lovely 17th century oak framed barn that’s been completely restored, with full-height glass doors and windows that look out over the orchard and views of the surrounding countryside, and modern extensions that complement the barn.
It’s licensed for ceremonies, but if you’d prefer a religious ceremony, the Norman church of St Peter and St Paul in Peasmarsh is a short stroll away. For outdoor ceremonies there’s the option of their oak framed gazebo, or you can even have your ceremony (weather permitting) in their woodland or under an oak tree!
The venue can seat up to 150 guests comfortably, and you can have exclusive 48 hour hire. There’s a dance floor available too.
Click here to download a layout plan of the venue
Website
Google map location
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Battle Abbey School
Don’t be put off by the word ‘school’. If you’re looking for a stunning, unique castle style wedding venue lots of history then you must take a 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.
I really like that they have a very flexible space to stage your ceremony, reception drinks, wedding breakfast and evening celebration. There’s enough space to avoid the need for turning round rooms with guests in occupation, which is great.
Capacity-wise:
You can have up to 120 guests seated in their brilliant wood panelled Duke’s Library for your wedding breakfast
150 for ceremonies
Up to 250 for barbeque or garden party events and evening entertainment
Due to the size of the venue they recommend a minimum of 65 guests for the day
St Mary’s Hall
This is a lovely village hall, based in Udimore, down a quiet country lane in a peaceful, rustic setting. It’s only 3 miles west of Rye and is surrounded by the beautiful Grade I listed church of St Mary, the village cricket pitch, pear orchards and a wildlife pond.
If you fancy an informal and relaxed wedding this venue could be perfect for you. The hall has everything you need for a DIY wedding including a well equipped kitchen and bar - you can look after the bar yourselves or hire a company to do this for you.
Outside, there’s a lovely lawn surrounded by hedging with a gateway out to the orchards at the far side - perfect for sneaking away for some photos of you both.
If you don’t have a ceremony venue booked, St Mary’s Church is right next to the hall. If you’re interested in this then the first thing to do to secure a date is to contact the church wardens (details on website and one of you needs to demonstrate that you have a connection with the parish).
For an idea of capacity click here to download a floor plan. Marquees can be erected on the lawn for an additional cost.
Note: They’re fully booked from May to October 2021
Website
Google map location
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White Vine House (Whitehouse)
Perfect for intimate wedding gatherings, Whitehouse as it’s now known, a Manor House, is right in the middle of Rye.
Its origins go back to the 13th century. A handsome Georgian frontage has been added since but essentially the building retains much of its distinguished Medieval and Elizabethan character.
It has a dining capacity of 22, and six bespoke bedrooms including a bridal suite.
They like to use local organic produce wherever possible. For example, locally reared lamb from the Wickham Manor Farm in nearby Winchelsea or some famous Rye Bay Scallops. Their beef is renowned throughout the county.
Dinner is served in one of our newly restored dining rooms both of which evoke the feeling of White Vine House's long and distinguished history. You could be in their Georgian front room or the Elizabethan room with its exquisite oak panelling. Your meal will be accompanied by a wine from our carefully chosen list containing many bottles that cannot easily be found elsewhere.
The Gallivant
I just love the location of the Gallivant. It’s such a romantic location set across from Camber Sands with its dunes and flat sandy beach as far as you can see.
It’s a unique luxury coastal venue that specialises in weddings that are relaxed and informal.
The venue was designed to be your home away from home - there’s no bar and restaurant here, just their Sitting Room and Dining Room. Imagine your drinks reception in the dunes overlooking the endless sandy beach.
It’s an exclusive use venue, licensed for civil ceremonies, with 20 bedrooms for you and your guests. With all of their weddings taking the whole house, kicking your shoes off at the door, and making yourselves at home, really is mandatory!
Worth noting:
“The food is so good you may not make it to the beach" - Jay Rayner, 2020
Largest list of English wines and spirits in the country
Listed in 50 of the best hotels in the UK - The Guardian 2018
Sustainable Restaurant Award Winner 2017
There’s a marquee available if you’d like, a dance floor, an entertainment licence, live band facilities and more. Capacity of 100 for your ceremony and reception.
Please note that the Gallivant is a seven minute drive from the town centre, so if you’re having your ceremony in Rye you’ll need transport to get you to this venue.
If you’re thinking of having your couples photos on Camber Sands beach, here’s a great website that lets you know if the tide will be low or high at that time!
Website
Google map location
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Heel stoppers for your wedding shoes
If I could give you a small but important recommendation for getting married in the centre of Rye, it would be this. Buy yourself some Heel Stoppers - walking on the cobbled side streets in heels can be tricky to say the least.
Designed to stop your heels from sinking into grass, they should help you to cope with the cobbles too! You might want to let your guests know about them as well.
Parking
There are a number of car parks in the town, which do get busy in summer months.
Go to Rye County Councils guide to parking
Here's a link to the interactive Parkopedia map, which I find more user friendly
NOTE: Pricing is subject to change
By Train
Rye railway station is on the Marshlink line between Hastings and Ashford. This now provides an hourly service from Eastbourne to Ashford International connecting with Eurostar services to Paris Gare du Nord and the high-speed Class 395 service to London St Pancras. Gatwick Airport can be reached by rail via Eastbourne or Lewes.
Summary
So there you have it - my list of the best wedding venues in and close to Rye.
Here’s a summary of the above:
Rye town is a pretty, charming location with cobbled streets and atmospheric alleys.
Whether you have a more intimate wedding planned or something on a larger scale, there’s something to suit every couple.
If you’re looking for a venue and town with tons of history you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Looking for a relaxed, luxury venue by, in my opinion, the most stunning sandy beach in the South East? You won't find better than the Gallivant.
Rye has plenty of accommodation to host your guests if your chosen venue doesn’t have enough bedrooms.
There are plenty of parking spaces and car parks, but bear in mind that due to the popularity of Rye, Summer can be very busy.
If you’re prepared to book a venue a short drive outside of the town, you can choose from venues surrounded by beautiful countryside with plenty of on-site parking.
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