With so many wedding venues to choose from, and so many things to sort out for your wedding day, it can be difficult to know where to start.
So to get you off of the starting blocks, I’ve listed 10 amazing wedding venues in Sussex below, with background information on all of them.
Even if they’re not the ones for you, this should help to get you thinking about what’s important to you in your chosen wedding venue.
There’s a free PDF download with all of the information at the bottom of this page.
Index
ALL SAINTS CHAPEL
GRAND BRIGHTON
CASTLE GORING
SOUTH LODGE
COWDRAY HOUSE
GOODWOOD HOUSE
PELHAM HOUSE
AMBERLEY CASTLE
PEKES MANOR
GRAND HOTEL EASTBOURNE
All Saints Chapel Weddings
All Saints Chapel, a truly unique event venue, is situtated in the picturesque seaside town of Eastbourne.
Designed by Henry Woodyer, All Saints was built between 1867 and 1869 with land donated by the 7th Duke of Devonshire. The Grade II listed Gothic chapel was added in 1874. The chapel is the best example of Victorian Gothic in the region with some calling it Eastbourne's very own St Pancras station.
All Saints may be themed and adapted to suit your vision, however incredible. Whether it be a wedding, private party, charitable event, dinner, drinks reception or a dance their dedicated team will work with you to realise your dream day.
All Saints offers couples a truly unique environment in which to marry. From the German stained glass windows to the elegant high ceilings and magnificent Belgian altar, All Saints ticks all the boxes when it comes to stunning wedding venues. It's the perfect balance between traditional, authentic and modern décor your guests will love.
The incredible transformation from day to night really is something to behold! Intelligent lighting design is used to create a truly magical space in which to host your evening reception.
They have their own private grounds with access to a beautiful park for taking wedding photos. Hollywell Beach, a short stroll away, also offers a stunning backdrop to your photographs.
According to You & Your Wedding magazine (2014), the atmospheric interior is one of the best places in Great Britain to marry.
Contact details:
All Saints Chapel, 22 Darley Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7GE
Call Dariana Galli on 07885 548227
Email allsaintsweddingsandevents@gmail.com
www.allsaintschapeleastbourne.org
The Grand Brighton Weddings
With stunning sea views, unforgettable character, and luxurious little touches, The Grand Brighton is an exquisite setting for your wedding day.
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate Brighton wedding or a large celebration for up to 500 guests, their four fully-licensed private event spaces offer the flexibility to host the day your way. The traditional Regent Room is the perfect space for smaller ceremonies, before stepping outside for picturesque seaside photographs. Larger receptions can enjoy dinner and dancing in the gorgeous sea-facing Empress Suite.
Built as a seaside retreat for the London set, The Grand Brighton was designed with flexibility in mind. The four fully-licensed private event rooms double up as ceremony spaces as well as reception areas and can accommodate anything from intimate gatherings to banquets for 500 guests.
Napoleon and Eugenie
Up on the first floor they have their smallest wedding spaces suitable for 10 to 24 guests. These interflowing intimate suites offer the perfect smaller wedding venue encompassing a separate ceremony space, drinks reception and wedding breakfast area, all overlooking the sea with a picturesque balcony perfect for wedding photos.
The Consort Room
Located on the ground floor of the hotel The Consort Room is ideal for ceremonies of up to 75 guests and can also be hired for a small wedding breakfast of up to 60 guests. Its classic design and neutral tones provide a perfect backdrop to your special day.
The Regent Room
The traditional wood panelled Regent Room is the perfect space for smaller ceremonies of up to 80 guests on the ground floor beneath the famous staircase. This room is also ideal for a wedding breakfast for up to 60 or post-ceremony drinks reception.
GB2
This beautifully appointed room is ideal for ceremonies of up to 100 guests. Its bright classic-meets-contemporary decor and the backdrop of the sea is a wonderful setting for both the ceremony and wedding breakfast for up to 80.
The Empress Suite
The Empress Suite is extremely flexible and can be used as one open space for up to 500, or divided into four separate interflowing suites for weddings of 150+. The spacious suite offers great flexibility, meaning it's perfect for medium to large ceremonies and wedding receptions. The classic design features help to compliment a whole range of themes and colour schemes. The area is also available as a dry hire venue to include the use kitchen space.
Contact details:
The Grand Hotel Brighton, 97-99 Kings Rd, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW
Call their wedding co-ordinator on 01273 224355
Email wedding@grandbrighton.co.uk
www.grandbrighton.co.uk/weddings-and-special-occasions
Castle Goring Weddings
Castle Goring is a magnificent and unique Grade 1 listed 18th-century building regarded as one of the most important houses architecturally in the country. Built several hundred years ago in beautiful grounds surrounded by ancient woodland in the South Downs National Park, this newly restored venue provides the ideal setting for weddings. It was the first house ever built with a dual façade, Greco-Roman on the Southside and Castellated Gothic on the North.
They have hosted Asian, Traditional, Gothic, Chinese, same-sex weddings with couples from all over the world (Canada, China, Australia, France & India).
Castle Goring has many wonderful rooms available for celebrating your dream wedding. Each room and space has its own original features and together can accommodate anywhere from 10 guests up to 250 within the main building.
The Ceremonial Hall
A beautiful oval room with grand double doors to the rear and smaller traditional entrance to the side. This room is licensed for ceremonies and can comfortably seat up to 100 guests. You can also seat 70 guests in a traditional seating style for a formal wedding breakfast.
State Rooms, Queen Victoria Rooms & Dining Room
On the first floor within the main building there is an enfilade of 3 large interconnecting State Rooms known as the Aphrodite Drawing Room, the Galba Drawing Room, and the Library, which are perfect for enjoying reception drinks and canapes and for after-dinner relaxation. The Castle Dining Room also on the first floor can seat 50 guests for a formal wedding breakfast. There are two further interconnecting rooms on the first floor which guests are also encouraged to use, Queen Victoria’s Rooms, which can be used for a variety of purposes.
Terrace
Their stunning terrace is also licensed for ceremonies and offers the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. This is also another delightful space to enjoy your reception with guests spilling onto the lawns. The balcony and staircases which adorn the back of the Castle link directly back into the State Rooms so guests are free to go back and forth as they explore the property.
Marquee
The marquee would be situated on the South Lawns of the Castle and would be the location for the formal meal for the day. The marquee has a fully clear wall to the front to allow guests to enjoy the elegant façade of the building as well as let in lots of natural light. The setting is very neutral with ivory lining and light carpet. The standard structure can accommodate up to 120 guests for dining and larger marquees are also available by arrangement.
Mary & Percy Shelley Bridal Suite
The Bridal Suite, named in honour of the great Romantic couple who owned the castle originally, is perfect for getting ready the morning of the wedding. The room is filled with natural light, a beautiful imperial-sized bed with a fantastic domed canopy and exquisite French furniture. There are also comfortable sofas and statement furniture offering the perfect backdrop for pre-wedding photos. Many brides find the bridal suite, which also has a large en-suite bathroom with an elegant roll top bath and shower facilities, the ideal setting for preparing for their wedding - with their bridesmaids, hairdressers, make-up artists, and manicurists on hand to share in the occasion and the prosecco.
Contact details:
Castle Goring, Arundel Rd, Angmering, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3UN
Contact: 01903 790254
Email weddings@castlegoring.com
www.castlegoring.com
South Lodge Weddings
South Lodge is the perfect venue for all seasons. Set within the dramatic South Downs, they have 93 acres of parkland, panoramic views to die for in summer from their outdoor wedding pavilion, and plenty of vibrant colours in the autumn set a theme for your wedding day. They have beautiful candlelit ceremonies and roaring log fires add to the atmosphere of romance when there is a chill in the winter air. In spring they have a striking display of rhododendrons that has to been seen to be fully appreciated.
It’s a picture perfect wedding venue in West Sussex, for any civil wedding ceremony or partnership celebration. Their award-winning dining facilities include private banqueting suites sharing a marble foyer area which lead to a flowered terrace, rolling lawns and the beautiful lake.
They can accommodate from as little as 10 people up to 150 guests for a wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast and up to 250 for your evening reception.
They have an amazing selection of suites and rooms, every one individually styled so that no two are the same. Some have hand carved four-poster beds, others have two baths side by side, and two even have their own private open air hot tubs! Overall, this 5 star rated venue, has 85 individually designed bedrooms and two award-winning restaurants.
Notes on rooms at South Lodge…
Wordsworth is the most popular room for civil ceremonies. With a secret door for the bride to make her entrance, this room is ideal for a larger guest list. Triple aspect windows and patio doors leading to the terrace where your guests can mingle prior to your ceremony. Ceremony capacity: 80-150 guests.
The gorgeous Gladstone banqueting room boasts triple aspect windows and is decorated with neutral tones, ideal for incorporating your colour scheme. Offering high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and stunning views of the South Downs make this a beautiful suite, perfect for your wedding breakfast & speeches. Reception capacity: 50-150 guests.
Featuring large windows and access to the private terrace, Disraeli is available for an intimate wedding breakfast. With breathtaking views of the South Downs it is perfect to enjoy with close family & friends. Reception capacity: 10-50 guests.
Glyndebourne has double aspect windows and a long walk way for your dramatic entrance, this is a perfect room for that medium sized ceremony or reception. Ceremony capacity: 70 guests, reception capacity: 70 guests.
Goodwood features three large windows with the option of a long or short aisle for your dramatic entrance, this is a perfect room for a medium sized ceremony or reception. Ceremony capacity: 4-50 guests.
The Wedding Pavilion offers an outside ceremony with the beautiful backdrop of the 19th century building. Dressed with our red carpet and white lawn chairs, it allows you to say 'I do' in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Ceremony capacity: 150 guests.
Contact details:
South Lodge, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PS
Contact Lindsey Price on 01403 892316
Email lindsey.price@exclusive.co.uk
Click here for website
Cowdray House Weddings
Cowdray House is a magical setting for weddings. With its beautiful gardens, impressive architecture and elegant interiors, it is an exceptional exclusive-use venue for civil wedding ceremonies and wedding receptions, it lends itself perfectly to large parties as well as more intimate gatherings, while still retaining the warmth of a family home.
The House is located at the heart of the 16,500 acre Cowdray Estate and provides the bridal party with total privacy.
Set in 110 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland, Cowdray House and its surroundings provide a stunning backdrop for wedding photographs. Buck Hall, the wood-panelled Dining Room, and the Summer Pavilion, located on the front lawn, are all licensed for civil ceremonies. Drink receptions can be held on the manicured croquet lawn with far-reaching views of the South Downs or in two elegant reception rooms – the Library and Drawing Room – which open onto the front terrace.
Buck Hall with its vaulted ceiling, stain-glassed windows and minstrels gallery is the ideal location to hold a wedding breakfast. Cowdray House can welcome up to 150 guests for a formal dining event, up to 300 for cocktail receptions and there is marquee space for around 600 guests.
Cowdray House has 22 beautiful bedrooms with luxurious ensuite bathrooms. The Diamond suite, with its far-reaching rural views, large balcony and stunning bathroom with a dressing room, is the perfect place for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready. Each of the bedrooms have been designed with guests’ needs in mind with luxury toiletries, Cowdray-embossed towels, robes and slippers. Most bedrooms have stunning views over the South Downs.
On the Estate, there is also accommodation available in the Lodge at Cowdray Park Golf Club which can accommodate 16 guests and four pretty holiday cottages that sleep 13. Across the Estate, over 70 wedding guests can be accommodated overnight.
Guests can also enjoy Cowdray House’s superb facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bowling alley and tennis court. There is also the opportunity to make use of all the activities on the wider Estate from a round of golf on the18 hole championship course to fly fishing for brown trout on the River Rother, wildlife tours and clay pigeon shooting.
Cowdray is the home of British polo and the sport is played throughout the summer months. Polo lessons can also be arranged, as well as tickets to polo matches as and when they are scheduled.
Contact details:
Cowdray House, Cowdray Park, Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 0AY
Contact the events team on 01730 814522
Email houseevents@cowdray.co.uk
www.cowdray.co.uk/event-venues/weddings
Goodwood House Weddings
Set at the heart of 12,000 acres of stunning park and woodland, Goodwood House has hosted family celebrations for over 300 years. Home to the Dukes of Richmond since 1697, there is a palpable sense of history here, in a place that was designed purely for entertaining and pleasure. With its classic Regency architecture, fabulous collection of art and furniture, and breathtakingly beautiful grounds, it’s hard to imagine a more English setting for your wedding.
The venue’s team have experience of looking after parties of all sizes, from small private affairs to balls of over a thousand people. This includes the head chef designing the menu with you, using home-grown organic produce from Goodwood Home Farm, while their butler will ensure the smooth and seamless running of the day itself to make sure that you and your guests have everything you could possibly need.
For a night of luxury for you and your close wedding party, Hound Lodge is their private country retreat with 10 fabulous and unique bedrooms, with your own butler and chef.
The rest of your wedding party can stay at The Goodwood Hotel which has 91 bedrooms and suites, where guests can relax with a wide range of beauty treatments to choose from, including facials and massage. Your hotel guests will arrive at Goodwood House aboard a vintage bus, which will return everyone at the end of the evening.
A summary of the rooms available on your day are listed below.
The State Apartments reflect the classicism of the Regency period and include a fabulous collection of art and furniture, together with a spectacular choice of rooms, two of which are licensed for civil ceremonies.
The Egyptian dining room is a testament to the 19th century fascination with ancient Egypt and decorative opulence. Richly detailed with gilded cartouches, sphinxes and crocodiles, it is perfect for intimate ceremonies and wedding breakfasts.
The yellow drawing room is a stunning setting for your wedding ceremony. Walk down the aisle surrounded by your friends and family in the ornate splendour of this glorious room.
The ballroom is executed in the French style of Louis XV, with a charming minstrel’s gallery to one end, this grand space is hung with portraits of Kings and Queens and the Dukes and Duchesses of Richmond and Gordon. The Ballroom combines romance with opulence, providing a memorable backdrop.
The card room is an eminently photogenic room in which to sign the Register after your wedding ceremony, the Card Room houses a unique collection of Sèvres porcelain and there are wonderful views across the park.
The supper room, running parallel to the Ballroom, is most frequently used as a party space following a wedding breakfast in the Ballroom. You and your guests can dance the night away, to the accompaniment of a live band or DJ.
The music room is home to a remarkable chimney piece and chairs by William Kent, the Music Room looks out onto the Colonnade. The perfect space to spend a little quiet time catching up with friends and family.
The Goodwood tapestries in the tapestry drawing room are designed to look like paintings and form part of a set ordered by Louis XV for his private Château at Marly. It provides the most exquisite back drop for wedding photography and its position offers beautiful views of the sunset.
Contact details:
Goodwood House, Kennel Hill, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PX
Contact the weddings team on 01243 520102
Email weddings@goodwood.com
www.goodwood.com/weddings
Pelham House Hotel Weddings
Pelham house is located in Lewes, a historic town of charming cottages surrounded by the rolling hills of the South Downs. Thanks to its town centre location, a stone’s throw from the station, all of your friends and family can be in attendance. Yet with its peaceful landscaped gardens and clifftop views you’ll feel a million miles from anywhere.
The Goring Room is the perfect place for your ceremony. Named after George Goring, the lawyer and MP who originally built the house in the 16th century, it can be configured for both intimate and large-scale gatherings with seats for up to 125 guests – rising to 150 with some standing.
The venue is also also licensed to hold outdoor weddings with ceremonies taking place in The Gazebo, surrounded pristine manicured lawns, with the rolling South Downs in the distance.
In days gone by, The Blencowe Room was the drawing room where esteemed guests were received, wined and dined. Today, it’s the stage for your post-wedding dining and evening entertainment. Its historic wood-panelling, dramatic marble pilasters and rich colour palette creates the perfect setting for your wedding reception. You can also tailor the space to your theme with your own table arrangement and choice of room and table dressing. With settings for between 50 to 150 guests, there’s space for a band or DJ and room for a long top table.
The Garden Room, just across the hall from The Blencowe Room, is where you’ll find the main bar, a sophisticated space complete with tub chairs, brushed metals, muted colours and every cocktail under the sun. Natural light floods in from the wall of almost-floor-to-ceiling windows.
Contact details:
Pelham House Hotel, St Andrew's Ln, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UW
Contact the events team on 01273 030204
Email pelhamhouse@gallopinggourmet.co.uk
www.pelhamhouseweddings.co.uk
Amberley Castle Weddings
Nestled safe and secure behind a portcullis, Amberley Castle lies waiting to be discovered as a truly unique wedding venue.
On the doorstep of the South Downs National Park, with its green rolling pastures, open spaces, ancient woodlands and river valleys Amberley Castle has been used exclusively by royalty, politicians and VIPs throughout its history. 12 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens (roamed by a resident white peacock) set the scene and the castle is still completely enclosed by a high curtain wall, with the medieval stonework forming an evocative backdrop to your special day.
Venture inside and you are greeted by 900 years of history - suits of armour stand to attention, intricate coats of arms tell tales of previous residents and original stonework frames every aspect. Fine fabrics and beautiful antiques complete the setting along with roaring log fires in the winter months.
Ceremony
Your ceremony would take place in the Great Room. Able to accommodate up to 56 guests, this beautiful space is entered through an archway dating back to 1103, with stunning views across the hotel's courtyard and direct access to the gardens outside. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more intimate ceremony, the King Charles I Room is able to accommodate up to 12 of your nearest and dearest. With its superb wood-panelled walls, fireplace and views across the South Downs, this characterful space forms a perfect backdrop to exchange your vows.
For the drinks reception you can choose from either of the lovingly-tended courtyards or our charming lounges. Savour Champagne and canapés while taking full advantage of the photo opportunities that Amberley Castle provides, and choose from three unique dining rooms, each offering individual character and style for your wedding breakfast.
Exclusive use of the venue is available for up to 250 guests, day weddings cater for up to 56 guests, 19 luxurious guest rooms and suites are available.
Contact details:
Amberley Castle, Church St, Amberley, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT
Call 01798 831992
Email events@amberleycastle.co.uk
www.amberleycastle.co.uk/weddings
Pekes Manor Weddings
Pekes is a lovely old East Sussex pre-Tudor Manor House with five surrounding smaller houses, set among charming gardens within a small private estate approached by two long private drives. The estate sits peacefully in open countryside with absolutely stunning views all round, across the Wealden landscape and over to the South Downs.
Their very large ‘Ducks’ lawn at the back of the Manor House takes marquees for up to 180 people, while there are plenty of other lawned areas, as well as The Space, a large open area to do what you like in.
You can also enjoy Pekes extensive facilities which include: an indoor heated swimming pool, two hot tubs, two saunas, a hard tennis court, lawn badminton, children’s play areas… or you can just walk off straight across open farmland.
You can now have your legal Marriage Ceremony in their atmospheric beamed Tudor Dining Room, and Stay, Marry & Celebrate in one lovely private place.
They offer you the whole of Pekes as you see it, to be yours exclusively to create your own Wedding & Celebration; they impose no suppliers, there are no extras. Their self-catering accommodation for up to 63 people is in our Manor House and the five other close-by houses. You can stay for a minimum of 2 nights, 3 nights is most popular, and if you want to stay longer – no problem.
Pekes is an Approved and Licensed Venue for Civil Marriages and Partnerships, so you can do everything on the spot without needing to book your legal Ceremony at a Registry Office.
From 2019 you can have your Ceremony in their lovely old Tudor Dining Room (50 people sitting or 70 standing), and complete it wherever you like in the gardens & grounds.
Nearby churches include: Chiddingly Parish Church, in the village. Tel: 01825 840 270, and St Peter & St Paul, Hellingly, in the next door village. Tel: 01323 440 246.
Contact details:
Pekes Manor, Nash Street, Golden Cross, Near Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4AD
Contact Amy Chessell on 07765 405657
Email events@pekesmanor.com
https://weddings.pekesmanor.co.uk
The Grand Hotel Eastbourne Weddings
Affectionately known as The White Palace, the Grand Hotel Eastbourne commands breathtaking views of the sea at Eastbourne, and the dramatic cliffs at Beachy Head. Grand by name but not by nature, The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne say that not only are they the only 5 star luxury hotel to be found on the English seaside, but also one of the friendliest.
As one of the longest established wedding and civil partnership venues in Eastbourne they have 3 licensed wedding venues, from the elegant Princes Room for up to 120 guests to the gorgeous Arundel Room, or the wood panelled Dukes Room for smaller celebrations.
Couples have been tying the knot at The Grand for generations, seduced by its old world charm, elegance and style. Many couples have been enticed by their fabulous reception rooms, superb cuisine and co-ordinators at every stage, helping you chose from the various wedding packages, or even designing your own wedding from scratch, ensuring that your wedding or civil partnership is unique to you.
From the architectural splendour of the Compton Room to the spectacular Silverdale Room, whether your wedding or civil partnership is a small family affair or an event on a grand scale, this is a gorgeous seaside setting. Sumptuous suites with breathtaking views overlooking the sea are available. If you’re looking for a luxury wedding venue in East Sussex this is definitely one to consider.
Contact details:
The Grand Hotel, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4EQ
Call the wedding team on 01323 412345
Email weddings@grandeastbourne.com
www.grandeastbourne.com/wedding-venue-sussex