My Magical Experience at Ashdown Park (with pics)

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting the wedding showcase at Ashdown Park in East Sussex.  Having seen photographs before my trip and done my research regarding the location I did have an idea of what to expect...but from the moment I approached the driveway of this venue I knew that it was something special.

There is something magical about seeing a young deer hopping around the grounds a few metres away from you whilst approaching a stunning, and very impressive looking building which holds so much exciting history.

The wedding showcase at Ashdown Park was a fantastic opportunity for any wedding planning couple to attend and to get a really good feel of what their beautiful day at the venue could be like.  I was greeted at the entrance of the onsite converted Church by Stephen the Toastmaster for Ashdown Park who has years of experience with weddings not only at Ashdown but also at The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne. I was then introduced to Gemma the Events Manager who took me all around the venue showing me how the process of a wedding celebration would take place at Ashdown Park. 

Your day at Ashdown can be held in just one area if you like, with the cermeony taking place downstairs in a private room followed by a drinks reception.  Your guests would then be led upstairs to an absolutely breath-taking room surrounded by stained glass windows and huge high ceilings. The above image does not do this room justice at all!! The tables were set up beautifully and on your wedding day the cake would be set up at the very end of the room near the tall stained glass windows on a wooden floor, which then converts in to the dance floor! The events team at Ashdown Park have literally thought of everything when it comes to making your wedding planning easy for you, and your guests.

I met the chef in a separate room next to where the ceremony would take place and he had prepared several sampler dishes off the wedding menu for couples to taste.  This was a fantastic idea because not only did I get to see the presentation of the food, but I also got to see the variety, and taste the combinations of food together all in once place. The food looked, and tasted amazing and the Chef had produced some outstanding creations.

You may think that getting married and holding your reception in the same room or in one place might be too much or too formal, but Ashdown Park have more than one option available so that you can create and tailor your perfect wedding day to suit not only your taste, but your budget as well.  If you want an outdoor wedding then they have a gorgeous purpose built garden room for smaller and more intimate nuptials. On a sunny day getting married outdoors at Ashdown Park would produce some stunning wedding photography!  There are also two further rooms around the venue that can be used to host a ceremony or a wedding breakfast if you are looking for something a little less informal.

During the wedding showcase I got to meet several wedding suppliers that are all highly recommended by Ashdown Park.  Paul from Chocolate Dreams was offering a great deal on his Chocolate Fountain hire...which was absolutely delicious I might add....and Jane Lister, a harpist that I met was playing some beautiful tunes on her harp through out the day. Lucie Kinnell from Pin-Ups Hair was there to give ideas and advice on wedding hair and beauty, and as you can see from the photograph above, Elegant Cakes had brought along an elegant collection to display during the day.

The actual venue itself has 106 bedrooms that vary in style and location around the building, but are all fully equipped to offer you a luxurious and very relaxing stay.  There is also a spa, golf course, gym, steam room, snooker room and swimming pool with a jacuzzi for you to relax in both before and after your wedding day if you did book Ashdown Park.

I think that Ashdown Park is suitable for anyone in the throes of wedding planning and is a 'must see' venue if you are in the area! Gemma and her team would be more than happy to show you around the immaculate grounds and I honestly feel that this is one of the most magical and romantic wedding venues that I have seen in a long time!  The service of the staff from the entrance lobby all the way through to your departure is outstanding and I would recommend a stay, or a visit, to anyone.

Ashdown Park is recognised as one of the 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World', and I can honestly say that when you drive onto the grounds and see this venue yourself, you will know why!

Fran x