20 of the Best East Sussex Wedding Venues
East Sussex boasts some of the best coastline in the country, plus amazing countryside. No wonder it's a brilliant location for your wedding day - here are the best wedding venues in East Sussex
From the beaches at Eastbourne and Camber Sands to the beautiful countryside around High Weald and charming country towns like Lewes, East Sussex is one of the most delightful counties in the UK.
It's no surprise it's a popular location for weddings and we've rounded-up the best wedding venues in East Sussex and nearby Brighton.
Whether you want a seaside wedding, a fairytale day in a castle or to own a country manor for a weekend, these are the most gorgeous spots for a wedding.
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1. Buxted Park Hotel - Uckfield
Set in 312 acres of East Sussex parkland, you'll arrive at Buxted Park Hotel down a sweeping-tree lined drive surrounded by beautiful countryside, manicured gardens and ornamental ponds. The 18th century Palladian manor is a gorgeously romantic setting for your day, with original fireplaces, large sash windows and period features at every turn.
You'll have your choice of elegant function rooms, including The Blue Drawing Room and the Ballroom, plus Buxted Park is licensed for outdoor weddings and can host a marquee on the lawn.
To end the day, there are 44 bedrooms - including seven luxury suites - for you and your guests to enjoy. The friendly team have years of experience pulling together contemporary and traditional wedding days so get in touch to see how they could host your day.
2. Wadhurst Castle - Wadhurst
Have you always pictured a fairy tale day in a castle? Wadhurst Castle is an unforgettable setting for weddings from two to 130 people. You'll have exclusive use of the castle, its magnificent rooms and beautiful gardens, with uninterrupted views across the Sussex countryside.
We love the newly converted Carriage Barn in the Well Courtyard, which offers up additional space for your guests. You can also have a light and airy marquee on the South Lawn or marry outside in the pavilion in their private Walled Garden. Whatever you choose, each location is a dreamy backdrop to your day.
What's special about hiring this Regency castle is that you are welcome to provide your own drinks with no corkage charge. The warm and professional wedding team will also be on hand to help you every step of your planning journey and ensure your day runs like the fairytale you deserve.
3. Brickwall House - Rye
You'll have exclusive use of this Tudor manor house for your big day, with plenty of choice for your ceremony, including the topiary garden which looks out over the deer park.
Brickwall House is an atmospheric, historic venue that boasts walls covered in gold-framed portraiture and vintage furnishings. Intimate weddings can be held in the drawing room, while receptions for up to 200 can be arranged in a large marquee on the rear lawn.
Their in-house wedding planner can supply everything from festoon lighting and a post box for cards to the easel for your table chart, taking the hassle out of a lot of your decorating. Brickwall House has plenty of recommended trusted suppliers so you can leave your plans in safe hands and enjoy the day.
4. The Gallivant - Camber
East Sussex boasts some of the best coastline in the country and if you fancy a beach wedding, The Gallivant is the place to go. Located in Camber, and just an hour and a half from central London, this seaside hotel is the closest thing to the Hamptons in the UK.
The Gallivant features 20 luxury bedrooms, a bar to rival the fanciest London hotels, a gourmet kitchen, and a dream team to help plan your day, all on a huge, sandy beach.
You'll have exclusive use of the venue for your day and can marry inside or have a celebrant-led ceremony on the beach. We highly recommend a drinks reception on the sand dunes too for an insanely beautiful photoshoot.
The Summer House is the perfect venue for your wedding breakfast, where you'll fall in love with their locally sourced feasting menu. Handy they have so many bedrooms after all that food, drink and dancing!
5. George in Rye - Rye
This elegant hotel is nestled among the cobbled streets of the medieval town of Rye. The George has been on Rye's High Street since 1719 and has opened its doors to many historic figures - and you could become part of its history.
Relaxed yet luxurious, contemporary yet bursting with history, it's a unique hotel venue to host your reception at. The traditional Georgian Ballroom, complete with silk hand-painted wallpapers and huge bay windows, can accommodate up to 110 guests, while the Benson Room is ideal for intimate weddings. The idyllic courtyard can also be used for outdoor receptions.
Just four miles away is the white sand beach of Camber Sands which is perfect for slipping off for couple photos. Everything else is covered at the George in Rye, including 34 bedrooms for overnight guests and a wedding breakfast dished up the next morning.
6. The Pilgrims Rest - Battle
If rustic charm is your style, you'll love The Pilgrims Rest. This 600-year-old Wealden Hall House features a huge inglenook fireplaces, ancient beams, oak floors and even a secret tunnel that runs beneath the Abbey walls; it's truly a historic gem.
There are no corkage charges or fixed suppliers making it perfect for a DIY wedding. You barely need to decorate this magical venue - wildflowers and candles are all you need.
Pilgrims Rest has hosted celebrations from medieval banquets to Georgian balls and Edwardian tea dances and now it could hold your wedding too. During warmer months when the sun is shining, you can move into the cottage gardens, while in cooler evenings, you can stoke up the fires and enjoy the cosy atmosphere.
7. Pelham House - Lewes
Pelham House is a beautiful 16th century townhouse that's been lovingly converted into a luxurious wedding venue in the countryside around Lewes.
The whole house will be yours for your special day, starting with getting ready in the luxe Dressing Room in The Courthope Mews, before a ceremony in the intimate Goring Room, the grand Blencowe Room or under the Gazebo on the lawn. Have drinks on the terrace or in the Garden Room and watch the sun go down to the sounds of a live band.
The in-house chefs will create you the perfect wedding breakfast, from sharing boards to fine dining feasts. Once you're all danced and drunk out, you can fall into bed in the Pelham Suite, which spans an entire wing of the house. There's space too for up to 56 guests, who can all help you celebrate into the early hours.
8. The Bell in Ticehurst - Ticehurst
Laidback, quirky and cool, The Bell in Ticehurst is a former coaching inn that's been refurbished into a fabulous wedding venue full of fun. Each corner of the inn is stuffed with curiosities and papered in wallpaper you'll swoon over, making for an eclectic feel.
The Big Room can old up to 90 guest for dinner and 120 evening guests, and recent renovations have added a new bar in The Stables and more space in their Assembly Hall. The whole venue can be yours for the day, including the gardens which provide lovely shade in the summer and boast warming fire pits for winter.
The Bell has one more massive draw: the wine list! Their list features 100 bins and embraces fine English vintages, many of which are produced in the area. If you're wine lovers, this is a dream venue for you.
9. The Grand Brighton - Brighton
This iconic hotel in an unrivalled position on Brighton's beautiful seafront is the ultimate grand seaside wedding venue.
With buckets of traditional charm and incredible views of the sea, The Grand Brighton ideal for everything from micro weddings to banquets of up to 500 guests.
There are four event rooms which are licensed for weddings: the classic wood-panelled Regent Room, the original Victorian Ballroom called 'The Albert Suite', the large Empressa Suite and the newly refurbished Albert 2. In addition, there are smaller wedding spaces which can suit up to 10 people.
If you're after a classic seaside wedding venue, The Grand Brighton is it.
10. Lewes Castle - Lewes
Situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park, overlooking the Sussed countryside, stands the 1,000-year-old enchanting ruins of Lewes Castle.
Your ceremony will take place under the ancient West Tower archway in the castle's Pleasure Gardens. Surrounded by romantic roses and magical ruins, its a unique outdoor setting for your day. Take photos in the glorious Gun Garden with a drinks reception in the beautiful walled garden before a marquee reception.
The friendly and experienced team will be able to direct you to every special spot for photographs, as well as helping with all the planning before you get to the big day. It really is an extraordinary location to say 'I do'.
11. The Cherry Barn - Rye
The Cherry Barn is a renovated 17th century barn found just outside of Rye in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's the perfect country wedding venue, with bags of rustic charm, original beams, and full height glass doors that let the breathtaking surroundings in.
The barn is a blank canvas for any theme, and the team have seen it filled with colourful, fresh flowers, quirky balloons and fun mix and match furniture. The garden and patio areas look truly inviting when festooned with lights in the summer and fire pits in winter.
Holding up to 150 seated guests, The Cherry Barn has all the modern conveniences you could want: dance floor, creche, disabled toilets, kitchen for your caterers and bar facilities.
There's also on-site accommodation available for the wedding party so you can relax and enjoy the day, knowing you can simply roll into bed when your feet can't dance any more.
12. Bluebell Railway - Uckfield
Want something that stands out from the crowd as your wedding venue? The Bluebell Railway is a heritage railway that provides memorable and intimate weddings.
You can hold your ceremony in the charming Waiting Room on the platform, followed by your own private train reception that pulls you gently through the delightful Sussex countryside.
You can have a drinks reception on the platform, and a wedding breakfast in the dining cars of one of their iconic steam engines - or in The Birch Grove Suite at Sheffield Park Station, if that's more your vibe.
You're welcome to visit to see the Railway in its full glory - and you'll want to, it's beautiful - and meet the team. New for 2021, they're offering a new Weekday Wedding package.
13. Horsted Place Hotel - Uckfield
Indulge your Downton fantasies in this magnificent Victorian, Grade II-listed manor house, set in extensive landscaped gardens. Horsted Place Hotel is one of the few venues in Sussex licensed for an outdoor ceremony and the Victorian summerhouse is the ideal sot for exchanging vows in the sunshine.
Inside, the house has two further locations for your big day. The cosy Library can seat up to 40, while the elegant Terrace Room can accommodate up to 100 people. This is one of our favourite spaces, with stylish French doors that open onto the garden room and flood the room with light. In winter, it's magical filled with candles - plus the hotel is covered in real Christmas trees, holly and ivy, adding to the romantic atmosphere.
There are twenty bedrooms and suites on site and decorated in a traditional English country house style for you and your guests to use. The emphasis throughout the hotel is on comfort and feeling at home.
14. Swallows Oast - Wadhurst
Swallows Oast is a charming barn wedding venue that's full of traditional character and has been hosting banquets and weddings for over 20 years.
The Oast's roundels provide a fantastic main entrance into the hall for your ceremony, and the oak-beamed hall is an equally impressive spot to tie the knot. Together with the traditional Minstrels Gallery, the hall can comfortably seat up to 130 guests.
If you'd prefer to marry outdoors, you can choose the Swallows Pavilion and hold part of your service in their picturesque woodland, with a relaxed barbeque for your evening meal. Alternatively, your final choice for reception is a marquee that comes complete with dance floor and chandeliers.
Your guests will love wandering the walkways through the woods that lead into the beautiful countryside and where you can take the most gorgeous photos. A really memorable barn wedding venue for couples who love the rustic-luxe look.
15. Laughton Barns - Lewes
Laughton Barns are found in the heart of the Sussex South Downs and offer 84 acres of picturesque landscape and two idyllic lakes so you're guaranteed spectacular wedding photos.
You can say your vows in the stunning Apple Barn before retiring to the Crown Barn for your wedding breakfast and drinks on the terrace. There's also the options for an outdoor ceremony and reception in their lovely marquee.
An entire side of the rustic oak barn can be opened up to let the outside in, so you can have the feel of an outdoor wedding without the commitment to unpredictable weather.
Included in the venue hire is Laughton's resident DJ who can help you party the night away, and their acclaimed executive chef will design a bespoke wedding breakfast just for you. There's even the option of having a pizza van or street food van in the evening!
16. The Grand Hotel - Eastbourne
The Grand Hotel is known affectionately as The White Palace and is an icon on the Eastbourne Seafront. In addition to the architectural splendour on the outside are three licensed ceremony rooms filled with old world charm and style.
From the Compton Room to the Silverdale Room, you can host weddings from 30 to 200 guests, with five different packages to help cover every aspect of your special day.
Upstairs are a range of beautifully furnished bedrooms and a honeymoon suite with breathtaking views over the sea.
It's not just grand in name, this is a truly luxurious wedding venue in East Sussex that offers incredible photo opportunities.
17. Blackstock Country Estate - Hellingly
Set against the rolling South Downs is Blackstock Country Estate and its two beautiful wedding barns. The Tudor and Granary Barns are elegantly refurbished 16th century spaces that are delightfully rustic and set among 70 acres of gardens, meadows and lakes.
Up to 180 guests can be seated for dining, and there are three large hotels less than 10 minutes' drive away so it's perfect for accommodating large parties.
The happy couple can stay in the Bridal Cottage with its romantic four poster bed and roll top bath. You'll struggle to leave in the morning, we promise.
18. The Spire, St Marks Chapel - Brighton
Located in the fashionable regency area of Kemptown in East Brighton, The Spire is a gorgeous Grade II-listed former church that can host up to 300 guests.
It's a blank canvas for creative couple who'll love to make the most of the quirky features, stained glass windows, gothic doors and shabby chic paintwork. It's dramatic, full of character and calling out for DIY weddings.
The Spire is not licensed for ceremonies but can host celebrant-led ceremonies. It has a fantastic, affordable wedding package which includes an event manager, set-up and set-down around the wedding day, door staff, and music and bar until midnight.
There's only a £2 a head corkage charge so it's an ideal spot for a couple on a budget who want somewhere unique for their reception.
19. The Powder Mills - Battle
If you love wisteria, you won't be disappointed at this romantic country house wedding venue. Compete with its own peacock on the grounds, The Powder Mills is an idyllic setting for your wedding with 150 acres of parkland, lakes, woods and waterfalls.
The 18th century hotel has spaces for intimate weddings to large gatherings of up to 250. The Music Room and Pavilion are gorgeous spaces, but we recommend an outdoor ceremony next to the lake in summer months.
You'll have a personal wedding coordinator on hard to help you bring your day together, and the team's award-winning chef will provide you and your guests with a gourmet experience on the day.
The hotel boasts 49 luxurious rooms and a stunning Bridal Suite for the happy couple.
20. British Airways i360 - Brighton
Overlooking Brighton beach is the iconic British Airways i360 where you can marry in the pod looking out across the sea.
Enjoy the stunning views with up to 175 standing guests or 80 seated theatre-style around you, at 450ft above the beach.
It's one of the most unique wedding venues in the UK and after your wedding, you can toast your union on the beach, on their private beach terrace or at their award-winning Nyetimber Sky Bar.
Together these flexible spaces can cater for up to 400 people so you can have a big evening celebration with your friends and family.
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