EAST SUSSEX WEDDING VENUES
East Sussex has always been a hot spot for wedding venues. With stunning countryside, countless picturesque villages, beautiful beaches and lively coastal towns, it’s a pretty great place for newly engaged couples to plan their wedding day. Here’s a list of some refreshingly different, cool and modern wedding venues in East Sussex that are definitely worth checking out.
1. CHARLESTON FARMHOUSE NEAR LEWES
Former home and studio of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston Farmhouse was a key gathering place for some of the most influential artists, writers and thinkers of the 20th Century. The Charleston Trust now take on a select amount of weddings each year hosted in the newly restored barns. Although not currently licensed for civil ceremonies blessings can be hosted in their Hay Barn; a flint barn with vaulted timber ceiling and modern polished concrete floors. The Barnyard area and Centenary Garden at Charleston are great options if you’re interested in an outdoor ceremony. For couples wanting a church ceremony Charleston Farmhouse is a very short distance from two churches closely linked to the history of Bloomsbury. St Peters Church in Firle and Berwick Church. The latter has breathtaking frescos painted by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell commissioned during the Second World War.
2. THE TOWNER ART GALLERY IN EASTBOURNE
I love an art gallery wedding. The bright interiors provide amazing light perfect for a wedding. The Towner art gallery in Eastbourne was recently described as the most photogenic building in the country thanks to its rainbow-coloured exterior by Lothar Gotz. Located in Eastbourne’s Devonshire Quarter and just a short stroll from the beach, The Towner is in the perfect spot to grab some beach front wedding portraits. The Towner has a variety of rooms available for hire including the top floor gallery cafe and terrace that will give any wedding a modern and contemporary edge.
3. RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE
Love the idea of a destination wedding in Italy or France? The good news is you don’t have to travel that far to get married in a beautiful vineyard sounded by idyllic views of the countryside. Rathfinny Wine Estate was set up in 2010 and produces some of the worlds best sparkling wine. If you’re after a wedding in an incredible location, good wine, amazing food and homely accommodation for guests, Rathfinny Wine Estate might be worth exploring.
4. PORT HOTEL IN EASTBOURNE
Port Hotel is Eastbourne’s newly restored townhouse standing proudly on Royal Parade overlooking the sea. The matte black facade sets it apart from its coastal rivals as a cool alternative to the usual seaside hotels dotted along the promenade. The stylish rooms boast views of the sea, Eastbourne town and the South Downs. The restaurant serves locally produced and seasonal food. Although Port isn’t a licensed wedding venue itself, the hotel offers a full private hire experience allowing couples to host up to 42 guests in its 19 bedrooms. Special private dining options are also available making Port the perfect venue for a micro wedding weekender.
5. PELHAM HOUSE IN LEWES
Located in the beautiful historic town of Lewes, Pelham House is a hidden gem. Recently renovated, the16th century townhouse is tucked away just off Lewes High Street and has been transformed into a luxurious and elegant wedding venue.
Set within its own picturesque grounds with views of the South Downs National Park, Pelham House gives you a real sense of escapism with easy links to Brighton and London. There are 29 exquisitely designed rooms for guests to enjoy and you can even hire the entire venue exclusively for your wedding so you’ll have the place to yourselves.
6. THE DEPOT IN LEWES
Just around the corner from Pelham House and next to Lewes train station is the Depot. An award winning 3 screen cinema showing a wide range of mainstream, independent and classic films. The bar and restaurant leads out onto a sun drenched terrace and garden. The venue is available for small weddings and private events.
7. THE GALLIVANT IN CAMBER SANDS
There aren’t many wedding venues in Sussex where you and your guests can stroll barefoot onto a sandy beach after the ceremony. Its recent redesign includes a gorgeous new bar and 20 impeccably designed bedrooms. The Gallivant is one of the most unique and desirable places along the South Coast to host a wedding.
8. THE DE LA WARR PAVILION IN BEXHILL-ON-SEA
The De La Warr Pavilion needs no introduction and has been hosting weddings in all its 1930’s art deco glory for years but I still think it deserves a mention. An infamous venue in East Sussex hosting exhibitions, talks, films and live events. The De La Warr is an iconic venue to host your wedding. Ceremonies can take place in the auditorium and reception drinks are served on the top floor overlooking the sea.
9. THE BELL IN TICEHURST
Another great venue that recently upped its game with a complete revamp is The Bell in Ticehurst. If you’re looking for the informal setting of a pub but with a unique twist then this old coaching inn dating back to 1560 is for you. The Big Room with its stunning woodland wallpaper can host up to 90 guests during the day and up to 120 for the evening party.
10. THE ROYAL PAVILION IN BRIGHTON
Another archetypal East Sussex wedding venue is The Royal Pavilion in Brighton. I must admit I’ve lived in East Sussex my whole life and only visited the pavilion for the first time a few years ago. King George IV had this ludicrously extravagant home built as his party pad by the sea and by doing so made Brighton the fashionable place to be seen. Regency architecture fused with Asian aesthetic and interiors even more impressive that its exterior. Several rooms in the pavilion are available for to hire for weddings.
11. FABRICA IN BRIGHTON
Fabrica, a former church now art space, is another of Brighton’s top unique wedding venues. Set in the heart of the city it’s an impressive space to throw a wedding party, especially if you have a big guest list.
12. FIRLE PLACE NEAR LEWES
Firle Place is a beautiful private estate and house in Firle, just outside of Lewes. Couples can choose to host their wedding in the stunning grade 2 listed Georgian Riding school, the croquet lawns or in one of the many marquees available for hire. The grand driveway leading to the house winds through Firle Park and makes the perfect spot for wedding photos. Wedding ceremonies can also take place at St. Peter’s Church within the grounds.
13. BRICKWALL HOUSE NEAR RYE
Brickwall House is a recent discovery for me. A grand grade I listed country house in Northiam, just near Rye. Brickwall House takes a select handful of wedding booking during the school holidays (It’s a school house during term times). Couples can get married in the house or in the secret walled garden and the peaceful woodland arboretum is a perfect location for couple photos.
14. THE STAR IN ALFRISTON (ONE TO WATCH)
Voted the best hotel in the South East by the Sunday Times Travel Awards. The Star in Alfriston, although not a new venue, has had a radical new facelift by infamous hotelier Alex Polizzi. A recent fly on the wall documentary followed Alex’s mission in transforming this once tired venue into a deluxe boutique hotel and restaurant that has put Alfriston firmly back on the map. Although they’ve been on back burner since the hotel take over I’ve heard on the grapevine that weddings will be back soon. So watch this space.