In the picturesque county of East Sussex, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect venue for their dream wedding. From historic landmarks to luxurious hotels, each location has its unique appeal. In this blog post, we'll explore five enchanting wedding venues that promise to make your special day truly unforgettable.
The Pilgrims Rest, Battle, East Sussex
Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, right next to Battle Abbey, The Pilgrims Rest is a charming 16th-century inn with a rich history and timeless allure. Its rustic beams huge fireplaces and cosy atmosphere provide an intimate setting for weddings, making it ideal for couples seeking a vintage-inspired celebration. The venue has a beautiful little garden and it adds a touch of romance, creating a magical backdrop for photographs.
What I love about this wedding venue:
It has a warm and cosy vibe. Thanks to Waverley and Amy, who run the venue, it's always relaxed and friendly. They do an amazing job, of making weddings go smooth and enjoyable for couples and photographers alike. As a photographer, you can capture unique and creative images.
It's the perfect spot for weddings all year round, and I'm proud to be a recommended photographer here.
The Pilgrims Rest
A unique wedding venue with rustic charm and historic soul
My favourite spots for photos:
The Front Door
The Groom’s Getting Ready room
In front of the venue with the Pilgrims Rest in the background
In front of the venue with the abbey in the background
Buxted Park Hotel, Uckfield, East Sussex
For those dreaming of a fairytale wedding, Buxted Park Hotel offers a grand and elegant backdrop. Surrounded by acres of manicured gardens and woodlands, this Georgian mansion exudes luxury and sophistication. The hotel's stunning architecture, combined with impeccable service, makes it a top choice for couples desiring a luxurious and refined celebration in East Sussex.
BUXTED PARK
A LUXURY COUNTRY HOTEL IN UCKFIELD,
EAST SUSSEX
What I love about this wedding venue:
The team here is incredibly attentive, always ready to help, and exceptionally well-organized. A special shout-out to Marc, the F&B manager, whose presence adds a delightful atmosphere—guests just adore him.
This wedding venue is perfect for capturing images in a light and airy photography style, yet it also provides opportunities for more dramatic shots. Whether your ceremony takes place indoors or outdoors the settings are stunning, offering plenty of space for your photographer to move around and capture a diverse range of images.
The reception room (ballroom) is truly impressive and stands out as one of my favourites, particularly for capturing lively dancefloor photos in the evening.
My favourite spots for photos:
Orangery Pond with reflection
Orangery Lawn
The Terrace behind the Ballroom
The Ballroom
Pelham House, Lewes, East Sussex
Steeped in history and nestled in the heart of Lewes, Pelham House is a magnificent 16th-century venue that seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary elegance. Its beautiful gardens and historic architecture provide a stunning setting for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. With its attentive staff and attention to detail, Pelham House promises a wedding day filled with grace and style.
Pelham House
A captivating Grade II listed townhouse venue situated
in the heart of vibrant Lewes.
What I love about this wedding venue:
I like the preparation spaces, namely The Dressing Room and The Campion Room, which provide spacious and private areas, ideal for capturing memorable moments. The ceremony room is truly impressive and ranks among my favourite indoor ceremony locations from all the venues I've photographed. The wedding days are consistently well-coordinated, ensuring smooth operations. The venue offers a lot of opportunities to capture stunning photos throughout the day, with a diverse range of portrait settings available in both the garden and inside of the building. Additionally, the option to embark on a charming photo walk to the castle adds an extra touch to the photography experience.
My favourite spots for photos:
The Bar
The Windows Upstairs
The Garden before sunset
The Garden after sunset with the building in the background
The Bell in Ticehurst Weddings, Ticehurst, East Sussex
The Bell is a charming East Sussex wedding venue, that provides an ideal setting for a quirky unique wedding, ensuring delight for you and your guests. Balancing relaxed informality with dedicated professionalism, they stand as a highly favoured wedding venue in the South East. Their spacious Big Room is perfect for elegant affairs, accommodating up to 90 guests for seated events and up to 120 for lively evening parties. Whether you are looking for robust and rustic or Alice in Wonderland whimsy, they can help to make your dreams come true.
The Bell in Ticehurst
No ordinary wedding venue
What I love about this wedding venue:
This venue has a distinct and quirky charm with a welcoming and cosy ambience. Every room and every corner even the staircase is designed very well. The confetti shower after the ceremony on the Red Carpet walk in the Historic Stable adds a unique touch.
The garden is not huge, but perfect for group shots, couple portraits and sparklers in the evening. Also has a cool fire pit where guests can sit around and have a drink.
Taking beautiful photos at The Bell in Ticehurst for a creative photographer with the right skills, it's a fun and rewarding experience, mainly because you can capture some really special images for your couples.
My favourite spots for photos:
The Garden
The "I will always love you my friend" sign
The Snug
The Stairs
Ravenswood, Sharpthorne, East Sussex
Tucked away in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Ravenswood is a hidden gem known for its enchanting surroundings and exclusive atmosphere. This 15th-century manor house boasts stunning gardens, providing an idyllic backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. With its commitment to personalized service and attention to detail, Ravenswood ensures that every wedding is a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Ravenswood
Weddings and Events
What I love about this wedding venue:
I really enjoy the gardens. Walking around with my couples for about half an hour lets me capture lots of great photos. The outdoor ceremonies at the little castle are always beautiful. The team is very experienced and can handle anything. Since it's a popular venue with so many weddings each year, it motivates me even more to capture unique images for my couples, and I love that.
My favourite spots for photos:
Under that big tree in the garden with the venue in the background
In the Woodlands
The Boathouse
The Secret Gardens
I hope you liked reading this blog and that it might assist you in finding your perfect venue. If you're in need of a wedding photographer to capture your big day at your dream venue, feel free to get in touch with me.
Conclusion: East Sussex offers a treasure trove of wedding venues, each with its own distinctive charm. Whether you envision a rustic celebration, a grand affair, or an intimate gathering, these five venues – The Pilgrims Rest, Buxted Park Hotel, Pelham House Lewes, The Bell in Ticehurst, and Ravenswood – stand out as exceptional choices, promising to turn your wedding dreams into reality.