8 Beautiful Wedding Venues in East and West Sussex
- Zoltan Kecskes
- Jan 1
- 8 min read
If you are recently engaged and searching for the perfect wedding venue in East Sussex or West Sussex, you are truly spoiled for choice. From historic manor houses and luxury country hotels to rustic barns and unique cultural spaces, Sussex has something for every couple.
As a wedding photographer based in Sussex, I have photographed many weddings across the region. Below you will find eight beautiful venues that I personally love – not just for how they look, but for the atmosphere, the team behind them, and the photo opportunities they offer.
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.
Why couples love it:
Warm, romantic and relaxed atmosphere
Beautiful garden for drinks receptions
Perfect all year round
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.
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
In front of the venue with the Pilgrims Rest in the background
In front of the venue with the abbey in the background
In the garden
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
Why couples choose it:
Grand and elegant setting
Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
Beautiful ballroom for large celebrations
What I love about this wedding venue:
The team here is incredibly attentive, always ready to help, and exceptionally well-organised. 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 dance floor photos in the evening.
I am very proud to be a recommended photographer at Buxted Park Hotel.
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.
Why couples love it:
Central Lewes location
Stunning indoor ceremony room
Private garden for drinks and portraits
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
Why couples choose it:
Unique interiors full of character
The Big Room for up to 90 seated guests
Relaxed atmosphere
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
The Ravenswood, Sharpthorne, West 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
Whether your wedding is intimate, grand, formal, informal – or even charmingly quirky – every celebration at The Ravenswood is unique, and we love being part of it!
Why couples love it:
Exclusive-use wedding venue
Outdoor ceremonies at the little castle
Large guest capacity
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
Brookfield Barn, Horsham, West Sussex
Nestled in the serene West Sussex countryside, Brookfield Barn is set on a tranquil lake, surrounded by luscious grounds and panoramic views. From wedding ceremonies to corporate events, Brookfield Barn offers several unique spaces and 10 luxury bedrooms for guests to enjoy, each with its own spectacular view.
Brookfield Barn
Where celebrations and memories come alive.
Why couples choose it:
Outdoor ceremony area by the water
Modern, light-filled reception space
On-site bedrooms for guests
The Swing and The Bridge
What I love about this wedding venue:
The serene, romantic atmosphere, beautiful outdoor ceremony space by the lake, and the flexible indoor spaces that work well in any weather. The venue's warm, natural light and scenic surroundings, including the lake, willow trees, and gardens, make it ideal for relaxed celebrations and gorgeous photos and it looks amazing for sparkler exits.
I am very proud to be a recommended photographer at Brookfield Barn.
My favourite spots for photos:
The outdoor ceremony area around sunset
The little bridge
The swing
The "It was always you" sign in the bar
Trading Boundaries – A Unique & Atmospheric Wedding Venue | East Sussex
Trading Boundaries is truly one of the most unique wedding venues in East Sussex. Located in the heart of Sussex, it offers a mix of historic architecture, antique-filled interiors and beautiful gardens.
Trading Boundaries
Enjoy an enchanting setting in the heart of the Sussex countryside with exclusivity of our recently refurbished 18th Century Coaching Inn & Grounds, stunning Indian Marquees and award-winning restaurant venue for your wedding day.
Why couples choose it:
Exclusive and unusual atmosphere
Stunning music room for ceremonies
Gardens and courtyard for relaxed drinks receptions
Perfect for couples who want something different
Why I love photographing here:
Both indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces has incredible character, with rich textures and warm tones that create dramatic, artistic images. The gardens and courtyard are perfect for relaxed portraits, and inside there are so many creative angles and details. It feels intimate but also impressive at the same time.
Favourite photo spots:
The Courtyard
The Courtyard at golden hour
The Terrace with The Festoon Lights
The Outdoor Ceremony Place in The Evening
The Grand Hotel Eastbourne, East Sussex
The name Grand truly says it all! Known as the White Palace, it exudes timeless charm and elegant sophistication.
The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne offers breathtaking views of the sea and the stunning cliffs at Beachy Head, making it a truly unforgettable setting.
With its graceful interiors and luxurious atmosphere, the hotel provides endless opportunities for stunning photos. Whether your celebration is intimate or grand, this exceptional venue is ready to make your wedding day absolutely perfect!
SUSSEX WEDDING VENUE AT THE GRAND HOTEL, EASTBOURNE
Whatever your wedding dreams look like, the Grand Hotel takes care to ensure that every detail is just right, making us the perfect wedding venue in Eastbourne.
What I love about this wedding venue:
The hotel’s impressive exterior, grand staircases, and beautiful details make a perfect backdrop for photos.
Many rooms have big windows that let in lots of natural light, creating soft and romantic photos. The hotel is always beautifully decorated and set up, so every picture looks polished and professional.
No matter the weather, the indoor spaces are great for stunning pictures. Plus, being close to the beach and cliffs gives amazing options for outdoor shots.
My favourite spots for photos:
Western Laws
By the Pool with the hotel in the background
The Great Hall in the evening
The Seafront
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Sussex Wedding Venue
Whether you are planning a rustic barn wedding, a luxury country house celebration, a seaside ceremony or something completely unique, East and West Sussex wedding venues offer endless possibilities.
These eight venues – The Pilgrims Rest, Buxted Park Hotel, Pelham House, The Bell in Ticehurst, Ravenswood, Brookfield Barn, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne and Trading Boundaries – are all exceptional choices.
If you are still searching for your perfect venue in Sussex and would like advice from someone who has photographed many weddings across the region, I am always happy to help.
And of course, if you are looking for a relaxed, documentary-style wedding photographer for your Sussex wedding, feel free to get in touch.
Planning a Wedding in Sussex?
If you are searching for:
Wedding venues in East Sussex
Wedding venues in West Sussex
A relaxed documentary Sussex wedding photographer
I would love to hear about your plans.
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