Now that Ive been working solidly as a wedding photographer in East Sussex since 2016, Ive had the pleasure of working at almost every wedding venue there is in this county. Ive shot weddings at some of these venues several times, so I know them well!
I thought it would be helpful for any prospective Bride and Groom, who are planning to get married here in East Sussex, to offer you my insights. You may be looking for ideas, or just need a little guidance as to what the options are. Perhaps most importantly, you need to know how much £££ you might be looking at.
So I’ve put together a list of my personal 20 Best Wedding Venues in East Sussex, covering all budgets. With money being tight for so many people right now, being able to save money on the venue can make a huge difference. There are some really good value options, that don’t always show up on searches.
Most venues will have in-house catering and drinks options, but with some, you are only hiring the space, so you’ll need to arrange the catering and / or drinks yourself.
Arranging your own suppliers doesn’t need to be expensive, and there’s a surprising array of offerings from some very dedicated and talented suppliers. By arranging these things things yourself, you can tailor your wedding exactly to your taste. So there are plenty of benefits by going down this route.
I can honestly say, some of the most wonderful and happiest weddings Ive shot have been those where the couple took a blank canvas, like a field with a marquee or barn, arranged the suppliers, and then dressed the venue themselves. Using bunting, hay bales, simple flowers, candles or lanterns, they’ve created a wonderful, and very personal, boho or festival-themed wedding.
This works really well for young couples, as it offers a more relaxed, fun, slightly more laid back vibe. And by doing so much of it themselves, couples can make a number of savings. Of course, if you decide to go for a venue offering everything, it will make the planning alot easier, quicker, and simpler!
East Sussex offers plenty of truly stunning wedding venue options, from a rustic barns, to gothic fairytale castles. Most of these will offer everything as part of the package, including welcome drinks and canapés, champagne for the toasts, and a three course wedding breakfast with wine.
Some venues offer a paying bar, and this can save you a huge amount of money, and from what Ive seen, most guests seem more than happy to buy their own drinks, so I would certainly bear that in mind. But if you really want to spoil and pamper your friends and families, taking care of the bar tab yourself will certainly guarantee very happy guests!
Ive split them into categories, by venue style:
Rustic Barns in Rural Settings
Grand Houses & Country Hotels
Fairytale Castles
Olde England – Steeped in History
Huge Outdoor Spaces with a Lake & Marquee
DIY – Charming, Budget Friendly Options – with plenty of outdoor space!
Rustic Barns In Rural Settings
Hendal Manor Barns
At Hendal Manor Barns they have taken rustic charm and elevated it something very chic and stylish. It’s a high end venue, and able to cater for large numbers. The large, main building, whilst very old, has been converted to such a high standard that it feels quite luxurious. Adjoining this, is a stunning, large walled garden, with immaculate lawn, and Italian style raised terrace running the entire length of the garden, with plenty of chairs, tables and parasols.
Beyond this walled garden are more delights, another walled garden with spectacular displays of flowers, wooded areas, open fields, a reflective pond surrounded by reeds and flowers. It’s extremely well run and managed, so that even with large parties, there’s an idyllic, peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Price: £2195 – £5995 (dry hire, venue only)
Blackstock Country Estate
I’ve shot many weddings at Blackstock Country Estate, and it offers many things. The main building is a large Tudor vaulted barn, flooded with natural light from floor to ceiling glass doors and windows at its entrance. It’s a large space, with a generous bar, and coming off the side another area, very beautifully styled, for the ceremony. To the rear, is a large terraced area, with plenty of seating and tables. Beyond this, is a farm with a range of child friendly animals, gardens, a picture perfect pavilion, plenty of space for even the largest of wedding parties. The wedding breakfast takes place in The Granary – large, bright, open and full of character, with its own bar. Blackstock Country Estate can comfortably accommodate a large party, of up to 120 guests.
Price: £3050-£6550
https://www.blackstockestate.co.uk
Swallows Oast, Ticehurst
This place is close to my heart as it’s where I shot my very first wedding, which was a freebie, for my cousin. The wedding was wonderful, and seeing as I was so happy with my photos, it spurred me on to the path towards becoming a professional wedding photographer. The building is a large and attractive Oast, built of sandstone, and you have a big, open, atmospheric space, with a gallery above, and massive old oak beams everywhere.
There’s an adjoining bar, and a small upstairs area. Located in the heart of Sussex countryside, the main building is backed by a large terraced area with fire pit, and a lawned area. In addition to this, it offers one of the best features – a magical woodland area with a winding path. Here you can have your ceremony, should you not want to do it in the main building. But I can imagine that for a lot of couples, taking your vows surrounded by ancient woodland would be very special. £900-£1950
https://www.swallowsoast.co.uk
Grand Houses & Country Hotels
The Powdermills Hotel, Battle
One of my absolute favourites, set amidst beautiful countryside, The Powdermills Hotel is a large, charming country house, with a picture perfect lake where the ceremony takes place, which is staggeringly beautiful. In fact all of the exterior spaces are quite breathtaking, with enclosed gardens, open gardens, terraces, fountains, and even a peacock! The interiors are equally gorgeous, in a traditional style, beautiful antiques everywhere. They also have different options in terms of which spaces you want to use, offering possibilities for couples on tighter budgets, from small to very large wedding parties.
Price: £800-£12500
https://powdermillshotel.com/weddings/
Bannatynes Hotel & Spa, Hastings
There is so much space on offer at Bannatynes Hotel & Spa, a gorgeous country house set in the most beautiful grounds. Bannatynes actually offers three options for your ceremony – two indoor and one outdoor, with a lovely pavilion. The very stylish Montgomerie Suite for your reception, is a vast space, with plenty of room for even the largest of wedding parties, up to 260 guests. Outside, the gardens are stunning and immaculate, whilst maintaining a very relaxed feel, again offering tons of space with lawns, terraces, plenty of trees, rose borders, and wonderful stone sunken garden.
Prices from £6900
https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/hotel/hastings/weddings
The Old Rectory, Hastings
Situated in the heart of Hastings Old Town, The Old Rectory is an upmarket and very stylish boutique hotel, with the feel of a private members club, very cool, combining style with luxury. Licensed to hold ceremonies both inside and out, it’s ideally suited for small to medium wedding parties, and offers a luxurious experience, and has a wonderful enclosed walled garden. They have a great range of dining options from posh picnic, to gourmet barbecue, to a classic formal dinner.
Prices from £3700 (incl accommodation) plus meal options from £30 per person
https://theoldrectoryhastings.co.uk/weddings-and-events/weddings
The George In Rye
Recently refurbished to a high standard, The George in Rye is a 16th century coach house, now more stylish boutique hotel, with cosy spaces, open fires, an original Georgian ballroom and a large attractive central courtyard area. Located in the heart of historic Rye, the surrounding cobbled streets couldn’t be prettier. They provide outstanding food too, offering couples seasonal and locally sourced menu options. Ceremonies can take place in the ballroom, or you could opt for the beautiful Rye Town Hall, just a two min walk away.
Price: £5500-£19500
https://thegeorgeinrye.com/east-sussex-wedding-venue/
Buxted Park Hotel
Set in over 300 acres of beautiful countryside with wonderful grounds and gardens with immaculate lawns, statues and ornamental ponds, this 18th century country mansion offers spacious, grand interiors, for up to 120 guests, and two interior options and one outdoors, for where the ceremony can take place. Flexible high end menu options, utilising veg grown in their own kitchen gardens.
Prices from £102.50 per person.
https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/buxted-park/weddings
Pelham House, Lewes
Located in the historic town of Lewes, Pelham House is a sprawling, grand 16th century house, combining stylish contemporary design and lighting. This venue is bursting with a wealth of period features, wood panelled walls and chequer board floors. Extensively and recently renovated, to a very high standard, everything is immaculate, and the furnishings are chic and luxurious. Worth mentioning is the incredible bar. Outside is equally impressive, with a large, Italian style terrace and spacious gardens, where you have the option of an outdoor ceremony. Catering for up to 150 dining guests, and up to 200 evening guests, it’s a great choice for couples wanting a large and luxurious wedding.
Price: £2300-£7770
Gildredge Manor, Eastbourne
Located in the heart of Eastbourne’s old town, Gildredge Manor is a beautifully restored Georgian Manor, offering luxury and privacy with exclusive use of the entire building and its numerous large and elegantly furnished rooms. Outside there is a large terrace and pretty garden, with some charming period features. Up to 100 guests capacity during the day, plus up to 50 more in the evening.
Prices from: £3,500 (not including food)
https://www.gildredgemanor.co.uk
Fairytale Castles
Battle Abbey, Battle
Most of the time, Battle Abbey functions as an excellent private school, but they do allow weddings here at weekends, and in the school holidays. It has plenty going for it, with its rich history and imposing, vast interior spaces, rich in craftsmanship and details, with touches of both Medieval Castle and Victorian Gothic. Outside there is a beautiful lawned terrace, which overlooks the site where The Battle of Hastings took place. As well as the surrounding gardens, with lawns and formal landscaping, there is as a sizeable ruin, which is a fascinating place to explore, and wonderful for photos too. Battle Abbey can cater for up to 120 guests.
Prices from: £3500 / £75-£100 per head.
https://www.battleabbeyschool.com/weddings/
Wadhurst Castle
For the fairytale dream wedding, you really can’t beat Wadhurst Castle! It’s a magnificent, towering Gothic building, in the heart of East Sussex, with far reaching views over idyllic countryside. Surrounded by exceptional grounds that would rival the National Trust, the entire place is absolutely magical, with the largest and most exquisitely planted walled garden I’ve ever seen, which is where the Ceremony takes place. The interior spaces are equally magnificent, with a classic English country house feel, and despite the grandeur, there is a very friendly, homely and relaxed feel to the place, which comfortably takes up to 120 guests.
Price from: £4050 (dry hire rate)
https://wadhurstcastle.co.uk/#weddings-civil-partnerships
Herstmonceux Castle
One of the oldest brick built buildings in Britain, Herstmonceux Castle is a vast imposing moated castle, dating back to the 15th century, so it’s steeped in history. Set in 300 acres of formal gardens, fields and woodland, it is staggering beautiful and magical. The interiors are Elizabethan and impressive, and there are a four options for where you can have your ceremony, from just 30 guests up to 180 guests, including a ballroom, and different outdoor areas available, offering choices for a range of budgets. They offer sumptuous accommodation, and a Bridal Suite, making the whole experience even more luxurious for any Bride and Groom.
Prices from: £1300 plus Canapés, Drinks + Wedding Breakfast from £80 per person.
https://herstmonceux-castle.com/weddings/
Olde England – Steeped in History
If you love all things historic and Olde England, how about a venue that takes you back to the Middle Ages! The Mermaid Inn, in Rye, and The Pilgrims Rest in Battle, both ooze charm and character from every fascinating nook and cranny.
The Mermaid Inn, Rye
The Mermaid Inn is famous for its ghosts and paranormal activity, as well as its association with pirates and smugglers, and with over 600 years of history, it’s a place with a great many stories and legends. Offering wedding receptions in a large, but cosy, atmospheric Tudor banqueting room, with a smart bar. Ancient black beams line the walls and ceilings, but for such an old building, it offers a decent amount of space, for up to 90 guests. The outdoor space is charming, but limited. Having said that, it’s situated on Mermaid St, a steep and winding cobbled street, that has to be one of the prettiest you will ever see.
Prices from £75 per person.
https://www.mermaidinn.com/wedding/
The Pilgrims Rest, Battle
The Pilgrims Rest is like something out of Game of Thrones! It’s an extraordinary place, because it’s been left unchanged since it was built 600 years ago, in the Middle Ages. It really is like stepping WAY back in time when you enter. The interior is so old and so well preserved, you could not have a more charming, magical and intimate venue for your wedding. There is a main space, where the ceremony takes place, plus smaller, very charming rooms either side, with a bar and a cosy open fire on side, and an intimate dining room on the other end.
Upstairs are more rooms, which you can use for Bride and Groom preparations, equally charming with their ancient wood panelled walls, and stylish antique pieces. Outdoor space is limited at The Pilgrims Rest, with a pretty front garden and enclosed cosy back garden, but you do have the option of using the grounds of Battle Abbey, next door, for Group portraits and Bride & Groom portraits.
Price: £3200-£4950
https://www.pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk
Both of these venues are richly atmospheric, and very cosy, with excellent staff who know all about the histories. Well suited to medium sized and winter weddings, but equally wonderful in the sunshine. The Mermaid Inn is a Reception Venue only, but luckily you have the beautiful Rye Town Hall (also listed here) for your ceremony, less than five mins walk away.
Huge Outdoor Spaces with a Lake & Marquee
Frickley Lake, Catsfield
For couples wanting a truly rustic or festival themed wedding, Frickley Lake has a simple fixed one off package for £7,000, for up to 120 guests. Included in this price is the wedding field, with adjoining woodland and beautiful lake, an adjacent field for camping, a large marquee, with furniture, a bar, lighting, sound system, catering tent. Food and drink is not included, to here you need to arrange your own suppliers. But you get the place from Friday morning right through to Sunday evening, meaning you can create quite a unique experience with guests camping overnight.
The Milwards Estate, Laughton
With its glorious rural setting, picturesque lake and large, very pretty and beautifully planted garden, Milwards Estate offers plenty of space in the most idyllic surroundings. There is the option of an indoor ceremony in a coach house, for up to 60 guests, but the main selling point is the glorious garden, licensed for ceremonies in front of the lake for up to 200 guests. There is a spacious marquee to one side of the garden, equipped with a good sized bar. Very well run, with a high end feel, but at the same time, informal, it’s a fantastic option for couples wanting a large, relaxed, country garden wedding.
https://www.themilwardsestate.co.uk/weddings/
DIY – with charm and plenty of outdoor green space!
Many couples are on a tight budget these days, so for those needing to keep costs down, Village Halls can be a great way to have all the things you want, but without breaking the bank. These are my two favourites because both are in very pretty idyllic settings, and both offer plenty of outdoor space. You will need to decorate these places yourself and arrange your own suppliers, but this does mean that your wedding is completely personal and unique to you. Since they aren’t licensed for wedding ceremonies, I’ve also included the stately and historic Rye Town Hall, because it’s just a 10 – 15 min drive from both of these.
Winchelsea New Hall
Situated in the edge of the historic, beautiful Winchelsea, this village hall is a good size and has plenty of charm, plus it has a stage at the far end, which is perfect if you wanted to have a live band. Next to the hall is a very large field, often used as a cricket field, so it’s well maintained, and beyond this is picturesque countryside, and for a summer wedding, this location really couldn’t be better, and with hire cost for weddings at just £750, this is the best value offering on my list.
https://www.winchelsea.com/new-hall/hiring-new-hall/
St Mary’s Hall, Udimore (near Rye)
St Mary’s Hall is a pretty, versatile space, a blank canvas, well suited for small to medium sized weddings, located in the heart of the countryside, with adjoining orchards, it’s a peaceful and idyllic spot, with a large lawned garden, offering complete privacy. Weddings here have a relaxed, happy atmosphere, and its great for families. The hall is equipped with a functioning bar and kitchen, and with a hire fee for summer weddings at just £800, this offers incredible value for money.
https://www.udimoreweddings.co.uk
Rye Town Hall
Located in the heart of historic Rye, the Town Hall is an imposing Georgian building, offering ceremonies in the main upper chamber, with its high windows flooding the place with natural light, it can accommodate up to 90 people. Being so close to The George in Rye as well The Mermaid Inn, it’s the obvious choice for your wedding ceremony, and the closest option if you were to go for the village hall at Udimore or Winchelsea.
Perhaps the best thing about Rye Town Hall, is that you get the Town Crier to welcome you and your guests as you arrive, and then after the ceremony, at the top of his lungs, he proclaims your marriage to the entire town as he rings his bell, before leading a procession of you and your guests to your wedding reception. It makes for a very memorable wedding!
https://ryetowncouncil.gov.uk/town-hall/ceremonies/
