FROM high-end hotels to barns and circus tents, there are plenty of stunning wedding venues right on our doorstep throughout East Sussex.
If marriage is on your mind this Valentine’s Day, you’ll soon be overwhelmed with the large number of wedding venues on offer around the county.
To make life easier, we’ve done the research for you, whether you’re planning a traditional white wedding or are after something quirkier.
What’s more, many of these venues host year-round events, so you can enjoy them whether you’re getting hitched or not.
Manor Barn, Bexhill-on-Sea. themanorbarnbexhill.co.uk, 01424 220 231
This historic timber-framed manor house in Bexhill Old Town has roots dating back to the Medieval period. Largely destroyed during the 1066 Battle of Hastings, the building was restored around 1250 and served as a house for visiting Bishops of Chichester.
The charming Manor Barn was acquired by Old Town Occasions Ltd in 2023 and now provides the perfect backdrop to your special day. With full and half-day packages available, you can choose what works for you.
The venue also hosts seasonal events, parties and Sunday roasts on selected dates.
The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa, Bexhill-on-Sea. therelaiscoodenbeach.com, 01424 842281
With sweeping views of Beachy Head, this beachfront four-star hotel was built in 1928 as a private residence of the influential De La Warr family. Now independently owned and recently renovated, The Relais Cooden Beach Hotel & Spa is a top choice for couples looking to wed by the sea.
The ceremony room has bifold doors so you can soak up the sea views while you say your vows, or couples can have their ceremony outside beneath the Balinese Pagoda.
As well as a traditional wedding breakfast, you can opt for a beachside barbecue while guests can also enjoy the hotel’s spa area and relax around the fireplace in the spacious lounge.
The View Hotel, Eastbourne. theviewhoteleastbourne.com, 01323 433900
Modern seafront hotel The View has several event suites to cater for big white weddings as well as more intimate affairs. Eastbourne seafront provides a backdrop to your celebration with the beach on the hotel’s doorstep.
It’s in a prime position for photos on the beach and famous Eastbourne pier as well as offering packages ranging from all-day celebrations to cosy twilight weddings with a more informal feel.
The View hosts regular events throughout the year from party nights to themed afternoon teas. It’s also in the perfect spot for watching the Airbourne airshow in August.
Herstmonceux Castle, Hailsham. herstmonceux-castle.com, 01323 833816
Recently undergoing a £3 million restoration project, medieval Herstmonceux Castle dates to the 15th century and is one for couples looking for a fairytale backdrop to their nuptials.
Surrounded by 300 acres of woodland and perfectly maintained gardens, the castle is a breathtaking sight with plenty of photo opportunities and several spots to host your wedding ceremony and reception.
Couples can wed in the traditional ballroom, in the gardens or in the enclosed courtyard, plus overnight accommodation is available.
The castle also runs tours, but check the seasonal opening hours.
Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker. sussexpast.co.uk, 01323 844224
Set on a picturesque, moated island, Michelham Priory and Gardens was founded by Augustinian canons in 1229. Surrounded by seven acres of beautiful gardens, weddings are held in the Elizabethan Great Barn.
With a vaulted, beamed ceiling strung with fairy lights, bar area, courtyard and private garden, the barn provides a secluded spot to entertain wedding guests. Ceremonies can be held in the barn, Priory Chamber, in the Tudor House or outside on the lawns.
Reopening after winter on February 4, the main house showcases many historic artefacts and furniture, which can be enjoyed by visitors.
The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. grandeastbourne.com, 01323 412345
Eastbourne’s only five-star hotel, The Grand, celebrated its 150-year anniversary last year and remains one of the town’s most stunning venues to celebrate a special occasion.
The majestic hotel is one of Eastbourne’s most iconic buildings, with its period features and ornate décor, known as ‘the white palace’. Wedding ceremonies take place inside the regal Princes Room or outside on the lawns, while the Compton Room, a stunning ballroom, is perfect for the wedding breakfast and dancing.
Situated at the western end of King Edward’s Parade, the hotel boasts sweeping views of the coastline.
Pilgrim’s Rest, Battle. pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk, 07552873448
This is a wedding venue with a difference. At the Pilgrims Rest, a 600-year-old Wealden Hall House, the emphasis is on sustainability with no hidden extras. Beautifully decorated and featuring huge inglenook fireplaces and ancient beams, the stylish venue is already set up for celebrations, and couples can choose to throw a completely DIY wedding or go fully catered, but there are no fixed suppliers.
The venue is full of rustic, historic charm and even has ancient witch’s marks to ward off evil spirits and a secret tunnel that runs beneath the Abbey walls.
Guests can make the most of the pretty cottage’s gardens in warmer months, while fairy lights and fireplaces make this a magical choice for a winter wedding.
Blackstock Country Estate, Hellingly. blackstockestate.co.uk, 01323 848 006
The perfect spot for a countryside wedding, Blackstock Country Estate is surrounded by 70 acres featuring pretty meadows and lakes and has two stunning barns where you can host your ceremony and reception.
Wildlife, including deer, roam free in the estate, which has views across the South Downs National Park, while the barns feature cartwheel chandeliers, exposed beam ceilings and a pretty courtyard where guests can enjoy drinks and canapes.
The estate also has cottages and a farmhouse available as accommodation for the happy couple and their family and friends.
East Sussex School of Circus Arts, Hailsham. eastsussexschoolofcircusarts.co.uk, 01323 325957
For those looking for something a little more fun, you can hold your wedding in one of the big top tents at the East Sussex School of Circus Arts. With seating available for up to 150 people and a large outdoor area with capacity for 2000 people, there’s plenty of scope for either an intimate or large-scale wedding.
It’s possible to hire heaters, a bar, tables, chairs, chair covers, linens, glassware, and crockery directly from the venue. And when it comes to entertainment, the talented team can work with you to provide a bespoke performance.
East Sussex School of Circus Arts is an independent sixth-form college that also hosts workshops and after-school clubs.
Crafted at Powdermills, Battle. staycrafted.com, 01424 775511
This grade II-listed country house hotel reopened at the end of last year following extensive refurbishment after being taken over by Crafted, a private members club and hotel running daily ‘life-friendly’ events. The hotel is a former gunpowder mill, which sits next to the historic battlefield of 1066.
Surrounded by 78 acres of grounds, woodlands and a lake, the hotel runs fitness, cookery, craft and social events for members and residents as well as hosting weddings.
Celebrations take place in the Black Barn, which can be connected to the Events Barn with its adjacent outdoor space with capacity for 180 seated guests.
Gildredge Manor, Eastbourne. gildredgemanor.co.uk, 07779342863
This Georgian manor house was built in 1776 and was owned by several families before being turned into an art gallery. In 2005 the Council sold it to a private developer, but the building stood empty for six years until the current owners bought it in 2011.
Fully restored to its former glory, the house and gardens set in Gildredge Park retains many of its stunning original features as well as being fully modernised.
The whole house can be hired, with several rooms perfect for wedding ceremonies, partying and relaxing including a drawing room, library and sunlit garden room.
