Looking for the best wedding venues in East Sussex? I’ve got a list of the top 15 wedding venue locations for you right here.
But here’s a bit of advice. At the end of the day, there is no such thing as the best wedding venue. Finding the top wedding venue for your big day will be completely dependent on so many factors that are unique to you. How many guests do you want? Does the venue require you to use their recommended suppliers – and are you happy with those options?
Finding the right venue is definitely a balancing act and can feel a bit stressful. In fact, I think it ranks as one of the most stressful decisions to make, so I hope this list helps you find a perfect place.
As I’ve said in my other posts where I’ve ranked the best wedding venues, look for big windows and light coloured walls. These are really helpful if you want lots of lovely pictures and different angles. These two factors will help give you nice even light and help avoid things like circles under your eyes from overhead lights or a weird colour caste on your skin from bright walls if you happen to stand too close. With that said, I’m pretty good at working with what I’ve got, but the more I’ve got to work with, the more you get in return.
The top 15 wedding venues in East Sussex
I’ve collated a list of my favourite wedding venues in East Sussex. I really hope you find this list useful and love these spaces as much as I do!
1. Pelham House in Lewes
Pelham House was beautiful before, and after renovations in 2019, it has easily become one of my favourite wedding venues. It is right in the heart of Lewes and is so easily missed if you don’t know it’s there. It has a surprisingly large garden and you can see a wedding pre-renovation here. I photographed a wedding here prior to the new renovation works at Pelham House in 2018, and even then it was breathtakingly beautiful!
2. The Anchor Inn in Barcombe near Lewes
The Anchor Inn sits right on the River Ouse on the outskirts of Lewes in Barcombe. The wedding venue is perfect for a festival, boho or glamping wedding. It has a permanent marquee out back and blue boats to paddle about on. You can also have a bonfire in the evening and plenty of space to pitch some snazzy glamping tents for guests. Follow this link to see some of my wedding photography at Anchor Inn.
3. Lewes Castle in Lewes
Lewes Castle is well over a thousand year’s old and the ruins still tower over the heart of Lewes. The castle provides incredible panoramic views of the South Downs and high street. Check out a recent wedding at Lewes Castle wedding venue here.
4. Laughton Barns in Lewes
Located in the South Downs, Laughton Barns has two lakes and a picturesque backdrop for a country wedding. Licensed for ceremonies and can accommodate 200 guests for a wedding breakfast. The barns are beautiful and the wooden beams are perfect for decoration.
5. Buxted Park Hotel in Uckfield
Buxted Park Hotel is so luxurious I literally swoon every time I see it. The wedding venue has a beautiful pond and grounds, and I cannot even begin to express how much I love the Organgery.
6. St. John the Baptist (Clayton Church) near Ditchling
Clayton Church is about as old as they get. It has medieval frescoes covering the walls and is lovely little village church just outside Ditchling off a country road. For the wedding breakfast you could head towards Lewes or choose from one of the wedding venues I recommend in Brighton.
7. Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club in East Grinstead
Nestled in Ashdown Forest, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is a beautiful neo-Gothic wedding venue. The mansion has a licence for ceremonies in their converted chapel and outdoors. If I can count correctly, couples are spoilt for choice at this venue as there are 7 spaces to choose from. The largest spaces hold 150 guests for a wedding breakfast.
8. Hever Castle in Edenbridge
Hever Castle has not one, but three stunning wedding venues on its estate and space for marquee weddings as well. And I must say, the Italian Gardens makes for the prettiest place for a ceremony.
9. Leeds Castle in Maidstone
Leeds Castle wedding venue has its very own moat and over 500 acres of land! It dates back to the 9th century and is a really historic and beautiful space for getting married. There are four sites to choose from, and vary from holding 24 guests to over 200 guests.
10. Swallows Oast in Wadhurst
Swallows Oast is a barn wedding venue with stunning brick walls, beautiful wood details, and lovely natural light. It can hold 130 guests, has a licensed outdoor ceremony location and beautiful grounds for wedding photography.
11. Wadhurst Castle in Wadhurst
Wadhurst Castle wedding venue has so much to offer and a lovely space to host your wedding. Along with its many offerings, in 2019 the Carriage Barn was restored to create a wonderful ceremony and wedding breakfast space.
12. Michelham Priory near Hailsham
Michelham Priory is a lovely venue with it’s very own moat! The grounds are really gorgeous and make for incredible photographs. I photographed a wedding ceremony and wedding breakfast in the Elizabethan Great Barn and it was really beautiful.
13. The Sussex Barn near Hailsham
The Sussex Barn is a real gem that you can really personalise. You get exclusive hire for the day before and after your wedding, giving you plenty of time to do decorations. The wedding venue has a licence to perform ceremonies as well.
14. The Powder Mills in Battle
This stunning Georgian house covered in Wisteria and has a really beautiful outdoor ceremony space that looks out onto a lake. The Powder Mills sits on 150 acres, has peacocks and can seat 180 guests for your wedding breakfast.
15. The Lansdowne Hotel in Eastbourne
The Lansdowne Hotel has recently been refurbished and the styling is really beautifully done for a luxurious vintage, yet modern feel. If your looking for a wedding venue in Eastbourne, this is a great choice.
I know you want your day to be perfect, and the right wedding venue plays a huge role in that. But no matter the venue, your wedding can and will be epic. No matter the location or budget, I can help make it memorable. Check out my top tips guide blog post for all the best insights I have on making your wedding incredible.
If you’re still looking for inspiration on a wedding venue, make sure you check out my list of Brighton wedding venues and my best wedding venues in West Sussex.
