Weald and Downland wedding venue is one of the most unique venues in West Sussex. The Downland Gridshell is unlike anything else. It makes for the most incredible setting within the Weald & Downland Living Museum’s 40 acres.
This is one of those venues that truly has it all. A beautiful, spacious venue surrounded by a pond, beautiful gardens, great views and historic buildings.
And so a Weald & Downland Living Museum Wedding was most definitely the perfect backdrop for Leanne and Sam’s wedding day in Chichester.
They’d been together for years, but Covid put things in a different perspective. They wanted a reason for everyone to get together and laugh. To create memories and have an excuse to celebrate life.
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum Wedding
Leanne preserves the past, and Sam, the future. Both are so passionate about their careers, and together they are the definition of a dynamic duo!
And together they are raising the most car obsessed, brilliantly blue-eyed little boy I have ever met. I’m not sure his treasure trove of cars left his side for more than a moment the entire day!
Every detail of this outdoor wedding was beautifully planned by Tania Russell Weddings and I am so thankful she reached out to me to photograph this Weald and Downland Museum wedding.
The bridesmaids all wore their favourite colours and styles of dress. And instead of traditional matching dresses, Leanne had each bridesmaid wear matching dried floral headpieces by Luna and Wild. And speaking of dried flowers, one of my favourite details the dried floral archway and wall. It really helped divide up the space for the ceremony and reception.
But the biggest highlight, and what truly put a smile on my couple’s face was their grand entrance! We spotted some Morris Dancers packing up for the day in the distance and asked them if they would take a picture with the couple, and if they had time, if they’d do the grand entrance.
And to our delight they said yes and made the trek up to The Downland Gridshell wedding venue.
Getting Ready at The Goodwood Hotel Wedding Venue
The day started with Leanne, her mother and bridesmaids all getting ready at The Goodwood Hotel, which is a short drive from The Weald and Downland Wedding Venue. It is a truly gorgeous hotel in Chichester to get ready for a wedding – and is also a lovely venue for a wedding!
Leanne had originally planned to do her own makeup, but nerves won in the end and she had her bridesmaids’ help. It put us a bit behind schedule, so I was out the door as fast I could after Leanne did the first look with her dad. It was a beautiful and emotional moment. So I’m happy I told her we would make time for it.
Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Weald and Downland in Chichester
Once we all arrived at The Weald and Downland Open Air Museum Wedding Venue, I was truly blown away by all the love in the room.
As a Chichester wedding photographer, I’ve photographed many weddings, but Leanne and Sam’s had so many unique elements. And one of my favourites was their first dance: they chose this time to do the confetti toss. So as they danced around, guests came up and threw confetti at them. Combined with their incredible moves, the confetti toss made for a beautiful first dance.
The Downland Gridshell Wedding Suppliers
The Weald and Downland Wedding Venue was the perfect spot for Leanne and Sam’s special day. As a West Sussex Wedding Photographer, I was blown away by the amazing team. And so a special thanks goes out to:
Wedding planner: Tania Russell Weddings.
Venue: The Downland Gridshell at Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
Florist The Floral Artisan
Catering: Earth Catering
Bar VB Function Bar
DJ @slimdotandy
Band @theswingninjas
Hair: MUA Ella Louise
Lights: Christopher James Events
Stationery The Amyverse Weddings
Wedding Nanny wedding crèches
Soft play @peek_a_boo_softplay
Flower crown Luna and Wild
Till next time,
Kelsie
Kelsie Scully Photography is a West Sussex wedding photographer in Chichester and beyond. The Downland Gridshell at Weald and Downland Open Air Museum Wedding Venue is an incredible location just north of Chichester and Bognor Regis. If you’re interested in wedding photography at this venue, do get in touch as I’d love to return to this beautiful location!
