West Sussex is a county absolutely full to the brim with history and breathtaking scenery, making it an exceptional place to get married. From the rolling South Downs to the stunning coastline, every inch of West Sussex is beautiful, with plenty of picture-perfect villages and coastal towns to take in. The region is home to Arundel Castle, which isn’t quite the same as the one from Disney’s Frozen, but is still just as iconic! So, whether you’re dreaming of a grand manor house, a rustic barn in the middle of nowhere, or a lighthearted seaside wedding, West Sussex has a broad range of venues to suit every style, taste and budget.
Our 2025 Wedding Report found that 16% of all UK weddings take place in West Sussex and the wider South East region, which is more than any other place in the UK. Because of its popularity, the average cost of a wedding in West Sussex is £22,644, which is more than the overall UK average of £20,822, but still way lower than what couples in London pay on average, at £28,629. While it might be a little more expensive than what other couples across the country pay, the fact that West Sussex is home to more UK weddings than any other shows just how much the region has to offer.
With its brilliant selection of venues, excellent transport links and huge amount of hotels and other accommodation options to choose from, it’s easy to see why couples are choosing to tie the knot in this beautiful part of the country.
Couples who choose to get married in West Sussex love to embrace the county’s natural beauty and charm, often incorporating local elements and stunning scenery into their day. As part of this, it’s important for many couples to incorporate sustainable elements into their wedding, whether that’s by booking an eco-friendly venue or hiring local vendors to reduce the carbon footprint of their wedding.
Inspired by the post-Baroque period, West Sussex is leading the Rococo Revival trend, which means there’s a big focus on injecting opulence and feminine elements into weddings. This means there’s an increase in the inclusion of corset gowns, luxurious accessories and ornate table decorations to create a truly next-level atmosphere.
Something else couples love in West Sussex is choosing smaller venues, so that even smaller budgets can secure something luxurious. This includes hotel weddings, with couples loving the convenience of spending the entire day in one location. This is backed up by couples in the area spending an average of £396 on wedding transport, which is way less than the overall UK average of £626.
West Sussex is home to some of the most luxurious, unique and character-filled wedding venues there are, so you’re bound to find exactly what you’re looking for, no matter what vibe you’re after or what budget you have.
Thanks to centuries of rich history, West Sussex has some truly wonderful historical venues, from ancient castles to sprawling country mansions. Castle Goring really is one of a kind and has that quintessential castle look set in its own corner of South Downs National Park. There’s Amberley Castle, a medieval venue that has resident peacocks roaming the grounds. There are also some really wonderful manors and stately homes, including The Ravenswood, Woodmancote Place and Wakehurst, so you can have a wedding day fit for noble folk.
With such legendary countryside around West Sussex, the warmer months of the year mean an outdoor wedding in the region makes for a great option. Some of the top venues with outdoor ceremony and reception spaces include Highden Estate, Two Woods Estate and The Walled Garden at Cowdray.
For something a little bit different, there are plenty of venues around the county that can tap into what makes you you or can be a great way to tie your interests or hobbies into your big day. Weald & Downland Living Museum lets you exchange your vows surrounded by historic buildings and animals; Leonardslee Wine Estate is 500 acres of absolute bliss;
Hickstead Showground and Crawley Town Football and Social Club are favourites among sports fans in the region; and Itchenor Sailing Club lets you have a nautical theme that will make your special day memorable.
While West Sussex has plenty of venues suitable for larger budgets, there’s also a huge selection for those who don’t want to spend a lot but still want to have the wedding of their dreams. Venues including The Birch Hotel, The Queen’s Hall and Chichester Yacht Club are all beautiful and should definitely be added to your list of considerations.
The average cost of a wedding venue in West Sussex and the wider South East region is £5,626, which is actually slightly less than the overall UK average of £5,945. It’s also almost £400 less than couples in nearby London pay at £7,020, showing that you can have a wedding filled with class and elegance in West Sussex, but without having to pay over the odds for it.
West Sussex is a highly desirable location for weddings, with more ceremonies taking place in the South East than in any other region of the UK. That means it’s common for couples to have to book two years in advance, so if you know you want to get married in the county, you’ll need to start your hunt for the perfect venue as soon as you can.
For peak summer weddings and sought-after venues, you may even need to book more than two years ahead. However, midweek weddings and off-peak seasons often have shorter lead times and more availability, with some venues offering last-minute deals for winter weddings. This is a great option if you’re flexible, and also means you’re likely to save a little bit of money.
West Sussex has a varied climate, but as it’s one of the more southerly parts of the country, it can benefit from some warmer weather, especially when compared to some regions further north. This makes it great if you have your eyes set on an outdoor wedding.
Spring (March – May) is when the county comes alive and outdoor venues are at their most fresh and vibrant. It’s also a great time to head out across the South Downs with your photographer to capture some incredible photographs. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) in May, but occasional showers shouldn’t be ruled out.
Summer (June – August) is the busiest wedding season in West Sussex, with long daylight hours and warm temperatures averaging between 18°C (64°F) and 23°C (73°F), meaning you have a wide pick of venue choices. Summer is undoubtedly the best time for an outdoor wedding, with so many amazing venues offering outdoor reception and ceremony spaces, like Nymans and The Meadow.
Autumn (September – November) is a stunning season for weddings in West Sussex, as those summery greens slowly turn into glorious browns and yellows. With this comes an extra feeling of cosiness. Temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in September to 10°C (50°F) in November, with an increased chance of rain, so you’ll want to make sure your venue has big indoor spaces, like at Cottesmore Hotel Golf and Country Club.
Winter (December – February) brings crisp, frosty mornings and long, dark nights, which makes it ideal for intimate indoor celebrations. Especially when you consider the average temperatures sit between 3°C (37°F) and 9°C (48°F). You’ll definitely want to celebrate somewhere where you and your guests can stay warm and perhaps even a little pampered, like at Park House Hotel and Ph2O Spa.
West Sussex is well connected by road, rail and air, making it easily accessible for guests travelling from across the UK and from overseas.
For those flying in, London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is just a short drive away, offering domestic and international flights to destinations across the world. This makes West Sussex a fantastic wedding destination for couples with guests coming from not just Europe, but also far further afield.
For guests travelling by train, West Sussex is well served by mainline routes. The London Victoria to Brighton and Portsmouth lines provide fast and frequent services to key towns like Chichester, Arundel and Horsham. You can even catch a direct train to nearby Brighton from Bedford, making it super easy to get to from the East of England. The journey from London to Chichester takes around 90 minutes, making it a convenient location for couples based in the capital.
If guests are driving, West Sussex is easily accessible via the M23, A27 and A24. With a lot of the county being rural, some of the more remote venues will only be accessible by road, which is something to think about when making your booking, especially if you know a lot of your guests will rely on public transport.
As well as having great transport options, there are also great accommodation options, so your guests shouldn’t find it too difficult to find somewhere to stay. Including all the well-known budget hotels, five-star hotels and a plethora of B&Bs, there’s something for everyone in West Sussex. On top of this, many venues also have event spaces, which makes them the perfect choice for a wedding venue. Hotels like South Lodge, Random Hall Hotel and The Birch Hotel are all fantastic options with ceremony and reception spaces, so you can spend your big day under one convenient roof.
