Romantic Wedding Venues in Sussex

West Sussex offers an enchanting backdrop for a romantic wedding. Imagine exchanging vows amidst the rolling South Downs, within a grand historic manor, or beside the picturesque coastline. This county is brimming with stunning wedding venues that capture the essence of romance, from intimate barns to elegant country houses. Each location provides a unique and beautiful setting for your special day, making your search for the perfect place an exciting one.
Whether you envision a fairytale castle wedding, a rustic celebration in a lovingly restored barn, or a chic ceremony in a boutique hotel, West Sussex delivers. The region’s diverse landscapes provide a wealth of options for breathtaking wedding photos and unforgettable moments. Explore a curated selection of the most romantic wedding venues in West Sussex, each offering a distinct charm to match your personal style and create a day you'll always cherish.
See profile

Brighton i360

Brighton, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Bridebook Deal Available
At Brighton i360, we have three special licensed sea view settings where you can hold your wedding ceremony. Afterwards, thanks to our flexible event spaces, you’ll be able to celebrate in the same beachside venue!
Read more
  • 250
  • £300 – £1,600
See profile

Falmer Court

Falmer, East Sussex
Bridebook Deal Available
A breath-taking, historic and stunning thatched barn set within beautiful grounds, all exclusively yours for your big day. We are steps from the local church, have an indoor and outdoor wedding license and can accommodate up to 200 of your guests.
Read more
  • 200
  • Moderate ($$)
See profile

The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold

Godalming, Surrey
More Pricing Inside
The Crown Inn is an idyllic English Inn that dates back to the 13th Century, nestling in a quiet corner of the picture perfect village green of Chiddingfold.
Read more
  • 100
  • 8 Bedrooms
  • ~£2,500
See profile

Field Place

Worthing, West Sussex
More Pricing Inside
A luxury wedding venue nestled in eight acres of beautiful grounds, Field Place Manor House provides an elegant backdrop for your special event.
Read more
  • 120
  • From £395
See profile

Great Ote Hall

Wivelsfield, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Bridebook Deal Available
Ote Hall is a unique venue where you can adapt and build your wedding day exclusively to your taste and budget, in the exquisite house and grounds of this family home.
Read more
  • 150
  • 2 Bedrooms
  • £3,500 – £4,500
See profile

Chichester Harbour Hotel

Chichester, West Sussex
(5)
More Pricing Inside
The perfect Sussex wedding venue in the heart of historic Chichester; this beautifully restored, Grade II-listed Georgian property mixes vibrant contemporary interiors with traditional period features
Read more
  • 96
  • 37 Bedrooms
  • From £1,000
See profile

Tilgate Park Weddings

Crawley, West Sussex
(8)
Viewing Dates Available
Tilgate Park provides a unique & beautiful venue. With a choice of indoor & outdoor spaces for your ceremony and/or reception, with the beautiful park, lakes, woodland all around, we’ll help you create a day to cherish
Read more
  • 150
  • £3,850 – £4,850
See profile

Findon Manor Hotel

Worthing, West Sussex
(9)
Bridebook Deal Available
A beautiful country retreat in the heart of West Sussex, perfect for your relaxing and tranquil wedding day. Find Manor provides the perfect venue for your special day, throughout the year.
Read more
  • 300
  • 11 Bedrooms
  • Affordable ($)
See profile

Wakehurst

Haywards Heath, West Sussex
(2)
More Pricing Inside
Set in the heart of West Sussex, the wild botanical gardens of Wakehurst are a unique backdrop for a memorable event.
Read more
  • 130
  • £3,000 – £6,000
See profile

Chichester Yacht Club

Chichester, West Sussex
(1)
More Pricing Inside
Beautiful peaceful location on the edge of Chichester Harbour. Spacious yacht club with gardens, function suite and balcony available for hire. Dedicated events and catering team. Free parking.
Read more
  • 120
  • From £65.00 pp
See profile

The Guildhall, Chichester

Chichester, West Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Situated in the heart of Chichester City Centre, The Guildhall radiates romance and charm and will add a touch of fairy tale wedding to any ceremony.
Read more
  • £1,500 – £2,500
See profile

Gravetye Manor

East Grinstead, West Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Gravetye has been linked with romance since it was built in 1598. Richard Infield built the Manor for his bride, Katherine, and evidence of this still remains with the initials ‘R’ and ‘K’ carved in stone over the main entrance.
Read more
  • 70
  • 17 Bedrooms
  • £24,000 – £28,000
See profile

Nymans

Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Bridebook Deal Available
With glorious views across the West Sussex countryside, a wedding ceremony at Nymans is an intimate and unforgettable experience. With just a few ruins remaining from the original mansion built in the
Read more
  • 60
  • Upon request
See profile

The Claremont

Hove, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
An elegant setting and decor for a charming wedding that you will always remember.
Read more
  • 50
  • 11 Bedrooms
  • £495 – £15,000
See profile

The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa

Midhurst, West Sussex
Celebrate your day in one of the oldest coaching inns in the UK, set in the heart of the South Downs National Park. Packed with charm and character, and roaring fires, a warm welcome awaits you.
Read more
  • 120
  • 39 Bedrooms
  • Upon request
See profile

Haylands Barn

Graffham, West Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Bridebook Deal Available
At Haylands Barn, we can bring your wedding and special event ideas to fruition. Our picturesque Wedding Venue offers stunning views of the Southdowns in the heart of West Sussex.
Read more
  • 200
  • £5,450 – £6,800
See profile

Brighton College

Brighton, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
With beautifully kept lawns and grounds, Brighton College is a tranquil and intimate wedding venue not far from the centre of Brighton.
Read more
  • 156
  • £390 – £1,400
See profile

Iford Hall

Lewes, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Iford Hall is an idyllic venue in beautiful surroundings that transforms into a gorgeous setting for your magical day.
Read more
  • 120
  • From £1,500
See profile

St Mary's House & Gardens

Steyning, West Sussex
(2)
More Pricing Inside
An enchanting Grade I Historic House with beautiful gardens in the pretty downland village of Bramber. The romantic surroundings make it a perfect venue for your wedding ceremony.
Read more
  • £525 – £1,100
See profile

Brighton Unitarian Church

Brighton, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Brighton Unitarian Church is currently undergoing extensive building work, but is open to take enquiries for 2019 weddings at the newly transformed wedding venue!
Read more
  • 30
  • From £1,100
See profile

Duncton Village Hall

Petworth, West Sussex
More Pricing Inside
The contemporary and elegant Duncton Village Hall has gorgeous panoramic views of the South Downs countryside and offers the ideal location for your wedding day.
Read more
  • 80
  • From £1,200
See profile

Proud Brighton

Kemptown, East Sussex
More Pricing Inside
Great location and interesting space to have a stylish wedding reception at competitive price. Gives you the choice of renting out one or two floors depending on your party size.
Read more
  • 140
  • From £750
See profile

Norfolk Arms Hotel

Arundel, West Sussex
(8)
More Pricing Inside
Bridebook Deal Available
The Norfolk Arms Hotel, an unspoilt Georgian Coaching Inn – set under the battlements of Arundel Castle, in the heart of Arundel, offers the perfect location for your special day.
Read more
  • 80
  • 37 Bedrooms
  • £300 – £600
Everything you need to know about weddings in Sussex

West Sussex is a quintessentially English county, offering a wealth of romantic settings.

  • The South Downs: Provides breathtaking, panoramic views perfect for marquee weddings and rustic celebrations.
  • Historic Estates: Grand manor houses like Goodwood or Petworth House offer timeless elegance and opulent surroundings.
  • Coastal Charm: Venues near Chichester Harbour or the beaches of the Witterings provide a serene, coastal romance.
  • Enchanting Woodlands: Secluded woodland venues offer a fairytale, bohemian vibe for intimate ceremonies.

Local Suppliers: The county boasts a vibrant community of top-tier wedding suppliers.

  • Florists: Many specialise in rustic, country-garden arrangements using local blooms.
  • Caterers: Acclaimed chefs often focus on farm-to-table menus, utilising Sussex's renowned local produce.
  • Photographers: Experienced photographers are adept at capturing the unique light and landscapes of the South Downs and coast.

Venue hire fees in West Sussex can vary significantly based on style and exclusivity.

  • Barn Venues: Expect to pay between £5,000 - £12,000 for exclusive hire, often on a dry-hire basis.
  • Manor Houses & Hotels: Prices typically range from £8,000 - £20,000+, often including catering and accommodation packages.
  • Marquee/Outdoor Venues: Land hire might be lower (£3,000 - £7,000), but remember to budget for marquee hire and all infrastructure.

These are estimates; always check what's included in the package.

Budgeting Tips:

  • Off-Peak Savings: Consider a weekday or a wedding between October and April for potentially lower venue hire fees.
  • Package Deals: All-inclusive packages can offer better value and simplify planning, but check the details carefully.
  • Hidden Costs: Ask about corkage fees, service charges, VAT, and costs for supplier access or clean-up.

Spring (March-May):

Witness the county's gardens and countryside burst into life. Ideal for floral-heavy themes in venues like Parham House or West Dean Gardens. The weather can be unpredictable, so have a wet-weather plan.

Summer (June-August):

The most popular season offers long, light evenings and the best chance of sunshine for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. Venues with beautiful grounds and coastal settings shine during these months.

Autumn (September-November):

Enjoy the stunning golden hues of the Sussex landscape. This season is perfect for cosy, romantic celebrations in barns or country pubs with open fires. It's often more budget-friendly than summer.

Winter (December-February):

Imagine a magical winter wedding in a grand manor house, adorned with festive decorations and candlelight. This is the ideal time for intimate, black-tie events with a focus on opulent interiors.

Getting Here:

West Sussex is exceptionally well-connected.

  • By Air: London Gatwick Airport is located within the county, offering easy international access.
  • By Train: Direct train lines run from London Victoria and London Bridge to major towns like Chichester, Arundel, and Horsham.
  • By Car: The M23 and A23 connect directly to the M25, while the A27 runs along the coast, making travel straightforward.

Staying Over:

Your guests will have a wide choice of places to stay.

  • Luxury Hotels: Historic towns like Arundel, Midhurst, and Chichester offer boutique and spa hotels.
  • Charming B&Bs: The countryside is dotted with welcoming bed and breakfasts and traditional pubs with rooms.
  • Self-Catering: For groups or families, consider renting holiday cottages, especially near the coast or in the South Downs National Park.
FAQ's

Do I need a special license for an outdoor wedding ceremony in West Sussex?

For a legally binding ceremony in England, it must take place under a licensed permanent structure. Many West Sussex venues have licensed gazebos or garden follies for this purpose. For a ceremony in an unlicensed open space, like a field or woodland, you would need to complete the legal formalities at a register office separately.

What are the best types of romantic venues for a smaller, more intimate wedding in West Sussex?

West Sussex is perfect for intimate weddings. Consider a historic country pub with a private dining room, a boutique hotel in a town like Chichester, or a beautifully restored barn with dedicated smaller spaces. Many larger estates also offer exclusive use of specific wings or gardens for more intimate celebrations.

Are there any iconic West Sussex locations for romantic wedding photos?

Absolutely. The lavender fields at Lordington Lavender (in season), the dramatic views from the South Downs Way, the historic streets of Arundel with its castle backdrop, and the sandy dunes at West Wittering beach are all incredibly popular and stunning locations for unforgettable wedding photos.

Many romantic West Sussex venues have beautiful gardens. What are the typical wet-weather options?

Most experienced West Sussex venues have excellent contingency plans. This usually involves a beautiful indoor space, such as an orangery, drawing room, or converted chapel, that is prepared for your ceremony. Always ask your shortlisted venues to show you their 'Plan B' option so you can be confident it's just as special.

How can we incorporate a 'Taste of Sussex' into our romantic wedding?

West Sussex has fantastic local produce. You can serve award-winning sparkling wine from local vineyards like Nyetimber or Ridgeview, incorporate Sussex cheeses into your canapés or wedding cake, and work with your caterer to create a menu featuring local, seasonal ingredients from the land and sea.

How far in advance should we book a popular romantic wedding venue in West Sussex?

For sought-after romantic venues, especially historic manors and exclusive-use barns, it's advisable to book 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for a peak season Saturday. If you have more flexibility with your date, such as a weekday or an off-season month, you may find availability with less notice.