Description
A Historic Venue Perfect for Your Modern Wedding
Just outside Brighton, nestled in the stunning Sussex South Downs, Falmer Court offers a wedding venue rich in history and natural beauty. With roots dating back to the 13th century, this estate provides a breathtaking countryside backdrop that makes your special day truly unforgettable.
At the heart of Falmer Court is The Great Thatched Barn—a magnificent mid-13th-century building and one of the largest of its kind in the British Isles. Once owned by Anne of Cleves and Thomas Cromwell, this historic barn has been carefully restored to combine its medieval charm with modern comforts and luxury.
Flexible Spaces Tailored to Your Celebration
Falmer Court offers exclusive use of the entire venue, giving you and your guests an intimate and personal experience. The Great Thatched Barn features a soaring timber roof and cathedral-like interior, comfortably seating up to 200 guests for receptions and up to 130 for civil ceremonies. Its adaptable layout lets you design the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day.
- Ceremonies: Choose from several stunning spots to say your vows. Whether you prefer the historic barn’s timeless charm or an outdoor ceremony surrounded by the lush South Downs, the options are beautiful and memorable. For religious services, the nearby St Laurence Anglican village church is just a short walk away.
- Receptions: After your ceremony, enjoy an elegant reception on the grounds. A stylish stretch tent provides a sheltered space for drinks and mingling, complete with comfortable lounge seating and giant lawn games. The formal gardens, featuring a graceful water feature, offer a perfect setting for your wedding photos.
All-Inclusive Venue Hire for Stress-Free Planning
To make your wedding planning easier, Falmer Court’s venue hire includes everything you need for a seamless day. You’ll have exclusive access to The Great Thatched Barn and the surrounding grounds from start to finish.
Included in the hire:
- Tables and stylish lime-washed Chiavari chairs
- Napkins, standard tablecloths, cutlery, plates, and glassware
- In-house speaker and music system with microphones for speeches
- Patio furniture to keep your guests comfortable
The in-house bar team is passionate about sustainability and supporting local businesses, serving mainly British brands. Their fully stocked bar can also accommodate special drink requests to make your wedding day truly unique.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of Falmer Court
Reviews (10)
- NNR20/10/2023Stunning barnStunning barnStunning barn and great peopleStunning barn and great people
- SSK20/10/2023Fabulous attentive teamFabulous attentive teamWhat an amazing night. Fabulous attentive team made it special. Congratulations to all involved in organising superbly.What an amazing night. Fabulous attentive team made it special. Congratulations to all involved in organising superbly.
- RR and P20/10/2023highly recommend this beautiful locationhighly recommend this beautiful locationWe were the first wedding at the Great Thatched Barn and had the most wonderful day, our guests have not stopped raving about the beautiful venue. It is a rustic barn with modern touches and we were able to add our own decor. The private outside space was invaluable and we were lucky to have a sunny day. The venue work solely with Circa who were outstanding, in particular the events manager Nick. We highly recommend this beautiful location for weddings.We were the first wedding at the Great Thatched Barn and had the most wonderful day, our guests have not stopped raving about the beautiful venue. It is a rustic barn with modern touches and we were able to add our own decor. The private outside space was invaluable and we were lucky to have a sunny day. The venue work solely with Circa who were outstanding, in particular the events manager Nick. We highly recommend this beautiful location for weddings.
- LL and G20/10/2023gorgeous venue that is historic in its bonesgorgeous venue that is historic in its bonesWe had our amazing wedding at Falmer Court this summer,it is truly a gorgeous venue that is historic in its bones but contemporary in its decor.The owners have fantastic taste,& although this was their first summer of weddings, they could not have been more reasonable and accommodating.The location is also amazing - you are in the gorgeous countryside in the South Downs National Park, but only a short taxi ride to Brighton. We've no doubt the venue will have countless incredible weddings to comeWe had our amazing wedding at Falmer Court this summer,it is truly a gorgeous venue that is historic in its bones but contemporary in its decor.The owners have fantastic taste,& although this was their first summer of weddings, they could not have been more reasonable and accommodating.The location is also amazing - you are in the gorgeous countryside in the South Downs National Park, but only a short taxi ride to Brighton. We've no doubt the venue will have countless incredible weddings to come
- LLH20/10/2023The venue is stunningThe venue is stunningFantastic venue, attended a private cinema screening. The venue is stunning, the food was devine, the staff are so welcoming and friendly and loved the aperol spritz. Highly recommendFantastic venue, attended a private cinema screening. The venue is stunning, the food was devine, the staff are so welcoming and friendly and loved the aperol spritz. Highly recommend
- SSG20/10/2023What a great venueWhat a great venueWhat a great venue-attended the Toploader gig in May 2023-food was excellent -band sound was really good -a really good night. Great venue for this type of function with Parking available of station within 5 min walkWhat a great venue-attended the Toploader gig in May 2023-food was excellent -band sound was really good -a really good night. Great venue for this type of function with Parking available of station within 5 min walk
- JJ and N20/10/2023THIS WEDDING was PERFECT & beyond all expectationTHIS WEDDING was PERFECT & beyond all expectationas well as shade and comfy seating under the stretch tent, great indoor dancing space and acoustics and well sited and supplied bar.. THIS WEDDING was PERFECT and beyond all expectation ❤️ and, in our particular case, delightfully adjacent to St Laurence Church by the scenic Falmer Pond! My husband and I are very happy parents and we now have an even happier daughter and son-in-law! 💕 Please pass on our warmest thanks to each and every member of your TALENTED TEAM!as well as shade and comfy seating under the stretch tent, great indoor dancing space and acoustics and well sited and supplied bar.. THIS WEDDING was PERFECT and beyond all expectation ❤️ and, in our particular case, delightfully adjacent to St Laurence Church by the scenic Falmer Pond! My husband and I are very happy parents and we now have an even happier daughter and son-in-law! 💕 Please pass on our warmest thanks to each and every member of your TALENTED TEAM!
- JJ and N20/10/2023a true fairytale wedding! 💍a true fairytale wedding! 💍Dear Fran and your amazing dream wedding Team in the Great Thatched Barn at Falmer Court, Thank you so much for giving our daughter and her husband a true fairytale wedding! 💍 From the lit up barn to the beautifully set tables, considerate and caring caterers, delicious food, careful planning and overall management, very well organised parking and outside spaces with plenty of activities for the kids Continued below...Dear Fran and your amazing dream wedding Team in the Great Thatched Barn at Falmer Court, Thank you so much for giving our daughter and her husband a true fairytale wedding! 💍 From the lit up barn to the beautifully set tables, considerate and caring caterers, delicious food, careful planning and overall management, very well organised parking and outside spaces with plenty of activities for the kids Continued below...
- NN and A20/10/2023bespoke Maltese & Sri Lankan menu which was divinebespoke Maltese & Sri Lankan menu which was divineContinued... The Circa catering team created our bespoke Maltese & Sri Lankan menu which was divine. We wish we could do it all again! Thank you everybody; we will treasure the memories, photos and videos forever. N & A xxxContinued... The Circa catering team created our bespoke Maltese & Sri Lankan menu which was divine. We wish we could do it all again! Thank you everybody; we will treasure the memories, photos and videos forever. N & A xxx
- NN and A20/10/2023we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful settingwe couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful settingWe had the most wonderful of wedding receptions at The Great Thatched Barn at Falmer Court in June 2023. Having got married in the local church, we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful setting for our reception. Fran & Lydia were kind, helpful & accommodating and made us feel unbelievably special. The barn itself is beyond stunning, the outside areas with lawn games suited our child-friendly day like no other, and the warmth of the whole team is unmatched. Continued below...We had the most wonderful of wedding receptions at The Great Thatched Barn at Falmer Court in June 2023. Having got married in the local church, we couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful setting for our reception. Fran & Lydia were kind, helpful & accommodating and made us feel unbelievably special. The barn itself is beyond stunning, the outside areas with lawn games suited our child-friendly day like no other, and the warmth of the whole team is unmatched. Continued below...
Location & Contact Details for Falmer Court
What is the historical significance of Falmer Court as a wedding venue?
Falmer Court is a historic venue with roots dating back to the 13th century. The Great Thatched Barn, at the heart of the venue, is a magnificent mid-13th-century building and one of the largest of its kind in the British Isles. It was once owned by notable figures such as Anne of Cleves and Thomas Cromwell, combining medieval charm with modern luxury.
Where is Falmer Court located?
Falmer Court is located just outside Brighton in the Sussex South Downs, East Sussex, England, with the postal code BN1 9PB. Its countryside setting offers stunning natural beauty, perfect for a wedding backdrop.
What types of wedding ceremonies can be held at Falmer Court?
At Falmer Court, you can choose from several beautiful spots to say your vows:
- The historic Great Thatched Barn for a timeless, indoor ceremony.
- An outdoor ceremony surrounded by the lush South Downs countryside.
- Religious services at the nearby St Laurence Anglican village church, just a short walk from the venue.
How many guests can Falmer Court accommodate for weddings?
Falmer Court comfortably seats up to 130 guests for civil ceremonies inside The Great Thatched Barn. For receptions, the barn can host up to 200 guests with its soaring timber roof and adaptable layout.
Does Falmer Court offer exclusive use of the venue?
Yes, Falmer Court offers exclusive use of the entire venue and the surrounding grounds. This ensures an intimate and personal experience for you and your guests throughout your wedding day.
What reception facilities are available at Falmer Court?
Following your ceremony, you can enjoy an elegant reception on the grounds featuring:
- A stylish stretch tent for drinks and mingling, complete with comfortable lounge seating and giant lawn games.
- Formal gardens with a graceful water feature, ideal for stunning wedding photos.
What is included in the all-inclusive venue hire at Falmer Court?
Falmer Court's venue hire includes everything needed for a seamless wedding day:
- Tables and stylish lime-washed Chiavari chairs.
- Napkins, standard tablecloths, cutlery, plates, and glassware.
- In-house speaker and music system with microphones for speeches.
- Patio furniture to keep guests comfortable.
Does Falmer Court provide catering and bar services?
Falmer Court features an in-house bar team passionate about sustainability and supporting local businesses. They serve mainly British brands and can accommodate special drink requests, offering a fully stocked bar tailored to your wedding day needs.
Can I have outdoor wedding celebrations at Falmer Court?
Absolutely. Falmer Court offers several outdoor options for your wedding, including ceremonies amidst the stunning South Downs and elegant receptions under a stylish stretch tent set on landscaped grounds.
Is Falmer Court suitable for modern weddings while retaining historical charm?
Yes, Falmer Court perfectly balances its rich history with modern comforts. The restored Great Thatched Barn maintains its medieval charm while offering luxury features and flexible spaces tailored to contemporary wedding celebrations.
