Description
Wakehurst: A Dream Wedding Venue in West Sussex
If you’re planning a wedding and want a venue that combines historic charm with natural beauty, Wakehurst is an exceptional choice. Located in the heart of West Sussex, this magnificent country estate and wild botanic garden spans 500 acres of stunning landscapes. Managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst offers a breathtaking backdrop of temperate woodlands, serene lakes, and picturesque walled gardens—perfect for your special day.
A Historic and Elegant Setting
At the center of Wakehurst is the Elizabethan Mansion, a Grade I listed 16th-century country house full of character and history. After a careful restoration, the Mansion will open its doors to wedding celebrations starting June 2025. Inside, you’ll find timeless elegance with wood-paneled walls, ornate fireplaces, and beautifully sculpted ceilings that create a romantic and grand atmosphere.
- The Mansion’s Gallery overlooks the grounds and is licensed for civil ceremonies with up to 120 guests. It can also host a wedding breakfast for up to 80 guests.
- For a cozier dining experience, the Dining Room accommodates up to 60 guests.
- Using both rooms together, you can host a wedding breakfast for up to 140 guests and an evening reception for up to 180.
Flexible Spaces to Match Your Vision
Wakehurst offers a variety of beautiful spaces to create the wedding day you’ve always imagined:
- The Elizabethan Mansion: Enjoy exclusive use of this historic venue, perfect for intimate ceremonies or larger receptions. The grand foyer with its sweeping staircase makes a stunning first impression and offers fantastic photo opportunities. During warmer months, outdoor ceremonies can be held on the manicured lawns in front of the Mansion.
- The Croquet Lawn: Ideal for bigger celebrations, this perfectly maintained lawn can host marquee weddings with up to 200 seated guests. With the Mansion as a beautiful backdrop, you can choose from classic marquees or bohemian-inspired tipis to suit your style.
- The Millennium Seed Bank: For a modern twist, the striking glasshouse atrium of this world-famous conservation project offers an inspiring setting for a drinks reception of up to 200 guests. You can also set up a marquee on the lawns behind the Seed Bank for your main reception.
Delicious Dining and Expert Service
Wakehurst’s in-house caterers, Graysons, are known for their creativity and exceptional service. They focus on fresh, locally sourced, seasonal British ingredients to craft a bespoke menu that reflects your tastes. Whether you prefer a formal sit-down wedding breakfast or a relaxed, informal meal, Graysons will make your dining experience unforgettable. Plus, the wedding couple receives a complimentary menu tasting as part of the catering package.
Picture-Perfect Moments All Year Round
With over 500 acres of diverse landscapes, Wakehurst is a photographer’s paradise. From the charming English Walled Garden to tranquil lakes and lush woodlands, every corner offers stunning backdrops for your wedding photos. No matter the season, the venue’s natural beauty will fill your wedding album with breathtaking images you’ll cherish forever.
Experience
Overview of Wakehurst
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Reviews (2)
- IIzzy and Hamish27/09/2025Ghosted us for 2 months then cancelled our wedding by textGhosted us for 2 months then cancelled our wedding by textPromised the world during showarounds and phone calls - we were so excited!!! Then they ghosted us for two months and cancelled our whole wedding by text one night. Took a week of ringing up multiple times a day before anyone spoke to us for an apology and an explanation, which still didn't make much sense. They promised us an annual pass, which is nothing given the situation and they haven't sent it anyway. Graysons tried to find us another venue, but with only a year until our date the options were really limited. We agreed to go with Wakehurst in February and they cancelled end of June - so much time wasted, so now all our planning is really hectic and stressful. We are beyond heartbroken. To all brides & grooms - please please be careful out there!!! 💕Promised the world during showarounds and phone calls - we were so excited!!! Then they ghosted us for two months and cancelled our whole wedding by text one night. Took a week of ringing up multiple times a day before anyone spoke to us for an apology and an explanation, which still didn't make much sense. They promised us an annual pass, which is nothing given the situation and they haven't sent it anyway. Graysons tried to find us another venue, but with only a year until our date the options were really limited. We agreed to go with Wakehurst in February and they cancelled end of June - so much time wasted, so now all our planning is really hectic and stressful. We are beyond heartbroken. To all brides & grooms - please please be careful out there!!! 💕
- BBrussell14/04/2023Went here for a wedding and I have to say the grounds are so picturesqueWent here for a wedding and I have to say the grounds are so picturesqueWent here for a wedding and I have to say the grounds are so picturesque. You can get lost I'm the beauty of the gardens and it's so much land for small kids to run around in. Would definitely go again for another visit and if you're looking to get married their you will not be disappointed.Went here for a wedding and I have to say the grounds are so picturesque. You can get lost I'm the beauty of the gardens and it's so much land for small kids to run around in. Would definitely go again for another visit and if you're looking to get married their you will not be disappointed.
Location & Contact Details for Wakehurst
Where is Wakehurst wedding venue located?
Wakehurst is located in West Sussex, England, with the postal code RH17 6TN, near Haywards Heath. This magnificent country estate and wild botanic garden offers stunning natural surroundings for your wedding day.
What makes Wakehurst a unique wedding venue?
Wakehurst combines historic charm with natural beauty across its 500-acre estate, including woodlands, lakes, and gardens. Managed by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, it offers an Elizabethan Mansion dating back to the 16th century, elegant interiors, and a range of flexible spaces for ceremonies and receptions.
When will the Elizabethan Mansion at Wakehurst be available for weddings?
The Elizabethan Mansion, a Grade I listed 16th-century country house at Wakehurst, is scheduled to open for wedding celebrations starting June 2025 after a careful restoration.
What is the capacity of the Elizabethan Mansion for ceremonies and receptions?
The Mansion’s Gallery is licensed for civil ceremonies with up to 120 guests and can host a wedding breakfast for up to 80 guests. The Dining Room accommodates up to 60 guests. Combined, these rooms can host a wedding breakfast for up to 140 guests and an evening reception up to 180 guests.
What outdoor wedding options are available at Wakehurst?
Wakehurst offers several outdoor spaces including:
- The Croquet Lawn: Suitable for marquee weddings with up to 200 seated guests.
- Manicured Lawns: Perfect for outdoor ceremonies in front of the Mansion during warmer months.
- Lawns behind the Millennium Seed Bank: Available for marquee receptions with a modern and inspiring backdrop.
Can I host both intimate and large wedding celebrations at Wakehurst?
Yes, Wakehurst offers versatile spaces suitable for intimate ceremonies inside the Elizabethan Mansion as well as large marquee receptions on the Croquet Lawn or the lawns behind the Millennium Seed Bank accommodating up to 200 guests.
What catering options does Wakehurst provide for weddings?
Wakehurst’s in-house caterers, Graysons, specialize in fresh, locally sourced seasonal British ingredients. They create bespoke menus tailored to your preferences, ranging from formal sit-down meals to relaxed informal dining. The wedding couple also receives a complimentary menu tasting as part of the catering package.
Is Wakehurst suitable for wedding photography?
Absolutely. With over 500 acres of diverse landscapes including the English Walled Garden, tranquil lakes, and lush woodlands, Wakehurst offers a picture-perfect setting for unforgettable wedding photos throughout all seasons.
Can I have a marquee wedding at Wakehurst?
Yes, Wakehurst’s Croquet Lawn is ideal for marquee weddings and can accommodate up to 200 seated guests. You can choose from classic marquees or bohemian-inspired tipis, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Elizabethan Mansion.
Are civil ceremonies permitted at Wakehurst?
Yes, the Elizabethan Mansion’s Gallery is licensed to host civil ceremonies for up to 120 guests, providing an elegant and historic setting for your wedding vows.
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