SPOTLIGHT ON

Spotlight on... EASTBOURNE TO RYE

Tie the knot in a local hotspot

THE GRAND HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

01323 412 345 | www.grandeastbourne.com

The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne exudes five-star luxury and historical elegance. The White Palace as it’s affectionately known sits proudly opposite the Western Lawns, with its 400-foot frontage standing in prime position facing the English coastline towards Beachy Head. It boasts splendid views out to sea and along the coast with its own beautiful Princes Lawn perfect for an al fresco drinks reception.

There are a variety of rooms available for the “I dos.” The largest is the Princes Room, which can host 120 guests. With high ceilings and twinkling chandeliers this space creates a true sense of romance. It also boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, access to a private garden and a delicate palette of gold and cream. The Dukes Room can hold 80. Originally the Hotel’s library, it brings a sense of sophistication to any wedding day. The most intimate of ceremony spaces is the Arundel Room, which can accommodate 60.

Again a whole host of spaces are ready to welcome you for your celebrations, capable of hosting anywhere between 16 to 250. Our highlights include the Mirabelle Restaurant, which can seat 50 nearest and dearest for the wedding breakfast. It’s the Hotel’s award-winning fine-dining restaurant and even has access to its own garden, which can be used for drinks during the warmer months. The Compton Room on the other hand, part of the Devonshire Suite, boasts an elegance that harks back to its beginnings as the Hotel’s ballroom when it first opened in the late 19th century. Embellished with ornate plasterwork, vast ceilings and a sprung dancefloor, it certainly has the wow factor. There’s space here for 192 diners and 250 evening revellers.

www.gabrielamatei.co.uk www.costaweddings.co.uk

MONTAGUE FARM

07598 920 285 | www.weddingsatmontague.co.uk

Montague is located on the western edge of the Pevensey Levels with spectacular views across its own grasslands to the sea. It’s home to a rustic venue comprised of an 18th-century complex of barns, courtyards and homes, which lie at the heart of the farm and its daily activities. When you book your wedding day here you’re allowed exclusive access to the venue and freedom to create your perfect weekend as there’s options for glamping.

You can say “I do” in The Palace accompanied by 100 loved ones before spilling out onto the beautiful lawn for drinks. It can also be used for blessings or welcome drinks if you’re tying the knot off site. Alternatively, you can decide to exchange your vows beneath The Palace porch where there’s room for 200 guests seated on the wedding lawn. It’s entirely up to you, and the weather!

Receptions for 200 are hosted in the Big Barn, where the First World War wagon wheel lights and drapes combined with the rustic wooden interior are perfect if you’re looking for an elegant setting with plenty of space. There’s also a bar so your guests will never go thirsty!

The Watering Shed is also part of the venue and is beautifully positioned on the apex of the hill with stunning views across the Pevensey Marshes. It works well as a cocktail bar or for teas and coffees. You have the choice of how you wish to utilise it.

GILDREDGE MANOR

01323 438 944 | www.gildredgemanor.co.uk

Gildredge Manor is an elegant Grade II listed Georgian Manor House set in Gildredge Park in the Old Town of Eastbourne. This local historical gem was rescued from dereliction by its current owners and restored in 2012. The Manor has the character and grandeur befitting a special occasion, with a relaxed ambience allowing you to feel at home.

When the weather is on your side, the beautiful gardens are a perfect spot for you and your guests to mingle and enjoy canapés and welcome drinks. Garden games are a must here!

The venues offers a choice of two licensed rooms for your ceremony: The Garden Room downstairs and the Long Gallery upstairs. The former is a bright and airy space enabling 100 loved ones to join you for the “I dos,” which doubles as the dancing room later in the evening. It’s also ideal for an intimate wedding breakfast with 60 guests. The Long Gallery meanwhile is the venue’s biggest room. One long space, it’s licensed for ceremonies and is also ideal for diners. The room is filled with light from the windows, which run the length, and boasts extensive views across Gildredge Park. It can seat 100 for the vows and the same for the wedding breakfast.

There are also several other rooms available for you to utilise. The Ladies’ Morning Room reflects the fashion for Chinoiserie in the late 18th century and is a great place for your cake, presents, cards and evening buffet. Meanwhile, the Library is furnished with comfy Chesterfield leather sofas and armchairs making for a calm place for guests to seek refuge from the dancefloor.

THE LODGE AT WINCHELSEA

01797 226 211 | www.winchelsealodge.co.uk

The Lodge is a modern contemporary venue surrounded by beautiful countryside. Here, you can benefit from exclusive use of the whole hotel including 28 rooms and a luxury suite. All bedrooms are en-suite and have flat-screen TVs, personal tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. There’s also ample on-site parking.

The courtyard gardens were created in spring 2022 with multiple flower beds and magnificent olive trees along with the installation of a stunning three-tier water feature.

Ceremonies take place in The Winchelsea Suite for 30 seated and 30 standing guests. This cosy space has a separate entrance and the team will work with you to ensure the room is decorated just how you’d like it, including any colour palette.

Celebrate in style in The Lodge with 80 seated dining guests, plus an additional outside dining area. It can accommodate 150 loved ones for the evening reception. With plenty of space for your wedding breakfast it will later be transformed for your celebrations with room for a DJ, live band and plenty of dancing.

THE PILGRIM’S REST

07552 873 448 | www.pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk

The Pilgrim’s Rest is a 600-year-old Wealden hall house situated in the Medieval town of Battle in East Sussex, right in the heart of 1066 Country. Nestled alongside Battle Abbey there are some amazing backdrops for photographs in and around the building itself and within a short walk. For a small charge from English Heritage, the team can arrange for you to have more shots captured around the breathtaking ruins of the Abbey itself.

Say “I do” in The Great Hall accompanied by 50 nearest and dearest. A magnificent vaulted room complete with huge chandeliers, it also boasts a decorated oak staircase and working inglenook fireplace, which can be lit during the ceremony. You also have a choice of furs or bohemian rugs for the benches and the room is decorated seasonally.

Wedding breakfasts for 50 are served in The Dining Room, situated off The Great Hall. Here, there are plenty of beams, oak floors and large leaded-light windows. There are also wide lime washed tables and Chivari chairs, pewter candlesticks and candles all included in the hire price. While you dine, the team will clear away the benches in The Great Hall and transform it into the perfect place to dance.

The Webster Bar is also located off The Great Hall and is ideal for drinks before or after the meal. There are pealight lit hops over the huge open fireplace and cosy antique armchairs in front of the fire.