OUTSIDE THE BOX

www.alexanderwhitephotography.co.uk CHARACTERFUL VENUES

Outside

THE BOX

We round up some of Sussex’s most characterful venues

SOUTHLANDS BARN

01798 306 550 | www.southlandsbarn.co.uk

Southlands Barn is a 17th-century structure, part of Southlands Farm situated in the heart of West Sussex in the quaint village of West Chiltington. With its rolling fields, beautiful lake and breath-taking views of the South Downs the venue’s location is a working farm complete with plenty of wildlife roaming around. Keep your eyes out for pheasants, foxes, hawks, ducks, geese, many native birds and of course the farm’s very own free-range cows who wander in each evening for dinner.

Ceremonies are held either in the 17th-century barn or outside in the pergola overlooking the farm and South Downs. The former can seat 100 and the latter can host 150.

Celebrations for 100 loved ones take place in the barn beneath its beams and fairylights. In fact, very little additional décor is required to create a gorgeous atmosphere for a wedding. There’s also a bar area, plus indoor and outdoor courtyards. Guests can also choose to chill out in the snooker room, which has comfy couches and a fire place.

The venue offers a free wine-tasting night for couples getting married there, and you’ll also be treated to a bridal suite for your morning preparations. Three-day exclusive hire means the venue is all yours from Friday to Sunday to use as you wish. A two-day mid-week hire package is also available.

www.jor danmansfieldweddings.com

Scan to view video www.jordanmansfieldweddings.com

www.jackboskett.co.uk

BLUEBELL RAILWAY

01825 720 800 | www.bluebell-railway.com

The Bluebell Railway is the perfect place if you’re looking for vintage in the truest sense of the word. It’s a hugely atmospheric setting, allowing you and your guests to step back in time amid the magic of steam. Favoured by film companies for the detail of decoration and character, it’s a photographer’s dream. The line’s Horsted Keynes Station gained fame when it featured in the beloved TV series, Downtown Abbey. You can even enhance your wedding day with a steam journey through the beautiful Sussex countryside, and the stations are surrounded by tranquil meadows fringed by woodland, offering flexible outdoor spaces for your reception as well as those all-important photos.

Horsted Keynes Wedding Room has been restored to the 1930s’ Southern Railway period and is decorated in the style and elegance of this bygone era, with dark floors and cream wood panelling adorned with period railway advertising. It makes for an impressive and charming backdrop for your ceremony holding 40 people including the two of you and two registrars. Alternatively, the Birch Grove Suite at Sheffield Park Station is ideal for a larger ceremony with a capacity of 60 people. The room is located above the platform restaurant.

If you’re looking to bring a touch of nostalgia to your celebrations why not board your own chartered steam train, or enjoy a warm and friendly evening in the restaurant? Alternatively, it’s possible to set up a marquee in one of the surrounding green spaces. The venue’s wedding coordinator will work closely with you to ensure you find your perfect spot.

Add more to your day with the chance for you and your guests to explore the accredited museum and SteamWorks! interactive exhibition. If there’s still time, there’s also a couple of areas for the children to play.

www.neilwalkerphotography.co.uk www.george-evans-photo.com

CISSBURY BARNS

01903 899 638 | www.cissbury.com

Cissbury Barns, nestled on the Cissbury Estate, benefits from a beautifully secluded setting. The Estate itself offers a feast for the eyes with fabulous photo opportunities everywhere you turn. Beautiful brick and flint walled gardens surround the Barns and your guests are welcomed either via the Secret Garden, with its living handmade rustic doorway, or from the top entrance into the large imposing courtyard, complete with its own petanque court. The enclosed ceremonial and patio walled gardens too are attractive and relaxing spaces for your nearest and dearest to take a moment away from celebrations and enjoy the tranquillity of the South Downs.

The “I dos” happen in The East Barn, with its flowing white voile drapes, elegant lime-wash chairs and bespoke rustic wooden furniture. A wonderfully romantic place to exchange vows, it can accommodate 120 loved ones.

The West Barn has wow factor in spades with its gorgeous oak beams and high-pitch roof, and is the home of wedding receptions at Cissbury Barns. The beautiful fairylight canopy and crystal or rustic chandelier await you for your wedding breakfast and will be set up in advance. Plus, large double glass doors either side of the central barn allow oodles of light to flood in. Here, you can host 120 for the meal and 200 for the evening revelries.

Bury Manor Barn, The Manor, Church Lane, Bury, West Sussex, RH20 1PB 01798 831791 | info@burymanorbarn.com | www.burymanorbarn.co.uk

THE WALLED GARDEN

Located in a historical setting on the Cowdray Estate, The Walled Garden is an enchanting wedding venue, full of heritage, charm and character.

www.cowdray.co.uk/eventvenues/weddings

Midweek 2022 availability for £2995 3-day weekend hire in 2023 for £5495

2022 weekends are fully booked

A BEAUTIFUL 17 TH CENTURY BARN VENUE IN WEST CHILTINGTON

INFO@SOUTHLANDSBARN.CO.UK

INSTAGRAM @SOUTHLANDSBARN

MENTION THIS AD FOR A FREE BOTTLLE OF LOCAL SPARKLING WINE for couples who book a viewing!

www.prettyperfecteventhire.co.uk

prettyperfectevent@gmail.com 07583177387/07584298545

Weddings are about the little things. We specialise in those final elegant touches, tailor made to your requirements. Covering Sussex and surrounding areas.

HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE

01323 834 479 | www.herstmonceux-castle.com

This 15th-century castle is the oldest brick building of note still standing in the country and is the stunning centrepiece of a beautiful 300-acre estate. The interior of the castle was the main focus of an extensive restoration project in the early part of the 20th-century and reflects a variety of styles from the Elizabethan Room with its stunning 16thcentury staircase to the more contemporary Conference Room with glorious views over the moat.

To the rear of the Castle are themed and formal gardens that can provide an idyllic backdrop to your newlyweds’ photoshoot. Beyond these are wild meadows, The Folly with its cottage-style walled garden, a lily pond and managed woodland that changes throughout the seasons.

A grand and majestic room, The Ballroom offers views over the Courtyard and out to the Elizabethan Garden – the ideal space to make a lasting impression. It’s a versatile spot and combines a romantic historical setting with all the modern facilities you could wish for. It can play host to both your vows and reception for 150 seated and 180 for the evening. Also available from ceremony to celebrations are the Conference Room (up to 100 guests) and Elizabethan Room (up to 30 guests). Further options for the “I dos,” as well as drinks receptions, are The Cloisters and Courtyard, stunning if the weather is fine.

www.terivphotography.co.uk w.terivphotography.co.uk ww

THE OBSERVATORY

01323 832 731 | www.the-observatory.org

The Observatory is a unique venue set in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. Formerly the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, it now operates as an attraction with extensive science exhibits and charitable status – promoting science for all. The six iconic telescope domes offer an unforgettable setting for couples looking for something completely different and unconventional. The venue can even offer stargazing or planetarium experiences to add to your day’s entertainment.

Set in the picturesque village of Herstmonceux, the grounds certainly have the wow-factor. As you approach The Observatory you can’t help but be intrigued by the other-worldly green domes emerging from the horizon.

The domes offer a choice of two spaces for your “I dos.” Telescope Dome E is licensed for ceremonies and features an amazing historical telescope at the room’s centre. There’s space here for 60 of your nearest and dearest. The Geodesic Dome is perfect for larger ceremonies, seating 100. The unusual shape and opportunities for decoration give you plenty of flexibility and the permanent geodesic marquee can be used too.

Receptions also take place in the Geodesic Dome, which offers a blank canvas to decorate as you wish. Alternatively, The Big Space (the main marquee), which can seat the same number, is practical and spacious. It’s light and airy with a large decking area, and is ideal for a sit-down wedding breakfast or something more casual. For receptions the venue can host 104 for a seated meal or 150 plus for buffet-style dining. It can also accommodate more than 150 for the evening do.

Since the venue is new for 2022 it still has some last-minute availability for this year and plenty of dates for 2023.

FIELD PLACE MANOR HOUSE & BARNS

01903 446 401 | www.fieldplace.co.uk

Nestled among eight acres of beautiful Green Flag award-winning grounds is the Grade II listed Field Place Manor House, a fine example of an 18th-century English Country House. The property you see today still boasts its original Georgian facade and portico making it an elegant backdrop for your big day. Many of the House’s many original features can be found inside, fully restored to their former glory. While records show 14th-century origins, the building retains high-quality Jacobean oak panelling and carved feature fireplaces dating back to 1624. The spacious grounds and wedding gardens offer photo opportunities aplenty, as well as a play park to keep the children entertained.

Here, you have a choice of four locations in which to say “I do.” The Oak Room is steeped in history, with Jacobean oak-panelled walls it creates an intimate space for up to 25 guests. The Chichester Room is lit by elegant French chandeliers and is finished with damask mink white wallpaper. It can host 95 loved ones. The Pavilion Barn features exposed beams and a long sweeping aisle. It’s a spacious setting, which allows for ceremonies of up to 150 nearest and dearest. It also has a private courtyard garden to make the most of following the vows with seating and a firepit to enjoy.

For open-air ceremonies, the Wedding Gardens are the spot. Designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold-award winner Juliet Sargeant they offer gorgeous white planting and soft wisteria arches. It allows for 150 guests and there are contingencies in place to utilise the Pavilion Barn in case of bad weather.

Following the vows you’ll be welcomed into your wedding reception with drinks and canapes on the parterre with your wedding breakfast set and ready to greet guests in the Sussex Barn. The space offers original oak-beamed high ceilings, a fairylight canopy, fully-licensed bar and boasts views of the wedding gardens. It has capacity to seat up to 120 guests for the wedding breakfast with more for the evening. Alternatively, The Pavilion Barn is also an option for your celebrations.

www.andykerrphotography.com www.andykerrphotography.com

THE ROEBUCK INN

01323 811 244 | https://theroebuckinnfreehouse.com

Situated opposite the village green in the beautiful village of Laughton, just a few minutes drive from the market town of Lewes, you’ll find The Roebuck Inn. This is a historical coaching inn that offers a warm welcome with freshly-prepared home-cooked food courtesy of its two-star rosette-winning head chef. For guests staying in the area before or after your wedding it boasts four individual luxury double bedrooms with en suites and is a great base from which to explore local attractions such as Glyndebourne Opera House and Charleston Farmhouse – home of the Bloomsbury Set. Wedding receptions can be hosted in the versatile function room with the advantage of a sprung dancefloor, stage and lighting. Its stylish decor and vaulted ceiling, plus private bar makes it an ideal space for celebrating with 150 of your nearest and dearest and a marquee leading off from the patio doors into a private garden is also available. In the summer an outdoor bar is an option too.

The function room can also seat 75/100 loved ones for a delicious wedding breakfast. A range of menus are on offer from a hog roast to a full five-course meal from the team of top chefs.