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Tie the knot in a local hotspot

LORDINGTON LAVENDER

07793 499 327 | www.lordingtonlavender.co.uk

With a whole field of vibrant, fragrant lavender at your disposal, Lordington Lavender provides a magnificent setting. Guests can enjoy spectacular views, wander through rows upon rows of gorgeous purple blooms and enjoy all the charm of a rural wedding with a twist. Located on a family farm, Lordington is the only lavender field in West Sussex.

The picturesque lavender field blooms in rows of magnificent purple throughout July and offers an idyllic backdrop for your celebrations and photos. With no public access or sight lines, you’re completely enveloped in the natural beauty of the South Downs and free to enjoy the glorious views at your leisure.

Ceremonies can be held anywhere in the field – among the lavender or in the grassy areas bordered by wild flowers. Let your imagination run wild as you choose the spot that’s perfect for you.

A large, traditional pole marquee provides ample space for dining and dancing and the grass spaces that surround it offer additional room and flexibility. You can also say “I do” here, under canvas.

While the team is on hand to make recommendations and offer assistance, you have free reign to design the exclusive wedding experience you’re looking for. Starter packages include a marquee that will seat 170, but there’s potential for more. In fact, capacity is unlimited, budget permitting. Think canapés and fizz amongst the fragrant rows, guests snapping selfies against vivid purple backdrops and partying under canvas and bunting long after the busy butterflies have flown to bed!

AVISFORD PARK

01243 558 308 | https://avisfordparkhotel.com

Situated in 89 acres of Sussex parkland, Avisford Park makes quite the first impression as you approach. This Georgian manor house with beautiful original features including an ornate staircase leading from the main entrance to the first floor, also boasts a stunning ballroom with pillars, sparkling chandeliers and an ornately decorated ceiling. Outside, the front and rear lawns are ideal backdrops for photographs and drinks receptions, as well as relaxing and spending time with your guests or playing garden games. In addition, there’s a seasonal outdoor pool, tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course.

The separate Garden Lodge features the Grand Hall, ideal for large events. It can be self-contained as there are 27 bedrooms, a bar, outdoor patio area and dedicated parking. It can host 250 for the ceremony and 180 for the wedding breakfast. The venue’s maximum capacity for the evening reception is 300.

The Terrace Room in the main hotel, formerly the manor’s library, is ideal for smaller celebrations and offers access to the terrace overlooking the rear lawns. It can accommodate 70 for the “I dos” and 60 for seated dining. Also in the main hotel is the Henty Suite, which has recently been refurbished with subtle modern décor. It has its own private barn and access to the front lawns. Here, there’s space for 85 for both the vows and wedding breakfast.

The Ballroom with its ornate ceiling, feature fireplaces and sparkling chandeliers can host 60 for the wedding breakfast. And finally, if al fresco “I dos” are your preference, the gazebo on the link-way lawns has space for six beneath it.

BAILIFFSCOURT HOTEL & SPA

01903 723 511 | www.hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt-hotel-and-spa

Sumptuous, timeless and inspiring Bailiffscourt offers a romantic setting with an elegant ambience. Narrow passageways with flagstone floors lead you through intimate lounges and sitting rooms, and Gothic mullioned windows frame picture-perfect views of the gardens and rose-clad courtyard. Mere steps away from the hotel is the luxurious and contemporary spa with facilities that include an indoor pool, outdoor heated infinity pool, hot tub, fitness suite, relaxation lounge and six treatment rooms. What’s more, there are 39 bedrooms and suites, some with open fireplaces and four-poster beds scattered throughout the house. The gardens even boast an original and very pretty 13th-century Norman chapel and a helipad for an indulgent arrival or departure.

With all the appearance of a Medieval house, Bailiffscourt’s best-kept secret is that until 1927 it didn’t exist! Designed for Lord Moyne, then Walter Guinness of the brewing family using original stone, woodwork, windows and fireplaces, as you walk in it’s like stepping back in time.

The Music Room is a characterful room hung with tapestries and has a fireplace ideal for a roaring log fire during a winter wedding. It can accommodate 40 guests seated or 65 standing for the ceremony, and 40 guests for a seated wedding breakfast.

The Chapel is available for romantic blessings for up to 40 seated or 60 standing. Filled with candles and flowers, it’s the perfect setting.

The Tapestry Restaurant is an elegant space complete with Medievalstyle architecture, mullioned windows and tapestry-hung walls. It can seat up to 80 loved ones.

WEALD & DOWNLAND LIVING MUSEUM

01243 811 032 | www.wealddown.co.uk/weddings

The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a hidden gem, located among 40 acres of glorious countryside in the Lavant Valley at the centre of the South Downs National Park. With the character of the museum as your backdrop and limited dates available each year, you’ll be assured a day that few couples get to share.

Completed in 2002, the Download Gridshell was the first building of its kind built in the UK. Built from solid oak laths, bent into a double curvature, it takes its name from the shell-like shape that results. Today it hosts ceremonies and receptions for up to 180 people. Additionally, the Upper Hall is licensed too and can seat 50.

Crawley Hall is situated in the heart of the venue’s Medieval market square. Surrounded by historical buildings and cobbled paths, this charming timber-framed barn is an ideal choice for intimate “I dos” and celebrations with up to 50 guests. After the ceremony you can enjoy the museum grounds and facilities followed by a rustic picnic buffet next to the tranquil millpond.

The Greenways Field is a blank canvas offering an idyllic setting and photo opportunities aplenty. Here, it’s possible to pitch a marquee for up to 500 loved ones.

fionamillsart.com

SOUTHEND BARNS

01243 641247 | www.southendbarns.co.uk

Set on a working farm in the beautiful West Sussex countryside and surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens and peaceful courtyards, Southend Barns has been lovingly restored with rustic charm and romantic touches.

There’s ample outdoor space with a picturesque courtyard that lies at the heart of the venue. It’s a space for children and the ideal spot for reception drinks and garden games. As evening falls, the gardens are lit with romantic up-lights that show off the flint and log walls of the wedding barns. Here, guests can gather around the Collecting Yard with its sumptuous sofas, firepit an al fresco bar.

The simple yet romantic Dairy Barn is fully-licensed for all civil ceremonies and partnerships. With a wonderful sweeping 22-metre aisle, exposed wooden beams and benches it holds up to 120 guests and can also be used after the “I dos” for a drinks reception or transformed into an entertainment room for children.

There’s also an outdoor ceremony garden nestled in a tranquil spot between the resident alpaca’s field and the Dairy Barn. Using natural elements that complement the rest of the barn, The Secret Garden is a hidden gem that features a 50-foot aisle set amidst peaceful scenery and seats up to 100.

The Threshing Barn can seat 120 diners and 200 loved ones can attend the evening reception. The 200-year-old barn radiates rustic charm and has plenty of space for dancing and entertaining.

There’s also a Milking Parlour, which can be used as the groom’s quarters or for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready before the vows.

https://hanavenn.co.uk