A year of the best wedding venues in Sussex
Natasha and Ian at Balcombe Place. Photographer - Matthew Scott Photography
Choosing the right venue for your wedding is one of the first decisions you’ll make in the planning process. As a Brighton-based bridal hair and makeup artist, it’s safe to say I’ve seen my fair share of venues in Sussex (and beyond!). If you are still in the early stages of planning, I hope this gives you some inspiration for your dream venue, atmosphere and hair and makeup to accompany the day. Here’s a rundown of some of my best-loved wedding vibes!
Brides looking for barn wedding venues in Sussex
Where? Secret Barn, West Sussex
Couple- Jess & Will
The Secret Barn, found at the foot of the South Downs, is the perfect choice for brides seeking a rustic atmosphere within a stone's throw of Brighton. Jess and Will’s guests had a delicious vegetarian banquet from Petal and Feast whilst bathing in the warm summer sun, accompanied by outside speeches and cake cutting.
Hair details- to mirror the rural setting of the venue, we went for a relaxed half-down do with beachy waves and gorgeous flower hair pins, I made sure the style had lots of volume, texture and hold for a lived-in feel.
Photographer- Jacques Lloyd
Brides looking for Brighton wedding venues
Where? Brighton Town Hall
Couple- Luiza & Ciro
Brighton Town Hall is in the perfect place for a registry wedding in the heart of the lanes, and a short walk from the Palace Pier and Brighton beach. Luiza and Ciro tied the knot with an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest friends and family. They had photographs along the seafront, the beach and even in the sea before a reception back in the comfort of their flat, with live music and sea views to gaze upon!
Hair details- Luiza had beautiful natural curls that we wanted to use and accentuate. The addition of some delicate dried flowers woven into a loose plait matched the relaxed atmosphere of their wedding perfectly.
Photographer - Nayara Venancio
Brides looking for a woodland wedding venue
Where? Two Woods, West Sussex
Couple- Nicole & Paul
Two Woods is a picturesque venue located in Pulborough. Nestled beneath woodland trees, this is a stunning option for couples looking to embrace the great outdoors on their wedding day. Nicole and Paul’s guests toasted the happy union alfresco beneath the trees admiring the ancient woodland that surrounded them.
Hair details- with any outdoor wedding, the weather is always a concern. Nicole was torn between an updo and a half-up-half-down style. For their April wedding, we chose to play things safe and opt for a twisted up-do that would be drizzle and windproof.
Photographer - Lindsay McConville
Brides looking for a castle wedding venue in West Sussex
Where? Amberly Castle, West Sussex
Couple- Sarina & Casey
If you want a setting steeped in history, then you’ve found it at Amberly Castle in Arundel. Sarina and Casey chose to step back in time for their elopement, saying ‘I do’ under the shadow of its historic walls, finding the perfect backdrop for their wedding photos.
Hair details- Sarina had the most amazing long thick red hair which we braided into a boho half up half down style. Scattering real flowers throughout, her hairstyle had a medieval feel perfect for a wedding at a historic venue.
Photographer - Henry Wells
Brides looking for a secluded country house wedding venue
Where? Florence House, East Sussex
Couple- Josie & Olivia
Florence House in Seaford is a country house that looks like it’s jumped straight out of a children’s novel. They stumbled across this sweet venue while walking their dog and knew it would be perfect for their wedding. Josie and Olivia brought unbeatable energy by combining this amazing setting with an injection of ABBA karaoke and an appearance from their gorgeous dog Cleo!
Hair details- for this wedding, we worked Josie’s hair around her tiara. I created a classic updo for the day celebrations, which I then transformed into a relaxed, loose look for the evening reception - perfect for air guitars and head banging!
Photography - Adam Harvey
Brides looking for a backyard marquee wedding
Where? At Home, Garden Wedding
Couple- Anna & Tom
Backyard weddings are a brilliant option for a creative couple wanting to DIY with a personal touch. With the help of their family Anna and Tom created a stunning day with the ceremony taking place on the lawn and a marquee reception. Decorated with wildflowers, hay bails and bunting, the day was accompanied by a delicious feast from Tom’s Malaysian food company Santan Boi.
Hair details- For Anna’s hair she wanted plaits and a boho vibe to go with her amazing dried flower crown. I created this soft braided updo which could be worn with or without the crown in case she wanted to remove it for all the dancing!
Photography - Emily Anne
Some other great Sussex and surrounding area venues to consider:
-Hoath House, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent
-Southend Barns, Chichester, West Sussex
-Balcombe Place, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
-Pelham House, Lewes, East Sussex
-Rathfinny Wine Estate, near Eastborne, East Sussex
-Horsted Pond Farm, Uckfield, East Sussex
-Cherry Barn,near Rye, East Sussex
-Upwaltham Barns, Petworth, West Sussex
-The Party Field, Lewes, East Sussex
When providing bridal hair and makeup services for your day, I’ll travel to be with you first thing on the wedding morning. I’ve worked with brides close to home in Brighton and Hove, all the way to the sandy shores of Devon! Contact me today to find out more about my services.
Co written by Alice Hartwell for Naomi Spurr Studio