So went the ’80s Billy Idol song, nearly. With that in mind, we take a look the more unusual venues in East Sussex you can book for your big day.
Hastings Pier
If you do like to be beside the seaside, why not chose the award-winning restored Hastings Pier? With its flexible wide deck and The Deck function room, it’s a great choice which has been used for wedding fairs too. Find out more
Llama Park, Forest Row
Possibly the closest animal we’ve got to a muppet, who doesn’t love a llama? Based in 33 acres of the Ashdown Forest, the park isn’t just home to llamas; 60 types of animal are housed there. And with a big barn and all that open space at your disposal, you can alpaca them in. Find out more
The English Wine Centre, Alfriston
If you’re worried about the bar running dry, then wine not book this venue to guarantee your wedding goes with a ‘hick’. Hold your wedding or civil ceremony reception in the old Oak Barn and use the lawn and romantic English Garden for fabulous photos with the backdrop of the South Downs and the Long Man of Wilmington. Find out more
Winter Garden, Eastbourne
If you want your big day to go off without a drama, then why not chose Eastbourne’s oldest and ornate theatre? Built in 1875 by the seventh Duke of Devonshire and renovated with copies of its original designs and colours, it’s the ideal venue for thespians and theatre lovies. Let’s hope your special wedding is not a farce or a pantomime. Currently closed for renovation. Find out more
The View, Seaford Head
If you’re worried your day could end up below par and you love golf, take a trip to the 19th hole on Seaford Head! The View clubhouse offers the full package and impressive views. Find out more
De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Hold your civil ceremony, reception or both in this iconic modernist building, made famous in the Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novel The ABC Murders (B standing for Bexhill on Sea). The 1935 building looked stunning in the 1992 ITV version with David Suchet and it would be a stunning backdrop for any couple. Find out more
ILTC – International Lawn Tennis Centre, Eastbourne
It’s time for some bad tennis puns… You’ll not find fault with this unusual wedding venue. So, if you’re game, get set to be the perfect match. Find out more
Anne of Cleeve’s House, Lewes
Granted to Anne by Henry VIII, this fascinating museum provides an historic background to any wedding or civil ceremony. It’s okay, you’re not tempting fate; Anne of Cleeves wasn’t divorced or beheaded but survived! Find out more
The Bell Inn, Ticehurst
From the outside, it looks like an ordinary country pub, but inside it looks like a nobleman has been on a grand tour and stuffed the place full of things he’s spotted on his travels. A wedding reception is also nothing ordinary – the team pride themselves on working with you on making the day unique, from rustic to Alice in Wonderland whimsical. Find out more
Wadhurst Castle
Be the king and queen of your very own castle for the day. Outdoors or in, Victorian Winter Garden to the grandeur of the Drawing Room, the past can be your present to yourselves. Find out more
Plumpton Racecourse
Get married life off to a flying start by holding your wedding at East Sussex’ flat course. Best ban your best man making “jokes” about the bride being a fine filly and your groom being putting out to stud, from the off. Find out more
Visit the East Sussex County Council wedding and ceremony venues page for a comprehensive list.
