With its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and glorious countryside, East Sussex has pretty much every wedding option you could dream of. From glorious boho hideaways to high-end country estates sprawling on hundreds of acres, to Tudor barns and festival-style fields.

As a humanist wedding celebrant working in Brighton, London, East Sussex, and beyond, I get to visit all kinds of gorgeous spaces. Below I have put together my top East Sussex wedding venues to die for.

If it’s an East Sussex city wedding, you’re after, you can check out my Brighton City Wedding Blog HERE.

1. Wickerwood Farm

As the boho dream goes, things do not get any better than this absolute gem of a venue. Set within a peaceful 3-acre stretch of farmland with a wild woodland setting beside a stunning lake dotted with water lilies. Take advantage of the glamping meadow and live your wedding festival dream by staying in luxurious bell tents. 

If I could get married all over again, it might well be here!

Capacity – 120 guests / 20 bell tents

What couples will love – the venue also hires out its very own boutique furniture and prop hire collection, consisting of amazing velvet armchairs and lounge setups for your guests to enjoy to the max!

Hire – 3 days hire available, so you can really max out the festival vibes

2. Falmer Court

If you are looking for East Sussex barn wedding venues, you have come to the right place! This venue is drenched in romance and medieval charm. It’s a Great Thatched Barn set within a vast estate. With high timber roofs and a Cathedral-like interior, the barn not only looks incredible but is also situated in lovely surroundings, nestled in the middle of the South Downs. When you are ready to enjoy your reception, you will find a huge dancefloor down on one end that’s recently been renovated. It’s fit for a great big party!

What couples will love – this place speaks for itself. You don’t need a lot of décor to make it pop

Capacity – 130

 3. Firle Place

OK – now this place is something special. A VAST country estate set in the South Downs, dating back to the time of Henry VIII.

This immense, sprawling estate consists of acres and acres of land. Within the grounds, there are several places to get married, including the Grade II incredible riding school venue, croquet lawns, the herb gardens as well as inside the magnificent house itself.

What couples will love – this place is SO grand, the modern film adaptation of Emma was set there

Capacity – varies from space to space, but you can go EPIC with this place – 250+

4. Blackstock Estate

If atmosphere is what you’re after, look no further than this stunningly restored 500-year-old Tudor barn. Secluded, secret lakes scattered around 70 acres of breath-taking land. It has a private Tudor courtyard with stunning panoramic countryside views. With accommodation for up to 22 guests onsite across the various outhouses.

What couples will love: This place comes with its own Hollywood glamour makeup room!
Capacity: 120 guests

 5. Gildridge Manor

This luxurious, privately owned Grade II listed Georgian manor house venue is totally idyllic. The space was lovingly restored to its former splendour by its current owners in 2012 and includes all the original features from 240 years ago.  With drawing rooms, ladies’ morning rooms, and libraries galore, your guests can sprawl out.

Capacity: 100 for ceremony & 150 for reception

What couples will love: ideally situated in Eastbourne Old Town, so while the venue is private and exclusive, it’s within easy reach of tones of B&Bs, transport links, and local amenities

6. Pilgrims Rest, Battle

 This historic gem is a 600-year-old house situated in the medieval town of Battle in East Sussex - in the heart of 1066 country. This building has a historic soul.  Over the years it’s hosted celebrations from medieval banquets to Georgian balls, Victorian luncheons to Edwardian tea dances.  

It has incredible features including huge inglenook fireplaces, ancient beams, and linenfold doors to oak floors. It even has ancient witch marks to ward off evil spirits and a secret tunnel that runs beneath the Abbey walls. 

What couples will love: It’s perfect for small, intimate weddings. There are no corkage charges and no fixed suppliers, so you have total control. It’s a great backdrop without the added expense of styling and prop hire. Affordable yet aspirational.

Capacity: 50 for the day, 90 total including evening guests

7. The Oak Barn – Frame Farm

OK, so not technically in Sussex…but I couldn’t leave this one off the list. Heritage, character, and rural beauty all combine in perfect harmony at The Oak Barn, Frame Farm. This exclusive Grade II listed award-winning eco venue consists of a series of beautiful buildings, bringing authentic elegance. Recently restored but dating as far back as 1607.

What couples will love: They do everything they can to reduce their environmental impact and work sustainably, making choices in keeping with the natural beauty of the setting.

Capacity: 135 guests

8. Greentrees Estate

Set in 170 acres of private woodland, lakes, manicured lawns, and gardens with a specifically designed modern oak wedding venue. For your ceremony, you can enter through a spectacular walled arch. There are also cottages on-site to stay in.

What couples will love: This place is exclusively yours for the weekend. You get the place from 3 pm Friday till the Sunday, so you can design, decorate and theme your day

Capacity: indoor capacity is a whopping 300 seated with a further 50 capacity for the evening

9. Frickley Lake

Frickley Lake is a beautiful collection of lake, wedding marquee, boathouse, camping fields, forest, fire pit, and woodland.

This works perfectly for a rustic, classic chic, bohemian hip, or vintage homemade wedding.

What couples will love: You can access it from Friday morning right through to Sunday evening. They also have a selection of props available

Capacity: Up to 150

As you can see from these incredible venues, an East Sussex wedding ceremony has a lot to offer!

If you are in the process of choosing where to get married, now is also a great time for you to think about the type of ceremony you want. You can find out more about me and celebrant-led ceremonies by clicking here.