Your Sussex Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 77)

OCKENDEN MANOR HOTEL & SPA 01444 416 111 | hshotels.co.uk A tranquil, 15 th -century Elizabethan manor house, set in nine acres of peaceful gardens and parkland, Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa is full of history and character. The elegant sitting room is warmed by a roaring log fire and the oak-panelled private dining room boasts a painted ceiling with stained glass windows and sweeping views across the gardens. The 28 distinctive bedrooms and suites, some with four-poster beds, are all individually furnished and named after members of one of the two families to have owned the building since 1520. Ockenden Manor Spa was purpose built inside the 19 th -century walled garden. This contemporary spa offers a host of luxury facilities, including eight treatment rooms, and outdoor hot tub and indoor pool with a swim-through to an outdoor heated pool. The Drawing Room is bright and sunny, with antique furniture, an open fire and views of the garden, the perfect place to exchange vows and host an intimate reception. The Ockenden Suite has real wow factor, with spectacular views over the terrace, gardens and the beautiful South Downs. It offers a fabulous single space to hold your ceremony and reception. Finally, the Burrell Suite, a beautiful oak-panelled room with access to the gardens is a further intimate space. The venue can be hired exclusively and boasts award-winning cuisine. THE GUEST LIST… Ceremony: 120 | Wedding breakfast: 96 | Reception: 150 PEKES MANOR 07776 298 405 | pekesmanor.com Set in open Wealden farmland, characterful stay-and- celebrate venue Pekes Manor is a rambling old Tudor-style manor house. With 30 acres, six houses, a swimming pool and large gardens, the venue also boasts a large main lawn capable of holding a 250-capacity marquee. This venue offers a wealth of delightful features bursting with character at every turn, including the huge duck topiary, ancient pond, old barn and beautiful walled garden, complete with chickens – not to mention the wonderful views of the Weald. Ceremonies take place in the Edwardian wing of the manor or in the wing’s private and secluded column garden. Although there is no ceremony licence, meaning the service would be celebrant-led, there are plans to have it in place in 2019, so keep your eyes peeled. You can then party the night away in the wood-panelled Dining Room or in a marquee hosted on the main Ducks lawn. THE GUEST LIST… Ceremony: 150 | Wedding breakfast: 250 | Reception: 250 20