Your Sussex Wedding - Jun/Jul 2019 (Issue 79)

26 A wedding day must surely be one of the most important days of anyone’s life. So it stands to reason that you might be looking for a venue that can match that sense of importance with its grandeur and history. Goodwood House, Chichester, would have no problem stacking up to any expectation. Breathtaking from the moment its porticoed facade comes into view, this historic location, steeped in elegance will enable you to feel truly special on your big day. Our editor, Kelly Andrews, was lucky enough to be invited along to its wedding showcase evening earlier in 2019, before resting her head at the estate’s Goodwood Hotel. Here she tells us more about this glorious venue. COME ON IN The house is grand yet welcoming. Sure, it’s a stately home, but with the open fires roaring and warmth emanating from the vast Front Hall, it does offer a comforting atmosphere. It’s here that you and your guests would be greeted by Goodwood’s butler for a drinks reception surrounded by three works by equestrian artist George Stubbs. Sipping on a glass of elderflower cordial, I began my tour in the Yellow Drawing Room. With sheer elegance and ornate beauty, it makes for a breathtaking location in which to exchange vows. It can accommodate 150 for licensed ceremonies, 80 for your wedding breakfast and 225 for a drinks reception. As I meandered through this glorious space, I discovered a little round room bedecked in wall-to-wall cabinets filled with a wonderful collection of Sèvres porcelain. Given the delicate treasures that surrounded me, I was surprised to hear that this space could be used as a beanbag area for children or as an opening to the beautiful lawns. More commonly, though, this photogenic spot is where couples sign the register. YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL Mannered in the style of French monarch Louis XV, The Ballroom is hung with portraits of Kings and Queens, as well as the Duke and Duchesses of Richmond and Gordon. I was able to see it laid out in all its finery, complete with Goodwood-crested china and glassware, which is included in the wedding package along with personalised table plans and menus, tables, chairs, linen and cutlery. There’s a charming minstrels’ gallery at one end, G LOR I OU S GOODWOOD Goodwood House has played host to celebrations for more than 300 years. With its Regency architecture and fine collection of art, it’s difficult to imagine a more impressive location for your nuptials You can also tie the knot at The Goodwood Hotel. For more information check out goodwood.com/weddings