Your Sussex Wedding - June/July 2020 (Issue 85)

SOUTHEND BARNS 01243 641 247 | www.southendbarns.co.uk Set on a working farm in the beautiful West Sussex countryside, Southend Barns has been lovingly restored. Surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens and peaceful courtyards, it offers a magical setting for your wedding celebrations. The courtyard lies at the heart of the venue with its luscious lawn, well-kept pots and Cornish slate patio – a lovely spot for drinks and mingling. As evening falls, the gardens are romantically lit to show off the fantastic flint and log walls of the barns. Your gathered nearest and dearest can relax on sumptuous sofas around firepits. The Secret Garden is a hidden gem. Taking inspiration from the Dutch term gezellig, the garden is a celebration of togetherness, comfort and enjoyment and is an idyllic spot for your vows. The Dairy Barn boasts a wonderful 22-metre aisle, exposed beams and benches made of sweet chestnut. It can also be used after the “I dos” for drinks or an entertainment room for children, and can accommodate 120 guests. The Threshing Barn, on the other hand, radiates rustic charm and offers plenty of space for dining (120 guests) and entertaining (200 guests), with vast windows across both sides. The in-house catering team, Roots, have launched some fun informative menu-tasting evenings when you can sample the canapés and main menu options. There’s also live music and plenty of wedding advice from suppliers. WEALD & DOWNLAND LIVING MUSEUM 01243 811 032 | www.wealddown.co.uk/weddings The Weald & Downland Living Museum is a one-of-a-kind location for your wedding, set in the heart of the South Downs National Park. The museum boasts more than 50 historical buildings set in a beautiful 19th century park and provides an outstanding backdrop for your day, which your photographer will love. Completed in 2002, the Download Gridshell was the first structure of its kind to be built in the UK. Constructed using solid oak laths, bent into a double curvature, it takes its name from the resulting shell-like shape. The awe-inspiring architecture means you benefit from an uninterrupted space surrounded by peaceful woodland, which can accommodate 120. Greenways Fields offers a completely blank canvas, ready for your spark of creativity. Tranquil and idyllic it offers a variety of scenic areas for 250 ceremony guests. Alternatively, the timber-framed 16th-century Upper Hall is ideal for more intimate “I dos” of 50. All three can also play host to your celebrations, with ample space in Greenways Fields for 500 guests. If, however, you’d prefer a blessing, you can head out to the woodland of ash, beech, hornbeam and sycamore trees, to the Roots ceremonial clearing accompanied by 50-80 loved ones. www.lydiastampsphotography.com www.matthewlawrencephotography.co.uk 17 REGIONAL VENUES