Your Sussex Wedding - December 2020/Janaury 2021 (Issue 88)

BUXTED PARK HOTEL 01825 733 333 | www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/buxtedpark This impressive Grade II Georgian country house boasts a whole host of period features lending the most picturesque of backdrops to your special photographs. The hotel is nestled amongst stunning Ashdown Forest parkland and is reached by a long tree-lined drive. Built in 1722, it has a wealth of history, having once welcomed William Wordsworth, Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando as guests. There are several ceremony spots available, and undoubtedly the cosiest is The Coat of Arms. Found at the heart of the hotel, the lounge features a grand 18 th century working fireplace. It can host 120. Nearby and similarly ideal for a winter ceremony is The Library, with room for 50 loved ones. When the weather is warmer, The Coat of Arms Lawn and The Orangery are fine alternatives. There’s even a chapel within the estate’s grounds offering another dimension to your big day. Receptions take place either in The Ballroom for 120, or The Orangery, for 70. The former is the state wedding room and features no less than five Empire chandeliers, complementing the five full-length Georgian sash windows. It also features two ornate fireplaces and access to the balcony. The seven spacious master suites have all undergone a recent refurbishment and use of the bridal suite is included in your wedding package. THE RAVENSWOOD 01342 810 216 | www.theravenswood.co.uk Built in 1426, this 15 th -century manor house has warmth and charm in spades, making it ideal for your wintry nuptials. Boasting wooden beams, cosy corners, warm fireplaces and elegant staircases, it offers a stylish wedding day with photos to match. As you arrive via the private driveway you’re immediately taken away by the elegance of this historical building, complete with tall castle towers. Its grounds, which span 18 acres include no less than four lakes, ruins, bridges, a gorgeous boat house, pleasure gardens, patio and even a giant chair. The Old Baronial Hall has a rustic feel with its wooden beams and staircase, open wood fire and views of the grounds. You can have 150 guests join you here for the vows. The Jacobean Suite, which can seat 110 for the ceremony, is a light and airy room that’s been decorated in neutral colours with wooden floors and a stunning fireplace. During the summer there’s also the Little Castle, a stunning spot for al fresco “I dos” complete with a sprinkling of fairytale magic. For the evening do, The Princess Beatrice Suite is a breathtaking round room with a wooden ceiling, elegant drapes, large windows and its own bar. It has capacity to seat 150 of your loved ones. 31 WINTER WONDERLAND VENUES www.bala ncephotography.co.uk www.dmphotographyuk.com www.johnscofieldphotography.co.uk