Your Sussex Wedding - Page number 26 - August/September 2021 (Issue 92)

ALL SAINTS THE OLD CHAPEL 01323 643 181 | www.allsaintschapeleastbourne.org All Saints Chapel is a beautiful and rather well-hidden venue. Situated close to the sea in the picturesque ancient village of Meads, Eastbourne, this is a majestic English architectural masterpiece designed by Henry Woodyer in 1874. The All Saints Grade II listed Old Gothic chapel is deconsecrated and fully-licensed for civil partnerships, events and functions. It’s easily accessed via a leafy residential street through huge timber gates and the front grounds where guests are able to mingle pre- and post-ceremony. The venue boasts four parts. First, the entrance reception, which is a modern, light and airy addition. It’s furnished with antique desks and pews complete with bar area where your reception drinks are served. Next is Harriot’s Hallway, an ancient cloister named after the founding and selfless Sister Harriot Byron Brown. Now beautifully decorated with strings of fairylights it’s used as the pre-nuptial area for the bride and her bridesmaids to relax, hidden from view, before their grand entrance. You then find yourself in the open area of the stairwell complete with wrought iron bannisters and gothic windows. You’re free to add your own personal touches anywhere you wish, but this is the perfect area to go to town! Finally, the pièce de resistance: The Great Hall. Here the Minton-tiled 60-foot aisle awaits the bridal party. The bejewelled light that floods in is ever changing, highlighting the Chapel’s various elements. Thirty metres of vaulted-timber ceiling tower above the altar, 150-year-old floor tiles lay beneath your feet and an elegant bar area stands beside hand-carved pew ends in the near corner of the banquet hall tempting guests to sample some of the 25 different gins on offer. Both ceremonies and celebrations take place in The Great Hall, which can accommodate 120 seated and 200 standing. While the team expertly turn the space around from one use to the other you and your loved ones can enjoy canapés and prosecco in the garden and reception area. THE OLD SHIP HOTEL 01273 329 001 | www.oldshipbrighton.co.uk/weddings The Old Ship Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in the vibrant city of Brighton, with Grade II function rooms and parts of the building dating back to 1559. Standing proudly on the seafront with panoramic sea views from many of its 154 bedrooms, the hotel is perfectly placed to put its guests in the heart of the action being just a five-minute walk from Brighton Palace Pier and The Lanes historical shopping district. Ceremonies take place in either the Fecamp Lounge (70 guests), the Gresham Suite (80 guests) or the Regency Suite (120 guests). These elegant spaces, part of Brighton’s original Assembly Rooms, are also available for the reception seating 35 to 60 of your nearest and dearest. The hotel also boasts the restored 400-year-old wine cellars, which can host an intimate dining experience like no other for 30 loved ones; and the grand Paganini Ballroom, capable of accommodating 150 guests (200 for the evening). The venue offers a choice of set-price packages to suit 50 guests, menu tastings, accommodation for you both on your wedding night, discounted accommodation for your guests and a 20 per cent discount in the restaurant for dinner the night before the big day. 26