As a country, the UK is famous for it's historical buildings, and none of these is more magical than a castle. For those hoping for the ultimate fairytale wedding day, then a castle wedding venue is the ideal place to say 'I do'. From impressive feasting halls to tall stone towers and Gothic architecture, having a castle wedding is the perfect way to feel like royalty on your wedding day.
A castle wedding venue is just the thing for you if:
- You want a fairytale wedding
- You're a big fan of history
- You don’t want to do a huge amount of decorating
- You would like some fabulous photo opportunities
- You're flexible with your ceremony times
Castle Wedding Venues in Sussex - Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have our civil ceremony in a castle wedding venue?
Most castle wedding venues in Sussex will have a civil ceremony license, enabling couples to be legally wed in one of their rooms or in the grounds. If you want to marry in the castle grounds, contact the venue to make sure they have an outdoor ceremony license. If your chosen castle venue doesn’t have a civil ceremony license, then you can always enquire about having your wedding ceremony at the nearest registry office or having a humanist ceremony, before having an unforgettable wedding reception at the castle.
Can castle wedding venues in Sussex facilitate religious ceremonies?
Many castles have a chapel or church on site, which is where its inhabitants would have religious services. This means that you may be able to have a religious wedding ceremony without leaving the castle grounds! If you are unable to find the right castle wedding venue with a chapel or church on site, then do have a look as there may be some near by. It's important to check with your chosen castle venues to find out whether having a religious ceremony on site is possible.
Are any castles in Sussex wheelchair friendly?
If you are looking for a wedding venue that has easy access for wheelchairs, then you will be impressed by how accessible castle venues can be. Due to most castles in Sussex being local tourist attractions, it’s important that wheelchair users can be accommodated. Although, you may find that there may be areas of the castle that are unsuitable. Be sure to ask your venues ahead of time if accessibility is top of your priorities list.
How much will it cost to hire a castle for our wedding venue?
You may be surprised at how affordable a castle wedding venue in Sussex can be. Even huge palaces and historical monuments don’t always need a mammoth wedding budget, so it’s always worth enquiring. If you’re on a tight budget and want to save money on your castle wedding in Sussex, then opting for a midweek package or marrying in an off-peak season is a brilliant way to cut costs.
Will there be limitations on decorating a castle wedding venue in Sussex?
Castles in Sussex are perfect for couples who don’t want to do lots of decorating at their wedding venue. After all, they’re often sumptuously decorated in the first place. With striking artwork, historic suits of armour and unique architecture, a castle's original decor is impossible to reproduce. However, as they’re often listed buildings, there may be restrictions as to how you can decorate. Many castles will not allow paper confetti and you may be restricted on whether you can hang decorations or bunting.
What themes work for a castle wedding venue in Sussex?
A classic fairytale wedding theme works wonderfully for a castle venue. Think horse-drawn carriages, ball gown wedding dresses, glistening chandeliers and red roses and you have the perfect castle wedding theme.
If you’re a history lover, then a medieval wedding theme is also perfect for a castle. Castles in Sussex often have recommended entertainers such a falconers and dancers that are ideal for this, and a heavenly medieval banquet will certainly give your wedding guests something to remember your special day.
We also find that Christmas is an ideal time of year for your castle wedding, as castles are often richly decorated for Christmas with candles, trees and traditional touches. Take advantage and have a beautiful winter wedding in a castle!