I have to admit that the Christmas period has been making me feel quite broody…. In the words of Cat Stevens (and Boyzone), maybe it’s about time I “Find a girl, settle down, If you want, you can marry”.
But where will I get married? Well, the obvious answer is “wherever the bride wants to”. Brighton and the surrounding area is full of brilliant wedding locations. From fantastic old buildings, to stunning countryside, there is something for everyone on their special day. Here are my top 10 Wedding locations in the area.
10. American Express Community Stadium (£85-£199 per person)
A football stadium is hardly high up on most lists of “romantic locations”. However, “The Amex” was recently voted the best new football stadium IN THE WORLD and boasts highly respected corporate and hospitality facilities. Ignoring the dual carriageway that runs alongside the Stadium, guests can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. The £199 option (“Platinum Plus”) includes a free hotel stay (hotel unspecified) for the happy couple.
9. Shoreham (Brighton City) Airport (Cost unspecified)
This may seem like I’ve gone off the rails a little bit, but bear with me. Our local airport, situated just outside of Shoreham to the west of Brighton, has a Grade II listed Art Deco building (built in 1936) to its name. Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, the airport also offers lovely views. The conference suite can hold 60 guests. To top it off, you can now fly direct from the airport to Paris for a ultra romantic honeymoon.
8. Brighton Racecourse (Catering £52 per person, fireworks/other extras range from £250-£2000, venue hire unspecified)
Yes, you’re almost in Whitehawk, yes, there might be horse manure visible, yes, your guests may be tempted to gamble your wedding presents away. However, this venue, situated on Race Hill offers possibly the best views of the city- perfect for that special wedding photo. Judging by their brochure, the venue seems to specialise in “extras” including Chinese fire lanterns for your guests, and a mega pyrotechnics extravaganza.
7. Brighton College (Prices available on request)
One of the city’s most beautiful buildings, Brighton College has to be a great choice for a more formal ceremony. The site has its own Chapel, and can offer many locations for the after party. From a idyllic outdoor summer affair in the famous Quad, to a MEDIEVAL BANQUET in the Grand Hall. For a meal, the venue can cater for 156 guests.
6. Brighton Sea Life Centre (price unspecified)
This is something I didn’t know, but now I’m excited about. THE SEA LIFE CENTRE HAS A WEDDING LICENSE!!!! What better way to celebrate your special day than to hang out with Herman (the pig-nosed turtle) and the gang.
5. Hilton Brighton Metropole (price unspecified)
One of our city’s two premier hotels, the Hilton offers a completely personalised event on your special day. Whilst you may not be surrounded by wildlife, you are given all the luxuries that a top notch hotel venue brings. Your guests can stay in one of the many first rate rooms, and the hotels seafront location provides beautiful views of the sea and access to the beach, perfect for that special wedding photo.
4. Stanmer House (bespoke packages)
Situated in the beautiful Stanmer Park on the edge of the city, the parks Manor House provides a truly romantic setting for your wedding. Ideal for summer, with outdoor marquees, the venue caters for 60 guests, and also offers a bespoke package system to cater for all budgets. Situated outside of the hustle and bustle of city life, Stanmer Park is perfect for a quiet, intimate wedding ceremony with unique photo opportunities.
3. Brighton Bandstand (prices available on request)
Possibly the most simple and down to earth venue on this list, the iconic Bandstand was reopened in 2009 after being closed for 6 years. This seafront location is beyond ideal and ventures into the realm of perfection. The downstairs cafe, situated at beach level is run by La Fourchette, and can take care of dressing the venue, food, drinks and flowers and can tailor the ceremony to your budgetary needs.
2. The Grand Hotel (prices available on request)
Brighton’s most iconic hotel is situated smack bang in the middle of the action. Perfect for a post-wedding beach photo or a pre-wedding dutch courage session on West Street. The hotel has built a worldwide reputation for hospitality and can tailor the event to match your needs. The Grand has 201 rooms for your guests (72 with sea views) and offers a complimentary room for the newlyweds. As you’d expect, the venue offers first rate food and drink facilities. Also, the one time I’ve ever been in the Grand, I saw Pauline Fowler having a glass of wine in the bar- so you never know.
1. Royal Pavilion (ceremonies £600-£650 depending on season, registrar £360-£500 depending on day, reception £1040-£1550)
One of the most iconic buildings in the country, where better to get married than in the stunning Royal Pavilion? Built by the eccentric, controversial, womanising, borderline lunatic Prince George (later King George IV), with work starting in 1787. The building is one of the UK’s most visited tourist spots, and by far the most famous building in Brighton. Whilst he wasn’t the most romantic man in the world, George left us with an ideal wedding location. Inside you will find a mish-mash of Chinese and Indian decor which truly represent the former King’s eccentric side, and in fact can pretty much sums up Brighton in general. The Pavilion’s front lawn offers brilliant photo opportunities with the building in the background.
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