Your Sussex Wedding - Page number 25 - June/July 2021 (Issue 91)

& BREAKFAST Wed Our roundup of Sussex’s hotel venues ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB 01342 824 988 | www.ashdownpark.com The neo-Gothic splendor of this Grade II listed mansion house offers a choice of period rooms, beautifully landscaped grounds and a lovingly maintained secret garden. Situated in the heart of the Sussex countryside you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to photographic settings. If the wedding of your dreams involves al fresco “I dos” then the Summer House is for you. With capacity for 150 loved ones it’s situated on the lawns overlooking the lake and greater estate. Alternatively, for vows under cover there’s the John Hayward room, which can host a variety of guest lists from 30 to 100 before you all adjourn upstairs to the Harry Clarke Suite for the wedding banquet. A converted chapel, it’s the largest space for celebrations as well as being one of the most unusual and impressive around. With spectacular stained glass windows designed by 19 th -century Irish artist Harry Clarke, who used up to 35 shades of blue in some panes creating shimmering shafts of light. It also boasts an original organ, wedding bells and a vaulted timber ceiling. It can cater for 80-150 nearest and dearest. The Henry Smart room, named after one of the architects responsible for the creation of the chapel and an accomplished photographer, is licensed for ceremonies witnessed by 40 to 70 guests. It then partners with the Lady Brassey Suite with capacity for 70 where you’d have your wedding breakfast, before returning to the Henry Smart, complete with private terrace, for the evening bash. Also available for intimate ceremonies are the Richard De Wych with capacity for 18 guests and Jacob Henniker, which can accommodate 40. The latter can also be used as a private room for you and your guests to enjoy breakfast together the following morning. HOTEL VENUES 25