Your Sussex Wedding - February/March 2024 (Issue 107)

AMBERLEY CASTLE 01798 831 992 | www.amberleycastle.co.uk Amberley Castle is a luxury hotel located in the picturesque village of Amberley at the foot of the South Downs. This magnificent 900-yearold castle is enclosed by a 60-foot-high curtain wall and portcullis that remains open, behind which you’ll find the enchanting hotel offering the highest standards of food and service, and all the luxurious facilities you’d expect. Every part of the building and grounds is steeped in history. Enjoy discovering the tennis courts, 18-hole putting green and croquet lawn, and even the resident peacock roaming the grounds. For those seeking tranquillity and relaxation, there are many quiet corners under the shade of a tree or by the fireside. There are several licensed spaces here to enjoy for your ceremony and reception. The King Charles Room can hold up to 12 guests and boasts views of the church yard. Nestled away on the second floor, behind the Queens Room restaurant it’s bursting with character thanks to its full-length oak-panelled walls and original furnishings. The Green Room, which can host 12 loved ones, offers a medieval backdrop with views of the castle grounds and rolling Sussex countryside. The Great Room is the largest private dining area in the castle and can accommodate 40 of your nearest and dearest. Located on the ground floor with access to the main courtyard, the room is complete with a large fireplace, oil paintings and antique weapons. The grounds include multiple beauty spots suitable for a wide variety of wedding sizes, whether it be the intimate isle inside the castle wall or in front of the castle overlooking the lake. When taken as an exclusive venue, Amberley Castle can accommodate a marquee in the idyllic gardens. Maximum capacities at the venue are 170 for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and 250 for the evening do. You’ll also be offered a complimentary anniversary dinner. BALCOMBE PLACE 01444 811 167 | www.balcombeplace.com Tucked away at the end of a private drive, in the heart of the Sussex countryside, surrounded by the greater Balcombe Estate, you’ll find Balcombe Place. With views of the landscaped garden and the farreaching Downs, the house epitomises British country living. Available as an exclusive-use property, Balcombe Place is the perfect house for you to make your home, whether you’re there for the day, or the weekend. It offers flexibility to use as you wish, allowing you to create the day you’ve always dreamed of. The location of your ceremony is completely up to you, depending on your requirements and subject to the signing of the register. Choose anywhere from the opulent drawing room to keeping it simple on the lawn accompanied by 120 loved ones. The Library boasts dark wood panelling and an ornate ceiling. It’s an intimate space to say “I do” surrounded by 30 guests. The Music Room is a showstopping space with a tall arched ceiling, wooden panelling, an organ and minstrel gallery. It’s a room like none you’ve seen before and can host 120 nearest and dearest. If you’d prefer a traditional church wedding however, there are a number of local churches nearby. St Mary’s in Balcombe for example is just three minutes down the road. After your vows, enjoy drinks and canapés on the lawn, with the house as your backdrop allowing guests to wander around the house’s five glorious reception rooms. Whether it’s garden games and Pimm’s in the sunshine, or warming fires and mulled wine, Balcombe Place is ready to celebrate whatever the season. The Music Room and Drawing Room can also host receptions for 80 and 40 guests seated respectively. The Billiard Room, connected to the Music Room by two large archways, offers additional seating for another 30 guests at round tables. Pssst... Balcombe Place’s Wedding Showcase will be taking place Sunday 3rd March 2024, 11am-4pm. Just email hello@balcombeplace.com to secure a time. https://nicoladawsonphotography.co.uk https://nicoladawsonphotography.co.uk 26

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