Your Sussex Wedding - April/May 2021 (Issue 90)

ROYAL PAVILION, BRIGHTON 03000 290 905 | www.brightonmuseums.org.uk The Royal Pavilion is one of the most exotically beautiful buildings in Britain, designed to entice, enrapture and enchant the great, good and grand of George IV’s court. Today, it can be enjoyed in its original 1823 splendour. This breathtaking former royal Regency palace offers a unique venue for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions in the heart of Brighton and Hove’s cultural quarter. The Pavilion’s glorious garden is one of the few fully-restored Regency gardens in the country. Groups of flowers emulate jewels set against the flourishing evergreens that frame striking views of the palace, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for those all- important photos. There are two rooms licensed for ceremonies. The Red Drawing Room retains much of George IV’s striking decorative scheme, incorporating the Royal Pavilion’s distinctive dragon wallpaper and palm tree pillars. Not open to the general public, it benefits from its own private entrance leading directly from the Regency garden and has space for 44 loved ones. The Music Room is one of the palace’s most spectacular and impressive state rooms. If you’re looking for a ceremony room to take your breath away, this fits the bill! The extraordinary interior is lit by nine lotus-shaped chandeliers and the windows are dressed with opulent blue silk-satin draperies supported by carved flying dragons. The gilded dome ceiling is made up of hundreds of plaster cockleshells creating the illusion of height. All in all, a truly regal and unparalleled setting in which to mark the start of your married life. It can host 90 nearest and dearest to witness your “I dos.” The King William IV Room is available for wedding receptions. With exquisite hand-painted Chinoiserie wallpaper and hanging lanterns, it too has its own private entrance, as well as a lobby and caterers’ kitchen. It can host 80 for a drinks reception, 70 for a standing buffet and 60 for a seated meal. HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE 01323 834 479 | www.herstmonceux-castle.com This 15 th -century castle is the oldest brick building of note still standing in the country and is the stunning centrepiece of a beautiful 300-acre estate. The interior of the castle was the main focus of an extensive restoration project in the early part of the 20 th -century and reflects a variety of styles from the Elizabethan Room with its stunning 16 th - century staircase to the more contemporary Conference Room with glorious views over the moat. To the rear of the Castle are themed and formal gardens that can provide an idyllic backdrop to your newlyweds’ photoshoot. Beyond these are wild meadows, The Folly with its cottage-style walled garden, a lily pond and managed woodland that changes throughout the seasons. A grand and majestic room, The Ballroom offers views over the Courtyard and out to the Elizabethan Garden – the ideal space to make a lasting impression. It’s a versatile spot and combines a romantic historical setting with all the modern facilities you could wish for. It can play host to both your vows and reception for 150 seated and 180 for the evening. Also available from ceremony to celebrations are the Conference Room (up to 100 guests) and Elizabethan Room (up to 30 guests). Further options for the “I dos,” as well as drinks receptions, are The Cloisters and Courtyard, stunning if the weather is fine. 24 www.monaaliphotography.com www.vivaweddingphotography.com