Long gone are the days when the city of Brighton and Hove was simply a popular destination for a dirty weekend; nowadays, with its famous stretch of pebbly coastline, Regency splendour and playful, quirky Lanes, the city is as diverse and charming as its many wedding venues. Whatever your style, from groovy nightclub to sport-themed to grand architecture, there is bound to be something to pique your interest.
The Grand Hotel
Let’s start at the top – the Grand Hotel in Brighton is one of the country’s best-known hotels. Sitting centre stage on the Brighton seafront, this commanding Victorian building has been at the forefront of the Brighton scene since it was built in 1862.
Originally designed as a seaside retreat for the London set, it is a flexible space that lends itself perfectly to a weekend wedding.
There is a choice of rooms for your civil ceremony, holding from 80-800 (now that would be some wedding!). Pre-wedding drinks can be taken in the Victoria bar and terrace, while the wedding breakfast can be held in any of the large function rooms depending on the size of your party.
Bedrooms with sea views are de rigeur for your guests, and although the hotel is happy for outside catering to be brought in, it does offer a fantastic menu choice from its own catering team.
Be sure to check out the current offer of August 2016 weddings from £80 per guest (wedding packages here normally start at £96 so this is a huge saving – get in quick!)
Grand Hotel
Conference Centre · Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton College
If you fancy a touch of the Harry Potters for your wedding, how about one of Britain’s leading independent schools, Brighton College, situated in the heart of trendy Kemp Town?
This Gothic Revival masterpiece can hold up to 156 guests for a wedding breakfast and is renowned locally for its sumptuous wedding catering.
Vows can be taken in the intimate Horden Room and, if you choose, be followed with a blessing in the Victorian chapel.
The oak-panelled Dining Hall offers plenty of grandeur for your wedding breakfast, while a stage in the great hall makes a great setting for evening entertainment. The distinctive architecture and beautifully kept grounds make this one of the city’s hidden gems.
Brighton College
Banquet Hall · Brighton, East Sussex
County Ground Hove
And now for something completely different. The County Ground in Hove is a fabulous place for a cricket lover (or, for that matter, any lover) to tie the knot.
The Boundary Rooms and Spen Cama pavilion are fully licensed for both weddings and civil partnerships, and you’ll be able to hold a party for up to 200 guests there.
Bespoke wedding packages are available that make the most of this unique venue, and as you can see from the pictures it has a great sense of fun about it.
Packages start at £60 per person, so it’s not a wallet-buster either – it’s the perfect place to bowl a maiden over! (See what I did there?)
County Ground Hove
Cricket Ground · Brighton, East Sussex
Caribou Rooms
Funky Brighton has plenty of places to hire if you’re looking for reception only, but one of our favourites is Caribou Rooms, set bang in the middle of groovy Brighton nightlife, with the Lanes and the coast right at your feet.
Caribou’s lounge is a stylishly decorated room, with a pop-up bar, elegant Regency window (maybe have some of your photos here?) and room for up to 40 people to party.
If you need more room you can use the bar downstairs, which holds up to 80 people and has dedicated mixologists for your cocktail needs (hello) and DJs to keep the party going as you mingle and dance.
There are cosy corners and softly lit nooks to hang out. And there is even a very cool option for ‘quiet-clubbing’ – perfect to allow some guests to chat and catch up, while others dance away with wireless headphones for that instant clubbing experience. Of course, silent clubbing is also highly amusing for the rest of your wedding party to watch, so it’s a win-win situation!
So many venues, so little space… if none of the above are quite right for you how about the grand opulence of the Grade I-listed Stanmer House, or the jolly sportiness of Plumpton Racecourse, or even the quiet elegance of the privately owned Regency-era Angel House on the seafront. Whichever takes your fancy, Brighton and Hove ticks all the boxes on every bride’s wedding venue must-have list.
Image credit: Header image from WhimsicalWonderlandWeddings