Sussex has a wonderful range of places to get married, from barns and vineyards to country houses, seaside hotels and village halls. Falling for a venue on a sunny viewing is easy; the questions below help you check that it will also work on the day, for your guests and for your budget. Take them with you, and ask for the important answers in writing.
Dates, capacity and exclusivity
- Is our date available, and how long can you hold it? Many venues will hold a date for a short time without a deposit. Ask how long, and what happens if another couple wants it in the meantime.
- How many guests can you take? Ask for separate numbers for the ceremony, a seated meal and the evening reception. A room that seats 120 for dinner may hold fewer once a dance floor and band are in.
- Is there a minimum number of guests or a minimum spend? Some venues charge for a minimum number even if fewer people come.
- Will we have the venue to ourselves? Exclusive use means no other weddings, diners or members of the public. If it isn’t exclusive, ask which areas are shared and whether another event could be running at the same time.
- What are the timings? When can suppliers arrive to set up, when does the music have to stop, when must guests leave, and when does everything have to be cleared away?
Ceremony and licences
- Can we hold a legal ceremony here? In England, a civil ceremony has to take place at a register office or at premises approved by the local council, so ask whether the venue is approved. If it isn’t, you could hold the legal ceremony at a register office and a celebration at the venue.
- Can the ceremony be outdoors? Outdoor civil ceremonies are now allowed within the grounds of approved premises, but ask exactly which spaces are covered and what the wet-weather plan is.
- Who books the registrars? Usually you do, through the register office for the area where the venue is. Registrars get booked up for popular dates, so don’t leave it late. For a civil ceremony you’ll both also need to give formal notice at your local register office, at least 28 days before the wedding — check the current requirements on the register office’s website.
- Does the venue have an alcohol licence? If it’s a dry-hire venue (you bring everything yourself), selling alcohol may need a Temporary Event Notice from the local council, which has to be given in advance and has limits on numbers. Ask the venue what other couples usually do.
Food, drink and suppliers
- Do we have to use your caterer or bar? Some venues include catering; others have a list of approved suppliers; a few let you bring anyone.
- Can we bring our own drinks? If so, ask about corkage — a charge per bottle opened — and whether it applies to fizz for toasts as well.
- Are there rules for suppliers? Venues may ask suppliers for public liability insurance, set noise limits, use sound limiters, or restrict candles, confetti, fireworks or sky lanterns. Find out early, especially before you book a band.
- Can you cater for dietary needs and allergies? Ask how allergens are handled and how special meals are labelled on the day.
- Is there a tasting? And is it included in the price?
Accessibility and comfort
Think about every guest, from grandparents to small children:
- Is there step-free access to the ceremony space, dining room, toilets and outside areas?
- Is there an accessible toilet, and where is it?
- How far apart are the ceremony and reception spaces, and what is the ground like between them, especially on gravel or grass in the rain?
- Is there somewhere quiet for anyone who needs a break, or a room for feeding a baby?
- Is there parking close by, including accessible spaces, and is the venue reachable by public transport or taxi late at night?
- Is there accommodation on site or nearby for guests travelling from further away?
Costs and the contract
The headline price rarely tells the whole story. Ask for an itemised quote that shows:
- what’s included — tables, chairs, linen, staff, cleaning, security, a coordinator
- whether prices include VAT and any service charge
- extra charges such as overtime, late bar, cake cutting, corkage, heating or marquee hire
- the deposit and the dates when each payment is due
- how much prices could rise if you are booking well ahead
Then read the contract carefully before you sign, paying particular attention to:
- Cancellation and postponement. What happens if you need to move the date, or if the venue has to cancel?
- Damage and deposits. Is there a damage deposit, and when is it returned?
- Insurance. Do you need your own wedding or event insurance? It is worth considering in any case.
- Changes of ownership. What happens to your booking if the venue is sold?
On the day
- Who will be our contact on the day? Ask whether the coordinator you meet now will be there on the wedding day.
- What’s the plan if it rains? Ask to see the indoor alternative set up, not just described.
- When can we collect our things? Find out whether items can stay overnight, and when they must be gone.
Visiting venues
Try to visit at the same time of year and time of day as your wedding, so you can see the light, the views and the heating. If you can, see the venue dressed for another wedding, and ask whether you could speak to a couple who married there recently.
Browse Sussex wedding venues and event suppliers on Go Sussex and contact them directly — you always deal with the venue, and we never add a booking fee.