Traditional Sussex towns don’t come much more picture perfect than Rye in East Sussex, with its cobbled streets, medieval charm and arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in England. Rye makes an enchanting wedding destination.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Rye wedding venues catering to a variety of styles and budgets.
Wedding Venues in Rye
The George
The George,a 16th century coaching inn, is one of Rye’s most well-known venues, set in the centre of the historic town and just a short walk across the cobbled street from the Town Hall (handy if you’re planning to marry there!). As an historic venue George offers a choice between an elegant Georgian Ballroom and a 17th Century Benson room for wedding ceremonies and of course its central location means you are ideally placed to make the most of Rye’s famous cobbled streets, Tudor buildings and medieval charm as a backdrop to your wedding photos. The George is reknown for its delicious menu and wine selection.
Points to note: Sadly a fire earlier this year destroyed a lot of the George. Repairs are currently underway but we advise you discuss your plans with the venue.
98 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JT
Rye Town Hall
http://www.ryetowncouncil.gov.uk/weddings/
Rye Town Hall is an elegant Georgian wedding venue built in 1742. Situated in the heart of Rye, the Town Hall is conveniently located near many of the Town’s popular reception venues. Ceremonies take place in the oak panelled Main Chamber.
And what could be more unique than having your marriage announced to the town by the
Town Crier, which the Town Hall will make available to your for your wedding.
Points to note:
Do consider parking – Rye is a small medieval tourist town and the Town Hall is situated up a small cobbled hill with very narrow pavements (we can personally confirm that it’s not buggy friendly!). There are a number of car parks close by, which do get busy in summer months (charges apply) but do consider that guests with walking difficulties or those with prams/young children may need to be dropped off outside the venue so do seek advice from your wedding coordinator.
Rye Town Hall, Market Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7LA
The Cherry Barn
Located on the outskirts of Rye, the Cherry Barn is a beautiful 17th century oak framed barn situated on a working farm. The Barn is a licensed wedding venue so it can host the whole of your wedding but if you have your heart set on a church ceremony then it’s just a stone’s throw from the Norman church of St Peter and St Paul in Peasmarsh. Packed with period features, the Cherry Barn is a lovely blank canvas for you to make your very own.
Points to note:
You have the benefit of having your entire wedding all under one roof – and there’s plenty of free parking for all your guests!
Cherry Barn, Clayton Farm, Church Lane, Peasmarsh, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6XS
Brickwall House
https://www.brickwallhouse.co.uk/
Brickwall House in Northiam, is a historic house dating back to 1666, packed with charming period features and manicured gardens. The venue is ideal for marquee wedding receptions for up to 150 guests.
Points to note:
Brickwall House is a school so weddings can only take place in school holidays.
Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6NL
The Mermaid Inn
https://www.mermaidinn.com/wedding/
For small weddings in Rye the Mermaid Inn might be just what you are after. The Mermaid Inn is a small pub located in Rye’s famous Mermaid Street with accommodation, a cosy pub feel and plenty of character.
Points to note:
The Mermaid Inn is small so unsuitable for large numbers of guests. If you have never been to Rye before then do bear in mind that Mermaid Street is very steep and cobbled. There are a number of public car parks in Rye (charges apply) but do consider prams, small children or those with walking difficulties when planning your day.
The Mermaid Inn, Mermaid Street, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7EY
Battle Abbey School
http://www.battleabbeyschool.com/weddings/
Planning a grand wedding in East Sussex? Then look no further than Battle Abbey School in Battle.The School has is licenced for ceremonies and receptions and even boasts it’s own castle gatehouse (sure to make an impression as a backdrop to your wedding photos).
Points to note:
There are parking restrictions at the School and charges apply so do factor this in to your planning and remember to advise your guests!
Battle Abbey High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AD
St Mary’s Hall Udimore
https://www.udimoreweddings.co.uk/
If you’re planning a relaxed wedding and looking for a rustic setting close to Rye with DIY potential then St Mary’s Hall Udimore could be just what you’re after. St Mary’s is situated down a quaint country lane amongst orchards and is the perfect blank canvas for you to design your reception venue just as you wish from the decor to the catering and bar. They will even allow you to put up an additional marquee on the outside lawn if you are a planning a large celebration.
Udimore Village Hall, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6BB
Weddings at Camber Sands
Just along the road from Rye is the epically beautiful Camber Sands – There is also a wonderful little wedding venue right on the beach –
The Gallivant
If you want a beautiful coastal wedding and the feel of sand between your toes then it doesn’t come more perfect than The Gallivant at Rye. The Gallivant, although modest in size, has the most beautiful setting with just a short bare-foot walk across the road through the grass-fringed sand dunes to miles of pristine sandy beach where you can tie the knot with your beloved or simply hire the venue for your reception. The food is highly recommended too, with a selection of fish from local boats and an impressive selection of English wines to help you celebrate in style.
Points to note: The Gallivant has its own small car park outside the venue but it’s a short drive from the centre of Rye itself so if you are getting married in the Town you will need to arrange transport to the Gallivant as it’s not within walking distance. We advise you seek advice from the Gallivant about how many cars their car park can accommodate when planning your wedding.
The Gallivant New Lydd Road, Camber, East Sussex TN31 7RB