Wow, what a wedding! We can honestly it exceeded our expectations. Where do I start? The moment I started to walk up the wedding lawn it felt truly magical and dreamlike. Literally was an actual dream come true. Before we ever picked Cottesmore, I had a dream of seeing my fiancé waiting for me surrounded by trees in beautiful sunlight. When I tell you the reality was better than the dream, I am not kidding.
To hear our guests say pretty much the same thing about how magical it was, made me fully realise I wasn’t just a star struck bride. Words like ‘felt like walking on to a movie set’ and ‘thought I was in California and suddenly there’d be an ocean backdrop’ and ‘it feels like we are in Orange County’ were enough for me to know they felt it too. Everything about the ceremony was just the most ethereal, magical and emotional experience. And to see Dan’s eyes fill up because of just how beautiful the moment was incredible. Neither he nor I can stop talking about those moments.
But it didn’t end there. The courtyard moments, the beautiful sound from the fountain, the smiling staff, the mix of lovely cold drinks, the canapés, hearing our music, feeling we were in a totally exclusive venue, the buggy to the lake, all so relaxed and beautiful.
The Challis Suite looked amazing and beautifully cool. Although everyone had been wilting, they were all so happy, but the increase in the happy buzz was palpable thanks to the very much appreciated air-con. And our own music again - so easy to do. Then the food. Absolutely gorgeous (although Dan and I noticed only one pea each in our pea fricasse 😂😂). So many positive comments from our guests. And such warm and friendly service.
The day and evening just kept going like that. Opening up the partition to reveal even more of Shelley’s styling - you could see how impressed everyone was. Like one more beautiful thing being revealed after another. A1 Disco was awesome and played all our requests and even repeated one for me when I missed it when I changed my dress. Evening food went down a storm but we over ordered!! Felt awful about the waste! Pls warn other couples not to make my mistake and although it pains me to say it (because cows and pigs etc are beautiful and gentle) the mini burgers were a hit way over the wraps. Chip mini cones were our best choice. Once again a big hit on food with our guests.
Right through to our final die hard guests belting it out along with the F&B staff to Sweet Caroline on final song, it was literally the happiest and best day of our lives. We could not have hoped for anything better.
We had looked at several Sussex based venues before we visited Cottesmore. We instantly loved its beautiful setting and laid back, country barn-like style. It was super modern inside but that blended beautifully with the rustic courtyard and walkway to the wedding lawn.
We wanted so much to have an outdoor ceremony, but we had several other boxes we needed to tick - not least of all we needed enough rooms to cater for several of our guests to stay overnight - plus, with some travelling long distance, we wanted somewhere where they (and us) could stay the night before. As soon as we left after our first visit we knew this was the venue for us. The wedding lawn is beautiful but there is also the indoor barn room which really IS barnlike with its open beamed ceiling. Luckily, we had the most gorgeous weather on our wedding day, so our dream outdoor ceremony went ahead.
The little horsebox bar in the courtyard is lovely and they personalise it for you on the day so it really feels like it’s yours. The courtyard is closed off with a private event sign, so you really feel like you have exclusive use. Taking the buggy up to the lake for photographs really does get you the most amazing pictures. Our photographer even grabbed us later after our meal to take some further pictures in the taller grassy area and never once are you made to feel like you are at a golf club and 'shouldn't be there'.
The entire venue has a lovely modern laid back feel and any guest would be as at home in a tail suit or tuxedo as they would in chinos and a shirt.
All the staff are so lovely and helpful. Jackie and Julie are simply outstanding – replying to emails so quickly and always reassuringly calm and organised. They definitely know what they are doing. The staff on the day were so kind and lovely to us, with the F&B manager even helping me to bustle my dress.
Our food was really delicious, and every little change and dietary need was catered for. We had opted to have a bar tab so that all our guests could have a drink of choice. We wish now we had made more of a point of reminding everyone as not all bar staff seemed to be aware and some of our guests ended up paying for drinks where others didn’t and this was quite early on so it really depended on who was serving. My advice would be that if you do have bar tab, ask that all the serving staff are aware and remind your guests during the speech. We had told ours in our invitations, but they were obviously too polite on the day to say anything when ordering their drinks. This was the only little glitch, and I blame myself for not being more vocal about it on the day.
If you are considering Cottesmore for your wedding then just go for it. You won’t be disappointed. We had the most amazing, perfect day that we will never forget. Cottesmore will always have a special place in our hearts and we will be back to celebrate our anniversary and reminisce about the most incredible happy day ever.
Response from the venue
Wow, what a wedding indeed and you had the most gorgeous of days with the sun shining down for your stunning summer wedding.
Your use of jewel colours really stood out in your bouquets and centre pieces. Combined with some pastels as well, it was a real hit and showed off our ceremony lawn in style. I agree, very Orange County! We are so pleased you felt like you were on a film set and that your dream came true.
Wishing you health and happiness and many treasured memories, Jackie and Julie x
Venue responded