Let nature be the backdrop to your big day at South Lodge, where you’ll be heartily welcomed by 93 acres of gentle West Sussex countryside. The undulating South Downs are the backdrop to this 19th century Victorian country house, where delicious food, stunning gardens and our sumptuous spa will make your wedding day complete.
WHERE TO SAY “I DO”
WORDSWORTH
The Wordsworth suite is ideal for those with a larger guest list. Natural light floods in from the windows on three sides of the room, with views of the garden and the South Downs beyond. The ornate decorative ceiling and four round crystal chandeliers also add a touch of elegance to your big day.
While your guests can file in through the impressive stone arch of the main door, you can make a grand entrance through secret wooden doors at the back. And there’s plenty of opportunity to make the room your own. Keep it traditional with wooden chairs, our signature red curtains and show off the elegant wood-panelled walls. Or add contemporary flare with flower walls, white curtains and a petal-strewn aisle.
Space for 80 to 180 guests
Built-in bose sound system
Stunning views of the South Downs
Triple aspect windows with floods of natural light
GLYNDEBOURNE
Our Glyndebourne suite is a warm and welcoming option for those looking for a medium-sized ceremony – but there’s still plenty of room for a long aisle if you want to make an entrance. Located on the first floor, it has windows on two sides of the room, which flood the space with natural light.
Exquisite details provide lots of character – there’s exposed brick, glistening chandeliers, and a high ceiling. Making exchanging rings that bit more special.
Space for 50 to 80 guests
Light-filled cosy room
Recently refurbished interiors
“ When we first arrived at South Lodge we fell in love with the stunning venue. When we were shown around the hotel, we were blown away by the amazing grounds that South Lodge has. Even in the pouring rain, we knew that this venue would be perfect for our wedding. Not only was the venue amazing but the staff were also so friendly and helpful. We cannot speak highly enough of the staff at South Lodge. We truly felt like we were treated like royalty! ”
- Mr and Mrs Rutledge
GOODWOOD
As soon as you set your eyes on the recently refurbished Goodwood interiors, you’re sure to be won over. Tastefully finished (if we say so ourselves), the high ceilings, intricate stonework, delicate cornicing and sparkling chandeliers make this a sensational space for smaller weddings. Plus, it’s cheerfully bright and breezy too.
You’re welcome to put your stamp on the place. The room can be laid out for a long dramatic entrance or a short wedding march, depending on how much you like the limelight. And built-in speakers can broadcast everything from Clair de Lune to your favourite pop songs. Easily accessed on the first floor, you’ll be pleased to know that Goodwood is surrounded by picturesque panoramas of the South Downs.
Space for up to 50 guests
Recently refurbished interiors
Dramatic, high ceilings
OUTDOOR PAVILION
Space for up to 180 guests
Enchanting canopy as the centrepiece Surrounded by pretty lawns and flowers
The intricate white canopy of our outdoor pavilion makes weddings look simply magical. To add to the occasion, we can put down a red carpet and white lawn chairs, as well as decorate the area with an archway of your favourite flowers, giant vases of blossoms or fairy lights.
Not only that, but the setting is spectacular, with our majestic 19th century building and the surrounding fields and trees. Being outdoors means that you can take in the sounds of bird song and the breeze through the trees. And if the weather’s unpredictable? Don’t worry because we can set up both indoor and outdoor options so you can make a call on the day.
THE GROUNDS
Our rolling lawns, 19th century stone and breath-taking views of the South Downs are just the start. If you can steal away from the party, take a few moments to walk through the rockery, sit together in our swinging seat or stand in the long grass as the sun sets. It’s sure to be a day you’ll remember forever.
EAT, DRINK AND BE VERY MERRY
Serving seasonal ingredients with style.
Our friendly team of chefs have decades of experience behind them, and can chop, slice and bake your dream wedding breakfast into reality. Whether you want a Mediterranean feast, traditional plated wedding breakfast or relaxed sharing dishes, we can make it happen. We blend the best of seasonal food with five-star service to provide award-winning dining.
And as for the toast, raise a glass with your favourite tipple. From non-alcoholic cocktails and English sparkling wine to fruit juices for the little ones, you can rest assured that everyone will be catered for.
NOW FOR THE PARTY
GLADSTONE
The Gladstone suite echoes the traditional design of South Lodge with its grand stone walls, crystal chandeliers overhead and views of the rolling South Downs, box hedges and ponds below. With a high ceiling and windows on three sides of the room, the suite gets filled with flattering natural light.
We can design the space to suit your style. It can be simple and delicate, with small round tables and Chiavari chairs, or turned into a white wonderland adorned with soft drapes and fairy lights. This is your chance to make the space reflect you and your dream wedding, from speeches, to cake cutting, to dancing until midnight.
Seats 50 to 180 guests
Built-in BOSE sound system
Scenic views of our gardens and beyond
DISRAELI
The Disraeli suite creates a lovely, inviting atmosphere for an intimate wedding. Light shines in through the large windows and onto the majestic stone walls, and the doors open out onto a private terrace so you and your party can take in the fresh air. There are beautiful views onto the gardens and we can set up umbrellas to offer some shade when it’s hot. There’s also our grand stone staircase outside, which makes for a great photo op.
Inside, you can choose from different dining arrangements, such as one long banqueting table or several round ones, which you can choose to decorate however you like, maybe with fresh linen and flowers? It’s all about those special touches for your big day.
Space for 10 to 50 guests
Views over the South Downs
Your own private terrace
STAY THE NIGHT
OUR ROOMS
Every happy couple deserves the lap of luxury on their wedding night and we know just how to turn things up a notch – with your very own hot tub. There’s nothing quite like seeing in your married life with a glass of fizz and a warm jacuzzi.
For family and friends, there’s lots of choice when it come to bedrooms, each one is individually designed and located close to the wedding space. There are smart rooms with panoramas of the South Downs and family rooms with extra space. With handmade mattresses, king-sized beds and opulent design, there’s a treat in store for everyone.
“ South Lodge had just set the bar too high and no other venues came close. ”
- Mrs and Mrs Busby-Steers
NATASHA & SAMUEL THEIR STORY
Natasha and Samuel were both working full time jobs and participating in many evening and weekend activities so had limited time to meet the conventual way, they both decided to try and find love online. After several months, they crossed each other’s paths, and the rest was history.
In January 2022 they took a trip to Dubai with their 5-monthold son. The first day Sam scoped out a potential proposal location at hotel Atlantis, The Palm and on day two in front of The Lost Chamber’s Aquarium, Sam got down on one knee with their son and asked Natasha to marry him. After 7 years of dating, of course the answer was always going to be yes!
The happy couple: Natasha & Samuel Reynolds
The special date: 26th August 2023
The chosen location: Wordsworth & Gladstone Suite
The photographer: Nicky Hill
The videographer: Cinemalice
The cake: Pink Fluff Cakes
The flowers: Flowers and such
What did you love most about South Lodge?
“When we were expecting our son James, we decided to come to South Lodge for a little getaway break before he was born, and we were completely blown away by the stunning venue. We both joked if we were ever to get married this would be our dream venue.
When we came to our first wedding viewing, we were taken aback by how stunning and grand the venue was, a beautiful Ministers floor that was able to cater for our wedding of 100 day guests and 40 evening guests and the most grand chandeliers in the rooms.
We had hoped for an outdoor ceremony and loved the new outdoor pavilion and beautiful grounds and scenery that South Lodge has to offer.
Picking a typical British Saturday in August the chances of rain should have been slim but we were met with a downpour just before the time of our ceremony. Luckily for us our wet weather option was the beautiful Wordsworth suite and having our ceremony in here really did exceed our expectations. Even though there was over 100 people in this room it felt so intimate and was the real definition of magical.“
Was there anything that stood out on your wedding day and what were your favourite finishing touches?
“Seeing all our dreams come to life was quite special. Our two-year-old son was our page boy and seeing him steal the show was very humble to us.
Natasha’s Dad also organised a surprise father daughter dance for later on during the evening. He had been rehearsing the lyrics to the song for weeks before and that really was a special surprise to Natasha. I think at this point the whole room was in tears!“
Beky, Liz and the team really did go above and beyond with all the attention to detail. “ ”
What do you remember most about the day itself?
“Amazingly everything! One thing that stood out was seeing each other for the first time at the aisle. We had dreamt of this day for so long and suddenly, it was here. We were surrounded by all our loved ones (some who had travelled from the other side of the world) about to take our vows and what a perfect moment that was.
The day from start to finish was just perfect and the team coordinated things impeccably for us. They ensured that we both had a little private time together, we were invited into the wedding breakfast room for a first look with a glass of Champagne, just the two of us and the moment was priceless. Seeing how stunning the room was after 18 months of planning really was a dream come true.“
Tell
us all about THE dress...
“After 14 dress shops and lots of dresses later, I finally found the one! It was a beautiful white satin bodice with an A line lace skirt. The dress was from the Reigate Bridal Room and the designer was Essense of Australia. I also had a custom veil designed with the appliques from my wedding dress. The team were amazing, and it fit to perfection on the day.
They say you just know when you find your wedding dress and it certainly is true. It may have taken a long time to find, but it certainly was worth waiting for!”
South Lodge were unbelievably helpful from start to finish so you really are going to be in the very best of hands. “ ”
What
advice would you give to future couples?
“Enjoy the planning process. This is only ever going to happen once and albeit there will be times where you may disagree or argue over things it is important to come together and relish the experience because once it’s over, it’s over. Here today and gone tomorrow, so enjoy and embrace it!
Our final piece of advice for the day itself – enjoy every single second of it. It is cliché but this day you have planned for so long really does go by in the blink of an eye!”
Did you have a theme for your big day?
“We wanted to go with a timeless, romantic theme so Sam and his Groomsmen wore black tie with matching white spray roses and the bridesmaids wore a dusky pink. This was echoed in our beautiful flower arrangements which had a combination of white and pink roses. The venue was also decorated in beautiful draping to complement our theme.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Come and say hi
The only way you’ll get a feel for the place is if you come and see it yourself. We can show you around and answer all your burning questions. Chat with our super friendly wedding team for as long as you need. We’re obsessed with weddings and would love to hear all your wonderful and wacky ideas.
Save your special day
If you think South Lodge is ‘the one’, we can hold the date for your wedding so you have time to choose which rooms work best for you. Bring friends, family, your great aunt Mildred – whoever you want – and take another look around. You can even practice walking down the aisle in preparation for your pinchme moment.
Time to start planning
Once you’ve booked your date, it’s all systems go. But don’t worry, we can guide you through the logistics. We can help you as much or as little as you like to make sure everything is perfect. Any time you want to pop in for a catch-up and a coffee, we’re here for you and can’t wait to be part of your big day.
The tasty bit
Yes, the food… the moment you’ve been waiting for. For weddings of 40 guests or more, we’ll invite you to a menu tasting so you can try our mouth-watering delights and start curating your perfect wedding feast.
Your together forever day
Nerves… excitement… butterflies! When the big day arrives, there will be a rainbow of emotions, but your event manager will be on hand to attend to every little detail. All you need to do is enjoy the moment.
GOOD TO KNOW
Venue with a purpose
We are a B Corp and we’re super proud of it. It means we’re committed to finding ways we can do weddings better, to positively impact people and our planet.
Born to boogie
You can enjoy dancing the night away right up until midnight. After that, we’re afraid you turn into a pumpkin! Just joking… that would be weird. Instead, you can carry on the celebrations in the bar.
Easy access
Our facilities include a lift for wheelchair users to easily access wedding spaces, drop off at the front of the hotel, disabled parking bays and dedicated accessible bedrooms.
Recommended by us
We have a lovely, friendly extended wedding family, made up of people who want to bring your dream to life. All our recommended suppliers are listed on our website, but you are welcome to bring in your own for decoration and special experiences.
Where to find us
We have the best of both worlds: rural beauty and great transport links (with easy access to the M23). We’re also a 25-minute drive from London Gatwick and one hour from London Heathrow, so it’s super easy for international guests or your honeymoon getaway.
South Lodge Lower Beeding Horsham
West Sussex RH13 6PS
Civil ceremonies
Once you have made a provisional booking for your marriage at South Lodge, you will need to contact our local Registry Office.
Horsham Registry Office
Park House North Street Horsham RH12 9SB 01243 642122 01403 891711
southlodgeweddings@exclusive.co.uk
WITH THANKS TO...
Angela Ward Photography
Danni Beach Photography
Ed Peers Photography
Frances Sales Photography
Imaani Photography
Jeff Sham Photography
Jessy Papasavva Photgraphy
Laura Shaw Photography
Lucy Dracott Photography
Matthew Scott Photography
Murray Clarke Photography
Nicky Hill Photography
Olive Joy Photography
Phoebe Rossi Photography
Samantha Pells Photography