Nestled in the heart of the South Downs Natural Park in West Sussex, Cowdray House is a stunning historic country estate and an exclusive-use wedding venue.
Famous for its polo, this 19th-century venue combines historic charm with modern luxury, making it the perfect choice for couples seeking a breathtaking setting for their wedding.
Cowdray House offers a wealth of space and on-site accommodation for up to 44 guests. Whether you're planning a grand celebration or a more intimate affair, this venue allows you to host a full weekend of wedding festivities, with plenty of room for your closest family and friends to stay and enjoy the estate.
Weddings at Cowdray House Estate
Cowdray House’s versatility and grandeur make it an exceptional venue for a range of wedding styles. As a dry-hire venue, it offers you the flexibility to choose your own suppliers—from caterers and drinks to flowers and entertainment—ensuring that your wedding day is completely bespoke and tailored to your exact desires.
The estate’s expansive grounds, historic rooms, and luxurious accommodations make it ideal for destination weddings or UK-based couples looking for a memorable wedding weekend experience. Whether you’re envisioning a chic outdoor ceremony in the garden or an elegant indoor celebration in the grand hall, Cowdray House caters to every need. You can host a welcome party, a pool party, the wedding day itself, and a leisurely brunch the following morning—all within the same beautiful estate, making it ideal for a weekend celebration that lasts.
Outdoor Ceremonies in the Gardens
Surrounded by beautifully manicured English gardens and the rolling hills of the South Downs, Cowdray House offers the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding.
You can choose between The Summer Pavilion, overlooking the manicured lawns or the fountain garden, where the sound of water creates a serene and intimate atmosphere for your ceremony.
Regal Indoor Ceremonies in Buck Hall
For those seeking a more formal indoor ceremony, Buck Hall is a stunning option. With its striking fireplace, vaulted ceiling, and arched minstrel galleries, it's the perfect location for a ceremony of up to 150 guests.
The hall is equally perfect for intimate ceremonies, with the addition of warm, ambient lighting and floral arrangements that complement the historic space.
Drinks Reception on the Croquet Lawn
After the ceremony, your guests can enjoy a refreshing drinks reception in the stunning Croquet Lawn, surrounded by beautiful views of the gardens.
Alternatively, the reception can be moved indoors to the Library or Drawing Room, which open out onto the front terrace, offering a more intimate setting with easy access to the beautiful gardens.
Wedding Breakfast in Buck Hall or Dining Room
For your wedding breakfast, the Buck Hall can host up to 150 guests, allowing you to enjoy a grand dining experience in the heart of Cowdray House. With its elegance and charm, Buck Hall is perfect for larger wedding breakfasts.
For smaller, more intimate receptions, the Dining Room offers a cosy, elegant atmosphere where your guests can enjoy a delicious meal.
Marquee Weddings for Larger Celebrations
For those with a larger guest list or a more elaborate outdoor celebration, Cowdray House provides the option to set up a marquee in the gardens. With space for up to 250 guests, this option is perfect for couples who want an expansive and flexible space to accommodate larger celebrations. The marquee offers an elegant and beautiful way to bring the outdoors inside, with stunning views of the gardens and grounds.
Our Work
“We can't thank you enough for everything you did for us. You have worked so hard with us and really gone above and beyond to do everything you could to make the day what it was.
The nicest bit of all for us was to have someone as lovely as you to share each stage of the planning with. You have a real gift Louise and it is so nice to have someone like you to share such a special time with. We are going to miss getting to spend time with you!”
HANNAH & SIMON
WHY CHOOSE US AS YOUR COWDRAY HOUSE WEDDING PLANNER?
As international wedding planners based in London, we have planned several weddings at Cowdray House for both UK-based and US-based couples. Our deep experience with this stunning venue means we are well-versed in its unique offerings and logistics.
Planning a wedding at Cowdray House involves understanding the layout and the key elements that make it special. We ensure every part of your wedding flows smoothly, from outdoor garden ceremonies to grand receptions in the main hall, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. We’ve honed our expertise in planning country house weddings, marquee weddings, and destination weddings, and we’re ready to use that experience to create a flawless wedding at Cowdray House.
Our approach to wedding planning centres on your priorities. While we know the aesthetics are important, we also understand that the guest experience and overall atmosphere are just as crucial. We take time to listen to what matters most to you, and we work closely with you to design a wedding that reflects your style, preferences, and vision, all while keeping your guests at the heart of the celebration. From bespoke catering to entertainment and photography, we ensure your suppliers are handpicked to suit your vision and budget. With years of experience in destination and multi-day weddings, we are experts at managing logistics and creating a seamless, enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
OUR ENGLISH COUNTRY WEDDINGS
FAQs
How much is a wedding at the Cowdray House Estate?
You need a budget starting at £100,000 to hire the house for one night. If you want to do a weekend hire you are looking at £150,000.
Can we bring in any caterer, or do we need to choose from their preferred suppliers?
They have a preferred caterer, but if you'd like to choose someone else, there will be an additional charge.
Is there a curfew?
You can party until 2am in the house.
Can you arrange transport for our guests?
Absolutely! We manage transport logistics for all of our couples and their guests.