The Observatory is a unique venue set in the heart of the East Sussex countryside

The Observatory exterior
Credit: www.terivphotography.co.uk

THE OBSERVATORY
01323 832 731 | www.the-observatory.org

The Observatory is a unique venue set in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. Formerly the home of the Royal Greenwich Observatory, it now operates as an attraction with extensive science exhibits and charitable status – promoting sciences for all! The six iconic telescope domes offer an unforgettable setting for couples looking for something completely different and unconventional. The venue can even offer stargazing or planetarium experiences to add to your day’s entertainment.

Set in the picturesque village of Herstmonceux, the grounds certainly have the wow-factor. As you approach The Observatory you can’t help but be intrigued by the other-worldly green domes emerging from the horizon.

THE “I DOS”
The domes offer a choice of two spaces for your vows. Telescope Dome E is licensed for ceremonies and features an amazing historical telescope at the room’s centre. There’s space here for 60 of your nearest and dearest. The Geodesic Dome is perfect for larger ceremonies, seating 100. The unusual shape and opportunities for decoration give you plenty of flexibility and the permanent geodesic marquee can be used too.

CELEBRATE IN STYLE
Receptions also take place in the Geodesic Dome, which offers a blank canvas to decorate as you wish. Alternatively, The Big Space (the main marquee), which can seat the same number, is practical and spacious. It’s light and airy with a large decking area, and is ideal for a sit-down wedding breakfast or something more casual. For receptions the venue can host 104 for a seated meal or 150 plus for buffet-style dining. The spaces can also accommodate more than 150 for the evening do.

You may also be interested in

Everything you need to know about prenups

Everything you need to know about prenups

Prenups are fast becoming a key part of wedding planning for many Brits, with new data from leading law firm Mills & Reeve showing a sharp surge in demand during the second quarter of the year, dubbed by the law firm as 'prenup season'. Brett Frankle, partner at Mills & Reeve, explains how the trend has developed and why more couples are choosing to put agreements in place ahead of their wedding. Over the last five years, we have seen a sharp rise in prenups between April and July, linked to summer weddings, preholiday planning and timesensitive instructions before ceremonies, with July proving particularly popular.

READ ARTICLE

The ‘I Do’ Dilemma: Why Couples Struggle to Sign Their New Names

The ‘I Do’ Dilemma: Why Couples Struggle to Sign Their New Names

More couples than ever are choosing to combine their surnames after marriage, but many are running into one unexpected problem: they can't sign their new name. Searches for "combined surnames" have risen by 37% in the past month, according to new data analysed by luxury pen brand Scriveiner. Interest has been steadily increasing over the past year, with a clear spike in the lead-up to wedding season between late spring and early autumn.

READ ARTICLE

The Overlooked Legal Steps That Could Invalidate Your Wedding

The Overlooked Legal Steps That Could Invalidate Your Wedding

Planning a wedding in the UK comes with a surprising number of legal "gotchas" that couples often overlook. Following reports that Olivia Attwood and Stacey Solomon had elements of their weddings deemed non-legal, along with summer being peak wedding season, jewellers Queensmith are reminding couples of the most common legal pitfalls so they can enjoy their big day with peace of mind. From giving notice at the register office to having the right witnesses in place, missing just one requirement could mean your dream wedding isn't legally binding.

READ ARTICLE

The wedding favours taking off for 2026 - from socks to seed packets

The wedding favours taking off for 2026 - from socks to seed packets

Loved by nearlywed couples planning their big day, wedding favours are a wedding staple, with new data revealing searches are up significantly ahead of the 2026 wedding season. But industry experts say 2026 weddings will shift away from one-size-fits-all gifting favours, with a stronger focus on personalised touches that guests actually want to keep. With this in mind, gifting and accessories brand Sayers London has revealed the most in-demand wedding-favour ideas for 2026, alongside insights into how fiancés are rethinking tradition to create more memorable experiences for their guests.

READ ARTICLE

Subscribe to Your Sussex Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Sussex Wedding Magazine on Facebook

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Sussex Wedding Magazine on Instagram

VISIT SITE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Sussex Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE