Romantic, Georgian splendour at Buxted Park

Our editor reports back on two glorious days spent experiencing the beauty East Sussex's Buxted Park has to offer its couples

ballroom at Buxted Park set up for a wedding reception

Buxted Park Hotel, nestled in the heart of East Sussex, offers a quintessentially English setting for weddings. A Grade II Palladian mansion built in 1722, this grand residence is blessed with 312 acres of lush parkland, featuring lakes, rolling hills and manicured gardens. On entering, you're met with equally charming features such as original fireplaces, large sash windows and decorative cornicing throughout its spacious guest areas and master suites.

Your Sussex Wedding editor Kelly Andrews recently had the opportunity to visit this showstopping venue and experience it in action.

WHERE TO WED
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to where to wed at this wonderful period property. The Orangery, Ballroom, Coat of Arms Lounge, and Library each offer their own unique atmosphere to suit the vibe of your day and guest list. With each space expertly adorned in beautiful blooms by Tony Dunn Flowers (tonydunnflowers.co.uk) I was thrilled to experience each space as it would look on a wedding day and they really didn't disappoint.

An original part of the Georgian building, the Orangery (100 ceremony, 70 wedding breakfast guests) is flooded with natural light and boasts stunning views over the lawns and fishing lake – perfect for allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. It suits a variety of table layouts and on the day was demonstrating the oh-so on trend serpentine setup, now regularly requested by the venue's couples.

Meanwhile, the magnificent Ballroom (120 wedding breakfast, 200 evening guests) was a sight to behold with its five sparkling Empire chandeliers and five full length Georgian sash windows resplendent with the room dressed in its wedding finery. Here, you'll be able to enjoy access to your own private terraced area framed by the building's Palladian pillars.

Located at the heart of the Hotel is The Coat of Arms Lounge (120 ceremony guests), which features a grand, original fireplace dating back to the 18th century. The glass panelled door, flanked by more of those huge period windows, leads out onto the vast lawns, lush and green as far as the eye can see. You can also say "I do" al fresco here, as the two of you stand at the top of the steps, with up 120 guests looking on from the lawn.

Every detail in The Library (50 ceremony guests) has been delicately designed and crafted from the intricate stone fireplace to the authentic bookcase. You and your loved ones will feel as though you've been transported back to a bygone era when gathered in this intimate space.

Further al fresco options are available among the glorious grounds on the Orangery Lawn or pond each offering the dream romantic setting for up to 120 guests.

SUITE MEMORIES
I immediately fell in love with my room, especially the terrace complete with table and chairs where I was able to relax and take in the gardens as well as the impressive scene of the porticoed building. While many venues are proud to offer you one gorgeous bridal suite, Buxted Park can offer you the choice of six! Each has its own individual character, history and features and won't fail to impress. Rather than staying the night in a hotel, you'll feel like the guest of nobility in their country stately home and will be treated as such! Making a decision about where to spend the first night of your married life will be tricky with each suite as incredible as the last, so I highly recommend exploring the suites online, or requesting a tour of each before you take your pick.

If my life depended on choosing a favourite, I'd opt for the Robert Browning Suite for its sheer uniqueness. Offering an unforgettable, decadent experience, it features a striking four poster bed, dark wood furniture, and deep rich plum hued silk wall coverings. What's more, the suite's seating area is perfectly situated for you to enjoy the beautiful views of the grounds.

TIME TO DINE
For dinner, my fellow guests and I gathered in the bar for cocktails – espresso Martini or a refreshing rhubarb sour – before heading into the private dining room for an intimate evening meal. We indulged in a Mediterranean style sharing feast inspired by the home of the owner's vineyard in Tuscany. This style of modern social wedding dining is available here at Buxted Park if formal three-course fare isn't for you.

Dinner was served with Villa Saletta wines straight from the aforementioned Tuscan vineyard owned by Handpicked Hotels' Hands family since 2000. When the family purchased the estate, it had fallen almost entirely into ruin, but they saw the potential to combine traditional Tuscan techniques with modern technology, while ensuring their output was grounded in the heritage of the estate. The resulting wines are delightfully light and flavourful, with something to marry perfectly whatever you choose to eat.

Front of Buxted Park with red car outside

HIGHLIGHTS
I spent a wonderful couple of days experiencing all that Buxted Park has to offer its wedding couples and came away with plenty of highlights to share with you...

Private cinema
Buxted Park's private cinema is available for its wedding parties. Ideal as a morning-after, hangover tackling treat for those staying over with you, it's furnished with cosy sofas to relax in if those dancing feet are still sore. We were treated to a delicious afternoon tea here during our stay, while Mamma Mia played on the big screen.

Guest portraits
While we mingled in the bar pre-dinner Hues Wedding Artistry painted our portraits ( @lorrainehughesart, @graceful.edgeartistry). A classy alternative to a caricaturist, this provides ample entertainment as your guests watch the artists at work, and a wedding keepsake to take away and treasure.

The getting ready room
Offering all the mod cons for your morning preparations, Buxted Park's getting ready room is a comfortable place complete with dressing tables and mirrors, plus its own lounge area for chilling with your best gals as you're being pampered and prepared.

Snooker room
The bride and her party are treated to somewhere special to gather their nerves, why shouldn't the gents as well? On the ground floor, there's a spacious snooker room for the groom and his party to gather pre-ceremony. Settle those emotions with a game or two before heading out to begin the anxious wait at the end of the aisle!

The Crystal Bar
I've already mentioned how wonderful the drinks menu is here from wine to cocktails. My highlight was the elderflower spritz I was welcomed with, which would make a perfect drinks reception beverage on a warm day.