 It’s a kind of magic….
Christmas really is a magical time to propose, with fires crackling and fairy lights twinkling - what better time to pop the big question? Over the holidays there have been engagement rings wrapped in tiny boxes tucked under the tree; popped inside Christmas crackers or simply presented on one knee. There have been unplanned proposals with Haribo rings standing in until the real thing has been chosen. Shrieks of surprise and excitement, tears and happiness have been heard in homes across the country. Whether it is just the two of you or surrounded by family or friends, a Christmas proposal is quite frankly magic. It therefore comes as no surprise that creating a magical wedding day is often top of a “want list” for many couples after their Christmas engagement. So, with ring fingers sparkling - or perhaps a little sticky from a jelly ring - the hunt for the perfect, magical venue begins…but where to look exactly? In the little medieval town of Battle in the heart of East Sussex you will find The Pilgrims Rest. Nearly 600 years old, this beautiful old Wealden Hall house is full of rustic charm and historic soul - a unique and truly magical wedding venue. As well as being a stunning building with its medieval vaulted Great Hall, The Pilgrims Rest boasts three working inglenook fireplaces, ancient beams, linenfold doors and oak floors. With all the cost advantages of a dry hire venue (with no fixed suppliers no corkage charges and the choice to have your own bar) it is as far removed from “dry” as you could possibly want. The Pilgrims Rest has been designed and furnished to need little extra decoration; The Great Hall is furnished with benches and furs for the ceremony and safety church candles. You can say your “I do’s” with the fire burning in the huge inglenook. Off the Great Hall to one side is The Dining Room comes with wide, lime washed trestle tables and Chivari chairs. A selection of pewter candlesticks on the tables (with real candles), vintage decanters Vintage decanters, wine buckets, a cake table and rustic stand are there should you wish to use them. Another fireplace keeps the Dining room cosy for your guests. On the other side of the Great Hall is the cosy Webster Bar complete with huge open fire with pea-lights and hops. The rustic bar comes with champagne baths, a drinks fridge and drinks dispensers for Pimms or fresh lemonade. It goes without saying that there is plenty of wood for all three fires. In the morning The Bryant bridal changing rooms with its vintage dressing tables and chaise longues and panelled sitting room are perfect for pre-wedding photographs and getting ready (a further changing room will be completed by the end of February). A member of the wedding team will be there on the day to hold your hand. The Pilgrims Rest is decorated with elegant garlands and pea-lights (which can be used or stored away if you prefer), essentially designing a backdrop so that couples to add their own finishing touches making a beautiful wedding without spending a fortune a reality. At the beginning of each season, the creative team designs a new seasonal look. Last October, burnt orange, dried oak leaves and vintage books gave a pop of Autumnal colour. In December, the team were found foraging and decorating hazel twigs, hanging them above the tables with pretty decorations and tea-lights. It goes without saying that ideas for the Spring look are already in the air… If you are looking for a unique wedding venue with a little added dusting of magic and would like to make an appointment to meet one of the wedding team at one of the wedding open days then email venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk. Photography by Jessica Bevan.
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 The Pilgrims Rest is a stunning licenced venue in the heart of East Sussex offering flexibility so that you can make the choices you want on your wedding day. Full of historic soul, this 600 year old venue makes the perfect backdrop for your wedding.
If you are a dab hand in the kitchen, have a garden full of flowers or a team of helpful friends and family then bring them along and have a DIY wedding. There is no corkage charge and no hidden extras. Carefully designed and furnished with lime washed trestle tables to vintage decanters, the venue needs little decorating. Whatever you choose, we firmly believe that a wedding should be how you want it to be. After all it is your wedding – not our's! If you would like to arrange to meet Amy to show you around please call 07552873448, or email venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk  Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold, Or whether the weather be hot, We'll weather the weather Whatever the weather, Whether we like it or not! When planning a wedding in the U.K. there is always the worry of what the good old British weather might do; Will it be a lovely day? Will the heavens open? In a country where the weather can be unpredictable it is a very good idea to pick a venue that is not completely weather dependent. The Pilgrims Rest is a 600 year old Wealden Hall house right in the heart of East Sussex. Perfect for weddings all year around, this stunning, exclusive use venue offers flexibility and choice on your wedding day. Whether you decide to marry in Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter; rain, shine or snow, The Pilgrims Rest is a venue that always looks stunning. On a sunny day, your guests can spill out into its walled garden or its quintessentially English cottage garden with views on to The Abbey. As the evenings draw in, or in the event of bad weather, we will stoke up the fires, light the candles and watch as this wonderful old building sparkles into life. So, as you choose your wedding venue, look carefully at what it might look like on a grey, drizzly day and choose wisely. The one thing we can never control on a wedding day is the weather…whether we like it or not! If you would like to book an appointment to view The Pilgrims Rest please contact Amy on venue@pilgrimsrestbattle.co.uk or call 07552 873448. Photograph by Sarah Williams at www.sarahwilliamsphotography.com |
