The beach wedding is a classic, but before you choose the Med or the Maldives check out these four great British seaside wedding venues where the views and the ambiance are simply magical
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ome summertime, all thoughts turn to the joys of the seaside. For all those wedding couples who dream of a romantic ceremony on the golden sands we’ve gathered together four great British venues on the beach where you can experience the lap of the waves without going long haul. While the weather may not always live up to the Mediterranean, Maldives or Caribbean, these venues have a world-class romantic atmosphere, whatever time of year you choose.
The Gallivant
The Gallivant is a noted restaurant with rooms near Rye in East Sussex. It hosts relaxed and atmospheric weddings throughout the year – usually couples book the whole space on an exclusive basis. In summer, weddings usually flow between The Gallivant’s marquee and the glorious beach (voted among the 50 best in the world by The Sunday Times travel magazine). During cooler months, the marquee is heated and guests can also enjoy a roaring log fire in the New England Room. Food is a huge draw, with delicious locally sourced fish and produce being a mainstay of the menus. There are 20 bedrooms, simply furnished in coastal colours and with super-king beds, crisp linen sheets and high-pressure showers. The Gallivant can host weddings from 10-120 people. thegallivant.co.uk
Titchwell Manor
With the vast expanses of the North Norfolk sky to inspire you, Titchwell Manor is an idyllic spot within a stone’s throw of a beautiful sand beach. It is available for exclusive use and, with 27 bedrooms, is just perfect for an intimate wedding.
In summer, the hotel comes into its own as the conservatory and garden room can host 85 guests and the terrace bar offers space for dancing. Food is a speciality, with Brancaster mussels, Norfolk crabs and other local fare on the menu.
If you choose a low-season wedding, the convivial atmosphere of the bars, roaring log fire and sea views from the quirky lounge create a wonderfully cosy atmosphere. Titchwell also offers special rates for midweek weddings. titchwellmanor.com
Crear
A spectacular outlook to the Isles of Islay, Jura and Gigha – and exclusive use – makes Crear a destination wedding with a difference. Established in old farm buildings as an arts space in 2002, this remote spot two hours from Glasgow soon became in demand for weddings.
Crear House has six ensuite double bedrooms, underfloor heating and a well-stocked kitchen with Lacanche range cooker. If you are catering for a crowd there is a further cottage in the grounds that can be booked separately. You’ll also find a local holiday park accommodating up to 80 and the team at Crear can recommend other local accommodation as well as hooking you up with wedding suppliers.
Your celebration can be an intimate affair held on the beach or in the woods, or you can choose one of the lovely indoor spaces. For larger or winter parties, Crear House studio is a vast area with floor-to-ceiling windows and far-reaching views. crearweddings.co.uk
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
With direct access to its own private Blue Flag beach, Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate is nestled close to St Ives. Beach weddings are a speciality, and this area of Cornwall has a reputation for delivering both the weather and a glorious Riviera-style atmosphere that puts guests into a holiday mood.
The hotel has 47 individually designed rooms – many with lovely sea views – and its own spa for the pre-wedding prep. You can design a celebration on intimate or grand lines – from beach barbecues to sit-down wedding breakfasts – with the help of its wedding team. And, possibly a deal maker, there’s a rather fine Sunseeker yacht that can be chartered by you and special guests if you want to explore remote coves along this wild and wonderful stretch of the Cornish coast. carbisbayhotel.co.uk
