Ravenswood Wedding Venue Sussex
If you’re getting married at Ravenswood, this is some great inspo for your wedding – with some creative and unique portrait ideas too.
From the moment you arrive, The Ravenswood feels like stepping into a storybook. Between the historic architecture, the leafy grounds, the lakes, and all the hidden corners tucked around the property, there's an almost endless supply of beautiful spots for photography, from the Little Castle for outdoor vows to secret garden paths. Ravenswood also gives you indoor and outdoor ceremony options, although the outdoor castle is pretty badass.
My fave things about Ravenswood:
- The lawn is huge and perfect for lawn games
- It’s all in one place – prep, ceremony, and party
- There are fab photo ops (I love the boat house!)
- It’s run like clockwork so you don’t have to worry about anything on the day
The Bar Area
A few steps up from the lawn, you'll find the bar area, and it's a genuinely great space: air-conditioned, bright, and airy, with loads of natural light pouring in. It's a brilliant spot for guests to gather with a drink before the ceremony or during the transition into the reception, and it photographs beautifully too.
Getting Ready at The Ravenswood
One of the things I really love about this venue is how well it's set up for getting ready, especially when both partners want their own space to settle into the morning.
The main getting ready room is properly lovely: it's got a small balcony to step out onto for some air (and it makes for a gorgeous spot for photos, catching the light), a lit-up mirror that's an absolute dream for getting-ready shots, a sofa for everyone to pile onto between outfit changes, and its own bathroom, so nobody's trekking down a hallway mid-preparation.
For the other partner, there's a separate cottage on site, which gives a completely different, more private atmosphere for their morning. It's a lovely touch, having two distinct spaces rather than everyone crammed into one room, and it means I can capture two entirely different sets of getting-ready moments earlier in the day. There's also a honeymoon suite that's right above the terrace so you can spy on guests while getting dressed!
The Main Reception Room & Patio Terrace
The main reception room is huge. Just off it, the patio terrace is the spot to head for sunset drinks. It's a gorgeous way to break up the day, stepping outside as the light starts to turn golden, drink in hand, before heading back in for the evening festivities.
Wedding ceremonies at Ravenswood
A quick tip if you're planning your ceremony here: step inside the castle structure rather than staying right at the entrance, so the sun isn't hitting you directly face-on. It keeps the light soft and even rather than harsh, and it still gives you all that dramatic castle backdrop without anyone squinting through their vows.
Photo ops at Ravenswood
The scenery around the venue is epic, and there are ponds all around for wedding photos. There’s also a cute swing.
Tips for Couples Planning at The Ravenswood
- Hire a dancefloor. The reception room is huge and without a defined dancing area people tend to hover at the tables around the edges.
- Both get ready at the venue. It will make your day so much less stressful.
- Make a big entrance to the dinner hall! It's often one of the most fun parts of a wedding day, and the room is huge so you have space to weave among the tables.
- Save time for portraits - the grounds are massive so they take longer than you might expect.
- If you really want to have some fun, ask for the Beer Barrows and race down the lawn in them!
