Your Ceremony
Charleston is not currently licensed for civil ceremonies but has several areas suitable for beautiful, personalised blessings. Some couples choose to hold this very special part of the day in the Hay Barn at Charleston which is a mellow flint and brick walled barns, beautifully restored, with a stunning vaulted timber ceiling and polished concrete floor. There is a staged area and PA system here so perfect for ceremonies.
Couples could also choose an outdoor blessing, weather dependent, in the pretty Barnyard area or The Centenary Garden at Charleston. We can recommend excellent celebrants for this part of the day.
For couples preferring a church wedding, Charleston is close to two churches, both also steeped in Bloomsbury history, including St Peters Church in Firle and Berwick Church with its famous 20th paintings created by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell, which were commissioned during the Second World War by Bishop Bell. We can put you in touch with the churches if this is of interest.
The Ceremony
Church or Blessing
The Reception
Following your ceremony or blessing, you can enjoy reception drinks and canapés within the grounds of Charleston. Choose from The Centenary Garden, The Orchard or the Barnyard for this part of your special day, or perhaps welcome guests with drinks in the gardens and then head to the Barnyard when its canapés time. The bridal party can have photos in the famous Walled Garden with the House as backdrop.
For smaller weddings of up to 60, guests can then head to The Hay Barn for the wedding breakfast and party. This barn is adjoined by The Threshing barn to make a large L-shaped space for larger weddings of up to 200 so you can choose how much of the space you would like to use. These adjoined barns are mellow brick and flint with polished concreted floors and a stunning vaulted timber ceiling. There is a large circular table with Bloomsbury-inspired lighting installation above which makes for a wonderful top table. The staged area and PA system in the Hay Barn can be used for your entertainment after the wedding breakfast.
The Reception
The Grounds and Barn
Prices
The Charleston Wedding
£5,000
The Hay Barn Wedding
£3,500
Bloomsbury Wedding
£POA
Prices shown inclusive of VAT.
The Charleston Wedding
Maximum Capacity: 200
- Arrival drinks in the Centenary Garden or Barnyard with wedding photos of bridal party of up to 12 in the Walled Garden
- Wedding breakfast and speeches on the Hay Barn followed by music and dancing in the adjoining Threshing Barn
- Carriages at midnight
The Hay Barn will be accessible on the Friday for wedding set up.
The Hay Barn Wedding
Maximum Capacity: 60
- Arrival drinks in the Centenary Garden or Barnyard with wedding photos of bridal party of up to 12 in the Walled Garden
- Wedding breakfast, speeches, music and dancing in the Hay Barn only
- Carriages at midnight
Bloomsbury Wedding
Exclusive use of the whole site. The House and Gardens would be closed for your wedding. Price on application.
Location
Charleston is situated 10 minutes from Lewes which has a mainline railway station with trains direct from London every 30 minutes. There is also a station in Glynde village just 5 minutes from Charleston with hourly trains from London and Brighton. Charleston is just off the A27 which connects to the A23/M23 so very accessible from Gatwick airport which is 45 minutes away by car. We offer onsite, private parking for all guests and coaches and buses are welcome.
Finding the venue
Charleston
West Firle
Lewes
BN8 6LL