A walk through your wedding day
Your wedding day timeline
This is a guide as to how your day could work at Pelham House.
Each wedding is unique and the following won’t be the same for all couples.
Please speak to the Events Team for a clearer guide on your day dependent on your ceremony time, the package you choose and your guest numbers.
7 am – Your big day is here
You have waited many months for today and now it is finally here. It is time to spend your incredible wedding day at one of Lewes’ best kept secrets; Pelham House. All of your planning is a distant memory and our talented caterering and Events Team, are hard at work creating your perfect day and menu. You have most likely been here a few times now so you know your way, but make sure to allow time for travelling via train or parking. If you are driving, we have five parking spaces in the courtyard which are reserved for the wedding couple, the registrar and for any suppliers who require ease of access to the venue.
9 am – Your dressing room awaits
From 9 am you will be able to access our light and stylish Dressing Room. Located on the second floor of The Courthope Mews, this luxurious space is designed for that all-important pampering and is furnished with everything you could need for putting the finishing touches to your look. Those precious hours before the ceremony will be spent with your nearest and dearest and as you get ready, you can have a sneak peek of your guests arriving with windows overlooking the courtyard and entrance to Pelham House.
Feeling peckish? We have a selection of grazing boards and drinks you can order to keep your energy levels up as you get ready.
11am – Preparation continues
From 11 am you will have access to our second preparation space, The Campion Room. This large room has plenty of space for relaxing as well as a make-up station for adding the finishing touches to your look. This room will also be accessible to your wedding party throughout the day.
12 noon – Your exclusive hire begins
Pelham House is yours for the day, as you are putting together the final touches in The Dressing Room and The Campion Room, our events team will greet your guests and direct them to the beautiful The Goring Room. Our licensed bar will be open for guests to purchase refreshments before the ceremony. The bar will close 30 minutes before the start time to give guests time to finish their drinks and take their seats. If you have chosen a church wedding, the venue is still yours to use as you please. We will amend the running of the day to accommodate these arrangements and you can find six beautiful churches within a mile of Pelham House.
1 pm – Day guests begin to arrive
As you watch on from The Dressing Room, our Team will greet your guests at the door and direct them to either The Goring Room or our beautiful Gazebo in the garden. Don’t forget to share our parking guide so your guests have time to park or get the train. You are the only one who may be fashionably late today!
1:15 pm – Meet with the registrar
Just before the ceremony, you will both (separately) answer a few questions with the registrar. This is an informal chat so you are both prepared for the next steps.
1:30 pm – Say ‘I do’
Your nearest and dearest will be seated and awaiting your imminent arrival. Make the short walk across the courtyard to join 150 of your guests gathered in the romantic Goring Room, or along the path through the garden to The Gazebo and treat them to a memorable entrance. Get ready for some of the most important words you will ever say. If you have large guest numbers and are considering the premier package we recommend a 1 pm ceremony and chatting to the events team about the timings of your day.
2 pm – Welcome drinks
After your ceremony, mingle with your loved ones on the Terrace or in the elegant Garden Room and treat them to a memorable drinks reception. A Prosecco bar or cocktail station coupled with a mouth-watering plethora of canapés will certainly go down a treat.
2:30 pm – Camera ready
Your photographer will whisk you away to some of the most romantic spots in Pelham House, favourites being the sweeping staircase, the entrance to our fabulous venue and the secluded picturesque gardens. Make the most of your group shots and gather on the Terrace overlooking the rolling lawn as your photographer snaps away from the second floor of the house for a unique perspective on your day.
3:30 pm – Take your seats
It’s time for your guests to take their seats ready for a marvelous feast, while they wait for you to be introduced into the splendid Blencowe Room.
4 pm – Your wedding breakfast
There is plenty of space for anywhere between 50 and 150 guests and the Events Team will have prepared the room as per your request, it’s now time for your first meal as a married couple.
6:30 pm – Say a few words
Pelham House is yours to enjoy as you wish, so it is up to you whether you hold your speeches before or after the wedding breakfast. Once you have finished your first meal as a married couple, retire to The Garden Room, take in the glorious garden views and mingle with your guests in a relaxed contemporary setting. Your evening entertainment can take this opportunity to discreetly set up in The Blencowe Room and get everything ready for the perfect party.
7:30 pm – Evening guests arrive
Your evening guests will arrive and start to join the party, give them the warmest of welcomes with a glass of prosecco on arrival (please speak to our team for more information on food and drink upgrades). If necessary, we can subtly adjust the room layout to accommodate a larger party, and make room for the dance floor, of course.
8 pm – Get the party started & cake cutting
Now all your friends and family have gathered and are ready to witness you cut the cake and come together for your first dance. After this take to the dance-floor and dance the night away with the ones you love in the Blencowe Room. Any additional entertainment that you may want to offer, such as a photo booth, can easily be accommodated.
8:30 pm – Al fresco evening bites
As evening falls, you can treat your guests to an array of stunning food options. The chefs will cook anything from wood-fired pizzas to American barbecue and fragrant wok food in the Garden Kitchen which can either be served outside as the sun sets or indoor should the weather take a turn for the worse.
10:30 pm – Gardens close
At this time the terrace doors from the bar to the terrace are closed so that your guests can enjoy the party indoors with you.
11:15 pm – Last orders
Your bar manager will call last orders and start to draw the night to a close. It is time for one last drink and a final dance with your friends and family.
11:15 pm – The wind down
Your DJ or band will turn down the tempo and change the evening music to a calmer level, making it the perfect time for you to say thank you and goodnight. With 28 comfortable bedrooms on site that can accommodate for up to 56 adults plus children, as well as the luxurious Pelham Suite, with its private lounge and exquisite style, you will find a great deal of space at Pelham House for you and your loved ones.
12 Midnight – The journey home
We ask that all guests who are not residing at Pelham House for the night to vacate the venue by midnight. We recommend local taxis are booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
The following day
This is a guide as to how your day could work at Pelham House.
Each wedding is unique and the following won’t be the same for all couples.
Please speak to the Events Team for a clearer guide on your day dependent on your ceremony time, the package you choose and your guest numbers.
8:30 am – Breakfast in style
Gather together once again in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast from 8.30 am onwards in The Panelled Room and the Breakfast Room. This is a wonderful way to end your time at Pelham House as you eat, drink and reminisce about your big day with your closest friends and family.
10 am – Check out time
Your items from the day before will be collated and ready for you when you leave, so it is time to say your final goodbyes to your guests, our team and to Pelham House. We wish you the best of luck with married life!
Find out more about Pelham House