The 10 best alternative wedding venues in central Brighton for couples planning a fun unconventional wedding
So you’re getting married? Congratulations! If you’re planning a Brighton Brighton it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of choice of venues. It’s OK, take a deep breath! I’m here to help with a list of best alternative wedding venues available in Brighton.
When I moved to Brighton I fell in love with the coolness feel of this place, that extends to the wedding community as well. To make things easy for you I went ahead and looked for cool venues that can help you plan your wedding in a truly unique and fun way! Read below in depth details about the space, capacity, services offered and other info that are vital for planning your wedding.
In no particular order…
Here is my list of Top 10 Wedding Venues to get married in central Brighton
1. Fabrica
Looking for a one of a kind venue in the heart of Brighton? Fabrica is a really cool place that offers the possibility of making your wedding vision a reality. Here is lovely the Elin from Fabrica answering some questions about the venue.
What makes Fabrica different from other wedding venues?
Fabrica is an amazing space right in the centre of Brighton. We’re a deconsecrated church, now used as a contemporary art gallery. We only have limited availability for wedding receptions but we like to give each couple the exclusive use of our space for three days. This gives couples the time to set up the space exactly as they imagined (we give total creative freedom), plenty of time to party and a none-rushed clearing out too. We have an in-house team with a wealth of experience to take each couple through the process and give the support they need to fulfil their vision.
What is the capacity of the venue?
Our capacity is 130 guests standing and 110 seated for a meal.
What is the cut off time?
We have a license for alcohol and music until midnight.
What is the Starting From cost?
We offer slightly different prices for different times of the year so the best idea is to get a personalised quote directly from our friendly team.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
A Event Manager is always at hand for the couples to ask any questions throughout the planning stages. We have no limitations for things like catering and decorations but have a list of recommended suppliers who regularly service events here to help couples get the planning started.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their wedding?
Make sure it happens exactly as you imagined and accept help from family and friends who will be thrilled to be involved. My favourite example were friends who grew herbs and wild flowers in their garden for table decorations. They looked simply gorgeous in glass vases and jars across the venue.
Find out more about Fabrica here or check out a recent Fabrica wedding I photographed here.
2. Patterns Brighton
With a funky vibe, a great bar, lots of space and even an outdoor terrace close to the beach, Patterns is an amazing location for your wedding day! Comprised of two floors and a terrace, the events and parties venue for hire in Brighton is a multi-purpose wedding location ideal for a bigger celebration.
What makes Patterns Brighton different from other wedding venues?
Patterns is located opposite the iconic Brighton pier on the seafront, offering your guests an idyllic view of the Brighton seascape. It definitely is a quirky space that offers a different style and keeps you away from all the conventional wedding stuff. If you want something unusual, creative and full of fun and energy, while also affordable. then Patterns is for you. Did I mention one of Brighton’s finest sound systems and the permanent photobooth?
What is the capacity of the venue?
If you’re looking at a sit down dinner, then you can have up to 85 guests. If you want a more relaxed, informal standing reception than you can have up to 200 guests.
What is the Starting From cost?
There is a hire fee of £500 – £850 depending on the date that covers a dedicated wedding coordinated, all in house bar furniture and use of glassware, PA system, bar staff, exclusive access from 9AM. In addition to the hire fee there is also a minimum bar spend that varies between £3500 and £7500 depending on the date.
Find out more about Patterns here
3. Brighton Pavilion
Passionate about history and incredible one of a kind architecture? Brighton Pavilion might be the perfect fit for your wedding. Located in the centre of Brighton and surrounded by beautiful gardens, Brighton Pavilion is a wedding photographer’s dream too. Being a historic building it won’t be suitable for big dancing parties, but being in the middle of the city there are a lot of options around.
What makes Brighton Pavilion different from other wedding venues?
The Royal Pavilion is one of the most exotically beautiful buildings in the UK. It was used as a royal residence by King William IV and Queen Victoria. With Indian Style architecture with domes, towers and minarets and exotic interiors inspired by the Orients, the Royal Brighton Pavilion is the most exquisite and unique wedding venue.
What is the capacity of the venue?
The Royal Pavilion can be hired for ceremonies and receptions. Some rooms can be hired for day and evening, others just for the evening. There are two rooms licensed for wedding ceremonies: The Music Room which accommodates up to 90 people and is for evening hire only and the Red Drawing Room for up to 44 people which can be hired for day & evening. For receptions the Kind William IV Room can be hired for day & evening and can accommodate up to 60 guests seated. The Adelaide Rooms can accommodate 46 guests seated (over two rooms) and 75 guests for a standing reception.
What is the Starting From cost?
Ceremony hire fees from £795 and reception hire fees from £1,320 (based on a 4 hour booking).
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
Brighton Pavilion offers Seated and Buffet mean facilities, with in house Catering, alcohol Licence or Corkage option. Our wedding coordinator is there on the day to make sure things go as planned. Due to the nature of the building we are able to offer a wedding breakfast but not a party party. As a historic former Royal palace the Royal Pavilion is not suitable for parties, live bands and dancing is not permitted.The Royal Pavilion is however in the heart of Brighton surrounded by amazing bars and clubs where you can keep the party going.
Find out more about Brighton Pavilion here.
4. The Spire
The Spire is an amazing venue in Brighton ideal for couples who want a huge space to bring together friends and family. The venue has a lot of personality while leaving plenty of room for personal touches to make sure the couples can plan a wedding with personality. Lovely Bev from QQWWeddings will also be there to help with the wedding planning and coordination as she’s such an incredible Brighton wedding planner.
What makes The Spire different from other wedding venues?
It’s a church that is not a church. It’s got that abandoned look about it and is quite raw. It can definitely be like an empty canvas that the couple can use to their advantage and create whatever they envision there.
What is the capacity of the venue?
Generally for sit down is 120 and in the evening it can be up to 300 people standing. Enough space for a big party!
What is the cut off time?
Being in a residential area, the cut off time for music is 12:00 and everybody must leave the venue by 12:30.
What is the Starting From cost?
To rent the space there is a flat rate of £2500 for any day of the week, at any time of the year. This rate includes setup time on the day before and day after and a wedding planner to help you make best use of the space.
The only extra fee that would add up is a corkage fee if the couple wants to bring their own alcohol.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
The Spire offers on the day coordination, and 9 out of 10 times will be with Bev. Nothing else is provided but we can get deals with other suppliers and bar staff.
Find out more about The Spire here.
5. The Seahorse Brighton
After photographing quite a few Brighton weddings and seeing so many locations, I have to admit The Seahorse is one of my favourites! The reason: can’t beat that location! With tall windows that let you enjoy the sea, you can enjoy the sunset as you go through speeches and an unbeatable view of the Brighton West Pier ruins.
What makes The Seahorse different from other wedding venues?
The panoramic views of the seafront, combined with a lovely outdoors space and a bright interior makes The Seahorse one of a kind. You have multiple spaces to choose from depending on the size of your party and a great area for dancing your shoes off.
What is the capacity of the venue?
The Upper Floor has ceiling glass panel windows, booth seating and a wrap around balcony for either 50 people seated, or 70 people for a more casual standing experience. The Beach Floor has three unique spaces, a west wing with guieter seated space, a middle space for the full dining experience including a head table and a west wing often used as a dancing space. In all, there is space for 70 seated guests or 150 standing.
What is the starting cost from?
There is no venue hire fee, only a minimum spend on food and beverage so you can focus on the things that matter! The minimum spend varies from £500 – £6000 depending on the wedding date and timings.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
A dedicated wedding bookings manager to help you every step of the way, in house catering and full stacked bars.
Read more about The Seahorse Brighton here.
6. Brighton Town Hall
One of the best places for a wedding ceremony in Brighton is obviously the Town Hall. Its central location right in the heart of the city makes it ideal for a ceremony in the heart of Brighton and some cool wedding photos by the beach.
What makes The Town Hall different from other wedding venues?
Brighton Town Hall is a Grade 1 listed building with giant ionic columns, available for ceremonies throughout the year. It has three different rooms that coupes can choose from to get married based on how many guests they have attending the ceremony. All rooms are gorgeous with original features such as carved chairs and leather inlaid desks.
What is the capacity of the venue?
The Recency Room is part of the Regency suite and has a capacity of 46 seated guests. The Council Chamber has a capacity of 120 seated guests for those bigger celebrations. The Mayor’s Parlour has a capacity of 40 seated guests. The Fitzherbert room is part of the Regency suite and is perfect for more intimate weddings as it has a capacity of 8 guests.
What are the opening times?
Brighton Town Hall is open from 9AM to 5PM.
What is the Starting From cost?
Regency Room or the Fitzherbert Room are available starting from £265, The Council Chamber room starts from £645, Mayor’s Parlour starts from £425, while other approved venues start from £575. You can view the full Brighton Town Hall pricing here. Prices change depending on days of the week and bank holidays, and there is also an evening supplement for later ceremonies.
How do you book your ceremony day?
To book your civil ceremony it is a legal requirement that you enter “notice” of your intention to do so. This should be carried out at least 28 clear days before the ceremony can take place and up to 12 months in advance.
Find out more about Brighton Town Hall here.
7. Mercure Seafront Hotel Brighton
One of the best things about Brighton is definitely the sea! So one of the reasons I love Mercure Hotel is being right across the road from The Bandstand. I recently photographer a wedding there and it was lovely to take a break during the day for some awesome beach wedding photos. The team is also super friendly and easy to work with.
What is the capacity of the venue?
There are different rooms and bars available throughout the day. There ballroom can accommodate 50 seated guests and 75 evening guests.
What is the cut off time?
The cut off for music is midnight.
What is the Starting From cost?
The hotel’s ballroom can be hired for one night starting from £4,200. This is the price for 50 day guests and 75 evening guests. It includes a 3 course wedding breakfast with wine and coffee, sparkling wine served for speeches and Evening reception with 5 choice Finger Buffet.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
We offer catering depending on what the couple wants and we have a planning team available before and on the day. There is a free menu trial before the wedding, overnight accommodation & breakfast for the happy couple and a complimentary dinner in the hotel on their 1st anniversary.
Read more about Mercure Seafront Hotel Brighton here.
8. Hotel Du Vin
Right by the seafront, featuring unique architecture and exquisite private rooms, gorgeous suites, and a tranquil courtyard, Hotel du Vin Brighton provides the perfect backdrop for weddings and civil partnerships (being a licences wedding venue). From elegant to quirky, there is flexibility in how to enjoy the space on your wedding day.
What makes Brighton College so different from other wedding venues?
The Hotel was originally built by a wine merchant on the site of an old inn. Today it features a collection of eccentric gothic revival and mock Tudor buildings housing 49 bedrooms, a bistro, wine bar, an outdoor courtyard and inspiring private rooms. All this right on the promenade, slightly tucked away from the noise.
What is the capacity of the venue?
The Dome Ballroom has a standing capacity of 120 guests or 90 seated, the Pub Du Vin features space for 130 people and they can be combined for exclusive use. For more intimate weddings The Scottish Malt Whiskey Snug is a good option with 20 people maximum or Ruinart for 48 people maximum.
What is the Starting From cost?
The Dome Ballroom can be booked starting from £975, Pub Du Vin has a starting price of £1495 while the smaller intimate rooms start from £475.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
Each booking includes your own dedicated personal Wedding Coordinator, a Sommelier to plan your wine list, a sample menu tasting and complimentary room upgrade if booking the night of your menu tasting.
Find out more about Hotel Du Vin here.
9. Brighton College
Brighton College is a beautiful a listed historic building in the heart of Brighton’s Kemptown. It has a bit of everything – a lovely chapel where you can have the ceremony and a great hall for the reception and dinner.
What makes Brighton College so different from other wedding venues?
Brighton College has it’s own beautiful kept grounds and lawns offering privacy and a unique and tranquil setting. You can have a civil ceremony in the gorgeous Hordern Room followed by a blessing in the Victorian Chapel. You can choose between the magnificent Great Hall or Dinning Room for your wedding breakfast.
What is the capacity of the venue?
We are able to comfortably cater for 70 to 156 people for a wedding breakfast and up to 250 for an evening reception.
What is the Starting From cost?
The hire of the Great Hall and Burstow Gallery, including use of front lawns starts from £1440. Spring and summer wedding menu is priced at £52/ person and £52 for autumn and winter.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
The college is locally renowned for superb wedding cuisine and offer tailored menus to suit every requirement. All our rooms have full entertainment and bar license.
See the full wedding brochure for Brighton College here.
10. Hotel Pelirocco
I feel in love as soon as I saw this colourful quirky gem. It’s a crazy little place full of personality. For someone who just wants a cool venue without stressing about decorations, Hotel Pelirocco is already good to go. Below lovely Alis from Hotel Pelirocco will answer some questions about the venue.
What makes Hotel Pelirocco different from other wedding venues?
It’s an extremely quirky and vibrant venue in Brighton. It’s very casual and we want people to make the day about them. We pride ourselves with being very flexible with the setup of the venue. Did we mention the dark red Karaoke room that can be hired?
What is the capacity of the venue?
The Hotel sleeps 32-36 and for celebrations the couple can have 60 guests maximum. The bar has a capacity of up to 40 people.
What is the cut off time?
The bar can be hired until 1 AM from Sunday to Thursday and until 2 AM on Friday and Saturday.
What is the Starting From cost?
The hotel can be hired for one night for approx. £2,200 for all 19 rooms and for £5,700 to hire for two nights on Friday and Saturday. Since Friday and Saturday are usually very busy, couples should enquire in advance for availability.
What services do you offer? (catering, planning, etc.)
We offer catering depending on what the couple wants including vegan and gluten free. We can offer a sit down meal or fun stuff like a build your own burger bar. We have a lovely Karaoke room, and our fun bar staff can do amazing cocktails.
Find out more about Hotel Pelirocco here.
I hope you enjoyed my article on Top Alternative Wedding Venues in Brighton and found it useful. Best of luck with your wedding planning!
