Wedding Fayres 2026
Planning a Sussex wedding? Four wedding events to know about.
Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job. From finding the perfect venue to choosing a photographer, florist and caterer, to deciding whether you really do need 150 guests, there are an enormous number of decisions to make.
Luckily, Sussex has plenty of opportunities this autumn to meet suppliers, explore venues and gather inspiration – whether you’re dreaming of a traditional country-house wedding, an outdoor celebration under the stars or something completely different.
Wedding fairs and open days are also a great way to get a feel for a venue before committing. You can see the spaces properly, ask questions, meet the people who will be helping to organise your day and, importantly, work out whether a place actually feels like you. Here are four Sussex wedding events worth putting in your diary this September.
Knepp Wild Love: Tipi Wedding Showcase – 18–19 Sept
If your dream wedding involves fairy lights, giant tipis, countryside views and a serious dose of romance, put Knepp Wild Love: Tipi Wedding Showcase in the diary.
Taking place on Fri 18–Sat 19 Sept, this free showcase gives couples the opportunity to experience what a wedding at Knepp Wildland could look and feel like. Rather than simply walking around an empty venue, the tipis will be dressed to demonstrate how the space can be transformed for a celebration. Friday’s twilight viewing runs from 18:00– 21:00, making it particularly atmospheric for couples who want to see the venue as the light fades. Saturday’s daytime viewing runs from 10:00–14:00.
Expect Nordic tipis, a twilight ceremony area, fireplace, festoon garlands and mirror balls, alongside a selection of recommended local wedding suppliers. The showcase is particularly appealing if you’re imagining a relaxed, outdoor or festival-style wedding rather than a traditional hotel affair.
East Sussex National Wedding Open Day – 20 Sept
On Sunday 20 Sept, East Sussex National is opening its doors from 10:00–14:30 for its Wedding Open Day. Set within a large countryside estate, the venue offers a number of spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including an outdoor wedding area. The open day is a chance to explore the different options, see the setting for yourself and meet the team who will help bring the day together. There will also be recommended wedding suppliers available to meet, making this a useful opportunity to start putting together the different elements of your celebration in one visit.
For couples still at the early stages of planning, open days can be particularly useful. You can ask practical questions about timings, guest numbers, catering and accommodation while getting a proper sense of whether the venue has the atmosphere you’re looking for. East Sussex National also offers private showings by appointment, so if you can’t make the open day, it’s still worth getting in touch.
Ashdown Park Wedding Open Evening – 25 Sept
For something altogether more elegant, Ashdown Park Hotel is hosting its Wedding Open Evening on Fri 25 Sept from 17:30.
Set within the Sussex countryside, Ashdown Park offers the kind of classic country-house setting that has long been popular with couples looking for a more traditional wedding. The open evening gives prospective newlyweds the opportunity to explore the venue, meet the wedding team and start discussing how their own celebration could work. There’s also the chance to enjoy Champagne and canapés while taking in the surroundings – because wedding planning is definitely better with a glass of fizz in hand.
Unlike a formal presentation, the evening is designed to give couples time to look around, ask questions and get a feel for the venue at their own pace. It’s by appointment, so make sure you contact the wedding team beforehand. Further open evening dates are also planned, making Ashdown Park one to keep on your radar if September doesn’t work for you.
Quirky Wedding Fayre – 27 Sept
If the words ‘traditional wedding’ make you want to run for the hills, Quirky Wedding Fayre could be more your thing.
Taking place on Sun 27 Sept at the Yoghurt Rooms, the event is aimed at couples looking for something more individual and creative. With around 25 exhibitors, it’s an opportunity to meet independent wedding suppliers and discover ideas that can help make your celebration feel genuinely personal.
From styling and décor to photography, entertainment and those little details that can make a wedding memorable, quirky wedding fairs are a brilliant place to find suppliers who are willing to think outside the box.
It’s also a chance to escape the pressure of creating a wedding that looks like everyone else’s. Whether you’re planning a festival-style party, a colourful celebration, an intimate gathering or simply want to put your own stamp on a traditional day, you’re likely to find plenty of inspiration. And because the event brings multiple suppliers together under one roof, it could save you plenty of time – leaving more room for the fun stuff.
Stanmer House offers versatile event spaces, accommodating weddings of all sizes – from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. Set within a beautiful historic setting, the venue provides a stunning backdrop for your special day, combining timeless charm with modern amenities. Each space is beautifully maintained, offering a unique atmosphere for your wedding. Whether you’re planning an elegant celebration or a more intimate affair, Stanmer House provides the perfect setting to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Read other articles here
