Real wedding: A luxury weekend wedding at Cowdray House, Midhurst

Vivienne May Weddings
Nov 16
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Nestled in the breath-taking South Downs National Park, Cowdray House in Midhurst, West Sussex, is one of the top luxury wedding venues in the UK. As a luxury UK Wedding Planner, I am always looking for beautiful wedding venues and Cowdray House is an exemplary setting for a wedding. With its historic grandeur, timeless charm, and sweeping countryside views, Cowdray House provided the perfect backdrop for A & A’s unforgettable luxury wedding weekend.

Cowdray House: A private wedding weekend celebration by UK Wedding Planner Vivienne May Weddings

This magnificent 16th-century stately home epitomises luxury and exclusivity. With exclusive use of Cowdray House, every elegant corner felt deeply personal, allowing the couple and their closest family and friends to enjoy a weekend-long celebration. Beautifully designed bedrooms offer comfort and historic details, setting a relaxed and elegant tone from the very start of the weekend for their guests.

From the moment guests arrived through the iron gates and along the tree-lined drive, the atmosphere was truly magical. The golden autumn sunlight bathed the honey-coloured stone of Cowdray House, promising a weekend full of heartfelt moments, exquisite style, and a lot of celebrating!

Welcome dinner in the gardens – the perfect start to the luxury wedding weekend

After settling into their rooms, guests gathered in the stunning gardens for a relaxed welcome dinner. This laid-back yet sophisticated gathering offered everyone the chance to unwind, reconnect, and soak in the scenic beauty of the Cowdray estate.

Morning preparations for the Bride & Groom

On the wedding morning, A & A spent cherished moments with their closest friends and family as anticipation quietly built. The Bride was pampered with hair and makeup in Cowdray’s bridal suite, complete with laughter, happy tears, and glasses of champagne. Meanwhile, the Groom prepared alongside his groomsmen, sharing stories, smiles, and heartfelt toasts to the day ahead.

A fusion of traditions: the Baraat procession at Cowdray House

Before the ceremony, both families united in a vibrant Baraat procession outside the main entrance to Cowdray House, celebrating the couple’s heritage with joyful music and dance. A lively Dhol Drummer led the groom’s family and friends, while a traditional Bagpiper paid tribute to the bride’s family. The entrance to Cowdray House came alive with rhythm, and a warm, spirited atmosphere - a beautiful symbol of unity and celebration.

The ceremony in Buck Hall: Elegance and romance at Cowdray House

The wedding ceremony took place in the breathtaking Buck Hall, the historic heart of Cowdray House. Known for its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate leaded windows, and majestic fireplace, Buck Hall radiates grandeur and romance. The iconic fireplace was framed by towering floral columns in soft hues of peach, blush, pastel pink, and lush greenery, creating an intimate and elegant setting. Alan, their acoustic guitarist, played gentle melodies that filled the hall as guests settled in, setting the perfect emotional backdrop for the Bride’s graceful entrance.

Champagne and canapés on the South Lawn with stunning Sussex views

Following the ceremony, the Bagpiper and Dhol Drummer led guests onto the South Lawn, where champagne and canapés awaited against panoramic views of the Sussex countryside. Bathed in golden sunlight, the couple mingled with their guests, shared heartfelt moments, posed for their first portraits as newlyweds, and ended the reception by cutting their floral wedding cake.

A wedding breakfast in Buck Hall: Sophistication and charm

During the drinks reception, Buck Hall was transformed into an exquisite wedding breakfast setting, featuring long banqueting tables beneath the vaulted ceiling and a top table elegantly positioned in front of the grand fireplace. The tablescapes embodied timeless sophistication, adorned with vintage gold candelabras casting a warm glow. Delicate floral bud vases arranged in soft, seasonal tones added to every detail being curated to blend opulence with natural charm, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Evening celebrations: Ceilidh, DJ and spectacular surprise fireworks at Cowdray House

After dinner, the couple and their guests refreshed and changed into chic cocktail attire, ready for the evening celebrations. They were greeted by the infectious energy of a lively Ceilidh band, which quickly had everyone on the dancefloor, laughing and dancing.

The party then transitioned to the adjoining Dining Room, where a DJ kept the dancefloor vibrant with dynamic beats. The evening reached a magical peak when guests were invited outside to the front of Cowdray House for a surprise fireworks display that lit up the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

Late-night festivities in a private estate

Returning indoors, guests enjoyed a sumptuous late-night feast, continuing the celebration well into the early hours. Thanks to Cowdray House’s intimate yet expansive layout, guests freely moved between spaces, dancing, lounging in cosy corners, or enjoying a friendly game of pool, creating the perfect relaxed close to an extraordinary luxury wedding day.

As a luxury UK Wedding Planner, Vivienne May Weddings specialises in creating bespoke, seamless celebrations at prestigious venues like Cowdray House. From the initial vision to flawless execution, I bring unparalleled expertise, creativity, and personal touch to every detail, ensuring your wedding weekend is nothing short of extraordinary.

Contact Vivienne May Weddings today to begin crafting your dream weekend wedding celebration.

Meet the team that helped create this incredible day: