Nestled in the heart of West Sussex's picturesque countryside, Architectural Plants offers a wedding venue that's absolutely one-of-a-kind.
Stepping foot into the 32-acre plant nursery, transports you to a world where botanical beauty meets creative possibility. With its unique blend of tropical and Mediterranean plants, Architectural Plants provides a breathtaking backdrop for your special day that will leave your guests in awe.
I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with the team for a chat, and I wouldn't be the photographer I am if I didn't take my camera along for some photos. So let's dive into this gorgeous venue and everything it has to offer!
Situated amidst open fields with stunning views of the South Downs, Architectural Plants is a horticultural wonderland that doubles as a dream wedding location. This venue is renowned for its symmetrical avenues of mature trees, sculptural Japanese topiary, and expansive poly tunnels housing thousands of rare and tropical plants.
The nursery spans an impressive 32 acres, with spaces for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations, and even features a picturesque lake for outdoor ceremonies. As you explore the grounds, you find yourself surrounded by a unique blend of natural beauty and carefully curated plant collections that create a real sense of botanical elegance.
Architectural Plants offers a variety of versatile spaces to accommodate every aspect of your wedding day:
Poly Tunnels: The venue boasts 11 poly tunnels and whether you're dreaming of a tropical paradise or a Mediterranean escape, they can be transformed to suit your vision. The largest tunnel features a long, dramatic aisle flanked by beautiful towering palms, perfect for indoor ceremonies and receptions.
Outdoor Ceremony Area: If you'd prefer an open-air celebration, the venue is also licensed for ceremonies by the lake. This picturesque spot provides a stunning natural backdrop for exchanging your vows.
The Boulevard: After your ceremony, lead your guests down the plant-lined boulevard for a memorable confetti toss. And as day turns to night the walkway is illuminated with solar lights, creating a really magical atmosphere.
Outdoor Quadrant: An ideal spot for a relaxed drinks reception or informal dining. This flexible space would be perfect for games, as a lounge area, or even for food vans.
Reception Areas: The poly tunnels can be adapted to create beautiful reception spaces. With the ability to section off areas using plants and drapes, you can create intimate dining spaces, dance floors, and quiet areas for your guests to relax.
What I think sets Architectural Plants apart is its flexibility and adaptability. It can accommodate weddings of all sizes, from grand affairs with up to 150 guests to intimate celebrations of just 30 people.
The unique plant collection allows for endless creativity in designing your wedding aesthetic. Whether you envision a lush tropical paradise, a sophisticated Mediterranean villa, or even a recreation of the Tuscan countryside, the team at Architectural Plants can bring your vision to life using their extensive array of plants and trees on site.
And the poly tunnels can be divided and decorated to create a series of distinct spaces, creating multiple 'reveals' for your guests as they move from ceremony, to wedding breakfast, to evening entertainment. It really adds the wow factor!
As a photographer, I'm obsessed with the stunning and unique backdrops this wedding venue offers. From the tree-lined avenues to the banks of the serene lake, every corner of Architectural Plants presents an opportunity for breathtaking wedding photos. And the poly tunnels provide a unique indoor environment that feels like an exotic greenhouse, perfect for capturing intimate moments away from the crowd.
The diverse plants all around the venue allows for creative wedding photography that could easily be mistaken for destinations around the world. One moment you're in a tropical rainforest, the next in a sun-drenched Mediterranean garden! The changing light throughout the day creates a really dynamic environment too, with the golden hour casting a really magical glow over the grounds.
The team at Architectural Plants are really passionate about creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Their horticulture skills allow them to craft unique plant-based decor that elevates your wedding design, and they'll work closely with you to understand your vision and bring it to life with the venue's natural assets.
Architectural Plants is more than just a wedding venue; it's a botanical wonderland where your wedding dreams can flourish. With its unique blend of natural beauty, versatile spaces, and creative possibilities, this West Sussex gem offers an unforgettable wedding experience.
From the moment you walk down the plant-lined aisle to your first dance under the stars, Architectural Plants provides a backdrop as extraordinary as your love story. If you're looking for a venue that combines the beauty of nature with endless creative potential, look no further than this horticultural haven!
Suppliers
Venue: Architectural Plants
Photography: Tara Gillen Photography
