Bandstand wedding in Brighton

The bandstand on Brighton seafront. Dating from 1884, it is widely hailed as one of the best examples of a Victorian bandstand still in the country. Its original purpose was to provide a shady spot for ladies to escape the summer sun. It is now a popular venue for an intimate wedding ceremony – although you need good weather! On this day in June, as I drove down to Brighton, the temperature changed from a scorching 30° in my garden to a more welcome 23°. A sea mist was in the air. This slowly melted away, and the day got warmer and muggier, but it was timed well for the ceremony. Warm and but too hot.

Coverage began in the bar at The Grand Hotel, where Lewis was having a quick pre-wedding drink with friends before meeting up with Josie on the impressive staircase in that hotel. They then walked along the seafront towards the bandstand, where family and friends had gathered. A bandstand wedding.

The ceremony complete (where a ultra-wide16mm lens came in handy), some confetti and a dip, it was then a drinks reception in the bandstand for just over an hour, before the guests, followed by the couple (diverting to The Grand for a bit), heading back along Brighton seafront, towards the Pier. Opposite this was the venue for the wedding reception proper, the Brighton Beach House. A relatively new feature in Brighton, a private members’ club, part of the Soho House group.

Brighton Beach House wedding reception

Drinks on the Terrace, the sun having now broken through. A view of the Pier, the beach, the sea. This was an informal, relaxed wedding day. Dinner was a buffet, and the speeches were on the terrace. With the dancing inside, by now the sun had moved away, behind the buildings of Brighton. But as you can see in the images, there was cake to eat on the dance floor too….

Here are a few images from this relaxed Brighton bandstand wedding…