FAQ

- Frequently asked questions -

General Information

Great Ote Hall is a historic Tudor manor house set within beautiful Sussex countryside, offering a unique and atmospheric setting for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events. The Hall is surrounded by the families 350-acre mixed farm.
We are located in Wivelsfield, Sussex, surrounded by rolling farmland and within easy reach of London (50 mins), Brighton (20 mins), and the South Downs. It is a 10-minute walk to Wivelsfield train station across the fields or road.
We host weddings, private parties, festivals, wellness events, corporate events, brand activations, photoshoots, and seasonal gatherings.
The ideal season for weddings at Ote Hall, when it is dryer & the garden is in full bloom, is from May to September.
- Extended Stay – The booking fee includes hire of the venue for the whole weekend. Many of our previous couples arrive on the Friday to setup and leave on the Sunday/Monday after a pool side brunch.

- Flexibility – at Great Ote Hall we are happy for you to work with any supplier you wish. We also have a recommended supplier list to meet all budgets. If you would prefer to outsource “wedmin” The Great Ote Hall team are happy to arrange all suppliers & coordinate to meet your budget.

- Accommodation & Glamping - options are available which can be shared during your visit.

- We fit all budgets - At Ote Hall we have hosted a range of weddings over the past 20-years from a farm style Argentinean asado/BBQ for 80 or a 2-day festival themed wedding for 300+.

Weddings

Yes, Great Ote Hall has its own wedding license. Many couples choose to marry at a nearby church or registry office before celebrating at Ote Hall. Wivelsfield Church is a 4-minute drive away or 10-minute walk across Ote Hall Farm.
Yes, all weddings benefit from exclusive use of the house and surrounding grounds, ensuring complete privacy for your day or weekend.
We can accommodate unlimited guests for marquee receptions in the Gardens. Most weddings held at Great Ote Hall range from 60 guests up to 300+. Inside Great Ote Hall itself we can accommodate 40 guests seated in The Hall for an intimate wedding service.
Yes, our gardens and grounds provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, drinks receptions, and dining in warmer months.

The Venue & Settings

With its oak-panelled rooms, original Tudor features, and centuries-old architecture, Great Ote Hall offers an authentic and characterful setting unlike modern venues. The surrounding family 350-acre farm & ancient woodland also provides the perfect private setting for your big day.
Absolutely. The surrounding farmland, ancient woodland, gardens, and historic architecture provide exceptional opportunities for photography throughout the day.
Yes, we can provide a dedicated space for bridal preparations and getting ready before the ceremony.

Catering & Suppliers

We work with a selection of trusted catering partners who can tailor menus to your event, from formal dining to relaxed feasting and seasonal farm-inspired menus.
Yes, we are flexible for you to use any caters you wish or we can provide a list of trusted suppliers we have worked with before.
Yes, we can provide a list of trusted local suppliers including caterers, florists, photographers, and marquee providers.
Great Ote Hall is a dry hire site so you can bring your own alcohol and no corkage is charged. Alcohol cannot be sold on the Grounds.

Logistics

Yes, there is ample on-site parking for all guests.
We have a disabled car park next to the marquee for elderly relatives and a rest area for them in the summer house.
Events typically can start as early as you would like and run until 11:30pm, with music finishing slightly earlier. We are happy for the party to continue later but only with acoustic music or a silent disco (We can tailor this depending on your needs).
We can recommend a range of nearby accommodation options, from boutique hotels to countryside cottages. We do have limited accommodation for the Couple & bridal party. We also encourage couples to consider glamping options for guests wishing to stay on site.

Planning & Booking

We recommend booking 6–14 months in advance for peak summer dates, although we occasionally have availability for shorter notice events.
Yes, we would be delighted to show you around. Viewings are by appointment and available most weekdays, evenings & weekends.
Yes, we provide guidance and support throughout the planning process and can recommend experienced planners if required.
A £1000 deposit and signed agreement are required to secure your date.