Fairytale weddings at Nymans

by Ruth Lawrence

As far as dream wedding locations go, Nymans Gardens in the High Weald must rank as one of the most spectacular in the country. Owned by the National Trust, the Nymans Estate was created by the Messel family and their dedicated gardeners.

Surprise garden rooms, elegant vistas and intimate corners give the grounds enough contrasting variety to satisfy the most demanding tastes. The house, transformed into a gothic mansion in the 1920s, burned down to leave fairytale ruins standing next to the grand restored rooms containing 17th century antiques.

The Trust have decided to offer two areas of the grounds for civil ceremonies. Head gardener Ed Ikin showed me the stunning locations that will provide the backdrop to a perfect day. The Loggia is a beautiful gothic building, with soaring arches and ivy clad walls that wrap around the lawn, itself burgeoning with striking floral displays. To maintain the intimacy of the setting, numbers are restricted to 25 plus the registrars and the ceremony would take place in the building, using furniture that already blends with these unique surroundings. In case you think a setting like this will cost the earth, Ed quoted a surprisingly reasonable figure of £1,300 including VAT. This would include two staff, a glass of sparkling Sussex wine for each guest and all furniture. The setting is breathtaking, lending itself to the most romantic fantasy a couple could wish for. Just think of the wedding photographs – they’d be unforgettable with a background like this!

The second location is the Pinetum, a particularly open, spacious area, overlooking the Ashdown Forest. This site is ideal for larger parties, accommodating 120 people and, importantly, is near parking and toilets. There is a stunning, white, open-sided building called the Temple, where drinks can be served at the start of the evening. Discreet music, live or otherwise, is possible here. The setting is dramatic and guests can gaze across rolling acres towards trees in the distance. This site lends itself to 1920s or 30s style parties; Nymans was a great party house in its heyday and the grounds are used to the chatter and music of large, elegant gatherings.

Although the Trust supply the surroundings, Crawley based company Anise deal with catering and marquee hire and are taking bookings now for next year. As weddings are normally planned so far in advance, it is advisable to contact them soon for a spring or summer wedding for the following year.

The locations are available from March to October, but it is also possible to accommodate winter plans. The garden is more photogenic in spring, summer and autumn, packed with flowers – a horticulturist’s paradise. The famous summer borders are planted until October and lead the eye down long gravel paths, through arches and past fountains and stone sculptures. Over 6,000 plants fill this 80m display and blazing colours flank the path to a spectacular carved stone fountain. Wherever you wander, another surprise is revealed. This was my first visit to the gardens and I have already logged it as a personal favourite. The ruins soar against the sky, ivy clings about the stone and glassless windows arch like drawings from an ancient story book. It is a place to dream and wander and yet has the scope and scale to accommodate large gatherings. I can imagine everyone finding something different here. There are intimate, walled flower gardens leading towards rolling meadows, narrow paths winding to long views and archaic ruins next to formal topiary and clipped lawns.

Each season has something to offer: a Spring wedding would see Magnolia, Camellia and blowsy Rhododendrons while towards the end of April, wild flowers and evocative bluebells line the woodland floor. A Summer wedding would see Nymans packed with colour; the peaceful rose garden blooms in June, August and October and herbaceous perennials fill the borders with Alliums, Irises and Asian poppies. During Autumn, tulip trees and Limes turn gold and Acers burn with that unforgettable dark red.

Nymans was originally a series of experimental garden design; it has the feel of liveliness that accompanies curiosity and a playful mind. The original owners must have had fun designing these intriguing garden rooms. Although the fire destroyed much of the house, it inadvertently created the romantic ruins, which are unique and unforgettable. Ancient woods beckon, nurturing the tallest tree in Sussex, a giant Redwood, while wild flowers line the walks through a valley.

It would be hard to find a more romantic or varied setting for a wedding. Guests will take away memories that will last long after the ceremony itself and photographs will be effortlessly stunning against backdrops like these.

In 1918, owner Muriel Messel said that “the garden is a triumph of hope. Always full of experiments, giving endless pleasure, with careful thought bestowed on each plant.” It is her family’s vision that created this perfect piece of Sussex and you feel, strolling among the scents and sights of this special place, that she would be delighted that people were making their wedding vows in her spectacular garden.


Nymans
Handcross, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH17 6EB
Tel. 01444 405250
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans