Can we get married at Pangdean?

Yes! We are licenced to hold legal wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships at Pangdean. Currently the Old Barn, The Stable and Mulberry Lodge (our garden venue) are licensed for wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships.

How many people can Pangdean accommodate?

The Old Barn comfortably seats up to 190 people for a ceremony or for a meal. The Stable is ideal for 20 – 50 people seated (or 70 people for a ceremony). In total, for the informal part of the evening, we are able to accommodate a maximum of 300 guests.

Click here to see a selection of floor plans for receptions in the Old Barn

What happens if the weather is too wet to have drinks and canapés in the garden?

Pangdean is a great venue in any weather. In the event of bad weather, we will set up the drinks reception in the Stable and the covered courtyard, which is connected to the Old Barn. The advantage of our exclusive use means that we are flexible when the weather causes a change of plan.

Does the Barn come with any décor or greenery?

The hire cost includes quite a bit of décor including troughs of ivy and olive trees, fairy lights in the roof of the Barn, and multiple lanterns and candles. It is a stunning building and even just using the existing décor, it will look beautiful. This leaves you free to decide how much floristry you really need or wish to budget for.

If you would like table arrangements, we recommend that you hire a florist to provide this. If you would like very simple flowers placed in the stable and courtyard, we can put cut flowers (provided by you) into our jars and milk bottles for a small charge.

Can buses and coaches access the venue?

One of the advantages of the farm is that there is easy access for large vehicles. Buses and coaches have plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Is there parking available on site

Yes, there is ample free parking at Pangdean and guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight (at their own risk) to be collected the next morning. We ask that guests collect their cars before midday the following day.

Are there any noise restrictions?

Whilst we do not have a decibel limit, we do ask for sensible limits - for the benefit of our staff and neighbours.

Can we create a playlist for the ceremony or reception?

Yes of course! You can bring your own playlists on a device that can take a headset (eg an iPhone or tablet). This can be plugged in to our PA system which is included in your hire cost. Note that our sound system is perfect for your speeches, ceremonial or background music. It's not however sufficient for your party and we recommend that you hire a professional sound system for this.

Can we dress the venue or theme it?

The Barn comes with quite a bit of décor included for free, but you are also very welcome to supply extra décor or theme your decorations. We suggest that you arrange as many visits as you need before the wedding to work out your décor plan. Our experienced team can then set it all up for you giving you a stress free event. Of course if there are some details you would like to personally set up, you are very welcome to. This might be possible the day before (if there isn’t another event booked) or the morning of the event - just speak to us in advance.

Do we need to set up the Barn for the event?

No. Unlike other barn venues, our team does the setting up (unless there is very specific or complex décor that you require). This means you can relax and enjoy your day.

Will Pangdean do the flowers for us?

We recommend you use a florist. If you would like very simple flowers placed in the stable and courtyard, we can put cut flowers (provided by you) into our attractive jars and milk bottles for a small charge. Florists must provide their own vases.

Can we use candles?

Candles can make a beautiful decorative feature in the Old Barn and Stable. We provide the candles for you and the glass containers for safety and insurance reasons. We have many storm lanterns, tea light holders and these, along with the candles are included in the venue hire at no extra cost. You are also welcome to provide your own candles (which must be in suitable fire-resistant holders).

I want to use a wedding organiser, is that OK?

It is, but unless you want a complicated themed event, it may not be necessary. Our event managers have lots of experience and are always pleased to advise.

What is your smoking policy?

We are governed by the legislation. There can be no smoking in any of the buildings. Provision is made for smokers to smoke in the courtyard and a gazebo can be erected in the event of poor weather.

Are you fully insured?

Yes. We have a very substantial comprehensive policy with the NFU, including £10 million public liability cover.

Do you have set menus?

No. Every event is treated individually and menus are suggested appropriate to your tastes and your budget. Some menu suggestions are available in the ‘Food’ section on this website and we can send you suggestions and ideas so that you may pick and choose. We also welcome your suggestions and enjoy creating new dishes that reflect your own personalities and uniqueness as a couple. If there are particular meals that are special to you, we’d love to hear your suggestions.

What are your arrangements for alcohol?

One of the big advantages of having your event at Pangdean is that we do not charge corkage. You provide the alcohol of your choice for the arrival drinks and main meal. We will store, chill and serve it at no extra cost (including providing and cleaning the glasses), offering you a considerable saving. For the evening reception, you have the option to install a cash-bar for the evening, put money behind the bar, or to supply your own alcohol which we can chill and serve for you at a small cost per head.

We have guests arriving just for the evening. They will want to eat too, what can you recommend?

For the evening we have some lovely suggestions – for instance local sausages in floury baps, pulled pork, fish and chips, homemade pizzas, or wonderful local cheeses. Please speak to us and we will provide you with some options.

Can you supply a wedding cake?

Please arrange whatever cake you would like with the supplier of your choice. If it's helpful, we can recommend suppliers - please see our page 'suppliers' for a list of local cake makers that have supplied cakes for events at Pangdean. Your supplier is responsible for delivering the cake on the day of the event and for setting it up for you. We provide a choice of cake stands which is included in our hire cost.

Can I organise a food tasting to help decide on my menu?

Yes. Pangdean’s reputation for producing outstanding food usually makes a tasting unnecessary but on occasion a full tasting is requested. Since we are not a hotel or restaurant we would need to prepare this completely from scratch we ask for a £100 (+VAT) contribution towards costs for this. If it is simply to help you decide between say, a choice of two sauces, with your main course, this would be free of charge.

Can you cater for special diets?

We regularly cater for vegans, vegetarians, people with gluten free diets, allergies or other special diets. We simply need to know at least a week in advance what the requirements are and for whom.

What time can our party finish?

We ask that parties finish at midnight. You can extend this to 1am for an additional charge (this is because we need to a new rota of staff to extend the party).

Do we need a Toastmaster?

On balance, the answer is usually no. We will agree a detailed running order for your event and our Events Manager will make sure that timings are adhered to. He will also be happy to make announcements on your behalf.

Are children welcome?

Children are very welcome at Pangdean. The garden is equipped with our children’s toys and can be used by guests’ children, under their parents’ supervision and at their own risk. These are included at no extra cost. We also cater for children's versions of the canapés, main courses and puddings.

Can we have a firework display?

Unfortunately not. Being a farm, there are horses and livestock around us and we cannot frighten them. We hope you understand.

Can we let off Chinese Lanterns up into the night sky?

Unfortunately not. The venue is surrounded by barns, stables and other farm buildings and is close to the A23. The potential risk of fire, combined with the potential damage to livestock created by the wire frames makes them just too much of a hazard for Pangdean.

Can I have a winter wedding? Are you open all year round?

Yes, Pangdean is open all year round. All guest areas are fully heated and very comfortable. When the use of the garden is not practical, the Stable and Barn covered courtyard areas make a lovely area for canapés and drinks.

Can I have a function at Pangdean on other days of the week, not just Saturdays?

Yes, we take bookings for all day of the week. Friday and mid-week weddings are becoming increasingly popular.

Can we rent the venue and use our own caterer?

Pangdean’s reputation is very closely linked to the quality of the food served and for this reason, catering can only be provided by our own company ‘Hunger Pangs’.

Do you insist on us using specific suppliers?

Definitely not! Barring the catering, which must be provided by us, you may choose any supplier you please. It is your event after all. We have a list of suppliers that have worked at Pangdean that you are welcome to refer to, but you are free to choose your own photographer, florist etc.

Can you recommend florists, car hire, DJs, photographers etc?

We have collated an extensive list of suppliers who have worked at events at Pangdean (see the “Suppliers” page). We do not receive commission on any of the external services provided. We do not personally recommend anyone, preferring that you make your arrangements directly with them.

How much does it cost to hire the venue?

The cost depends on two main factors, the time of the year and the day of the week. A mid-summer Saturday will be the most expensive while a mid-week winter date less so. This can be discussed with us.

Does the venue charge include tables, chairs, linen, glasses, cutlery?

Yes. The venue hire includes all the practical items you need for your reception at no extra cost. We also have an extensive décor list that comes included in the venue hire (eg cake stands, easels, photo boards, lanterns and many other items). The venue cost does not include your floristry, entertainment or alcohol, but virtually everything else is included and will be clearly shown in your quotation.

Do you charge extra for cake stands, use of your PA system, car parking?

No. There are no charges to hire these items. Please see our décor list for the full list of extras that come included on the venue hire.

Do your prices include VAT?

No. Any prices quoted to you exclude VAT. When written, this is clearly shown. VAT is a tax imposed on a service by the government, we have to collect it.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, all major credit cards, including American Express, are accepted. Please note that we do levy a 2% charge for payment by credit card while bank debit card transactions are free of charge.

How far are you from Central Brighton?

We are 5 miles North of Brighton, just off the A23. Do check out our directions page and please do not rely on your Sat Nav to find the farm entrance!

Can you recommend overnight accommodation for guests?

Certainly. Please see the Suppliers page on this website for some suggestions.