Guide to Beach Weddings on the Suffolk Coast

Beach weddings are something special. With glorious beaches ranging from pebbles to fine sand, the gentle lapping of the sea's waves, excellent summers and wonderful first class coastal hotels for both the ceremony and reception - a beach wedding in Suffolk will not only make your day extra special but will also make your wedding photos the envy of all your friends!

Please continue reading to discover more about Suffolk's fantastic coastal hotel options.

The White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh, is the perfect place to hold your coastal wedding ceremony, reception and even honeymoon too! Facing Aldeburgh's lovely shingle beach, the hotel is licensed to hold civil ceremonies. Receptions of up to 120 guests are well catered for in the James Cable Room, and the Wedding Co-ordinator is happy to talk through the various wedding packages offered, or create a bespoke package to suit individual needs and budgets. Locally caught and bought fish is a speciality, and makes for a perfect beach wedding menu. There are 32 comfortable rooms available for wedding guests, and some have seemingly never-ending views of the sea.

The delightful Crown Hotel, Southwold is located on the High Street just a pebble's throw from the sunny beach. Southwold is an enchanting place to hold your wedding and reception, situated as it is on a hill surrounded by the River Blythe making the town practically an island. The hotel has a wedding and civil partnership license, and can provide catering of locally sourced, fresh produce for intimate celebrations of up to 30 seated guests. The 14 bedrooms at the Crown are reached through charmingly twisting corridors, and contemporary furniture and great beds are combined with real individual style.

Thorpeness Hotel, Apartments & Golf Club, near Aldeburgh, is a fantastic place to hold your beach wedding. Wedding organisers can create a sea-side theme for your special day, or you may wish to opt for something more traditional. Whatever you decide, staff are on-hand to help you every step of the way - from deciding upon your bespoke menu, to hiring the photographer, car and flowers - to ensure your day is exactly how you dreamed it would be. The hotel is fully licensed for civil ceremonies and has a number of reception rooms which can accommodate between 40 and 200 guests. At the rear a marquee is available all year round. Finally, Thorpeness Hotel has 36 rooms, some with views of the Meare, gardens or golf course.

Another classic beach hotel on the Suffolk coast is The Swan Hotel, Southwold. The Swan prides itself on serving the finest wines & foods, and offering an exceptional service to all guests. Licensed to hold civil partnerships, there are a number of rooms to choose from for both the ceremony and reception, catering for between 20 and 80 guests. The garden, with the lighthouse and a picturesque array of flowers, is a favourite location for summer receptions. It also makes a superb spot for wedding photographs. During the winter, couples may prefer the grand Drawing Room with its fine furniture and open fire. Whatever the season, The Swan will make your beach wedding an unforgettable experience.

Hotel Victoria, Lowestoft, plus its restaurant both feature sea views of Lowestoft's award winning beaches. The hotel is licensed to conduct all civil ceremonies thus providing the perfect venue for you to enjoy your entire day of celebrations. The hotel also offers wedding packages, such as the 'Blue Ribbon Package' which includes: reception room hire; overnight stay for the bride & groom in the Honeymoon Suite; a professional Toastmaster; arrival and toast drinks; wedding meal with wine; three course Wedding Breakfast with coffee; and a typed table plan & menu cards plus all staff.

The following coastal hotels are perfect venues for your wedding reception, accommodation for your wedding guests, or even for your honeymoon after your fabulous beach wedding.

The Brudenell, Aldeburgh, is the essence of a tradition Suffolk coastal hotel. This beach-facing building incorporates 42 bedrooms, all light and airy in decor and furnished to a high standard. Many have excellent views of the sea or the River Alde and its surrounding marshland. The restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes and serves local, seasonal food.

The Waverley Hotel, Felixstowe is Edwardian in origin and has 16 rooms with sea and promenade views. There is a trendy gastro-bar with terrace, and a wonderful restaurant offering seafood and grilled dishes. The function room with its own bar is ideal for intimate wedding receptions, and accommodates up to 80 guests. There is also a lovely honeymoon suite.

Hotel Hatfield, Lowestoft, is situated in a prominent seafront position on Lowestoft's award-winning beach, and the Shoreline restaurant enjoys an unobstructed outlook over the sea. Churchill's Bar features its own menu of traditional sea-side fare, complete with 'blackboard specials'. The hotel has 33 en suite rooms with modern conveniences, ensuring your wedding guests have a comfortable and relaxing stay.