The George in Rye

The feel

Set in the heart of the medieval town of Rye, East Sussex, and just five minutes from the beautiful beach at Camber Sands, The George is a family run Grade II listed 4-star hotel and wedding venue. Rye is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns – a maze of cobbled streets and tiny passage ways. It is home to Henry James’ Lamb House, its former defence, the Ypres Tower, dates from 1250 and its church is nearly a millennium old.

The George dates back to 1575 when it was a coaching inn. Today it is one of England’s most highly regarded small hotels – over the years it has become best known for its ‘laid-back luxury’ style, welcoming atmosphere and fabulous food.

Available on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis, The George appeals to couples looking to create a sophisticated occasion with a relaxed ‘house-party’ vibe. From intimate celebrations for 12, to receptions with all the trimmings for up to 120 guests, The George offers complete flexibility and prides itself on its friendly, personal approach.

The George’s original Georgian Ballroom complete with minstrel’s gallery is unrivalled for its elegance – it seats up to 120 guests and is licensed for civil ceremonies. The 16th century Benson room is ideal for more intimate occasions and can be used in tandem with the ballroom for a drinks reception or a separate bar. The Benson room can also offer a private setting for dinner with friends and family the night before the wedding.

Great food and flawless service is at the heart of a successful celebration and The George is renowned for both. Our kitchen team has developed a selection of seasonal Wedding Breakfast menus using ingredients on offer from the local farms and fishermen around Rye. The George has an extensive list of fine wines and Champagne including a number of new generation English wines from vineyards in East Sussex and Kent. We offer two popular package options ‘Traditional’ and ‘Indulgence’. Although we will use our packages as a starting point, it’s all about customizing that package to suite a couple’s individual requirements. Even though we do over 50 weddings a year, every event is unique.

There are 34 individually-designed ensuite bedrooms offering guests a romantic retreat. From contemporary, spacious suites to more traditional superior doubles, every room has been stamped with an eclectic style and the little details that make all the difference. Rooms feature Vi-Spring beds, Frette linen, William Holland copper and zinc baths, power showers, REN products, flat screen TVs , Ruark iPod docks and free WIFI. Junior Suites are truly romantic. Room 41 in particular is outrageously decadent with a loose Miami meets Rye theme – the jade green suite has a skylight, round bed and an internal staircase leading to a huge bathroom with nickel double roll-top bath. There is also a private patio for summer nights.

For those seeking an intimate, relaxed and romantic wedding setting with the perfect party atmosphere, The George has it all under one roof. From the first consultation until the last guest has departed the dedicated and friendly events team is on hand to ensure no detail is overlooked, working alongside couples to create unforgettable occasions infused with personality, style and fun. Weddings are all about couples and their guests having fun – this is what we believe to be at the heart of each celebration we host and we offer the space and service to help achieve this.

Setting us apart from our competitors The George’s facilities are completely adaptable, allowing guests the option to marry either at the local historic town hall or within the Regency ballroom itself. If couples are blessed with sunshine, guests can enjoy a celebratory toast out on the garden terrace while the bride and groom are whisked off to nearby Camber Sands beach for their photos. During the winter months, an intimate drinks reception can be held within the elegant surroundings of the Benson Room before the grand ballroom is unveiled for the wedding breakfast.

We have a strict policy of only one wedding booking per day as we feel this detracts from the intimacy of the occasion; it is of upmost importance to us that each and every couple has our undivided attention and service on their wedding day. The George has made huge investments in its staff with a dedicated weddings and events team now sitting alongside its busy restaurant and reception team. Our events team are friendly, knowledgeable and approachable, each member has extensive experience of the venue and hosting weddings. The team members are on hand to answer any questions at any time and are also completely flexible and more than happy to show couples around without an appointment – it’s this level of service that keeps us one step ahead of the competition.

Our experience in party planning over the years has allowed us to build a ‘black book’ of the industry’s best contacts that we feel confident recommending to our couples. All of our trusted suppliers have been chosen as a result of personally working with each and every one. They know the venue inside out and we have built great relationships with them.

Our commitment to our couples from the initial enquiry stage through to their wedding and beyond is very important to us. Most of our couples will return year after year to celebrate their anniversaries and will always remain special guests at The George.