Sam and David married at St Mary’s church in Lavant, then went on to Goodwood House for their reception. The weather was perfect, the day was fun and relaxed, and a great band called Star kept the evening going.
St Mary’s, Lavant
Lavant is a village just north of Chichester, on the edge of the Goodwood estate. St Mary’s is a pretty church, and being so close to Goodwood makes it an easy pairing. The ceremony and the reception are only a short drive apart, so there’s no long gap for guests to fill.
A summer reception at Goodwood House
Goodwood House has been home to the Dukes of Richmond for more than 300 years, and it sits in 12,000 acres of parkland a few miles north of Chichester. In summer you get long evenings and the front of the House in full sun. With perfect weather, Sam and David’s reception had the best of both.
Star, and Van Morrison for the first dance
Sam and David’s first dance was to Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately”, and the party was in full swing straight after it.
The next morning they were off to Kenya to start their honeymoon.
Congratulations to Sam and David.
Planning a Lavant church and Goodwood House wedding
- Build in the drive. Lavant to Goodwood House is a short drive, but leave time for guests to get from the church to the House before you arrive.
- Use the summer light. In summer the front of the House is in full sun, and the cedars on the south lawn are best late in the afternoon.
- Time the first dance. If your photography finishes after the first dance, keep it at a sensible hour so the start of the party is covered too.
- Keep the groups short. The columns at the front of the House are the natural place for family groups, and a list sent beforehand keeps it to about twenty minutes.
More about the rooms, portrait spots and costs is on my Goodwood House wedding photographer page. Other Goodwood House weddings on the site include Asma and Steve’s ceilidh and photo booth, Scott and Emma’s winter wedding and Tom and Louise’s day from the Goodwood Hotel. For venues nearby, see my Chichester wedding photographer page, or have a look at my prices and send me your date.
