De Vere Horsley Estate Weddings

We DJed at De Vere Horsley Estate just last weekend, and honestly, we're still thinking about it.

It's one of those wedding venues that has a lot going for it: beautiful historic architecture, acres of gorgeous outdoor space, plenty of room for everyone to stay on site, and - importantly from our perspective - a dancefloor where we can actually turn the music up.

Set in the Surrey Hills, the estate has the feel of a classic country-house wedding venue, but with a really relaxed atmosphere once the party gets going.

A venue with a serious sense of history

Originally known as Horsley Towers, the estate dates back to the early 19th century. The original house was designed by Sir Charles Barry, who would later become famous for designing the Houses of Parliament.

It was subsequently owned by William King, the 1st Earl of Lovelace, whose wife was Ada Lovelace - Lord Byron's daughter and the woman widely recognised as the world's first computer programmer.

The Earl expanded the original house, adding towers, a chapel and cloisters, and the distinctive mix of flint and brickwork you can still see today; so there's plenty to look at before you've even thought about the wedding.

Today, De Vere Horsley Estate sits within around 50 acres of Surrey countryside, with the historic house and grounds providing a stunning backdrop (and plenty of photo ops) that feels particularly special for weddings.

And then there's the practical bit...everyone can stay on site. Which, if you've ever been involved in a wedding where half the guests are trying to work out taxis, hotels and who's driving home, is a very good thing.

The bit we really notice: the party

For us, though, a venue can be as beautiful as it likes. If we're DJing there, we want to know what happens when the formalities are over and the party starts, and the Horsley Estate gets that balance just right.

There's a lovely outdoor space for guests to enjoy earlier in the day, and the venue uses surround speakers for background music before the DJ starts, so there's already a soundtrack helping to create the atmosphere before we even get behind the decks.

And when it's time to turn things up? They let us play loud.

This might sound obvious, but it really isn't something we wedding DJ’s take for granted.

A dancefloor needs to feel like a dancefloor. There's a difference between having music playing and having the room properly come alive, and we're always happier when a venue understands that.

From countryside calm to full-on dancefloor

One of the things we love about wedding venues like Horsley Estate is the change in energy throughout the day. Yes, you've got the beautiful surroundings, drinks outside, photographs, dinner - and all those slower moments that make up a wedding - but gradually, the focus shifts.

The lights change. The music gets louder. The dancefloor starts to fill. And then the party starts. 

SpinSisters don't believe in a fixed formula for a wedding set. The music has to respond to the people in the room; whether that's Disco, House, R&B, Indie classics, old-school favourites, or something completely unexpected.

And because we've just been there to DJ ourselves, we know how well the space at this beautiful venue works when that energy starts to build.

Why we'd happily go back

There's something very easy about working at Horsley Estate; it’s not overly precious and because there's loads of space, the guests can stay on site. Also the venue understands that the music is a big part of the evening rather than an afterthought, and for us, that's what makes a great wedding venue.

And after playing there last weekend, we'd be very happy to get back behind those decks.

Planning a wedding at De Vere Horsley Estate? We'd love to help make the party one to remember. Enquire now