Holiday Inn Southend

Holiday Inn Southend is a large hotel on Eastwoodbury Crescent, on the edge of Southend-on-Sea in Essex. Weddings use the Laker Suite, with a foyer and lounge alongside, plus a ground-floor bar and a glass staircase.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

Holiday Inn Southend is a strong fit for couples who want a straightforward, well-organised wedding with everything under one roof. A wedding planner is available, catering is in house and the hotel offers set packages, which keeps planning simple. Wedding couples receive preferential room rates, so guests can stay on site.

Ceremonies

The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies. The Laker Suite, the adjoining foyer and the lounge are for the private use of your party and are included in wedding packages. A balcony with countryside views gives you a place for photographs.

Receptions and food

The Laker Suite seats a wedding breakfast for around 120 guests and welcomes more for the evening party, which has a private function bar. Published figures vary, so confirm numbers with the hotel. Food is prepared by the hotel catering team, and packages cover the main elements of the day.

Staying

The hotel offers standard, executive, superior and family rooms, plus rooms with disabled access, and all are air conditioned. Wedding couples receive preferential rates. Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Getting there and the area

The hotel is on Eastwoodbury Crescent, close to Southend Airport and the seafront. Southend has several railway stations with services to London Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street. Parking is free, with about 220 spaces.

The hotel suits weddings where travel is the main concern. London trains, the airport and free parking make it easy for guests to arrive, and a hotel of this size can usually offer a block of rooms. The adjoining foyer and lounge give you extra room for a drinks reception before guests move into the Laker Suite. The hotel also runs wedding fairs, which let you meet the team before you book.

Good to know

• Free on-site parking, with about 220 spaces.
• A wedding planner and set packages are available.
• Disabled access rooms and facilities are offered.