Top 10 Dorset Wedding Venues
1. Pennsylvania Castle – ‘The Penn’
A exclusive private castle and wedding venue on the Isle of Portland. History has it that the venue was used as a base from which to mastermind the D-day landings with Churchill, General Eisenhower and General de Gaulle meeting here.
Offering two gorgeous outdoor wedding settings with jaw dropping sea views. Nestled upon the World renowned Jurrasic coastline, over looking the Pirate’s graveyard this setting is out of this world. A stunning building, spectacular grounds – it really has its all. When the sun shine’s – its like shooting a wedding in a tropical paradise!
2. Athelhampton House
A charming 15th Century Tudor manor House with stunning formal gardens with pyramid shaped yew trees, an ancient dovecote and water gardens. A ceremony room adorned with 17th century oak paneling and tapestries, and plenty of character. Said to be in the top ten of most haunted buildings in the UK, its even alleged to have a ghost of a pet ape!
A wedding co-ordinating team that really can’t be beaten – nothing is too much effort. Always a dream to work with!
3. Lulworth Castle & Lulworth Courtyard
If you are looking for that high impact setting – this has to be amongst the best of them. Big and bold, standing proud of the landscaped lawns and deer park that surround the venue. A great choice of Dorset wedding venue, if you want to play safe with the eve changing weather patterns. Having an open plan interior, there is always plenty of soft light, perfect for photography, along with delivering a setting of grandeur.
4. The Italian Villa at Compton Acres
A unique and luxurious venue in Poole, Dorset, a stones throw from the Sandbanks peninsular. A venue boasting 3 floors of elegant suites, designed to deliver the ultimate wedding celebration experience. Grade II listed gardens, all having distinctive themes that capture and exploit all the seasons colours – its a rich palette from which any photographer can draw inspiration.
5. Parley Manor
A distinctive Georgian Manor house set in 4 acres of parkland near Bournemouth, Dorset. Luxury marquees laid out in the Italian walled gardens, fully equipped with the latest comforts to ensure it retains that unique feel of an English country house.
6. Highcliffe Castle
A beautiful castle property, unusually owned by the local Christchurch borough council. This ownership being a huge advantage to couples desiring the fairytale setting but needing to work to a budget.
For a modest fee, not only do you get a fairytale castle backdrop, and a stunning ceremony room, but you are also just a minutes walk from a beautiful sandy beach. Breath taking views and sand dunes all around! So many aspects with which to get creative and produce stunning photography, it has to be one of my favourite venues in the area.
7. Kingston Maurward
A 17th century mansion house with formal gardens overlooking a scenic lake, providing a the ideal backdrop to a wonderful day. Situated just outside Dorchester, Dorset, it offers a choice of both indoor and outdoor ceremony areas with a unique Grecian Temple reflecting in the waters of the adjacent lake.
8. Milton Abbey
One of the most beautiful buildings in the whole of Dorset. A rare jewel in the heart of Dorset, originally founded in c.933AD by King Athelstan and later run by Benedictine monks. The Abbey can comfortably accommodate 500 guests.
Its surrounding landscape was designed and planted by the world renowned Capability Brown, this exquisite setting needs no further reassurances. Simply stunning!
9. Beach Weddings Bournemouth
Leaving the traditional bricks and mortar somewhat behind, why not look for a new and exciting wedding venue experience! Exchanging your vows with sand between your toes! Well not quite, sand beneath your feet with a hessian matting over the top.
Either way, its a whole new experience being married on Bournemouth beach, and it was the first venue to be granted a licence to carry out beach weddings in England or Wales.
Beautiful marquess, decked out with an boho / organic seaside feel – the opportunity to style and personalise your wedding in every way possible.
Nothing can beat a beach ceremony when the sun comes out. If you didn’t know you were in Bournemouth this wedding venue could be any beach in the world!
10. Holton Lee
If you’re looking to have a festival vibe at your wedding reception, this could be just the venue for you! Set in a unique location just outside Poole, this wedding venue is set amongst 350 acres of varied landscape, from forestry to open pastures. Providing both stunning views and countless photo opportunities.
Ceremonies are held in a faith House, an award winning building designed by Tony Fretton. Its a photographers dream venue capitalising on plenty of available natural light and views onto open fields backing towards the shores of Poole Harbour.
Receptions are held in a on site marquee, with couples having the freedom to turn their wedding day into a wedding weekend. Renowned for its relaxed and informal environment, this Dorset wedding venue delivers space by the bucket load and the freedom to let your hair down and party!
Nice wedding venues!
These venues are stunning!