Dorset is home to a fine array of top wedding venues. Here's a selection, so get booking!
The Italian Villa
Recently awarded second most popular all-inclusive wedding venue in the world, the stunning Italian Villa delivers three floors of sensational suites, accommodating weddings of any size, against the dramatic backdrop of 10 acres of manicured gardens. Licensed to perform civil ceremonies and civil partnerships for up to 250 people, it is no surprise that The Italian Villa won the title of Dorset’s Best Wedding Venue, not least because of the magnificent backdrop for sensational photos it provides on your special day.
Recently awarded Dorset’s Best Wedding Caterers, the multi award-winning chefs at Beales Gourmet deliver simply sensational flavours for your dream wedding. Whether it’s a gourmet wedding breakfast, luxurious barbecue or hog roast, you can be assured of the best quality ingredients and 5 star service.
Wedding Open Day takes place on Sunday, October 12, 11am-4pm, free admission. The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset BH13 7ES, www.the-italian-villa.co.uk, 01202 816074; Beales Gourmet, www.bealesgourmet.com, 01202 700992.
Kingston Maurward
Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside Kingston Maurward’s 18th century house and gardens are an idyllic location for the perfect wedding.
Discover the tranquil, peaceful and intimate setting, beautifully situated with a scenic lake, extensive lawns and formal gardens providing the ideal backdrop to a wonderful day.
With its parkland approach and sweeping drive, the Georgian mansion house and ornate rooms set the scene for a civil ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception.
The Kingston Maurward Wedding Fair on Sunday, October 12 promises to be the one-stop shop for every bride and groom to be. Everyone from photographers, transport and jewellers, to bridal wear, flowers and cake designers will be there to book on the day. Doors open at 10am-3.30pm, £3.50 per person with a free complimentary drink on arrival. www.kmc.ac.uk/kc/weddings
Mortons House Hotel
Situated in pretty Corfe Castle, the fairytale capital of the Isle of Purbeck, Mortons House Hotel is a striking, privately owned 16th century Elizabethan Manor house, with beautiful antique touches and heaps of character.
This award-winning hotel boasts 2AA Fine Dining Rosettes and has built up a fine reputation for hosting wedding receptions and civil ceremonies. The Castle itself is a stone’s throw from the hotel providing a romantic and picturesque backdrop for those special pictures. A dedicated Wedding Coordinator is on hand to guide you through the organisation and preparation offering bespoke weddings to suit all budgets.
‘Mortons Exclusive’ is their speciality where you can enjoy your wedding in your very own manor house for the day or weekend.
From the moment you arrive, you will experience the atmosphere of a cherished Tudor manor. Ask about their discounted ‘Out of Season’ wedding packages, www.mortonshouse.co.uk
Haven Hotel
Situated on the tip of the world-famous Sandbanks Peninsula, the Haven Hotel offers grandeur and luxury on the water’s edge. With spectacular views of the harbour entrance, Studland Bay and Old Harry Rocks, you can say your vows whilst listening to the lapping of water and gentle hum of boats.
Part of the FJB Collection, www.fjbhotels.co.uk
Chine Hotel
This hidden gem is a remarkable and historic venue situated right on the evergreen clifftop of Boscombe Chine. Offering three acres of landscaped gardens that meander towards the beachside, our licensed wedding gazebo overlooks the sea. And if the sun isn’t shining, they offer a superb ballroom with private terrace.
Discover more at www.fjbhotels.co.uk
Harbour Heights Hotel
Elegant, sophisticated and luxurious, this beautifully designed venue sits in an elevated position on the world-renowned Sandbanks Peninsula. Raise a glass on the private terrace, which captures a panoramic view of Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Jurassic Coast. And with the sand and sea literally a stone’s throw away, you and your guests can celebrate your day in beautiful natural surroundings.
See for yourself at www.fjbhotels.co.uk
Christchurch Harbour Hotel
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa is perfectly positioned to indulge in sweeping harbour views. A Grade II listed Georgian building sat on the water’s edge, the hotel complements the surrounding natural beauty with elegant and contemporary décor. With the spectacular Christchurch harbour as the backdrop, the Waterford suite is the perfect place to take your vows and host your wedding breakfast. Reaching luxuriously down to meet the sea, the lawn and private terrace is a truly breath-taking location for photographs.
For a private show round, contact 01202 400964, www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk
Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott
Perched high on the cliff top with sweeping sea views, the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel is the perfect setting for your special day. Offering a spectacular venue for weddings of all sizes, from the intimate occasion to the lavish affair, one of their elegantly decorated function suites is sure to accommodate your every wish.
For a truly magical setting, say ‘I do’ from the open-air wedding gazebo with its panoramic views of the Jurassic coastline and Bournemouth’s seven mile stretch of sandy beaches. After your vows, enjoy a glass of fizz on their lawns and continue to take in the impressive views.
Let the celebrations continue with a wedding breakfast hand-crafted by their award-winning executive chef before dancing the night away until the early hours.
It’s the little details that count and their dedicated Wedding Coordinator, Charlotte Lavin, will be on hand from day one to guide you through the planning process and help make your wedding dreams a reality.
Visit www.marriott.co.uk
The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel
No two weddings at The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel are the same. Their team has many years experience of creating something that is a bit more exclusive - a wedding designed around you.
Whether it’s something quirky, a special theme, or a traditional event that you’re looking for, they can help you to create a day to remember.
With breathtaking sea views, cliff top gardens and close proximity to the beach, the Cottonwood Boutique is the perfect backdrop. Set back on the East Cliff, in a tree lined road, with private parking, it has an unrivalled location. Near the town centre and station, it is a popular choice for civil, church and registry office ceremonies. With elegant function rooms that can host up to 150 guests, and 30 bedrooms, it is ideal for all sizes and types of ceremony. Available for exclusive use for you and your guests.
Call 01202 405010 or email events@quantumhotelgroup.co.uk, www.thecottonwoodboutique.co.uk
Oceana Resort
Having just designed and launched a completely new function and events menu package, the Oceana Resort has used years of talented experience to offer the ultimate in packages and food to reflect today’s mood, style and expectations. Their new packages for weddings and functions include, canapés, buffets, roasts, modern late sit down weddings, traditional wedding breakfast, Northern Soul food, midnight suppers, BBQ’s and hog roasts – with autumn/winter and midweek value packages available, visit www.oceanahotels.co.uk
The Cumberland
With a flamboyant décor and professional staff and management, The Cumberland is a wonderful venue for events, weddings and celebrations. Sitting overlooking the ocean between the piers, with a huge outdoor pool and lido deck, The Cumberland is the venue of choice for many local companies and people to enjoy a celebration. The team of six managers and over 100 staff are trained in providing the very best in service for your event. Coupled with the unique bespoke stylish surroundings, events are a guaranteed success.
Christmas is extravagant, with thousands of festive lights, and carefully designed themed rooms. Conferences are at home in the corporate atmosphere, whilst weddings, wakes, birthdays and all types of gatherings are managed and operated with the same dedication at every turn. Call 01202 298350 for details and show rounds, www.cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk, www.barventana.co.uk
Suncliff and Cliffeside
Suncliff and Cliffeside Hotels offer four unique venues between them with soft warm brown and terracotta colours, and a more relaxed feel. Two of the suites available offers panoramic sea views and can hold up to 100 people for weddings and events of any type. They have priced these venues to sell, and you will not be disappointed with the excellent fresh food, and customer focussed service.
The new Oceana luxury Asian inspired Day Spa offers a full range of treatments for your special day or pre wedding celebrations. Teaming up with the 2 Rosette Ventana Grand café at Cumberland, the Day Spa also offers afternoon tea and Lunch Spa Days from £59 per person. Contact the Spa on 01202 208666 or visit www.oceanadayspa.co.uk, www.suncliffbournemouth.co.uk
Menzies Hotels
Whether it be a small intimate reception or a more grand occasion, they will tailor their service to you. From the Ocean Suite at The East Cliff Court with its contemporary decor and spectacular sea views and terrace, to the period features or The Library at The Carlton which boasts uninterrupted sea views and vistas of the beautiful landscaped gardens from its private terrace, both hotels provide many unforgettable locations to tie the knot. They are lucky enough to also offer their alfresco wedding location, the Sea View Gazebo is situated in the private Carlton gardens, this is the ideal place for that special outdoor wedding.
Discover more at www.menzieshotels.co.uk
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