Wedding venue inspiration - Venues

Kingston Country Courtyard, Corfe Castle, Dorset

Picture your day in a stunning 16th-century Purbeck stone barn, with a canopy of twinkly lights? Then this stunning venue is sure to tick the box. Set across two courtyards, it offers a wealth of charms and can cater for 130 guests and up to 175 for the evening reception. Licensed for weddings indoors and out, it's a year-round winner. Great in the summer, with a choice of amazing outdoor spaces for romantic al fresco ceremonies, the versatile venue is just as magical for winter weddings. The barn offers the perfect mix of grandeur and intimacy and the Sawmill Restaurant is also available for exclusive use; ideal for the drinks reception when the weather's bad. You can spill out from the barn on to the upper courtyard, snuggle around a firepit and toast marshmallows and enjoy mulled local cider, wine or steaming mugs of chocolate from hot drink stations. There's a team of chefs onsite as well to cater to all your foodie needs. You can even hire the venue's snow machine to be sure of the perfect magical winter scene.

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

This luxury venue is a jewel in the region's crown. Dating back to 1728, the heritage-listed manor house has a long association with high society and royalty including the former king of England Henry VIII. Perched in the middle of an ancient rural estate, the 500-acre estate is the epitome of quintessential English country living. You can marry indoors or out and all of the five private event rooms in the Georgian manor house are licensed for ceremonies. The versatile venue can cater for weddings of all sizes, from cosy intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations with up to 200 family and friends.

Osborne, Isle of Wight

Follow in the footsteps of a royal romance and marry at this romantic hotspot. Built as a family home by the sea for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the palatial venue was designed in the Italianate style to complement the island's mild climate and panoramic views over the Solent which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. The venue echoes with the enduring love story of the royal couple and provides the perfect backdrop for a big-day with a difference. Catering for everything from intimate weddings to grand lavish celebrations, the possibilities are almost endless! Marry at Osborne and raise a toast surrounded by priceless exquisite artwork You can tie the knot in one of the opulent and lavishly decorated rooms – the largest being the Indian-themed Durbar room which can host up to 100 guests. Truly fit for a queen, it was built for state functions and decorated in an elaborate intricate style. The grounds and setting are equally impressive with spectacular terraces, ornate Victorian fountains, a stunning walled garden and even its own secluded private beach; providing a wealth of opportunities for weddings of all sizes indoors and out.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset

Escape to an exotic location surrounded by lush plants for a big-day with a difference. A nature-lovers dream, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is right on the Dorset coast too. Established more than 250 years ago, the magnificent 30-acre site is filled with rare and unusual plants from around the world. You can say 'I do' in the purpose-built wooden gazebo just across the lawn from the permanent luxury pavilion. Nestled in the heart of the gardens, the pavilion has been carefully designed to blend with the beautiful surroundings. Your very own oasis, it opens out into a private space accessed by its own entrance gate. With seating for 150 guests, it's hung with floor-length awnings and the wide doorways open out so you can make the most of the glorious setting.

Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, Dorset

This charming venue offers bags of old world charm with a healthy dose of stylish coastal chic thrown in – the perfect recipe for a big day to remember, The Georgian dower house was originally built in 1735 for the Countess Dowager Poulett as her seaside home. Set in a prime hillside position with breathtaking sea views, it boasts expansive lawns and a cobbled courtyard. It even has its own private 18th-century chapel, perfect for romantic 'I dos' with up to 60 loved ones. With an impressive barrel ceiling and original features it looks magical with flickering candlelight. Set in the popular seaside town of Lyme Regis there's a path that leads straight to the beach, a favourite with couples looking to steal away for photos on the famous Cobb harbour wall while their guests enjoy champagne and canapés on the lawn. The hotel offers a choice of licensed indoor wedding spaces too, including The Orangery with wide sea-facing doors leading down to the lawns. For larger celebrations, the Alexandra Dining Room offers an elegant ballroom experience and can seat up to 70 family and friends for the reception or 100 for a finger buffet.

Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire

Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by woodland, this former hunting lodge oozes character and charm. The Victorian country mansion is warm and inviting, furnished with antiques and fine paintings to complement the elaborate carvings, ornate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows. There's a choice of licensed spaces inside and out for weddings large or small. The church-like Conservatory provides a wow-factor setting for your 'I dos'. With high vaulted ceilings and large windows overlooking the private grounds, it can host up to 100 ceremony guests. Celebrate afterwards in the elegant Garden Pavilion, only a stone's throw away in the hotel gardens, the light and airy space makes the most of the tranquil countryside views. With its own bar and a dreamy fairylight canopy you can host your wedding breakfast and reception here with up to 200 family and friends.

HMS Warrior, Hampshire

For a wedding day to remember HMS Warrior stands out from the crowd. Steeped in history, the magnificent ship is sure to wow your loved ones, with its original charm, character and Victorian workmanship. Guests can walk the decks at leisure, soaking up the atmosphere. Britain's first iron-hulled battleship, it offers an array of fascinating wedding spaces and standout photo opportunities. Licensed for ceremonies it can cater for weddings large or small. The Captain's Cabin provides a romantic setting for an intimate service with up to 20 loved ones, while the Officer's Half Deck can accommodate up to 95 for your 'I dos' and 60 for a formal reception. For larger celebrations, the main Gun Deck can seat up to 240 friends and family.

Royal Naval Club & Royal Albert Yacht Club, Hampshire

With views across Governors Green and the Garrison Church to the Solent and Isle of Wight, this prestigious venue provides a unique historic setting and a tailored service to suit a range of big-day needs. With six function rooms it can cater for everything from an intimate gathering for half a dozen loved ones to a formal dinner for more than 100 guests. The club prides itself on providing great food and offers a bespoke service tailored to suit you. So if there's a special dish you want on the big-day menu, you only have to ask. Licensed for civil ceremonies in the Trafalgar or Albert Rooms, you can host your whole day here or there's an evening-only party package available including sole use of the Spinnaker Bar, Osborne Ballroom and Trafalgar Dining Room for a private celebration.

Gorwell Farm, Dorset

Escape to the country for your big day and host your celebration in a rustic venue. Gorwell Farm is set in a beautiful valley close to the Dorset coast and has a spacious 17th-century stone barn, large enough to seat up to 130 guests with room for dancing, there's underfloor heating, a bar and kitchen and it offers the freedom to plan your day, your way. The outside area can be used for the drinks reception or for a marquee or party tent to provide extra space. Licensed for ceremonies you can have your own bespoke wedding in a beautiful setting and there's accommodation on site for at least 18 people.

Gilbert White & The Oates Collections, Hampshire

Celebrate your wedding in an idyllic setting in the South Downs National Park. Gilbert White & The Oates Collections offers a distinctive English country backdrop with a range of romantic spaces. Set in 30 acres of heritage parkland and gardens; it's a breathtaking venue with endless photo opportunities and picturesque spots to wander through and enjoy. Inside the house the Great Parlour is a historic room for intimate ceremonies with up to 35 people or you can marry in the 16th-century Hampshire Barn with 100 loved ones or 150 with guests seated outside. The bandstand at the side is also licensed for outdoor ceremonies and offers wonderful views over the meadows. The barn boasts a magnificent oak beamed roof and period features with large double doors opening out to the parkland beyond. Festooned with fairylights and with nooks and crannies throughout, you can add your own personal touch with decorative details to suit your style. With space in front for outdoor games and seating, the bandstand makes a great chill-out area too and with a firepit to gather around in the evening, you can relax and watch the sun go down.

Old Thorns Hotel, Hampshire

If lush greenery is a must for your big day, Old Thorns Hotel ticks the box. Set on a golf course, there's plenty of great backdrops for photos and chance to enjoy the wide open spaces. The terrace areas are great sun traps in the summer and provide the ideal setting for al fresco drinks, while the walled area surrounding the outside gazebo is another hidden gem. The Chapel provides an intimate setting for your 'I dos', or the Hampshire Suite, complete with panoramic views of the golf course, oak flooring and beamed ceiling echoing the venue's rustic countryside character. Celebrate in the Grand Ballroom which its glittering crystal chandeliers, mahogany bar and large sunken dancefloor. The largest function suite at Old Thorns it can cater for up to 500 guests. The light and decadent Art Deco-inspired Gatsby Ballroom is a popular choice for weddings breakfasts and evening receptions too and even has its own private terrace with fantastic views over the grounds.

Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire

Set in more than 1,000 acres of the South Downs National Park, with far-reaching views across open countryside and ancient woodland, this former home of the Earls of Bessborough is ideal for those wanting a distinctive backdrop for their big day. The lavishly furnished Music Room is the ideal setting to say 'I do' and the private chapel within the grounds, with its blue vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows, is a magical place to have your marriage blessed. The historic grandeur of the Blue Drawing Room lends itself perfectly to a formal wedding breakfast while the south-facing lawns provide a quintessentially English setting for a marquee reception; great for larger parties so you can dine and dance into the night. Every wedding is different and couples have the freedom to have their day their way with anything from fabulous canapés to fish and chips, summer drinks on the portico to mulled wine by firelight. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or more extravagant affair, the flexible venue caters for weddings large or small.

The Ageas Bowl, Hampshire

Whether you're a cricket fan or not, be prepared to be bowled over by the surroundings, amazing views and luxurious facilities at this landmark venue. Surrounded by the Boundary Golf Lakes Course, it has a countryside feel, while the cricket stadium provides a a sense of space – you can even pose for pictures with the pitch as your backdrop. There's a wealth of wedding facilities at the Hilton, a modern hotel with a great sense of glamour and style. The neutral colours of the hotel complement a range of different themes and the chandeliers in the ballroom add extra wow factor. There's a private area for guests to gather as they arrive and space for up to 150 loved ones to watch you say 'I do'.

Leweston, Dorset

Live the fairytale and host your wedding at this stunning venue. Steeped in history, Leweston Manor oozes character and style with Art Deco interiors and a wealth of wow factor wedding spaces. The variety of versatile, light and airy rooms boast their own unique charm and can be adapted to suit your big-day theme or style. The elegant Georgian styled building is sure to impress and with 46 acres of sweeping grounds, including the Nuns, walkway, Italian garden and the secret Belvedere, there's no shortage of great photo opportunities. You can tie the knot indoors or out. There are three ceremony spaces including the Belvedere, an idyllic setting flanked by woodlands.

The Cromwell Arms, Hampshire

Host a celebration to remember at this country location. Set in the picturesque town of Romsey, The Cromwell Arms boasts a fabulous marquee; perfect for a chilled summer wedding reception. Newly refurbished, it can accommodate up to 200 guests and there's plenty of room to party afterwards with space for a dancefloor and entertainment. What's more if you want to stay over, you can book one of their beautiful bedrooms on site. Available April until October, the marquee provides a blank canvas so you can add your own personal stamp to suit the style and theme of your day.

St Giles House, Dorset

If you're on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your big day, this ancestral home in the Dorset countryside is hard to beat. A labour of love, the historic landmark has been sensitively restored, breathing new life into the historic building. Be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments from the instant you arrive and catch your first glimpse of the place. Set in beautiful private parkland, surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the award-winning venue sits in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. Grand, yet intimate and inviting, think sumptuous interiors, marble fireplaces and ancient leather-bound books. The house has been in the same family since the 15th century and has evolved over the generations to the treasure it is today. Licensed for ceremonies for up to 120 guests, you can take your pick from a number of fabulous rooms, all beautifully decorated or Wimborne St.Giles Church is just next door.

Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Hampshire

The Spinnaker Tower takes weddings to whole new heights. A landmark feature on the Portsmouth skyline, the impressive tower stands proud on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays. A must-see venue for a wedding to remember, it offers amazing 350-degree panoramic seascapes, breathtaking by day and a glittering sea of lights at night. You can tie the knot on View Deck 2, located at 105 metres above sea level, with floor-to-ceiling windows and views stretching up to 23 miles out across the Solent, joined by 70 of your nearest and dearest. Celebrate afterwards on View Deck 1, with up to 100 guests for fine dining and experience the thrill of walking across the glass-floor sky walk. The Waterfront Café on the ground floor is ideal for the evening celebration, with great harbour views you can have a disco or live music and party the night away with up to 200 loved ones.

Weddings In The Woods, Hampshire

If you go down to the woods, be prepared for a big surprise. Discover Weddings In The Woods a magical al fresco venue nestled within the glorious New Forest National Park. It's an idyllic place to celebrate, with the freedom to create your day, your way. There's a large expanse of grass and wooded areas and a spacious indoor area, so you don't have to worry about the unpredictable British weather. Big enough for up to 150 guests during the day and more for the evening do, you can marry here and dance the night away without fear of being disturbed. The rustic Carpenters Barn is licensed for ceremonies and comes complete with a large slow-burning wood stove and brick chimney, to keep everyone toasty. Oak beams span the roof and the neutral décor provides the ideal canvas to add your own personal touches. Alternatively, the romantic Bridal Hut is an intimate place to say 'I do' before a blessing in the woods in front of all your loved ones.

Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire

Celebrate your big day at Winchester Cathedral and you can be sure of a wealth of album-worthy photos. The cathedral's historic buildings and beautiful gardens offer a fabulous setting for your post-vows celebrations. Take your pick from two standout reception spaces; the secluded garden marquee and refectory or the stunning Wessex Centre in the cathedral's Inner Close. Enjoy the best of the old and the new and combine elegant heritage with your own modern twist. The lined ivory marquee, complete with carpet and chandeliers, provides a blank canvas to make your own and can host up to 120 guests. Set in the walled garden, overlooked by the cathedral, it's an idyllic spot for a drinks reception. The Wessex Centre can accommodate up to 72 people and is a striking modern building with its own private walled garden. Built from sustainable materials and locally sourced timber, the floor-to-ceiling windows add to the light and airy atmosphere and provide spectacular views of the cathedral too.

Wilkswood, Dorset

If breathtaking views are top of your wish list, this chilled wedding venue could be just what you're looking for. Overlooking the rolling Purbeck hills, the bright and seamless clear span marquee allows you to make the most of the panoramic vistas. Complete with pleated ivory linings, a stage for the evening entertainment, a solid wooden dancefloor, chandelier lighting and more, you can celebrate with up to 350 guests. There's plenty of space for al fresco drinks and outdoor games with street food and catering trucks for the evening celebration and at the end of the night, you can glamp out under the stars. Although the venue's not licensed for ceremonies, it's the perfect spot for an outdoor service with your own bespoke vows.