Wedding venue inspiration - Glorious gardens

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.

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.

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.

Rhinefield House Hotel, Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Known locally as the 'jewel in the forest' this historic venue is a wedding gem. Make your way down the long tee-lined driveway and be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments from your first glimpse of the impressive 19th-century Tudor and Gothic country mansion. Set in the heart of the National Park with 40 acres of glorious grounds, two ornamental ponds and a maze, there's no shortage of fabulous photo opportunities. You can host your whole day here and take your pick of a choice of rooms and spaces suitable for weddings large or small. The Keepers Room, with its ornamental fireplace and large bay windows, is ideal for relaxed intimate weddings while Hurst Castle is the venue's largest private wedding space. The fully, self-contained modern suite has its own entrance and facilities as well as an outdoor terrace overlooking the topiary orchard and can host up to 100 loved ones for the ceremony, 120 for the wedding breakfast and an extra 30 for the evening reception.

Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Set in the heart of the New Forest, you can't miss this landmark hotel. Set back behind the cricket pitch it's a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary. With sun-drenched terraces and beautiful gardens, you'll be spoilt for choice for picture-perfect backdrops. Looking out over the lawn, the impressive building boasts a fascinating past and has been used as everything from a hunting lodge and a field hospital to an army staff college and coaching inn. A destination hotspot for weddings, you can marry outside in the garden's oak-beamed Sylvan Pavilion or in the hotel's Beaulieu Suite, joined by 140 loved ones. Set back from the main hotel, with its own entrance and facilities, you can host your whole day here in private. The suite includes the refurbished Beaulieu Room and two additional spaces, the Hamble, with its own bar and dancefloor, and the Avon, an additional seating area. There's access to three outdoor terrace areas as well, including the hotel gardens, and come the evening you can party the night away with up to 220 family and friends.