Wedding venue inspiration - Hotels

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.

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.

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.

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.

Holiday Inn Winchester, Hampshire

Newly refurbished last year, the Holiday Inn Winchester is a vibrant and versatile wedding venue with a fresh contemporary feel. The light, bright lobby provides a welcoming space as you arrive and the hotel's three function suites cater for weddings large or small with neutral décor throughout to suit any big-day colour scheme. Located on Morn Hill next to the Butterfly Reserve with great views of the surrounding countryside, there's a large terrace and lawn, great for photos and al fresco drinks receptions. The terrace can also be used for an evening barbecue and you could organise some garden games for your guests to enjoy too. Tie the knot in any of the three suites, the main Hampshire one has its own private bar, direct access to the terrace and lawn and can accommodate up to 160 guests for the wedding breakfast and 200 for the evening reception. For more intimate weddings, the Monarch or Emperor Suite are ideal.

The Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu, Hampshire

This welcoming English country house hotel offers comfort and style in picture-postcard surroundings. Located in the heart of the historic village of Beaulieu, with its tidal river, the free-roaming New Forest ponies and donkeys frequently wander past – great for quirky photos! The Grade II listed building is full of atmosphere and charm with an award-winning restaurant overlooking the terraced garden, sink-into sofas and upholstered club chairs in the cosy drawing room, not to mention 24 en-suite bedrooms and two duplex suites all individually styled. Ceremonies take place in the light and airy Oakwood Room overlooking the garden or the Terrace Restaurant, which can accommodate 100 friends and family. For more intimate affairs the Paris Room provides the perfect cosy setting for your 'I dos'. Celebrate afterwards with a delicious wedding breakfast in either of the rooms or take over the award-winning 3AA rosette restaurant and enjoy a bespoke menu your guests are sure to remember.

The Master Builder’s Hotel, Beaulieu, Hampshire

If it's character and charm you're after, look no further than this picturesque venue. Set in the historic village of Buckler's Hard overlooking the Beaulieu River, it's an idyllic location for a romantic wedding. The Admiral's Room boasts stunning views of the river and garden and is the venue's largest ceremony room. The Riverview Restaurant provides a private haven for your celebration complete with bar, terrace, scenic views and a cosy lounge where your family and friends can relax and unwind. The hotel can accommodate up to 108 loved ones for a sit-down wedding breakfast and 130 for the evening do and for those looking to extend the celebration, you and your guests can party the night away before retiring to one of the hotel's 26 bedrooms. The venue also caters for marquees on the lawns and with a red AA rosette for its mouth-watering cuisine; it's a little bit of foodie heaven too.

Stanwell House Hotel, Lymington, Hampshire

Enjoy the best of both worlds at this stylish boutique hotel. Located on the southern edge of the New Forest, it's ideally placed to explore the historic sailing town of Lymington and the picturesque National Park. Positioned just minutes from the quay, the Georgian building offers rustic style and charm with a mix of classic features and modern styling. You can marry in the conservatory with up to 80 guests or for outdoor ceremonies the garden pavilion is a lovely alternative when the weather's fine. Famed for its food, you can enjoy a delicious wedding breakfast in the hotel's Etain restaurant. The bi-folding doors overlook the garden and you can host a bumper evening reception by taking over the restaurant and conservatory to provide space for up to 150 family and friends.

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.

The Connaught Hotel and Spa, Bournemouth, Dorset

If you're looking for toes-in-the-sand just-wed shots, this seaside wedding venue is only a five-minute walk from the beach. Located on Bournemouth's West Cliff, the four-star luxury boutique hotel is ideal if you're planning a weekend-long celebration – and why wouldn't you with everything you need right on the doorstep. There's plenty of accommodation, not to mention a fully equipped gym and indulgent spa with an 18m swimming pool, free to use for anyone staying over. The town's just a short stroll away too.

Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, Christchurch, Dorset

This idyllic boutique hotel wedding venue is nestled right on the water's edge of the picturesque Christchurch Harbour. Just minutes from the beach, it's perfect for couples looking to kick off their shoes for a romantic stroll by the sea post-vows. The luxury venue has 67 fabulous rooms, so there's plenty of space for guests to stay. The Grade II listed Georgian building boasts stunning interiors and lovely gardens, providing great album-worthy backdrops, inside and out. Licensed for ceremonies, you can marry here joined by up to 100 guests and 120 for the reception. The impressive Waterford Suite has chandeliers and a private terrace with beach hut bar, leading into the hotel grounds while the spacious Lower Deck, complete with bar, dancefloor and chill-out areas, is the ideal setting for the evening party. For more intimate affairs with up to 20 loved ones, the cosy Library is ideal.

The Cottonwood Boutique Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset

If the cry of the gulls and the sound of the waves are on your big-day playlist, then this stylish boutique hotel wedding venue is sure to impress. Perched on the clifftop, with panoramic views over Bournemouth bay and beyond, it's a stunning location for a coastal-chic wedding. The hotel retains all the elegance and charm of the original Edwardian villa and offers a choice of opulent wedding suites licensed for ceremonies with standout features including beautiful chandeliers and original fireplaces.