Wedding venue inspiration - Castles

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.

Nothe Fort, Weymouth, Dorset

If you're on the hunt for something out of the ordinary for your big day, this is it. Weymouth's historic Nothe Fort on the Jurassic coast is perched on a promontory overlooking the sea. Built by the Victorians to protect Portland Harbour, it's steeped in history and is one of the best preserved forts of its kind. The setting and photo opportunities are second to none with 360° panoramic views of the bay and harbour. Built on three levels it's surrounded by the beautiful Nothe Gardens full of trees, shrubs and winding paths. Licensed for weddings you can marry in the Engine Room with up to 80 guests. For more intimate gatherings there are a host of quirky spaces for your 'I dos' including the Gun Deck, Lookout and the Search Light which can accommodate up to six people with 50 more seated on the terrace. After tying the knot, head off to the Fort View Cafe to celebrate or if you've invited a crowd, you can host a marquee reception on the Parade Ground with 250 family and friends. The Fort Artillery will even perform a special firing of the canon in your honour.