Wedding venue inspiration - Venues

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.

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.

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa, Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Oozing with traditional English charm and historic grace, this New Forest treasure boasts a grand oak staircase, wood-panelled walls, open fireplaces, beautiful gardens and more. Take your pick from a number of stunning backdrops, elegant reception rooms to romantic outdoor spaces, there's something to suit a host of big-day themes. The elegant Cedar Suite has its own entrance and secluded walled garden so you can host your whole day here in private, joined by up to 150 loved ones for the evening reception. The Cedar Garden provides a romantic spot for al fresco ceremonies set against the backdrop of the traditional handmade oak pavilion and there's a 10-acre field designed especially for fun festival-style celebrations.

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.

The Port House, Portsmouth, Hampshire

If a waterside location is on your wedding wish list, check out this cool modern venue. Looking out over the marina and the yachts, on a sunny day you could almost be in Monaco! There's outside seating so you can make the most of the fabulous setting and a waterfront terrace and patio too; perfect for reception drinks or a barbecue when the weather's fine. Inside the bright and airy space, the contemporary furnishings include a bespoke bar made from reclaimed railway sleepers and a feature ceiling. Ceremonies are held in the Regatta Room or the larger Ocean Suite which can host up to 120 family and friends for your 'I dos' followed by a sit-down meal. For larger celebrations with up to 300 guests, a marquee can be attached to the side.

Durlston Castle and Country Park, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset

Durlston Castle is a clifftop paradise perched on top of a headland, jutting out into the sea surrounded by woodland and wildflower meadows. Set within Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve, at the top of the recently renovated Victorian castle is the glass-sided Belvedere room looking out to Old Harry Rocks, the Isle of Wight and English Channel. A breathtaking location for an intimate wedding, you can tie the knot here with up to 50 loved ones followed by drinks and canapés on the exclusive roof terrace post-vows. For a more contemporary setting, you can say 'I do' in the Gallery. With its wall of glass doors overlooking the sea, it has a modern Purbeck limestone and wood interior and can host up to 90 guests for the wedding breakfast. It also boasts an exclusive grassed amphitheatre and patio too.

Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth, Hampshire

Host your big day at this distinctive venue and discover a whole range of magical backdrops on the doorstep. Just a stone's throw from Portsmouth Historical Dockyard you can tie the knot here and afterwards make the most of the wealth of standout photo opportunities nearby, including great harbour views for romantic just-wed shots. Celebrate with a grand reception in either of the venue's two elegant function rooms. The larger Trafalgar Ballroom can cater for up to 400 people and has full banqueting facilities, as well as three bars, while the smaller Nelson Lounge is perfect for more intimate affairs. At the end of the night, why not stay over in one of the two fabulous bridal suites and explore the area the next day?

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.

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.

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.

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset

You can't fail to be impressed by the picture-perfect gardens at this Tudor manor house wedding venue. A jewel in the region's crown, it's seven miles from Dorchester in the heart of beautiful Thomas Hardy country. As well as countless amazing photo opportunities it's totally private too as the venue is closed to all other visitors when there's a wedding taking place. Wander through the stone walled gardens and enter the Great Court, with its yew pyramids and sunken lawn, a quintessential English setting for croquet and garden games post-vows and the magic doesn't stop there. Venture into the subtropical garden and be prepared for more stop-stare moments. Suitable for weddings large or small, the venue boasts five distinct settings all licensed for ceremonies and with a character and style of their own.

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.

Three Choirs Vineyards, Shedfield, Hampshire

Set in the Hampshire countryside between the rolling hills of the Meon Valley and Wickham, outdoor lovers are sure to be wowed by this original wedding venue. A stunning place to hold a wedding, inside or out, it can can cater for weddings all year round. The vineyard provides an ever-changing backdrop in tune with the seasons and offers two outdoor spaces licensed for ceremonies. You can marry in the Gazebo with the vines in the background and up to 100 loved ones looking on, or the Byre in the courtyard; ideal for outdoor ceremonies no matter what the weather brings. Alternatively, tie the knot in the renovated Vine Room with its neutral colour scheme, painted beams and scenic views.

Poole Museum, Poole, Dorset

Set in a wonderfully unique Victorian quayside warehouse Poole Museum offers a range of original spaces for a wedding venue in the museum itself and neighbouring Scaplen's Court. The historic buildings are full of character providing the perfect setting for a wedding with a difference. The Grade l listed Scaplen's Court is steeped in history with exposed stone walls, Medieval doorways, a charming courtyard and walled garden, all adding to the atmosphere for a memorable big day. Scaplen's Court is available for exclusive use so you can have the house, courtyard and outdoor spaces all to yourself, for you and your guests to enjoy with the flexibility to plan your day your way. The stunning Upper Hall is the largest of the rooms and the main ceremony area. You can say 'I do' surrounded by period features including a stunning stained glass window and up to 56 guests. Celebrate afterwards with a sit-down wedding breakfast and invite up to 20 more for the evening reception.

Ventnor Botanic Garden, Ventnor, Isle of Wight

Picture your perfect wedding in an exclusive sub-tropical garden paradise? At Ventnor Botanic Garden, your dreams can come true. Set in the balmy under-cliff on the southern coast of the Isle of Wight, it's home to more than 33,000 rare and exotic plants and trees covering the geographical regions of the world, from Australia and New Zealand, to Japan, the Mediterranean and beyond!

Rownhams House & Gardens, Southampton, Hampshire

Surrounded by 12 acres of gardens and woodland, complete with its own lake and ice house, Rownhams House is an idyllic setting for a magical wedding venue. The lawn is ideal for al fresco drinks receptions and garden games post-vows and garden games. There's also a rustic outdoor bar for serving your guests and plenty of seating too. The beautiful Georgian house oozes romance and character and is licensed for ceremonies. You can marry inside with up to 120 people in the Grand Library, an impressive space with ornate plastered ceilings and large sash windows allowing the natural light to flood in. For more intimate weddings, the decorative Billiard Room is the cosiest room in the house. Big enough for up to 50 family and friends, the green coloured walls reflect the wonderful garden views. You can also marry outside under the Coach House arch, in the woods or by the the lake, surrounded by trees.

The Elvetham, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire

If you're looking for wedding venue with the wow factor, The Elvetham is hard to beat. A wonderful example of Victorian architecture, the impressive building is set within 35 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounded by the vast family-owned estate in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. A picture-perfect location for a stylish big day, the venue oozes history and charm and caters for weddings large or small. Full of original features, it's a photographer's dream with fireplaces, stained-glass windows, oak-panelled walls and a spectacular staircase – great for romantic just-wed shots.

The Kings Arms, Christchurch, Dorset

If you can't decide between traditional or contemporary style for your big-day, this distinctive wedding venue blends the old with the new to provide the best of both worlds. Set in the heart of Christchurch, the hotel enjoys fabulous views of Christchurch Castle, the town's priory and Avon River. Opposite the main building, the hotel has its own traditional bowling green and pavilion which has been lovingly restored into a beautiful New England style wedding venue. A bright and airy space, the French doors open on to a private veranda, allowing the sunlight to flood in as you exchange vows watched by up to 96 guests. Afterwards, stroll across the lawns for a chilled drinks reception and enjoy some outdoor garden games before hosting a private reception in the Kings Priory Suite. With its own private bar and dancefloor, it can host up to 200 people for the evening do.