Wedding venue inspiration - Venues

Deciding on your ideal wedding venue is an key part of your wedding planning.

There is a huge choice of different venue types in Hampshire and Dorset including hotels, barns, country manor houses, romantic castles as well as chic city and town centre locations.

Check out these stunning wedding venues and those further afield in our listings below.

Don't forget to mention Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding magazine when contacting the venue

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RNLI College, Poole, Dorset

The RNLI College is a light bright modern venue with a fabulous waterfront setting on the edge of Poole Harbour overlooking Holes Bay. Licensed for ceremonies, there's a choice of attractive rooms with bay views. The ground-floor Waterfront Suite has direct access to the sea terrace right by the water's edge; great for post-vows drinks. With the RNLI lifeboats moored on the pontoons it's the perfect backdrop for standout photos. The suite can accommodate up to 200 ceremony guests, 150 for the wedding breakfast and an extra 50 for the evening do. For more intimate affairs, the Harbour View Suite provides a romantic setting. And if you want to linger longer, the venue has 60 harbour-view double bedrooms available for guest accommodation plus there's a complimentary wedding-night stay for the bride and groom too.

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.

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.

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.

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