Incredible Dorset Wedding Venues waiting to be discovered.
With all this beautiful winter sunshine recently.. the views here in Dorset have been just incredible, be it on the coast or further inland in the rolling hills.
I will admit as a county we are a little tucked away.. and I frequently wish that someone would be able to deliver sushi to my front door or that I didn't have to travel an hour or so to find my an Anthropologie or Zara store... though what Dorset does offer is beauty, charm, character and hidden hideaways.
If you are looking for a special location to get married then here are just some of my favourite Dorset Wedding Venues. I have had the joy of working at most of these properties and am so keen for you to find a special location for your future Dorset wedding then please take a look and enjoy some research with a big cup of tea!!
SMEDMORE HOUSE
This is still one of my favourite locations.. I will never forget driving down to Smedmore on a glorious summers day to deliver wedding flowers and finding its location tucked up above Kimmeridge, the views, the wallpaper it all just blew me away.
This house offers a home from home feeling for you, your family and friends. With the ability to tailor your day with a beautiful lawn space for any size marquee and beautiful coastal views as a back drop to your vows.
ST GILES HOUSE
Majestic and full of history comes to mind when you mention St Giles House, the home to Lord Shaftesbury and his family, the house offers up character and unique fine art style as soon as you walk through its doors. Nestled on the edges of the village of Wimborne St Giles the house has everything you are looking for when wanting to create a timeless and stylish wedding from beautiful stately rooms, unique follies and the villages ornate church just a moments walk from the house. Accommodation is soon to be available in the old Stables Blocks and knowing the families unique style and mindset with regards to restoration it is going to be exquisite.
AXNOLLER
Pure luxury and a slice of Park Lane style in the heart of rural Dorset is what comes to my mind when brides mention Axnoller. Offering up luxury accommodation for 30 guests, with Spa facilities and fabulous party barn for your reception that you can tailor to your look and taste. With far reaching views and an incredible team on board to support you on the lead up to your day, Axnoller offers a luxury wedding retreat to its couples and their guests.
SHILLINGSTONE HOUSE
I may be a little biased as this beautiful country home is just feet from my studio. But trust me this is a hidden gem. Home to Sir Michael and Lady Caroline, Shillingstone House offers couples a relaxed and personal space, perfect for anyone wanting an English garden wedding. With beautiful herbaceous borders, kitchen garden and meadows; plus room for a variety of marquees, glamping and Morris dancing! It really offers couples a space to make the day your own. For me the joy is the personal touch I see Michael and Caroline gives to each and every family that comes up the drive.
WARMWELL HOUSE
Warmwell is a the most beautiful of Jacobean country homes in the Dorset countryside and just moments from the coast. Offering the most sumptuous home from home vibe to couples and their guests. With beautiful appointed accommodation, timeless gardens, tennis courts and beautiful swimming pool and pool house as well as Shepard's huts on the estate . With the estate church just up the drive this is a great location for a classic and timeless wedding.
TITHE BARN
On the beautiful Sydmonsbury Estate down on the south coast of Dorset and not far from Bridport. The estate with is beautifully restored tithe barn, grounds and cottages on site this is a perfect location for couples wanting a slice of laid back fun and just a little bit of rustic.
10 CASTLE STREET
Nestled in the beautiful village of Cranbourne, 10 Castle Street offers up luxury, fine food and great wine. With beautiful appointed rooms, grounds and just a great location for a refined country wedding, this is another fabulous location.
RIVER COTTAGE
Just on the Dorset border with Devon, River Cottage offers up a big dollop of rustic charm along with an unforgettable dining experience. If you are an avid cook and have been following the River Cottage story for years then this has to be the venue for you.
ALEXANDRA HOTEL
If you are looking for coastal charm, then the Alexandra Hotel in the heart of Lyme Regis offers up incredible views with boutique style , whilst still offering enough room for you and your guests as well as being intimate and cosy.
With its own unique chapel onsite and an uninterrupted site line out to sea, this is a a venue for couples that love the coast, the smell of salt in the air and a good stick of rock.
HARRY WARRENS HOUSE
If you are looking for country house charm and views to die for.. then this is it. Harry Warren's House is a hidden gem in the Dorset coastline. With views looking out over Studland Bay this is another spectacular choice for any couple.
UPWEY HOUSE
This is a new little find and again offers a great home away from home vibe. In the beautiful village of Upwey in between Dorchester and Weymouth, this offers up flexibility to couples wanting to stamp their own identity on their day. With a beautiful house and grounds this is a great little hideaway for you and your guests.
*******
I hope this has helped you find some of the more unexpected locations here in Dorset. Many of these locations require you to hold your reception in a marquee. So below are some great companies to help you with that also.
Offer up an excellent service and a huge range of tents and furniture for you to choose from.
Carla and Owen offer up a friendly service and specialise in their Sperry Sail Cloth Tents and Nordic Tipi's.
