Dorset is the most beautiful county with rolling landscapes, stunning coastline and breathtaking views, it’s one of the reasons I moved here! As well as all that in abundance Dorset is also full of gorgeous wedding venues, and I am going to introduce you to a few of my favourite country house wedding venues in Dorset today…
Athlehampton House
Hosting wedding ceremonies & receptions for over 20 years Athlehampton House has become one of Dorset’s favourite wedding venues. This superb historic house and gardens is the perfect private wedding venue set in the heart of Dorset, just 7 miles from the county town of Dorchester.
There are five areas within the venue to choose from, each with their own distinctive feel so you really are spoilt for choice. Athlehampton’s amazing wedding team are on hand to create your perfect day, planning each wedding specifically to your exact requirements so it really is ‘your wedding, your way’.
Kingston Maurward
Set in a tranquil and peaceful location with a scenic lake and sweeping lawn, Kingston Maurward provides the perfect backdrop to your special day. Their friendly and professional staff will ensure that everything is tailored to your requirements, and your wedding coordinator will be on hand throughout the planning process to ensure all runs smoothly. With its stunning countryside setting, mouth-watering menus and unrivalled facilities, Kingston Maurward will provide a wedding day to remember forever.
Deans Court
An elegant historic house set in ancient gardens, a stone’s throw from the centre of Wimborne Minster in Dorset. Today the estate hosts a venue for weddings and events with the emphasis on sustainability.
Deans Court is a stunning venue without the stress. The marquee is set alongside the lake in the beautiful grounds and it offers one of the most stunning, private wedding venues in the South West of England.
A simple venue hire fee includes everything you need; exclusive use of the grounds and marquee through to festoon lighting and evening fire pits. The Events Team will take care of all the details, and work with your suppliers, so by the time your big day arrives, everything will run like clockwork.
Smedmore House
Surrounded by countryside and spectacular sea views as far as the eye can see, Smedmore House offers a level of tranquillity and privacy hard to find elsewhere. It sleeps 16 in 8 double bedrooms and has the marvellously warm and relaxed atmosphere of a well-loved family home and the timeless beauty and friendly atmosphere of Smedmore House helps create an unbelievably romantic, magical and memorable occasion.
Smedmore is licensed for Civil Ceremonies. These can take place either in one of 5 elegant rooms inside the house – the Front Hall, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Cedar Room and Inner Hall -or outside in the grounds. The Summer House in the Walled Garden has a licence but many couples prefer to make their vows in the avenue with its views to the sea.
Two acres of flower gardens, orchards, and a Mediterranean garden surround this Dorset seaside escape. At the bottom of the main walled garden is a walk through woods and fields, down to Kimmeridge Bay.
Warmwell House
Warmwell House is a Jacobean manor in the heart of Hardy’s Dorset. It is a unique historic venue full of hidden charm.
Hold your wedding ceremony in the 13th century Holy Trinity church or indeed at the house itself. Have a marquee in the beautiful Georgian Square Garden for a wonderful summer wedding, or create a snug atmosphere in our Jacobean dining room in winter.
By having exclusive use of the house and gardens for the weekend you will feel very much at home whilst enjoying excellent service, luxurious accommodation and total privacy.
Came House
Came loves a party and was built to entertain. With its roaring fires, twinkling chandeliers and Rococo plasterwork, the House has been a home to friendship, love and laughter for countless guests over the centuries.
All of the formal rooms are licensed for civil ceremonies, the largest being the unique Domed Conservatory. There are several outdoor options too, within the gardens and the woods or at the front of the House beneath the Entrance Vestibule. The 15th Century Chapel, just a short stroll away, is available for blessings and there is a plethora of local churches for religious ceremonies.
The extensive formal gardens provide a wonderful location for summer drinks receptions and the Saloon, Morning Room and Conservatory interconnect with the garden terrace to bring the outside in. Came House invites you to make a weekend of your wedding and share its timeless charm with family and friends, as if it were your own.
Parley Manor
Share your vows in the company of up to 150 of your closest friends and family members, in the intimate Pavilion. Set in the centre of opulent gardens, the pavilion provides the perfect romantic setting for your ceremony.
Your wedding party will be treated to a slice of the continent when they step through to the Italian walled garden, where sipping on a glass of Prosecco is almost mandatory. Here, surrounded by intricate statues and an elegant fountain, they’ll find the marquee in which to enjoy both the wedding breakfast and evening entertainment.
Your family and friends will dance the evening away under an enchanted starlight canopy in this unique and magical setting.
Mapperton House & Gardens
Nestled in the rolling hills near Beaminster stands Mapperton House & Gardens, Dorset’s finest country wedding venue. Enchanting, romantic and intimate, the unspoilt landscape and breathtaking backdrop of the spectacular valley gardens set this venue apart from other locations.
Mapperton is an unsurpassable location for your country wedding, with a variety of venues and spaces to suit your day : The Coachhouse, Orangery, Garden Pavillion, and the 12th century All Saints Church all within the grounds.
Undiscovered, exclusive and wildly romantic, Mapperton was voted the UK’s finest manor house by Country Life magazine.
St. Giles house
St Giles House is located in the heart of the Dorset Countryside and licensed to hold civil ceremonies in any of the principal rooms in the house as well as in the park. For an intimate ceremony (up to 20 guests) the delicate shell grotto is a magical setting and for the more traditional ceremony Wimborne St Giles church is located just next door
Reception : Surrounded by fireplaces and family portraits you can choose from a variety of principal rooms, accommodating up to 120 guests in the Library and 72 in the Great Dining room and North Drawing room.
After Hours : After the meal the award winning nightclub and speakeasy bar, with its state of the art light and sound system, awaits you and your guests. With no neighbours to tell you to turn the music down you are free to dance the night away.
I do hope this list has helped you in your search in finding the perfect wedding venues in Dorset. If you are getting married in Dorset or the surrounding counties, please do get in touch for relaxed, creative wedding photography that beautifully tells the story of your day.
