Exquisite
Weddings
Welcome to
Athelhampton House The Quintessential English Manor
A
thelhampton House is a private country house with beautiful, architectural gardens and handsome heritage buildings situated within the relaxed scenery of rural Dorset. Professional service and a stunning location combine to make Athelhampton House in Dorset the perfect choice for your important day. Picture an afternoon with a cloudless sky, sunlight pouring through leafy green trees onto manicured lawns and stunning gardens, the majestic fountains and the scent of blooming flowers and our attentive staff serving you as you enjoy time with your guests.
“Thank you all so very much for all your help in making our wedding day so perfect. We had such a wonderful day, it was all we hoped for. Our guests have all said what an enjoyable day they had and what a lovely venue it was. Thanks again, all the best.�
Matthew & Gemma Holloway
Or perhaps imagine the crisp snow blanketing the lawns, as you explore the historic house, with soft candlelight and the smell of woodsmoke from the warmth of a roaring log fire, enjoy the collection of antique furnishings and the magnificent ambience of this 500 year old home. With a selection of superb function rooms and beautiful gardens reserved for your private use, Athelhampton offers the perfect blend of elegance, tradition and style for you and your guests to enjoy on that most special of occasions, your wedding day.
Welcome to
Athelhampton House The Quintessential English Manor
A
thelhampton House is a private country house with beautiful, architectural gardens and handsome heritage buildings situated within the relaxed scenery of rural Dorset. Professional service and a stunning location combine to make Athelhampton House in Dorset the perfect choice for your important day. Picture an afternoon with a cloudless sky, sunlight pouring through leafy green trees onto manicured lawns and stunning gardens, the majestic fountains and the scent of blooming flowers and our attentive staff serving you as you enjoy time with your guests.
“Thank you all so very much for all your help in making our wedding day so perfect. We had such a wonderful day, it was all we hoped for. Our guests have all said what an enjoyable day they had and what a lovely venue it was. Thanks again, all the best.�
Matthew & Gemma Holloway
Or perhaps imagine the crisp snow blanketing the lawns, as you explore the historic house, with soft candlelight and the smell of woodsmoke from the warmth of a roaring log fire, enjoy the collection of antique furnishings and the magnificent ambience of this 500 year old home. With a selection of superb function rooms and beautiful gardens reserved for your private use, Athelhampton offers the perfect blend of elegance, tradition and style for you and your guests to enjoy on that most special of occasions, your wedding day.
The
House
T
he faint scent of the open fire and the richness of oak combine with soft candle light to create an atmosphere that your guests will talk about for years to come. Featuring splendid Jacobean antique furnishings, timeless paintings, heraldic stained glass and walls lined with aged oak linen fold panelling, the Great Hall is an impressive setting with a majestic atmosphere. With views over the gardens, and filled with light diffused by picture windows, with its rich plaster work ceiling and soft furnishings the Great Chamber is a room of distinction.
“We would just like to thank you for all of your hard work and organisation which was excellent from the beginning to the end of what turned out to be a really special day and one which we shall never forget. You have a great team!�
Ian & Diana Campbell
With elegant bedrooms, fascinating art gallery and further rooms throughout the house, the Great Hall & Great Chamber provide the ideal venue for a wedding ceremony, drinks reception or intimate dinner.
Maximum Capacity Cocktail Reception Wedding Ceremony Wedding Ceremony Dining Dining
The Whole House Great Hall Great Chamber Great Hall Great Chamber
150 80 30 30 20
guests guests guests guests guests
The
House
T
he faint scent of the open fire and the richness of oak combine with soft candle light to create an atmosphere that your guests will talk about for years to come. Featuring splendid Jacobean antique furnishings, timeless paintings, heraldic stained glass and walls lined with aged oak linen fold panelling, the Great Hall is an impressive setting with a majestic atmosphere. With views over the gardens, and filled with light diffused by picture windows, with its rich plaster work ceiling and soft furnishings the Great Chamber is a room of distinction.
“We would just like to thank you for all of your hard work and organisation which was excellent from the beginning to the end of what turned out to be a really special day and one which we shall never forget. You have a great team!�
Ian & Diana Campbell
With elegant bedrooms, fascinating art gallery and further rooms throughout the house, the Great Hall & Great Chamber provide the ideal venue for a wedding ceremony, drinks reception or intimate dinner.
Maximum Capacity Cocktail Reception Wedding Ceremony Wedding Ceremony Dining Dining
The Whole House Great Hall Great Chamber Great Hall Great Chamber
150 80 30 30 20
guests guests guests guests guests
The
Gardens
T
he yew trees, planted once originally to punctuate a long since removed rose garden, now dominate the sunken lawn, with its rivulet of water from the fountain and the formal terrace, the Great Court is a beautiful setting for cocktails and canapés. Wander into the circular Corona, with dark red planting leading through its arches to further gardens, with water features and stunning borders. Feel the warmth of the garden rooms, created with local ham stone and mature trees. “Thanks for making it a special day for Lisa & Chris, everything was beautifully done and all the staff were very friendly and professional.”
Mrs Crompton
Lead on through the sub-tropical Lion’s Mouth with its mature eucalyptus, through the Lime Walk and past the Canal with its fountain framed with a freestanding arch, beyond the Kitchen garden lined with magnolia to the gently flowing River Piddle, with its crystal clear water and its charming bridges. Along the natural habitat of the river, past the bulrushes and trickling weir, a view of the dovecote, entwined with roses, housing dozens of white doves, and the expanse of the informal west lawn – ideal for croquet on a summer’s day.
The
Gardens
T
he yew trees, planted once originally to punctuate a long since removed rose garden, now dominate the sunken lawn, with its rivulet of water from the fountain and the formal terrace, the Great Court is a beautiful setting for cocktails and canapés. Wander into the circular Corona, with dark red planting leading through its arches to further gardens, with water features and stunning borders. Feel the warmth of the garden rooms, created with local ham stone and mature trees. “Thanks for making it a special day for Lisa & Chris, everything was beautifully done and all the staff were very friendly and professional.”
Mrs Crompton
Lead on through the sub-tropical Lion’s Mouth with its mature eucalyptus, through the Lime Walk and past the Canal with its fountain framed with a freestanding arch, beyond the Kitchen garden lined with magnolia to the gently flowing River Piddle, with its crystal clear water and its charming bridges. Along the natural habitat of the river, past the bulrushes and trickling weir, a view of the dovecote, entwined with roses, housing dozens of white doves, and the expanse of the informal west lawn – ideal for croquet on a summer’s day.
The
Coach House E
nter the thatched stable building from the Gardens, and welcome to an elegant suite of rooms for your use. With its simple oak panelling and minstrels’ gallery, sumptuous leather dining chairs and convivial round tables combined with gentle lighting, the Long Hall is an expression of distinction. Enclosing the old courtyard, with whitewashed walls, light Purbeck stone floor and a handful of oil paintings of the house, the Conservatory is an elegant room, with space for you to create a customised setting. With its combination of soft leather sofas and antique French lighting, the bar area provides an informal area for your guests to relax and enjoy our excellent wines or locally produced beers.
“Thank you so much for helping to make our wedding day so special. Everyone was commenting on how great the venue and the food was. Special thanks to Laura, who helped the day run seamlessly and without any hitches.”
Darren & Jocelyn Hawker
With modern facilities at our finger tips we work in a quiet, professional manner and with exemplary standards of service. Athelhampton’s dedicated staff will allow you to relax with your guests and enjoy a wonderful day to remember.
Maximum Capacity
Wedding Ceremony Wedding Breakfast Wedding Breakfast Reception Party
Long Hall Long Hall Conservatory The Whole Coach House
120 guests 80 guests 120 guests 300 guests
The
Coach House E
nter the thatched stable building from the Gardens, and welcome to an elegant suite of rooms for your use. With its simple oak panelling and minstrels’ gallery, sumptuous leather dining chairs and convivial round tables combined with gentle lighting, the Long Hall is an expression of distinction. Enclosing the old courtyard, with whitewashed walls, light Purbeck stone floor and a handful of oil paintings of the house, the Conservatory is an elegant room, with space for you to create a customised setting. With its combination of soft leather sofas and antique French lighting, the bar area provides an informal area for your guests to relax and enjoy our excellent wines or locally produced beers.
“Thank you so much for helping to make our wedding day so special. Everyone was commenting on how great the venue and the food was. Special thanks to Laura, who helped the day run seamlessly and without any hitches.”
Darren & Jocelyn Hawker
With modern facilities at our finger tips we work in a quiet, professional manner and with exemplary standards of service. Athelhampton’s dedicated staff will allow you to relax with your guests and enjoy a wonderful day to remember.
Maximum Capacity
Wedding Ceremony Wedding Breakfast Wedding Breakfast Reception Party
Long Hall Long Hall Conservatory The Whole Coach House
120 guests 80 guests 120 guests 300 guests
Perfectly
Planned
A
successful day requires an expertly managed and professionally executed plan. We consider each wedding at Athelhampton to be individual and tailor make all the arrangements around your specific requirements. Whether your guest list is 12 or 300, Athelhampton’s team of experienced wedding planners will work with you to ensure that you and your guests can relax and enjoy a delightful day in our historic setting.
“This is just a little note to say thank you so much for making our wedding day such a wonderful occasion. We had an amazing time, as did all our guests! Everything ran like clockwork... perfect!”
James & Hannah Brodie
With our experience we can assist you with your arrangements, making the preparations for your wedding day stress-free and successful. Our bespoke wedding manual created especially for you provides you with reassuring details of every aspect of your day with us. We maintain helpful working relationships with local photographers, florists and cake makers and we are available to guide and assist every step of the way and nothing is considered too much trouble. From our initial meeting to your wedding day we work with you to ensure your day flows by seamlessly and without worry.
Perfectly
Planned
A
successful day requires an expertly managed and professionally executed plan. We consider each wedding at Athelhampton to be individual and tailor make all the arrangements around your specific requirements. Whether your guest list is 12 or 300, Athelhampton’s team of experienced wedding planners will work with you to ensure that you and your guests can relax and enjoy a delightful day in our historic setting.
“This is just a little note to say thank you so much for making our wedding day such a wonderful occasion. We had an amazing time, as did all our guests! Everything ran like clockwork... perfect!”
James & Hannah Brodie
With our experience we can assist you with your arrangements, making the preparations for your wedding day stress-free and successful. Our bespoke wedding manual created especially for you provides you with reassuring details of every aspect of your day with us. We maintain helpful working relationships with local photographers, florists and cake makers and we are available to guide and assist every step of the way and nothing is considered too much trouble. From our initial meeting to your wedding day we work with you to ensure your day flows by seamlessly and without worry.
Scrumptious
Delights
A
thelhampton’s Executive Chef will create a delicious menu, based solely upon your requirements, with a menu where your guests can choose on the day from a selection of imaginative seasonal dishes created from fresh, seasonal Dorset produce. “Thank you so very much for all your hard work on our wedding day. Athelhampton House is such a beautiful venue and we were so very lucky to have held our reception with you. The food was superb and the day ran so smoothly with excellent service, we are so grateful.”
Mr & Mrs Franks
With a traditional cooking style, the result is classic presentation allowing the local produce to shine through. To complement your menu, let us suggest wines and champagnes that we ship direct to our cellar for you to choose from. Elegant flat ware, a high quality canteen of cutlery, elegant Italian crystal stemware on crisp white Irish linen with your floral decorations set the scene for a superb dining experience. We have our own cake stands and knife reserved for your use.
Scrumptious
Delights
A
thelhampton’s Executive Chef will create a delicious menu, based solely upon your requirements, with a menu where your guests can choose on the day from a selection of imaginative seasonal dishes created from fresh, seasonal Dorset produce. “Thank you so very much for all your hard work on our wedding day. Athelhampton House is such a beautiful venue and we were so very lucky to have held our reception with you. The food was superb and the day ran so smoothly with excellent service, we are so grateful.”
Mr & Mrs Franks
With a traditional cooking style, the result is classic presentation allowing the local produce to shine through. To complement your menu, let us suggest wines and champagnes that we ship direct to our cellar for you to choose from. Elegant flat ware, a high quality canteen of cutlery, elegant Italian crystal stemware on crisp white Irish linen with your floral decorations set the scene for a superb dining experience. We have our own cake stands and knife reserved for your use.
Arranged
For you
Y
our wedding day should be a day to remember. Let Athelhampton assure you of our best attention to help make your wedding day a most enjoyable and memorable special occasion.
“Thank you for your personal yet professional approach, your patience and your kindness in the run-up to our wedding and on the day itself. It was a beautiful day indeed and we feel very lucky to have been able to celebrate our wedding at such an astonishing venue.�
John & Sophie Cooper
We will handle the smallest detail for you, looking after the placement of table cards and favours and liaising with your various suppliers. With a permanent, experienced staff, specialising in catering for weddings, Athelhampton will help you create a wonderful wedding day. Please do not hesitate to contact Owen, Laura or Natalie at Athelhampton, so we may show you our venue, discuss your requirements and provide you with a tailor-made plan and estimate for your important day. Telephone 01305 848363 or email enquiry@athelhampton.co.uk
Arranged
For you
Y
our wedding day should be a day to remember. Let Athelhampton assure you of our best attention to help make your wedding day a most enjoyable and memorable special occasion.
“Thank you for your personal yet professional approach, your patience and your kindness in the run-up to our wedding and on the day itself. It was a beautiful day indeed and we feel very lucky to have been able to celebrate our wedding at such an astonishing venue.�
John & Sophie Cooper
We will handle the smallest detail for you, looking after the placement of table cards and favours and liaising with your various suppliers. With a permanent, experienced staff, specialising in catering for weddings, Athelhampton will help you create a wonderful wedding day. Please do not hesitate to contact Owen, Laura or Natalie at Athelhampton, so we may show you our venue, discuss your requirements and provide you with a tailor-made plan and estimate for your important day. Telephone 01305 848363 or email enquiry@athelhampton.co.uk
A guide to
Cost and Content 2014/5
40
60
80
100
120
Jan
£5,700
£7,550
£9,400
£11,250
£13,100
Feb
£6,700
£8,550
£10,400
£12,250
£14,100
Mar
£6,900
£8,750
£10,600
£12,450
£14,300
Apr
£7,200
£9,050
£10,900
£12,750
£14,600
May
£7,450
£9,300
£11,150
£13,000
£14,850
Jun
£7,800
£9,650
£11,500
£13,350
£15,200
Jul
£8,050
£9,900
£11,750
£13,600
£15,450
Aug
£8,300
£9,150
£12,000
£13,850
£15,700
Sep
£7,800
£9,650
£11,500
£13,350
£15,200
Oct
£6,200
£8,950
£10,800
£12,650
£14,500
Nov
£6,700
£8,550
£9,400
£12,250
£14,100
Dec
£7,700
£9,550
£11,400
£13,250
£15,100
This cost breakdown, is based upon a wedding in the middle of August. 80 is the number of guests we serve most often.
VAT Hire Charge Canape Reception Reception Drinks Wedding Breakfast Table Wine Toast Wine Evening Buffet
We always appreciate that everyone’s budget is different and we plan the day and its content specifically to your wishes. The cost includes all the content listed and overleaf, as well as all the table linen, glassware, cutlery, crockery, staff, cake knife and stand, our co-ordination services and totally private use of Athelhampton.
5%
We suggest serving about 7 canapes per guest, from a selection of 4 or 5. Sometimes, canapes are not required, depending on your timings or budget, we can reduce the number offered or remove completely.
The Reception
You can have as many different drinks as you require, as you will only be charged for the drinks we serve.
Drinks Pimm’s No1 Cocktail
Mimosa
Elderflower Spritzer
Canapés Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding Smoked Salmon Blinis
Aromatic Duck & Hoi Sin Pankcakes
We suggest that you allow 5 glasses (125ml) per person at this time. All served on trays circulated by the staff
Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Crostini
The Wedding Breakfast Starter
Smoked Chicken and Pancetta Salad We don’t require a pre-order! During your reception time, we will circulate menus to your guests and take an order for starter and main course.
A salad of mixed leaves tossed with black olives, sun dried tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, topped with slices of chilled smoked chicken breast and warm sautéed pancetta
Seafood Risotto A home-made risotto cooked with King prawns, baby prawns, squid and Spanish chorizo sausage, finished diced peppers and fresh coriander leaves and served with a light tomato dressing Main Course
Fillet of Westcountry Beef
Special diets and Prime West-country beef fillet seasoned with blackpepper and sea salt, panfried to about medium-rare, allergies are catered hand sliced into medallions for service and presented on a potato dauphinoise with a red wine sauce for with ease as all Sea Bass Fillets our food is fresh, Fresh Sea Bass, dusted with black pepper, lemon juice and olive oil, pan-fried, finished with locally sourced and p r e p a r e d i n o u r saffron & white wine and served on a sautéed saffron & rocket sliced potatoes with a reduction sauce kitchen by our Chickpea & Sweet Potato Parcel experienced brigade. Chickpea and Sweet potato, roasted with Indian spices layered in puff pastry with poached asparagus and oven baked and served with a cherry tomato sauce We don’t usually need an order for dessert and offer a choice at the table to temp your guests
Herb roasted potatoes
Mange tout & fine green beans
Baton carrots
Dessert
Eton Mess Crushed meringue, strawberries and clotted cream, muddled up and served in large bowl
Orange Crème Brulee We don’t have “house wines” instead offer a wine list that has exciting, excellent quality value wines from some some great wineries, all selected by us, with many such as this excellent Rose shipped especially for us. We can offer a great range of informal food for your evening, and suggest you feed about 75% of the guests that will attend. We avoid sandwiches & sausage roll type buffets as quality declines so quickly and we never use paper plates or plastic cutlery
A rich baked custard infused with orange and served with the traditional caramelised top
Coffee
served with your wedding cake Wine
Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Blanc Rose de Anjou Toast Wine
We always offer a choice on all of our menus. This gives you greater opportunity to express your own personal food preferences without the worry of upsetting any guests. Children are always specially catered for to keep them happy. A price reduction applies based upon their age Vegetables are served as individual selections to top table, and in dishes for each table for “family service”
We serve cake and coffee after your speeches, to let everyones dinner go down! We suggest half a bottle per person, but often this is too much, all the wine is poured, (never bottles on tables) so you are only charged for what is consumed
Bollinger Special Cuvee Evening Buffet Dorset Ploughman’s Buffet A selection of home-baked locally sourced meats, a board of westcountry cheeses, a selection of home made quiches and tarts, leaf salad, rice salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, hot new buttered potatoes, sauces, pickles and bread basket
Toast wine is a personal choice, we suggest Bollinger as we keep the price inline with the supermarkets, but other options are available. The cost includes a full glass per person, but often guests ask for only half a glass and this is reflected on your final invoice
Photography: John Howarth www.columbiaphotography.co.uk David Brown www.dbrownphotography.com Jamie Bott www.jamiebottweddingphotography.com
Athelhampton House & Gardens, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 7LG Telephone: 01305 848363 Email: weddings@athelhampton.co.uk Website: www.athelhampton.co.uk