GOING LOCAL

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Fall in love with these stunning properties in and around Dorset

HIGHCLIFFE CASTLE

01202 093 377 | www.highcliffecastle.co.uk

Perched by the sea overlooking The Solent, Highcliffe Castle is a dreamy wedding setting thanks to its prime clifftop location, beach access, surrounding woodland area, showstopping views and characterful features.

First inspired by the work of Capability Brown, the grounds and estate at Highcliffe Castle have seen many changes through the centuries, but still retain some of his original touches. Today it makes an excellent location for woodland walks, outstanding viewpoints and picnics.

From the moment guests arrive at the impressive driveway to the porte-cochère, the impressive architecture with historic and Gothic revival features will wow guests.

Ceremonies take place in The Winter Garden with 110 people. The conservatory-style building is flooded with natural lighting, offering views over the castle grounds and a romantic setting for the vows. The room’s design creates fabulous acoustics for music, whether that’s a baby grand piano, media centre or a string quartet – songs will sound even more special in this beautiful location.

Why not dine in the majestic Great Hall after the “I dos”, which can host 110 people and creates a spectacular backdrop for wedding breakfasts? With its carved stonework, exposed brick and 30-foot-high stained glass Jesse window, guests will be in awe of the special ambience this room creates. For more of an intimate setting, the Dining Room offers a romantic and elegant backdrop to celebrations with whimsical exposed brickwork and impressive views over the lawns to the sea for up to 80 guests.

Dance into the night in the atmospheric Drawing Room with a band or DJ. It’s blank canvas allows couples to add fairylights, a disco ball, drapes, illuminated letters and a dancefloor. The Castle Bar links the dining and dancing areas of the castle as a lively hub for all celebrations.

We love… that the dedicated wedding team will ensure that all plans run smoothly so couples can relax. A rehearsal will be booked ahead with wedding parties to ensure everyone will unwind on the speical day knowing everything is under control.

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RNLI COLLEGE

01202 663 471 | www.rnli.org/college

Overlooking Holes Bay, the RNLI College is a bright and modern venue with a fabulous waterfront setting on the edge of Poole Harbour. Licensed for ceremonies, couples have 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 150 peoples for wedding breakfasts and an extra 50 in the evenings. For more intimate affairs, the Harbour View Suite provides a romantic setting for celebrations. Those who book the venue for their special day will be offered a complimentary wedding-night stay in a harbour view bedroom.

We love… that every £1 spent here goes towards saving lives at sea.

THE MANOR HOUSE HOTEL – CHESIL BEACH

01308 897 660 www.redcatpubcompany.com/inns/dorset/chesil-beach-manor

The Manor House Hotel - Chesil Beach is nestled between the Dorset countryside and the stunning Jurassic Coast.

The Cosy Cellar bar offers an atmospheric drinking and dining experience complete with a full bar and a toasty wood burner for the winter months, while the Beer Garden is ideal for an afternoon drink in the summer. The airy Garden Room Conservatory overlooks the sea, giving romantic vibes in the evenings with candles and fairylights.

Leading from the Cellar Bar are original flagstone steps and flooring that opens out into the wood-panelled hallway. Salvaged from a shipwreck on the nearby coastline, the panelling is carved with a mythological and nautical theme.

The manor’s restaurant features a large fire place that welcomes diners to enjoy the diverse menu and views of Chesil Beach. The doors open onto the Terrace, allowing guests to relax in the Walled Garden with an unobstructed view of the sea.

Although the 16th-century manor is undergoing renovations to increase accommodation, each of the en-suite rooms will remain cosy and full of charm.

The surrounding countryside is full of rolling hills and popular hiking paths leading to surrounding villages and historical monuments. The pebble beach is less than a five-minute walk away, and there’s access via car with parking available. This stretch of coastal countryside looks like a Christmas card setting in winter and is breathtaking in summer.

Exchange vows in the well-presented Function Room that provides stunning views and can accommodate 30 people. Or opt for the Terrace inside a beautiful clear-span marquee that can fit 150 people. Both spaces can host receptions, or couples can hire exclusive use of the entire property for weddings to give an intimate feel and full use of the Grade II listed site.

We love… couples who book the property for their wedding will receive help from the wedding advisor and a discounted first-anniversary stay. Those who book the Celebration and Platinum packages will receive a complimentary tasting session.

KEY WEST BAR AND GRILL

01202 237 915 | www.keywestbournemouth.co.uk

Located on the Bournemouth Pier, Key West Bar & Grill offers the perfect backdrop to weddings with magnificent 270-degree views of the bay and large panoramic windows that provide photographic opportunities.

Licensed for civil ceremonies, the team can host weddings from the words “I do” until couples have danced the night away. Pairs will have memorable weddings with tailored packages to suit all types of budgets and requirements. Tie the knot surrounded by up to 120 loved ones before continuing the celebrations with 216. For the wedding breakfast, tables surround a big dancefloor to make the room symmetrical and guests can enjoy the sbar on-site.

We love… that the venue’s stunning terrace is a popular spot with views overlooking the Isle of Wight, Poole, Bournemouth and Studland. With a mixture of benches, tables and umbrellas, it’s perfect for guests to relax and take in the English sun.

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MARSHWOOD MANOR

For couples looking for Victorian grandeur and rustic touches, check out exclusive-use venue Marshwood Manor. Located in the ancient Vale of Marshwood in west Dorset, the 22-acre estate offers an idyllic big-day backdrop for nearlyweds looking for something different to the norm.

MILTON ABBEY

Steeped in history, Milton Abbey is set in glorious Dorset countryside. Nestled in the beautiful Delcombe Valley, the extensive grounds surrounding the abbey and historic mansion house were designed in the 18th-century by famed landscaper, Capability Brown.

Check out: www.marshwoodmanor.co.uk Check out: www.eventsatmiltonabbey.co.uk

LEWESTON

Live the fairytale and host weddings at this stunning venue. Leweston Manor oozes character and style with Art Deco interiors and a wealth of wow-factor wedding spaces. The elegant Georgian-styled building provides an impressive big-day backdrop and has 46 acres of sweeping grounds.

ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS

Established more than 250 years ago, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens on Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast is a one-of-a-kind backdrop for weddings. The world-renowned 30-acre garden is filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world, providing a wealth of amazing photo opportunities.

The Angel Hotel is nestled in the picturesque South Downs near the Meon Valley and is definitely one of Hampshire’s rediscovered gems when it comes to Hotels.

With its 36 Quality Bedrooms and a Luxury Bridal Suite, ease of access and multiple car parking spaces plus a spacious Restaurant, it’s long been a popular place locally for those who are in the know. We welcome the opportunity to show prospective Couples our fabulous new Function Facility; The Nicholson Suite. An Air Conditioned Venue Space that can accommodate Weddings of up to 120 people with its own private entrance, bespoke bar and feature glass atrium. Added on to our existing Barn Styled Room this will most certainly make its mark on Hampshire’s Wedding & Event Industry. Our landscaped Oak Garden with Feature Pergola offers you the ideal photo opportunity and finally as your Wedding draws to a close, then our sumptuous Luxury Bridal Suite will be available for you to complete your day. We are also able to host Marquee Weddings for 150 plus in 2023 & 2024 in our secluded landscaped Rear Oak Garden. Finally, we are licensed to hold Wedding Ceremonies at the Angel Hotel, which allows us to host your Wedding Day from start to finish. Be sure to visit our website at www.angel-hotel.co.uk to register for future updates, view the Walkthrough Videos and Download our Wedding Brochure.