MAKING A SPLASH

splash MAKING A Fall in love with these waterside and coastal venues

CHESIL HOUSE

01962 820 088 | www.chesilhouse.com

Nestled in the heart of Winchester, Chesil House is a must-see hidden gem. Set on the banks of the River Itchen, the stunning 19th-century venue provides an idyllic setting for magical weddings. With secluded gardens, stunning riverside views and beautiful rooms, it offers a wealth of enchanting spaces for special events.

Enjoy exclusive use of the intimate venue, which is licensed for both ceremonies and receptions with family and friends. Memorable views of the river and garden from every window offer a stunning backdrop throughout the day and with bi-fold doors leading to a spacious decking area, lovebirds can enjoy al fresco wedding breakfasts. The walled garden, with its sweeping lawns, colourful landscaped borders and private bridge, provides a host of standout photo opportunities and a great location for drinks receptions. With bespoke packages tailored specifically to suit different couples, the award-winning resident caterers can create a little bit of foodie heaven too.

We love… the stunning views from the deck overlooking the fastflowing tributary and private walled garden.

CALBOURNE WATER MILL

01983 531 227 | www.calbournewatermill.co.uk

Located on 30 acres of peaceful grounds, Calbourne Water Mill is the perfect wedding setting with a woodland area, undulating grass, orchards, a river and streams. Ducks plus peacocks roam freely around the property and carp can be found in the river, which runs throughout the site to the ancient water mill and wheel. The historic mill continues to work, milling flour and rolling oats for porridge and muesli sold on-site.

Even though the property doesn’t have a ceremony license, the venue has three locations for wedding receptions. Surrounded by windows overlooking the picturesque grounds, the rustic barn is an old 1700s cattle barn with varnished beams, a large stone fire place and pillars. The space can match any colour scheme or theme thanks to the wooden-varnished ceiling and white stone walls. The barn can accommodate 75 loved ones, and guests will fall in love with the rustic touches. Couples can hire a marquee alongside the river or on the festival field and campsite with sea views for larger weddings.

Eco houses and cottages right by the stream are perfect for on-site accommodation, with a stone Mill House nearby that’s usually reserved for wedding couples. A campsite near the plum orchard and hazelnut trees can provide additional accommodation, with on-site bell tents available for glamping. We love… that the venue is offering readers 50 per cent off accommodation for lovebirds on their special day when they quote Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding before the end of June.

THE ROYAL MARITIME HOTEL & CLUB

02392 824 231 | www.royalmaritimeclub.co.uk

Tie the knot at this one-of-a-kind venue and immerse in the atmosphere of the maritime city. Situated in Old Portsmouth, close to the historic dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, The Royal Maritime Hotel is steeped in history and provides an original setting for weddings with a difference. With naval artefacts and memorabilia around every corner, each function room is individually decorated to reflect the club’s history. Ceremonies and receptions can occur at this venue and, with 90 comfy en suite bedrooms for the wedding party to stay in, why not make a weekend of it and explore the city the next day? Fully licensed for weddings, pairs can exchange vows in the Trafalgar Ballroom, the property’s largest function space, and celebrate in style afterwards. Complete with full banqueting facilities, a galleried balcony, dancefloor and stage, it can accommodate up to 300 people. The smaller Nelson Lounge offers a more intimate and traditional setting, while the contemporary Below Decks is the perfect place to party in the evenings with up to 100 loved ones. We love… the leisure facilities, including a swimming pool with a sauna and spa pool for relaxing.

RNLI COLLEGE

01202 663 471 | www.rnli.org/college

Overlooking Holes Bay, the RNLI College is a bright modern venue with a fabulous waterfront setting on the edge of Poole Harbour. 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 150 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 speical 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.

A WEDDING VENUE YOU’LL LOVE

SET SAIL ON YOUR LIFE TOGETHER

Perfectly situated in the heart of Portsmouth next to the sea, we offer a truly unique venue for your special day. We have a variety of wonderful spaces and packages to cater for your wedding, with newly-refurbished rooms available for the bridal party and guests.

Fully-licenced marriage venue | Wonderfully unique setting | Perfect location by the sea Beautifully grand reception rooms for any party size | Fabulous bridal suites with newly-refurbished rooms for guests too | Amazing offers on bespoke packages

Visit royalmaritimeclub.co.uk for more information and to book

AVINGTON PARK

01962 779 260 | www.avingtonpark.co.uk

Couples can wend their way through the wrought iron gateway, down the long avenue of lime trees to discover the historic Avington Park. Beautiful inside and out with two conservatories flanking a pillared orangery, the venue dates back to the 10th-century and has a wonderfully grand feel to the interior. Lovebirds will be spoilt for choice with the number of photographic backdrops to explore.

Surrounded by 150 acres of parkland, the beautifully kept grounds include two resident peacocks and lush lawns bordering the River Itchen, providing a picturesque scene all year round.

Inside the property is a wealth of wow-factor rooms. Couples can exchange vows in The Versailles Ballroom, a stunning space full of grandeur with a magnificently painted ceiling, gold plasterwork and huge mirrors. The space provides a romantic backdrop for ceremonies with up to 110 guests and has an amazing outlook across the park. Or, why not say “I do” anywhere on the stunning grounds?

In the summer months, lovebirds can have drinks receptions on the front lawn overlooking the lake and the river, while the King Charles Hall is ideal for the cooler months. Continue the celebrations in The Orangery, the perfect location for wedding breakfasts with 200 people. Guests can dance the night away in The Library and create unforgettable memories. We love… the living walls in the orangery, which brings the outside in with fragrant jasmine vines, lemon and orange trees.

THE PORT HOUSE

02392 385 389 | www.theporthouse.org

For couples looking for a stunning waterside location for their big day, this versatile venue ticks all the boxes. Overlooking the Port Solent Marina, with views of the yachts, it’s a picture-perfect spot! There’s even outside seating to allow pairs to make the most of the setting. The waterfront terrace and patio is perfect for drinks receptions or barbecues in the warmer months.

Inside the bright and airy space, the contemporary furnishing includes a bespoke bar made from reclaimed railway sleepers and a feature ceiling. Ceremonies are held in the Regatta Room or the larger Ocean Suite, which can host up to 120 family and friends for the “I dos” followed by sit-down meals. For larger receptions with up to 300 guests, a marquee can be attached to the side of the property. We love… that the on-site caterers, award-winning Vanilla Catering, produce bespoke meals using local Hampshire produce. All couples enjoy a complimentary pre-tasting session.