SUITE DREAMS

www.idealimaging.uk.com SUITE DREAMS

Check into a local hotel for your big day

THE ELVETHAM, HOOK

01252 844 871 | www.elvethamhotel.co.uk

This country house hotel is sure to impress from the moment you arrive down the tree-lined driveway. Nestled in the middle of 35 acres of lovingly tended gardens and grounds, the impressive 19th-century red brick building boasts a central tower over the main entrance providing the perfect backdrop for standout photos.

Step inside and be prepared for more stop-stare moments. Combining all the character and charm of its long history with the modern amenities of a modern hotel, it offers a range of fabulous spaces and features including beautifully painted ceilings and stained glass windows as well as 43 newly renovated bedrooms.

You can marry in the Oak Room and celebrate afterwards with a wedding breakfast for up to 108 people or for an al-fresco ceremony, say ‘I do’ in the Formal Garden Squares. The venue can host up to 200 reception guests in either the Library, Oak Room or, for more intimate gatherings, the Morning Room is ideal. There’s a wealth of great photo opportunities throughout, including outside in the newly planted orchard alongside the River Hart and the beautiful formal gardens.

We love… the feature staircase, perfect for making a grand entrance.

BALMER LAWN HOTEL & SPA, BROCKENHURST

01590 625 779 | www.balmerlawnhotel.com

If you’ve got your heart set on a romantic wedding in a picture-postcard setting, this New Forest hotel is a must-see. Set back behind a cricket pitch it’s a perfect mix of the traditional and contemporary. With sundrenched terraces and beautiful gardens, you’ll be spoilt for choice for stunning backdrops. Looking out over the lawn, the impressive building boasts a fascinating past and has been used as everything from a hunting lodge and a field hospital to an army staff college and coaching inn.

A destination hotspot for weddings, you can marry outside in the garden’s oak-beamed Sylvan Pavilion or in the hotel’s Beaulieu Suite, joined by 140 loved ones. Set back from the main hotel, with its own entrance and facilities, you can host your whole day here in private. The suite includes the refurbished Beaulieu Room and two additional spaces, the Hamble, with its own bar and dancefloor, and the Avon for extra seating. There’s access to three outdoor terrace areas as well, including the hotel gardens, and come the evening you can party the night away with up to 220 family and friends.

We love… the beautiful high-ceilinged Savernake Room, a light and airy space with a private decked terrace; ideal for intimate weddings or post-vows drinks.

www.kimberleygarrod.co.uk

THE ROYAL MARITIME CLUB & HOTEL, PORTSMOUTH

02392 824 231 | www.theroyalmaritimeclub.co.uk

Tie the knot in this one-of-a-kind venue and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the maritime city. Situated in Old Portsmouth, close to the historic dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, the venue is steeped in history and provides an original setting for a wedding with a difference. With naval artefacts and memorabilia around every corner, each function room is individually decorated to reflect the history of the club. You can host your whole day here 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, you can marry in the Trafalgar Ballroom, the venue’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, traditional setting while the contemporary Below Decks is the perfect place to party in the evening with up to 100 loved ones.

From a simple celebration to an elegant extravaganza, Macdonald Botley Park Hotel & Spa is the perfect setting for your special day.

Our Wedding packages are specially designed to suit all seasons and budgets. Our most popular package “The Whirlwind” is an All-Inclusive package starting from only £5,995 for 50 day guests and up to 75 evening guests.

If you are newly engaged and looking for a fabulous venue to celebrate your wedding day, book an appointment with one of our wedding co-ordinators who is just waiting to turn your wedding dreams into a reality.

WEDDING OFFER Get 5 Guest bedrooms for your wedding party when you book using this advert. (This applies to new bookings only) Valid until End February 2022

For more information call 01489 778 402 or email maria.privett@macdonald-hotels.co.uk www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

THE KINGS ARMS, CHRISTCHURCH

01202 588 933 | www.harbourhotels.co.uk/kings-arms

Set in the heart of Christchurch, this cosy Georgian boutique hotel boasts a wealth of charms. The perfect coastal Dorset retreat, it enjoys fabulous views of Christchurch Castle, the town’s priory and Avon River. Blending traditional character with contemporary design, it has 20 luxury rooms and is home to foodie heaven The Kings Arms Restaurant.

Opposite the main hotel building, the venue has its own traditional bowling green and a picture-perfect pavilion which has been lovingly restored and transformed into a beautiful New England-style wedding space. Bright and airy, the French doors open on to a private veranda allowing the sunlight to flood in as you exchange vows surrounded by up to 96 of your family and friends. Afterwards, stroll across the lawns for a chilled drinks reception and enjoy some outdoor garden games. For a private reception the Kings Priory Suite is ideal. Complete with bar and dancefloor, there’s plenty of room for the evening celebrations, with as many as 200 loved ones.

We love… that the venue hire also includes use of the private dining room for dinner the night before or post-wedding brunch for those that want to linger longer.

www.emmahurleyphotography.com

LORD BUTE, CHRISTCHURCH

01425 278 884 | www.lordbute.com

Framed under a canopy of trees, the Lord Bute is set within the original grounds of Highcliffe Castle. In keeping with the venue’s history the majestic 18th-century entrance lodges now form part of the venue’s grand exterior, providing wonderfully impressive bridal suites. Imposing white pillars and archways add to a great first impression.

Step inside and discover boutique interiors ranging from the conservatory with its rustic arch windows to the dramatic Art Deco dining room boasting bold chandeliers. There’s 13 gorgeous bedrooms and suites for your wedding guests too and you can even have exclusive use of the whole place for a truly private wedding.

Nestled between the New Forest and the spectacular Dorset coast, sandy beaches and striking clifftops are only a stone’s throw away for spectacular album-worthy photos. The Garden Suite offers its own private landscaped garden, complete with palms and an elegant water feature.

Most ceremonies take place in the versatile and spacious main restaurant where receptions are also held. There’s room for up to 120 people, it can be adapted to suit the style of your celebration and if you want more space, a marquee can also be set up adjoining the restaurant. For intimate ‘I dos’, the Garden Suite is big enough for up to 25 guests inside or more using the outside space too. Further options for ceremonies include a romantic outdoor gazebo in the spacious outdoor courtyard.

We love… that it’s a bit of foodie heaven too. Renowned for its culinary excellence, with two AA Rosettes and a Michelin recommendation, there’s no pre-ordering required and you can work with the venue’s master chefs to create your own bespoke menu.