‘I DO’ DORSET

Where to wed in this picturesque county

MARSHWOOD MANOR, BETTISCOMBE

01308 867 440 | www.marshwoodmanor.co.uk

If Victorian grandeur and rustic simplicity are on your wedding wish list, 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 newlyweds-to-be looking for something different to the norm. Surrounded by ancient woodland, fields and private grounds, it’s a photographer’s dream. The brick-built Haybarn is a glorious indoor space with a raised platform, ideal for ceremonies, the top table or a live band for the evening party. It can host up to 80 guests for dining and with its high-vaulted ceiling and doors opening out on to a terrace, it’s great for summer or winter weddings. The Victorian courtyard is also licensed for ceremonies with as many as 250 or more guests. Spacious yet private, with access for street-food vans for relaxed dining, it’s ideal for a marquee and looks magical lit up at night. For festival-style celebrations, the Wildflower Meadow provides another picture-perfect spot with stunning views of the vale.

WE LOVE… the woodland bower, an enchanting and magical setting for an outdoor ceremony.

www.stephnewtonphotography.com www.stephnewtonphotography.com

LEWESTON, SHERBORNE

01963 211 011 | www.lewestonenterprises.co.uk/weddings

Live the fairytale and host your wedding 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 with 46 acres of sweeping grounds, including the Nuns Walkway, Italian Garden and hidden gem the Belvedere, there’s no shortage of standout photo opportunities.

With three ceremony spaces to choose from, you can tie the knot indoors or out. Flanked by woodlands, the Belvedere provides an idyllic setting. The oval paved area commands panoramic views of the Blackmore Vale and woodlands and you can exchange vows watched by up to 100 loved ones. The Lecture Room in the manor house is the largest indoor ceremony area. You can marry here overlooking the Italian garden and host a sit-down wedding breakfast afterwards for 80 guests or the Eleanor Library is ideal for intimate weddings with its wooden floor, high ceiling and walls lined with books. For more lavish celebrations you can host a party to remember with up to 200 family and friends in the wedding marquee, dressed and styled to suit your theme.

WE LOVE… the Belvedere, a jewel in the venue’s crown. Reached by an impressive tree-lined walkway it’s a fabulous spot for romantic photos.

MILTON ABBEY, BLANDFORD FORUM

01258 882 246 | www.eventsatmiltonabbey.co.uk

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. A photographer’s dream, there’s a wealth of breathtaking backdrops, including the unique grass steps and stunning abbey. Sweeping lawns and woodland complete the picture-perfect scene and the 14th-century Abbey Church is just a stone’s throw from the mansion. Perfectly situated between Dorchester and Blandford, the grand country home of Lord Milton offers a host of beautiful staterooms for your whole day. The 15th-century Abbot’s Hall is a truly original setting and seats 120 guests for the wedding breakfast, the King’s Room, lined with portraits, is the perfect place to dance the night away with up to 160 loved ones and there are other impressive rooms available if extra space is needed. Ceremonies can be held in either the elegant King’s Room or for more intimate weddings, the Queen’s Room is ideal and has easy access to the grounds.

ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS

01305 871 130 | www.abbotsburyweddings.co.uk

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. Carefully designed and sited to blend in with the exotic surroundings, the permanent pavilion can seat up to 150 guests and opens out into a large, private lawned area at the heart of the venue. With its own entrance gate, the steel-framed structure has a wooden floor, floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, floor-length draped awnings and wide doorways opening directly on to the beautiful gardens. There’s also a fully serviced kitchen attached. What’s more, after the gardens close to the public, you and you’re loved ones are free to wander and discover all the rare and beautiful plants.

WE LOVE… that as well as the purpose-built wooden gazebo just across the lawn from the pavilion, couples can now exchange their vows anywhere in the gardens.

ALEXANDRA HOTEL & RESTAURANT, LYME REGIS

01297 442 010 | www.hotelalexandra.co.uk

This grand Georgian house was built for a countess and ticks all the boxes for a glamorous wedding. Dating back to 1735, the imposing building sits majestically in spacious grounds overlooking the famous Cobb harbour. Full of contemporary elegance and style, the venue boasts large bay windows and light-filled rooms with wonderful views of the Jurassic coastline and hotel gardens. There’s a number of wonderful wedding spaces to choose from, including the Chapel next door to the main hotel. Once a private place of worship for the family who built the house, it has high-vaulted ceilings and can cater for up to 60 ceremony guests and 50 for a sit-down wedding breakfast. Alternatively you can marry in the hotel’s elegant Dining Room and enjoy the far-reaching coastal views. With room for up to 98 people for the ceremony, you can celebrate afterwards with up to 70 loved ones for a seated wedding breakfast. The Orangery is also licensed for ceremonies and provides a bright and modern alternative, set in the beautiful gardens with French windows on to the lawn. For glorious views of the beach, there’s also a large, undercover, decked terrace in the grounds for dining.