Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Mar/Apr 2019 (Issue 73)

Marshwood Manor, Bridport 01308 867 440 | marshwoodmanor.co.uk Recently renovated, the brick-built Victorian barn at this country venue has a vaulted ceiling and combines original Dorset charm with a modern vibe. There’s a ceremony licence pending, a wooden platform where you can say your ‘I dos’ and vintage oak benches for seating. Spacious and warm with stained-glass details, Victorian workmanship and romantic lighting, you can host a wedding breakfast for around 80 loved ones and an evening reception for 120. Next to the imposing manor house, the enclosed gravelled courtyard has a circular raised area in the middle, ideal for a live band, bar or wedding blessings. Surrounded by 20 acres of idyllic countryside with far-reaching views, the exclusive-use venue also includes a woodland ‘chapel’, which is also awaiting a ceremony licence. Set in a magical clearing with raked seating for 80 guests, a bridged stream and an original old church porch as a focal point, it’s just a short stroll away through the flower meadow. Original farm buildings have been converted to provide extra event space and accommodation, including the Lounge Bar; a cosy space in the former milking parlour, complete with comfy sofas, bar, games table and French doors opening on to the courtyard. We love... the on-site accommodation, including cottages and ample space for glamping for up to 200 guests.  California Meadows, Swanage 01929 425 049 | californiameadows.co.uk California Meadows is an idyllic big-day backdrop set in beautiful Dorset countryside with a quintessential English cottage garden surrounded by flower meadows, glorious sea views and the Isle of Wight beyond. You can say ‘I do’ in the Skylark summerhouse, watched by up to 80 guests sat on the adjoining lawns. If the weather’s bad, you can pop indoors and have an intimate ceremony in the cosy cottage lounge and celebrate afterwards with a marquee reception for up to 150 family and friends. Psst... another licensed ceremony space in the meadows could be available this summer with room for 20 guests under cover and more on the lawns. BARNS AND AL FRESCO VENUES 35