Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

REGIONAL VENUES 19 WINCHESTER REGISTER OFFICE 0300 555 1392 | hampshireceremonies.org.uk Located in the heart of the city, the Grade II listed Castle Hill buildings were originally built as the headquarters of the 1 st Volunteer Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment. The impressive Elizabethan style flint and Bath stone building is now home to the Winchester Register Office and has seen many happy couples pass through its doors. With three ceremony rooms to choose from, there’s something to suit a range of different tastes. The elegant, tranquil Basing Room features traditional décor in keeping with the grandeur of the building, period features and a stunning chandelier. The stunning Castle Room can accommodate up to 64 guests and has windows overlooking the Great Hall. This grand room includes a magnificent River of Life stained-glass window. For more intimate ‘I dos’, the Avalon Room provides an inviting contemporary space with Rennie Mackintosh-style seating and an ornate mirror and capacity for up to 10 of your nearest and dearest. We love... the cobbled avenue outside which offers a wealth of great photo opportunities. WINCHESTER COLLEGE 01962 621 209 | winchestercollege.org Steeped in history, you’ll be spoilt for choice for picture-perfect backdrops at this world- renowned venue. With 11 acres of formal gardens and picturesque views across unspoilt water meadows, the college is close to the city centre and cathedral. Founded in 1382, it boasts the longest unbroken history of any English school and one of the finest collections of historic buildings in the area, including Medieval courtyards and cloisters. Although it’s not licensed for ceremonies, you can take your pick from a range of varied reception venues and celebrate your new married status in style surrounded by a wealth of ancient and original features. College Hall, the original school dining hall, oozes character and charm and can host up to 120 family and friends. Lined with fixed benches and tables, you can also have seating in the middle of the hall and the top table on a raised platform at one end. Alternatively the red-brick building, known as the School, provides a versatile setting for the drinks reception, wedding reception and evening celebration. Hung with 15 th -century Flemish tapestries and portraits of recent headmasters, the masters’ ‘thrones’ and pupils’ benches are still in place at one end. For larger gatherings, there are also three great marquee sites, all with beautiful views of the grounds and college buildings. We love... the Medieval covered cloister, where generations of pupils have carved their names; great for a stylish drinks reception. jwaltd.com Also check out... OLD BARN FARM, LIPHOOK 01428 722 644 | oldbarnfarm.estate Nestled on the the outskirts of Liphook in the hamlet of Hewshott, Old Barn Farm is the perfect base for an outdoor reception. Ideal for couples looking for a blank canvas to make their own, the bottom field provides an idyllic isolated spot where wedding dreams can come true. What’s more, it’s pet-friendly, very accessible to the A3 and there’s a caravan site there too for those looking to stay longer. Images: rupertfowler.co.uk