Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 79)

HILTON AT THE AGEAS BOWL, SO30 3XH 02382 027 096 | hiltonageasbowl.com The Hilton at Ageas Bowl Southampton is a one-of-a-kind, contemporary wedding venue. The hotel boasts chic and original architectural design and is incorporated into the Ageas Bowl Cricket Stadium, the picture-perfect home of Hampshire County Cricket. The luxury surroundings, stunning views, spacious and stylish facilities make it the perfect setting for weddings. The grand, elegant Ageas Ballroom is one of the largest in the area and can accommodate up to 450 guests for the wedding celebrations complete with private reception area and bar. The versatile space can be split to accommodate weddings large or small. The Ageas Media Centre is ideal for the ceremony with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the iconic ground; a picture-perfect backdrop that’s sure to wow your guests as they arrive. Surrounded by countryside, there’s no shortage of great opportunities for those all-important photographs. What’s more there’s plenty of accommodation for guests to stay over to make a weekend of it including beautiful bedrooms overlooking the cricket pitch with their own balcony. We love... the personal service with your own wedding planner on hand to help and guide you throughout the lead-up and on the big day itself. ROWNHAMS HOUSE & GARDENS, SO16 8LS 02380 733 298 | rownhamshouse.com This hidden Georgian gem is a must-see if you’re on the hunt for a magical setting for your big day. Tucked away behind trees, woodlands and an ancient garden wall it’s like a secret world with an atmosphere all of its own. The elegant house oozes romance and character, with striking architectural design. Set in 12 acres of grounds with its own magical lake, Gothic-style coach house and Grade II listed ice house, it’s a photographer’s dream. Steeped in history, the impressive manor house was built by Sir Issac Newton’s nephew in 1792. You can tie the knot in the Grand Library, with its ornate plastered ceilings and walls, and enjoy a sit-down meal afterwards with up to 120 guests. The sash windows allow the light to flood in and the adjoining Billiard and Morning Rooms are handy for the drinks reception if the weather’s bad. The venue boasts a wealth of licensed ceremony spaces inside and out to suit weddings large or small, including the Coach House which has a number of rooms, ideal for more intimate affairs. With its ancient features and tall clock tower it provides a stunning backdrop for al fresco ceremonies under the arch, alternatively you can tie the knot by the lake or in the woods. The Coach House is the perfect setting for the evening reception too and can host up to 150 loved ones. There’s a spacious main entrance hall for the evening food, reception room and a separate dancefloor area for the DJ or band as well as a quirky dedicated bar in the adjoining Knights Hall. We love... the glorious grounds, outdoor seating and lawn; perfect for croquet and garden games. manumendoza.com lahuweddingphotography.com 18