Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - September/October 2020 (Issue 82)

HOLIDAY INN WINCHESTER 01962 670 700 | www.hiwinchester.co.uk Newly refurbished last year, the Holiday Inn Winchester is a vibrant and versatile wedding venue with a fresh contemporary feel. The light, bright lobby provides a welcoming space as you arrive and the hotel’s three function suites cater for weddings large or small with neutral décor throughout to suit any big-day colour scheme. Located on Morn Hill next to the Butterfly Reserve with great views of the surrounding countryside, there’s a large terrace and lawn, great for photos and al fresco drinks receptions. The terrace can also be used for an evening barbecue and you could organise some garden games for your guests to enjoy too. Tie the knot in any of the three suites, the main Hampshire one has its own private bar, direct access to the terrace and lawn and can accommodate up to 160 guests for the wedding breakfast and 200 for the evening reception. For more intimate weddings, the Monarch or Emperor Suite are ideal. We love... that all wedding packages include a complimentary overnight stay for the happy couple and reduced rates for guests too. OLD THORNS, LIPHOOK 01428 724 555 | www.oldthorns.com Originally a farmhouse, this versatile venue has been transformed over the last two decades into one of the region’s wedding hotspots. We’re talking ten different spaces licensed for ceremonies, panoramic countryside views, a spa, health club, bars and restaurants, bags of accommodation, not to mention an 18-hole championship golf course! Nestled in 400 acres of glorious Hampshire countryside and surrounded by woodland, there’s something to suit a whole host of big-day themes, the only dilemma might be which stunning setting to choose. You can marry inside or out, host your whole day in your own private space and if you’re planning on inviting a crowd, the Grand Ballroom certainly lives up to its name. Spacious and stylish, it can seat up to 500 guests for the wedding breakfast and with its own private courtyard, bar, large sunken dancefloor, cloakroom and stage, complete with starlit background, it’s perfect for the evening party. The Chapel is one of the venue’s most popular ceremony spaces. Bright and inviting, it provides an intimate setting with room for up to 150 loved ones. For those looking to host their whole day under one roof, the Hampshire Suite is ideal. You can say ’I do’ and celebrate afterwards in privacy. As part of the original farmhouse it’s full of character and offers panoramic views of the golf course and countryside. You can marry outside too, in the beautiful walled garden tucked away in a quiet private nook and toast your new married status with an al fresco drinks reception afterwards. With so many picture-perfect views, make sure to visit the elevated 5 th tee on the golf course, the views of the South Downs can be seen for miles and provide a beautiful backdrop for photos whatever the season. We love... that all couples getting married at Old Thorns receive Couples Club membership to enjoy all the wonderful facilities, including discounts on food, drink and hotel rates, in the lead-up to the big day. Images: www.chrissuch.co.uk Images: www.adriennephotography.co.uk 20