Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 83)

ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE & GARDENS 01305 848 363 | www.athelhamptonweddings.co.uk A jewel in the region’s crown, this Tudor manor house venue is seven miles from Dorchester in the heart of picturesque Thomas Hardy country. All yours for the big day, the venue is closed to other visitors when there’s a wedding taking place. You can wander through the stone walled gardens and enter the Great Court, with its yew pyramids and sunken lawn, a typical English setting, perfect for croquet and garden games post-vows and the magic doesn’t stop there. Venture into the subtropical garden and be prepared for more stop-stare moments. Suitable for weddings large or small, the venue boasts five distinct settings all licensed for ceremonies and with a character and style of their own. ❤ The Great Hall dating from 1485 at the heart of Athelhampton House. ❤ The Chamber, an elegant 16 th -century drawing room, perfect for intimate weddings with up to 30 guests for your ‘I dos’ followed by a formal meal afterwards. ❤ The versatile Long Hall in the Coach House, great for dining and dancing. ❤ The Conservatory within the enclosed Coach House courtyard which together with the Long Hall and bar can host up to 300 family and friends for a lavish evening party. ❤ Last, but not least, the glorious gardens; 12 acres of magical big-day backdrops some architectural, some natural, many with ponds and fountains for stunning photos all year around. You can marry outside with up to 200 loved ones and celebrate afterwards with a drinks reception and informal dining for as many as 300. ​ We love... that you can tailor your day to suit you with the help of the venue’s experienced wedding team. ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS 01305 871 130 | www.abbotsburyweddings.co.uk Escape to an exotic location surrounded by lush plants for a big-day with a difference. A nature-lovers dream, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is right on the Dorset coast too. Established more than 250 years ago, the magnificent 30-acre site is filled with rare and unusual plants from around the world. You can say ‘I do’ in the purpose-built wooden gazebo just across the lawn from the permanent luxury pavilion. Nestled in the heart of the gardens, the pavilion has been carefully designed to blend with the beautiful surroundings. Your very own oasis, it opens out into a private space accessed by its own entrance gate. With seating for 150 guests, it’s hung with floor-length awnings and the wide doorways open out so you can make the most of the glorious setting. We love... that after the gardens close to the public your guests are free to wander at will to discover all the beautiful plants and enjoy the stunning coastal views from the top of the Magnolia Walk. www.colu mbiaphotography.co.uk www.whe eler-photography.co.uk REGIONAL VENUES 23