Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 21 - November/December 2021 (Issue 89)

ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS 01305 871 130 | www.abbotsburyweddings.co.uk Established more than 250 years ago, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens on Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast is a one-of-a-kind backdrop for weddings. The world-renowned, 30-acre garden is filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world, providing a wealth of amazing photo opportunities. Carefully designed and sited to blend in with the exotic surroundings, the permanent pavilion can seat up to 150 guests and opens out into a large, private lawned area at the heart of the venue. With its own entrance gate, the steel-framed structure has a wooden floor, floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, floor-length draped awnings and wide doorways opening directly on to the beautiful gardens. There’s also a fully serviced kitchen attached. What’s more, after the gardens close to the public, you and you’re loved ones are free to wander and discover all the rare and beautiful plants. WE LOVE… that as well as the purpose-built wooden gazebo just across the lawn from the pavilion, couples can now exchange their vows anywhere in the gardens. This grand Georgian house was built for a countess and ticks all the boxes for a glamorous wedding. Dating back to 1735, the imposing building sits majestically in spacious grounds overlooking the famous Cobb harbour. Full of contemporary elegance and style, the venue boasts large bay windows and light-filled rooms with wonderful views of the Jurassic coastline and hotel gardens. There’s a number of wonderful wedding spaces to choose from, including the Chapel next door to the main hotel. Once a private place of worship for the family who built the house, it has high-vaulted ceilings and can cater for up to 60 ceremony guests and 50 for a sit-down wedding breakfast. Alternatively you can marry in the hotel’s elegant Dining Room and enjoy the far-reaching coastal views. With room for up to 98 people for the ceremony, you can celebrate afterwards with up to 70 loved ones for a seated wedding breakfast. The Orangery is also licensed for ceremonies and provides a bright and modern alternative, set in the beautiful gardens with French windows on to the lawn. For glorious views of the beach, there’s also a large, under- cover, decked terrace in the grounds for dining. WE LOVE… the Lookout Tower hidden away in the grounds. With far-reaching sea views, it’s a fairytale setting for intimate ‘I dos’. ALEXANDRA HOTEL & RESTAURANT, LYME REGIS 01297 442 010 | www.hotelalexandra.co.uk 21 REGIONAL VENUES