Wedding venue inspiration - Hotels

Alexandra Hotel and Restaurant, Dorset

This charming venue offers bags of old world charm with a healthy dose of stylish coastal chic thrown in – the perfect recipe for a big day to remember, The Georgian dower house was originally built in 1735 for the Countess Dowager Poulett as her seaside home. Set in a prime hillside position with breathtaking sea views, it boasts expansive lawns and a cobbled courtyard. It even has its own private 18th-century chapel, perfect for romantic 'I dos' with up to 60 loved ones. With an impressive barrel ceiling and original features it looks magical with flickering candlelight. Set in the popular seaside town of Lyme Regis there's a path that leads straight to the beach, a favourite with couples looking to steal away for photos on the famous Cobb harbour wall while their guests enjoy champagne and canapés on the lawn. The hotel offers a choice of licensed indoor wedding spaces too, including The Orangery with wide sea-facing doors leading down to the lawns. For larger celebrations, the Alexandra Dining Room offers an elegant ballroom experience and can seat up to 70 family and friends for the reception or 100 for a finger buffet.

Four Seasons Hotel, Hampshire

This luxury venue is a jewel in the region's crown. Dating back to 1728, the heritage-listed manor house has a long association with high society and royalty including the former king of England Henry VIII. Perched in the middle of an ancient rural estate, the 500-acre estate is the epitome of quintessential English country living. You can marry indoors or out and all of the five private event rooms in the Georgian manor house are licensed for ceremonies. The versatile venue can cater for weddings of all sizes, from cosy intimate gatherings to lavish celebrations with up to 200 family and friends.

Old Thorns Hotel, Hampshire

If lush greenery is a must for your big day, Old Thorns Hotel ticks the box. Set on a golf course, there's plenty of great backdrops for photos and chance to enjoy the wide open spaces. The terrace areas are great sun traps in the summer and provide the ideal setting for al fresco drinks, while the walled area surrounding the outside gazebo is another hidden gem. The Chapel provides an intimate setting for your 'I dos', or the Hampshire Suite, complete with panoramic views of the golf course, oak flooring and beamed ceiling echoing the venue's rustic countryside character. Celebrate in the Grand Ballroom which its glittering crystal chandeliers, mahogany bar and large sunken dancefloor. The largest function suite at Old Thorns it can cater for up to 500 guests. The light and decadent Art Deco-inspired Gatsby Ballroom is a popular choice for weddings breakfasts and evening receptions too and even has its own private terrace with fantastic views over the grounds.

The Cromwell Arms, Hampshire

Host a celebration to remember at this country location. Set in the picturesque town of Romsey, The Cromwell Arms boasts a fabulous marquee; perfect for a chilled summer wedding reception. Newly refurbished, it can accommodate up to 200 guests and there's plenty of room to party afterwards with space for a dancefloor and entertainment. What's more if you want to stay over, you can book one of their beautiful bedrooms on site. Available April until October, the marquee provides a blank canvas so you can add your own personal stamp to suit the style and theme of your day.

Holiday Inn Winchester, Hampshire

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.