Wedding venue inspiration - Manor house, Stately homes

Audleys Wood Hotel, Hampshire

Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by woodland, this former hunting lodge oozes character and charm. The Victorian country mansion is warm and inviting, furnished with antiques and fine paintings to complement the elaborate carvings, ornate stonework and beautiful stained glass windows. There's a choice of licensed spaces inside and out for weddings large or small. The church-like Conservatory provides a wow-factor setting for your 'I dos'. With high vaulted ceilings and large windows overlooking the private grounds, it can host up to 100 ceremony guests. Celebrate afterwards in the elegant Garden Pavilion, only a stone's throw away in the hotel gardens, the light and airy space makes the most of the tranquil countryside views. With its own bar and a dreamy fairylight canopy you can host your wedding breakfast and reception here with up to 200 family and friends.

Osborne, Isle of Wight

Follow in the footsteps of a royal romance and marry at this romantic hotspot. Built as a family home by the sea for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the palatial venue was designed in the Italianate style to complement the island's mild climate and panoramic views over the Solent which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples. The venue echoes with the enduring love story of the royal couple and provides the perfect backdrop for a big-day with a difference. Catering for everything from intimate weddings to grand lavish celebrations, the possibilities are almost endless! Marry at Osborne and raise a toast surrounded by priceless exquisite artwork You can tie the knot in one of the opulent and lavishly decorated rooms – the largest being the Indian-themed Durbar room which can host up to 100 guests. Truly fit for a queen, it was built for state functions and decorated in an elaborate intricate style. The grounds and setting are equally impressive with spectacular terraces, ornate Victorian fountains, a stunning walled garden and even its own secluded private beach; providing a wealth of opportunities for weddings of all sizes indoors and out.

St Giles House, Dorset

If you're on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your big day, this ancestral home in the Dorset countryside is hard to beat. A labour of love, the historic landmark has been sensitively restored, breathing new life into the historic building. Be prepared for plenty of stop-stare moments from the instant you arrive and catch your first glimpse of the place. Set in beautiful private parkland, surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the award-winning venue sits in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. Grand, yet intimate and inviting, think sumptuous interiors, marble fireplaces and ancient leather-bound books. The house has been in the same family since the 15th century and has evolved over the generations to the treasure it is today. Licensed for ceremonies for up to 120 guests, you can take your pick from a number of fabulous rooms, all beautifully decorated or Wimborne St.Giles Church is just next door.

Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire

Set in more than 1,000 acres of the South Downs National Park, with far-reaching views across open countryside and ancient woodland, this former home of the Earls of Bessborough is ideal for those wanting a distinctive backdrop for their big day. The lavishly furnished Music Room is the ideal setting to say 'I do' and the private chapel within the grounds, with its blue vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows, is a magical place to have your marriage blessed. The historic grandeur of the Blue Drawing Room lends itself perfectly to a formal wedding breakfast while the south-facing lawns provide a quintessentially English setting for a marquee reception; great for larger parties so you can dine and dance into the night. Every wedding is different and couples have the freedom to have their day their way with anything from fabulous canapés to fish and chips, summer drinks on the portico to mulled wine by firelight. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or more extravagant affair, the flexible venue caters for weddings large or small.

Leweston, Dorset

Live the fairytale and host your wedding at this stunning venue. Steeped in history, Leweston Manor oozes character and style with Art Deco interiors and a wealth of wow factor wedding spaces. The variety of versatile, light and airy rooms boast their own unique charm and can be adapted to suit your big-day theme or style. The elegant Georgian styled building is sure to impress and with 46 acres of sweeping grounds, including the Nuns, walkway, Italian garden and the secret Belvedere, there's no shortage of great photo opportunities. You can tie the knot indoors or out. There are three ceremony spaces including the Belvedere, an idyllic setting flanked by woodlands.

Harry Warren House, Dorset

If you're looking for a picture postcard big-day setting, this coastal venue is hard to beat. Perfect for an intimate wedding the charming 19th-century country house is set in four acres of stunning grounds. Your guests are sure to be impressed as they round the bend in the drive to catch their first glimpse of the sweeping views over the bay – a real pinch-me moment! Weddings here are a bespoke experience, so you can celebrate your day, your way. The lawn overlooks the sea and with steps leading directly down to the sandy beach, perfect for stunning photos. You can exchange vows in the Sunken Garden looking out to sea or if you're planning a church service, the Norman Church of St Nicholas is only a five-minute walk away and can hold up to 120 people. Guests can park in the National Trust car park for the whole day and take a leisurely stroll to arrive at the house on foot for maximum impact from the panoramic views. Marquee receptions are held in the grounds, providing a blank canvas to create your own look and style with the historic house and beautiful bay as your backdrop.