8 of the Prettiest Wedding Venues in Hampshire’s New Forest
A beautiful part of England and a beloved favourite of many, the New Forest is a cosy and whimsical wedding destination, that marries both the countryside and the coast beautifully. Spanning over 753 square kilometres and a designated National Park, it also has 40 miles of pretty coastline, with views out to the Isle of Wight on a clear day. It is also one of the very few places that has it's own unique laws, including an ancient commoner right that enables residents to let their wildstock graze within the parklands.
Given its beauty, it’s no wonder that there are so many lovely wedding venues dotted around here. Below we’ve listed some of our favourites.
1. Pylewell Park
An award-winning country house wedding venue that is located less than 2 hours from London, Pylewell Park is set amongst acres of parkland and gardens, with its own private beach access. Voted by Tatler as the ‘Most Glam Venue to Say I Do in Hampshire’, getting married here gives you exclusive use of the main house, 10 bedrooms and a three bed penthouse. Celebrate within their beautiful Pavilion for a wedding breakfast of up to 150 guests, a licensed sail structure that overlooks the sea.
Source: Matt Tyler Photography
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2. Limewood Hotel
Set within the heart of the New Forest National Park just 20 minutes from the coast, the Limewood Hotel is a well loved gem and is the definition of laidback luxury. Licensed for ceremonies, they can host your wedding reception fully within the house for up to 80 or with a marquee extension for up to 110 guests. Throughout your stay you’ll have full access to all of the hotel lounges and facilities, grounds, gardens and the Herb House Spa. Plus there are 33 bedrooms available, so you and your guests will have full run of the house.
Source: Matt Parry Photography
Source: Lyndsey Goddard
3. Highcliffe Castle
Built back in the 1830s for the extravagant Lord Stuart de Rothesay, the decadent Highcliffe Castle was designed with entertainment in mind, and has welcomed many royal and notable guests over the years. Situated on a clifftop location overlooking Christchurch Bay, it is nestled amongst a tranquil nature reserve which really brings the best of both worlds. A truly unique building, it features Medieval and Renaissance carved stone and Gothic revival features that set a beautiful backdrop to your wedding day. Say your vows within their light and airy Wintergarden and then head to the lawn for post ceremony drinks. Follow this up with dinner in the majestic Great Hall with 30 foot high stained glass windows and dance the night away in their Drawing Room.
Source: Highcliffe Castle
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4. Somerley House
Located on the edge of the New Forest National Park, Somerley House is surrounded by 7,000 acres of Hampshire countryside and yet is only 90 minutes outside of London. Their opulent venue suits a variety of different wedding styles across the various locations within the venue and can seat up to 140 guests on an exclusive hire basis. They create bespoke experiences tailored to each couple and are by your side from start to finish.
Source: Camilla Arnhold
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5. Rhinefield House Hotel
Tucked away at the end of a long sprawling driveway, Rhinefield House Hotel is one of Hampshire’s most romantic wedding venues. As a history filled 19th century manor house, it is surrounded by pristine lawns and water features, with lots of indoor and outdoor function spaces to choose from. They can host up to 130 of your guests and have a real emphasis on quality, ensuring they take care of everything with a professional and personal approach.
Source: Handpicked Hotels
Source: Handpicked Hotels
6. Minstead Lodge
Nestled within the well loved village of Lyndhurst in the New Forest, Minstead Lodge is a pretty country house originally built around 1832. Surrounded by verdant gardens and lawns, the venue features grand indoor spaces in which to host your wedding, with a wood panelled Long Hall that is perfect for the ceremony, followed by drinks on the South Terrace. The venue also has a marquee available and can host up to 75 of your guests.
Source: Hitched
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7. Burley Manor
Built in 1852 by Colonel William Clement Drake Esdaile, Burley Manor is a Baronial style manor house that is set within an 800 year old estate. Tucked within rolling countryside and Burley Park, a red deer santuary, you can host your ceremony and reception in their rustic barn with a floor to ceiling traditional brick exposed chimney, perfect for a bright and airy wedding in the Summer, and a cosy wedding in the Winter complete with roaring log fires. The venue can host up to 80 seated guests and up to 120 guests in the evening.
Source: Visit Hampshire
Source: Burley Manor
