Planning a wedding involves plenty of exciting decisions, perhaps none more so than the all-important wedding venue. Whether you’re traditional at heart or want a quirky wedding with a difference, there’s a venue for every preference.
With dramatic coastlines and culture aplenty, the South West is one of the best places to get married in the UK. So with that in mind, we’ve pulled together 10 of the most beautiful and unique UK wedding venues across the South West to consider for your special day.
1. Canford School, Wimborne
Canford School
Best for: couples who want glitz and glamour
Canford School in Wimborne, Dorset, is a spectacular historical spot. This Grade I-listed manor house wedding venue boasts a fabulous Great Hall, ideal for larger ceremonies. Say “I do” beneath arched ceilings, dark wood décor and stained-glass windows.
Alternatively, the Long Gallery makes for a great space for smaller parties. With exclusive use of the grounds, this wedding location is also ideal for couples planning an outdoor wedding during sunnier months. You can even host your reception by the sunken lawns’ fountain.
How to get there: To visit before the big day, hop on a train to Bournemouth station. Catch the number 6 bus towards Wimborne Minster and get off at De Haviland Close, then the venue is a 12-minute walk away. The address is Canford Magna, Wimborne BH21 3AD.
2. Christchurch Harbour Hotel
Best for: couples who want a coastal wedding
With spectacular views of Christchurch Harbour, the aptly named Christchurch Harbour Hotel is a charming South Western wedding destination. The coastal location is perfect for photos, plus you’ll enjoy the convenience of onsite accommodation for your guests.
Three flexible rooms within the grand 1830s Georgian building are ideal for wedding ceremonies, breakfasts and receptions. Out in the manicured gardens, you’ll have your own private terrace and champagne beach hut bar, so you and your guests will have everything you need and more on your special day.
How to get there: Take a train to Christchurch station, then catch the X1, X2 or 788 bus to All Saints Church. The address is 95 Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 3NT.
3. The Manor Barn and Estate, Wiltshire
Best for: couples who want a grand and regal affair
After crossing the gorgeous countryside driveway and arriving at its magnificent entrance, the beautiful Manor Barn and Estate await. This Wiltshire wedding venue is a great choice year-round. The magical outdoor area includes stables, a mill and a gazebo for romantic summer weddings, plus a heated barn to dance the night away at your reception. In the colder months, it’s one of the best places for hosting indoor ceremonies.
If you like the idea of a rustic, rural wedding, this is the venue for you. With glorious grounds making the dreamiest backdrop for your wedding photos and a handful of luxurious bedrooms to retire to after the celebrations, you’re sure to love it here.
How to get there: Head to Salisbury station, then catch the number 2 bus to Devizes. Get off at Manor House, and your venue awaits. The address is High St, Winterbourne Stoke, Salisbury SP3 4SZ.
4. Electric Palace, Bridport
Best for: couples who want an Old Hollywood style wedding
Choose Electric Palace as your venue for a wedding your guests will talk about for months afterwards. This Art Deco theatre is the perfect spot for a vintage-themed theatre wedding, complete with all the charm of the roaring ‘20s and plenty of Old Hollywood glamour.
Hair and makeup take place in Electric Palace’s glamorous backstage dressing rooms. When it’s time to walk down the aisle, your most romantic memories play on the big screen. After the ceremony, treat your guests to food and drinks at the venue’s charming original 1950s Coca-Cola bar, which serves up freshly made popcorn with a delicious buttery scent.
How to get there: From Dorchester South station, take the X51 Jurassic Coaster towards Bridport and get off at Natwest Bank. Electric Palace is a three-minute walk away. The address is 35 South St, Bridport DT6 3NY.
5. London Museum of Water and Steam
Best for: couples who want to tie the knot in a unique, historical venue
The London Museum of Water and Steamis aunique and historical wedding venue housed in the former Grand Junction Water Works. A Grade I and II listed venue with plenty of extraordinary spaces to explore, it’s a fantastic location for weddings at any time of year.
There’s everything to accommodate the perfect day, from the remarkable Steam Hall at the heart of the museum (perfect for dining or dancing the night away) to The Waterwheel Courtyard, an outdoor area in the shadow of the museum’s iconic 200ft Victorian Standpipe Tower. You’ll also have access to The Grand Junction Engine House, a three-floor industrial cathedral housing the world’s largest working beam engine.
How to get there: Your dream wedding at London Museum of Water and Steam is just a three-minute walk from Kew Bridge station. The address is Green Dragon Ln, Brentford TW8 0EN.
6. 41 Portland Place, Westminster, South West London
Best for: couples who want a rooftop wedding
If it’s the wow factor you’re after, 41 Portland Placein Westminister is the venue for you. With rooftop views of the sprawling London skyline, this Georgian townhouse is the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. The styling team works with you to create your dream setup, ideally blending chic, stylish, elegance and romance for a picture-perfect execution.
When you book a wedding here, you can enjoy exclusive use of the entire venue including the unmissable rooftop terrace, allowing you to make each impressive room your own. An onsite caterer, event stylist and a selection of entertainment options help make the day even more memorable.
How to get there: From London Waterloo, get on the northbound Bakerloo tube to Regent’s Park; the venue is a seven-minute walk away. The address is 41 Portland Pl, London W1B 1QH.
7. Brympton House – Yeovil, Somerset
Brympton House Best for: couples who want to marry in a grand manor house
Prepare for an unforgettable day in the beautiful surroundings of Brympton Housein Somerset. Its ivy-covered façade, showstopping architecture and chic spaces look like something out of a storybook – not to mention a breathtaking fireworks display to top your celebration off.
Begin your big day in the Honeymoon suite, where the wedding party can get ready while the guests mingle in the Library bar, Morning Room and Great Hall.
Say “I do” in the stunning St Andrews Church for religious ceremonies. For a rustic indoor ceremony, opt for the Castle House. Its long aisle leads from the South Terrace underneath the open pillared Temple. With phenomenal wedding photos, and breakfast and reception options, you’ll be thoroughly spoiled for choice. How to get there: Take the train to Yeovil Junctionand travel by taxi for 14 minutes to the venue. The address is Brympton Ave, Brympton d'Evercy, Odcombe, Yeovil BA22 8TD.
8. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Weymouth
Best for: couples who want a wedding that feels like it’s abroad (without having to get on a plane!)
is a beautiful alternative in the UK. Boasting magnificent exotic plants from all over the world, this subtropical garden and outdoor wedding venue has a climate and unique beauty that isn’t usually found in the UK.
On your big day, you’ll enter through an ornate wrought-iron gateway and head to your own private lawn surrounded by plants, trees and flowers of every colour and species imaginable. Say “I do” in the new pavilion, or opt for the charming gazebo to make your vows, then head out to the gardens to take pictures you’ll treasure forever. How to get there:From Weymouth station, catch the X53 Jurassic Coaster bus towards Bridport; get off at West Street and walk for seven minutes to reach the Gardens. The address is Buller's Way, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA.
9. Dartmouth House – Mayfair, London
Dartmouth House Courtyard Best for: couples who want a classic and timeless wedding venue
You’ll be in awe of the elegant décor at this fabulous Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in the heart of Mayfair. Not to mention the showstopping marble staircase, where you can make your grand entrance as newlyweds.
You and your guests can enjoy exclusive use of the house for the day and unwind in the outdoor courtyard during the summer at Dartmouth House. There are packages tailored to your every need, so planning your wedding day is as stress-free as can be.
How to get there: With its handy London location, all you need to do is travel into London Waterloo and take the Jubilee line on the tube to Green Park. the address is 37 Charles St, London W1J 5ED.
10. Pennsylvania Castle – Portland, Dorset
Pennsylvania Castle
Best for: couples who want to say ‘I do’ in a castle
For the ultimate fairytale experience, Pennsylvania Castle offers the dream castle wedding. Set atop the cliffs of Dorset’s enchanting coastline, it’s a lavish setting for your big day.
Ideal for intimate ceremonies, the Dining Room can seat up to 60 guests. Summer ceremonies can welcome 100 guests in the banqueting room, where vast glass windows add to the brightness and serenity.
There’s no shortage of photo opportunities here, as the magical venue enjoys dramatic views of the Jurassic Coast. There’s onsite accommodation for guests, plus a team to help you plan your wedding to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
How to get there: Take a train to Weymouth, then hop on the number 1 bus towards Southwell. Get off at Easton Square; the castle is around a 12-minute walk away. The address is Pennsylvania Road, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HZ.
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