If you're looking to get married in Dorset, you'll likely be searching for the top Dorset wedding venues to fit with your wedding vibe.
Dorset is geographically located on the Jurassic Coast meaning it's surrounded by coast and countryside, making it incredibly difficult to choose a venue.
Having conducted over 50 wedding ceremonies across Dorset venues, I have been to quite a few and the list amazingly keeps growing every year.
Read on for my guide to the top Dorset wedding venues I've visited or, had the joy of officiating a ceremony at.
Coastal Wedding Venues
Penn Castle, Portland
I've chosen Penn Castle to begin with as I may be a little biased due to actually getting married here myself! If you're looking for Greece vibes in the UK for your wedding day, Penn Castle is absolutely stunning.
There are various different locations you can choose to have your ceremony at this venue. From the Rooftop of the Clifftops, the garden or main house, there are so many options.
Harry Warren House, Studland
If you're keen on that coastal backdrop but more East of Dorset, Harry Warren House is a perfect wedding venue. It's not licensed for ceremonies but all you need is a Celebrant... drop me an email to save your date!
The Manor Hotel, West Bexington
Heading West of Dorset, The Manor Hotel is a little gem off the Coast Road which boasts uninterrupted views of Chesil Beach. This is a great new and upcoming venue.
Nothe Fort
If you're a history buff, you'll love the coastal fort, The Nothe Fort located within the Nothe Gardens in Weymouth. There are lots of areas that would be super cool to say I do within, including the dungeon!
Country House Wedding Venues
Mapperton House & Gardens
Mapperton located in Beaminster holds a special place in my heart as I worked an entire wedding season there, so I know the team super well. I adore it when people ask me to design a ceremony for them at Mapperton. The lower pools and grottos are gorgeous plus the Orangery is stunning and used as part of the set for Netflix's adaptation of Rebecca.
St Giles House
If you're looking for something a little extra, the nightclub in the basement is a huge level up for your wedding day. As well as having beautiful grounds and the most gorgeous house, St Giles House in Wimborne is an outstanding choice of wedding venue in Dorset.
Kingston Maurward
Kingston Maurward in Dorchester is a stunning location with the backdrop of the house overlooking the lake. This would be a unique place for a ceremony!
Abbots Court
If you're looking for a destination wedding over East Dorset way, Abbots Court is a fantastic choice of wedding venue.
Barn Wedding Venues
Moor Farm
Moor Farm in Chickerell is home to the Chickerell Steam Fair each year and has a beautiful barn, lake and outdoor area that's perfect for weddings. It's not licensed for a legal ceremony, so here's where I come in again! It's my most visited venue and only 5 minutes down the road from me.
Gorwell Barn
Gorwell Barn in Portesham is a great venue with lots of versatile outdoor space. You can choose to use the outdoor ceremony area, outside of the barn or inside the barn. It's a beautiful barn and everything has been thought out perfectly.
There are lots of places to stay on the grounds and there's also camping for guests too! This is my second most visited wedding venue in Dorset.
Symondsbury Tithe Barn
Heading over to West Dorset, Symondsbury Tithe Barn is situated on the Estate with beautiful views of Colmer's Hill. The barn is open and brings in lots of natural light, it's a great venue choice for all year round.
Hope Farm
Hope Farm near Beaminster is a rural wedding venue which has the cutest alpaca's grazing as you go about your wedding day! The ceremony outdoor space is stunning and overlooks the rolling hills of Bridport. The Barn is open and spacious and there's even accommodation on site to stay over at.
Castle Wedding Venues
Lulworth Castle
Home to Camp Bestival (where you can also get married), Lulworth Castle in Lulworth is a stunning choice of wedding venue with so much to choose from at the venue. If you're into history, this venue is incredible and there are so many rooms to choose from! The dramatic staircase out the front makes for fantastic photos and the choice of ceremony areas are great.
Corfe Castle
In the sleepy village of Corfe on top of a hill is the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle. Although recently licensed at the bottom, a Celebrant can officiate a ceremony at the top of the ruins. This is on my celebrant venue bucket-list for sure, to do so!
Outdoor Wedding Venues
Rudge Farm Weddings
Located off the Coast Road near Litton Cheeny, you'll find the gorgeous Rudge Farm tucked away in the rolling hills. This family run venue is owned by photographer Danielle Watkins and her husband who have created the most magical woodland ceremony space and areas for teepees or sailcloth tents by the lake. This is a new venue and one that is going to be super popular, I just know it!
With over 10 cottages to stay in and camping available, there's the option to make it a proper destination wedding in Dorset without having to worry about your guests.
Moonacre
If you're looking for a festival wedding in Dorset, Moonacre, near Blandford is the venue for you! There is so much to discover and for guests to do. With several ceremony options, funky accommodation for your guests including a bus, treehouse and shepherd's hut, it's a 3 day party affair.
Marshwood Manor
Just past Symondsbury you'll find Marshwood Manor in a little hamlet which is a beautiful woodland area with grounds. The saloon bar, terrace and barn options for dining are great, paired with accommodation and space for teepees on the lawn or meadow, you'll have choice for all.
Larmer Tree
Larmer Tree Gardens near Salisbury is a gorgeous choice for a summer wedding. Again, you'll be spoilt for choice with outdoor spaces to choose for your ceremony and dining can take place indoors or within a teepee on the grounds. The peacocks are a fun addition and always shout right on cue, mid ceremony!
Bennetts Water Gardens
Known as a living Monet' painting, art lovers will adore Bennetts Water Gardens in Chickerell as a wedding venue choice. The waterlilies come summer create a beautiful vista upon the ponds and the little bridge like the impressionist painting makes it come alive before your eyes.
Choosing the right Dorset Wedding Venue
There are so many wedding venues to choose from in Dorset, if yours didn't make the list please email me so I can add it!
If you're considering a Celebrant-led wedding at a Dorset Wedding Venue or beyond, I'm more than happy to do an initial venue visit to walk through your ideas. I can work across any type of venue.
If you require a venue rehearsal the day before, we can organise this also to assure you both that everything will work like clockwork on the day.
The right venue will give you options and choice and I know all of the ones I've included above have the most fantastic teams supporting them.
Book a Dorset Wedding Ceremony
If you'd like to book me as your Wedding Celebrant for your Dorset Wedding Ceremony, please do get in touch sooner rather than later.
I only book 1 ceremony per day so my availability is tighter than others but my level of service reflects the passion and dedication I give to my couple.
To book Laura Bell as your Celebrant, please email me: hello@ceremoniesbylaurabell.com or call 07701050693.
Photography Credits:
Alexandria Hall Photography
Megan Donati Photography
Danielle Watkins Photography
Sadie Osborne Photography
Caroline Alexander Photography
Lola Rose Photography
Ivy House Photography
Forget Me Knot Wedding Photography