Add a touch of old fashioned glamour to your special day with our top ten vintage inspired venues.
Highclere Castle
Become the real-life Lady Mary and tie the knot in this stunning Victorian castle – home to the infamous Downton Abbey. Set amidst 1,000 acres of magnificent parkland, the castle will act as the most atmospheric backdrop to your special day; whether it is inspired by the swinging 20s or the more classic Victorian feel.
Find out more: Highclere Castle, Highclere Park, Newbury, RG20 9RN, 01635 253210.
Rhinefield House
As wedding venues go, this must be one of the most romantic settings in the county. With the stunning Tudor house as a backdrop, its forest setting provides the perfect hideaway to celebrate your nuptials. It’s newly opened Forest Garden is now licensed for outdoor weddings and with its 2 AA Rosette fine dining, your guests will be enthralled by the majesty of this venue.
Find out more: Rhinefield House Hotel, Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QB, 01590 622922.
www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/Rhinefield-House
HMS Warrior
Hark back to Hampshire’s shipbuilding age in the 1860’s and board Britain’s first iron clad war ship for a truly memorable and unusual wedding. Once the pride of the British fleet, Warrior now serves as a unique and romantic wedding venue that offers unparalleled views out across Portsmouth Harbour for you and your guests.
Find out more: HMS Warrior, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base, Main Rd, Portsmouth, PO1 3QX, 02392 778604.
Lainston House Hotel
This venue offers up a real Lord and Lady theme with it’s stunning 17th century design and wood panelled rooms. Both the original Dawley Barn and the Outdoor Pavillion can cater for large numbers and make use of the beautiful, countryside setting. You can exclusively hire the whole of the hotel for your wedding party and play at being country estate owners for your special day.
Find out more: Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2LT, 01962 776088.
The Tithe Barn
For a vintage, rustic feel where better to get married then an old barn in the middle of the South Downs. The soaring stone arches create a church-like feel, making a good alternative for couples who would prefer a civil ceremony in a traditional setting. The surrounding paddocks make a lovely backdrop for your photographs and you and your guests can dance the night away under the old beams.
Find out more: The Tithe Barn, Old Ditcham Farm, Ditcham Nr. Petersfield, GU31 5RQ, 01730 825562.
Four Seasons Hampshire
You will be transported to a world of Georgian luxury at the classic Four Seasons Hotel. The panelled rooms and high ceilings would suit a classic and elegent style ceremony. The mix of modern touches such as the spa and fine dining concepts, with the historic surroundings and stunning architecture, will ensure you will want for nothing on your wedding day.
Find out more: Four Seasons Hampshire Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, RG27 8TD, 01252 853000. www.fourseasons.com/hampshire
Beaulieu Abbey
The idyllic surroundings of the forest and tranquil Beaulieu River create a unique setting for your wedding. Beaulieu Abbey was one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in England and provides a stunning wedding venue in the New Forest. The historic Domus, one of only two buildings remaining from the original 13th century Abbey, was formerly the lay brothers’ dormitory and now provides an enchanting and unique setting for up to 150 wedding guests.
Find out more: Leith’s at Beaulieu, Beaulieu, John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, 01590 614787. www.beaulieuthevenue.co.uk
Spitbank Fort
With 15ft iron clad walls, mighty gun emplacements, an ammunition store and a 401ft deep artesian well, Spitbank Fort is not your normal wedding venue. Truly iconic and totally unique with it’s 360 degree views of the Solent, Spitbank Fort is sure to impress you and your guests with an idyllic ceremony by the sea.
Find out more: Spitbank Fort, Royal Clarence Marina, Weevil Way, Gosport, PO12 1FX, 02392 513887.
The Royal Marines Museum
Formerly one of the finest officers’ messes in Britain, this unique and historical venue will make an ideal setting for a glamorous, vintage style wedding. Its sweeping staircase, opulent décor and priceless silver will suit a traditional wedding and The Mountbatten Room will be sure to take your breath away with its high, decorative ceilings.
Find out more: Royal Marines Museum, Eastney Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO4 9PX, 02392 819385.
Aviator
For that Studio54, Hollywood vibe then this modern hotel would make an interesting twist on old school glamour. With its sumptuous décor, magnificent staircase and excellent dining concepts – this will certainly be a wedding that’s a little bit different from the norm.
Find out more: Aviator, Farnborough Road, Farnborough, GU14 6EL, 01252 555890. www.aviatorbytag.com
