Dorset is a stunning county with a variety of breathtaking wedding venues. From castles overlooking the sea to cozy countryside barns, this area offers a perfect location for every type of wedding. If you’re planning a wedding in Dorset, you’ll want to find a venue that fits your style and vision. Here’s a list of the 15 best wedding venues in Dorset, each offering something unique to make your big day unforgettable.  I think the venue, along with the wedding photographer, are the two most important things to choose when planning your day, so choose well! Please note that this list isn’t in any particular order – I love all of these venues!

1. Lulworth Castle & Park

Lulworth Castle, one of the best wedding venues in Dorset, is a magnificent 17th-century castle set in a vast parkland estate. Surrounded by sweeping lawns and woodland, it offers a fairy-tale setting for your wedding. The castle’s interior features grand stone staircases, beautiful stained glass windows, and high ceilings, making it a stunning backdrop for both ceremonies and receptions. Whether you choose an indoor ceremony in the castle’s grand halls or an outdoor one with the picturesque grounds as your backdrop, Lulworth Castle ensures a memorable day filled with historic charm and elegance.

2. The Italian Villa at Compton Acres

The Italian Villa is nestled within the exquisite gardens of Compton Acres and offers one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples seeking elegance and sophistication. With three floors of beautiful event spaces and exclusive access to the Italian Garden for your ceremony, this venue blends stunning architecture with lush greenery. The villa can host both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. Its elegant surroundings and beautiful gardens provide endless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photos, making it a popular choice for couples who dream of a refined and romantic atmosphere.

3. Kingston Maurward

Kingston Maurward House and Gardens is a Georgian mansion located in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Surrounded by formal gardens, lakes, and parkland, this venue is perfect for couples who want a quintessentially English wedding. The elegant rooms inside the house, along with the stunning outdoor spaces, offer plenty of versatility for your ceremony and reception. As one of the best wedding venues in Dorset, Kingston Maurward provides an idyllic setting for a timeless wedding, whether you choose to say your vows in the beautiful walled garden or the grand house itself.

4. Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle is a striking Grade I listed building perched on the cliffs, offering spectacular views over the Dorset coast. Its stunning architecture, grand interiors, and beautiful grounds make it one of the best wedding venues in Dorset. Couples can exchange vows in the majestic Great Hall, with its soaring ceilings and stained glass windows, or opt for an outdoor ceremony in the charming gardens. The castle’s dramatic location and historic ambiance create a truly romantic setting, perfect for those who want a wedding venue that combines elegance with breathtaking coastal views.

5. Kingston Country Courtyard

Kingston Country Courtyard offers a rustic yet elegant setting in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck. Set within an old stone barn with exposed beams and traditional features, it is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples looking for a relaxed countryside feel. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, allowing you to customize your day to your preferences. The surrounding gardens and rolling hills provide a picturesque backdrop for wedding photos, making Kingston Country Courtyard a charming and versatile choice for your special day.

6. Athelhampton House

Athelhampton House is a beautiful Tudor manor house surrounded by stunning gardens, making it one of the most picturesque and best wedding venues in Dorset. This historic venue offers exclusive use of the house and gardens, providing a private and intimate setting for your wedding. The elegant Great Hall, with its wooden beams and grand fireplace, is a beautiful spot for your ceremony, while the gardens offer plenty of space for outdoor receptions. Athelhampton House’s timeless beauty and romantic ambiance make it an ideal location for couples who want a venue with character and history.

7. Symondsbury Estate Barn

The Tithe Barn at Symondsbury Estate is a beautifully restored barn that combines rustic charm with modern elegance. Located in West Dorset, this venue is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples seeking a countryside wedding with a touch of luxury. The barn’s high beams and exposed brickwork create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the surrounding countryside provides stunning views for your wedding photos. With plenty of space for both large and intimate gatherings, Symondsbury Estate offers a versatile and enchanting setting for your wedding day.

8. The Orangery Suite

The Orangery Suite in Wimborne is a delightful venue surrounded by tranquil gardens and orchards. This charming and intimate venue is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples looking for a relaxed and personal celebration. The beautifully landscaped gardens provide a perfect backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, while the light-filled Orangery is ideal for smaller indoor gatherings. With its peaceful setting and charming ambiance, The Orangery Suite offers a unique and serene environment for your special day, making it a popular choice for couples who want a low-key, yet beautiful, wedding venue.

9. Smedmore House

Smedmore House is a hidden gem located near the Jurassic Coast. This Georgian manor house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the Dorset countryside. As one of the best wedding venues in Dorset, Smedmore House combines elegance with privacy, making it perfect for couples who want a secluded and intimate wedding. The house itself exudes warmth and charm, with beautifully decorated rooms that provide a cozy yet elegant setting for your ceremony and reception. The gardens offer a magical spot for outdoor weddings, and the sweeping countryside views make it an unforgettable location.

10. Mapperton House & Gardens

Mapperton House is a stunning Jacobean manor house surrounded by Italianate gardens and located in a peaceful valley. This historic venue is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples who want a romantic and elegant setting. The beautiful gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor ceremonies, while the grand interiors of the house offer a perfect space for indoor receptions. Mapperton House’s timeless beauty and serene surroundings make it an ideal location for a wedding that combines history, elegance, and natural beauty.

11. Warmwell House

Warmwell House is a charming Jacobean manor house set in the heart of the Dorset countryside. This intimate venue is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples seeking a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The house offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, with plenty of picturesque spots for photos. The warm and welcoming ambiance of the house, combined with its beautiful surroundings, makes Warmwell House a perfect choice for smaller weddings that feel personal and intimate. The venue’s historic charm adds a touch of elegance to your special day.

12. Stockbridge Farm Barn

Stockbridge Farm Barn is a 14th-century stone barn located near Sherborne. With its exposed beams, high ceilings, and stone walls, this venue is full of rustic charm. As one of the best wedding venues in Dorset, Stockbridge Farm Barn is ideal for couples looking for a relaxed and countryside wedding. The barn provides a blank canvas for you to decorate and personalize, while the surrounding countryside offers stunning views and plenty of space for outdoor celebrations. This venue is perfect for those who want a laid-back and charming setting for their wedding.

13. The Victorian Barn

The Victorian Barn is set in the heart of the Dorset countryside and offers a versatile space for weddings of all sizes. With its beautiful rural location and modern amenities, this venue is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples who want a blend of rustic charm and contemporary style. The barn’s high ceilings and large windows create a light and airy space for your ceremony and reception, while the surrounding countryside provides a stunning backdrop for photos. The Victorian Barn is perfect for couples who want a countryside wedding with a touch of elegance.

14. Purbeck Valley Farm

Purbeck Valley Farm is a laid-back, festival-style venue located on the Isle of Purbeck. With stunning views of Corfe Castle and the surrounding countryside, this venue is one of the best wedding venues in Dorset for couples who want a relaxed and bohemian wedding. The farm offers a variety of spaces for your ceremony and reception, from outdoor fields to rustic barns, allowing you to create a wedding that feels uniquely yours. Purbeck Valley Farm’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning location make it a popular choice for couples who want a wedding that’s fun, informal, and full of natural beauty.

Conclusion

From grand castles to cozy barns, these 15 best wedding venues in Dorset offer something for every couple. Whether you’re dreaming of a seaside ceremony, a rustic barn wedding, or a romantic garden celebration, Dorset’s diverse range of venues provides the perfect backdrop for your special day. Each venue offers its own unique charm, making Dorset one of the most sought-after locations for weddings in the UK. As you plan your big day, consider these stunning venues to create a wedding that truly reflects your style and vision.

If you’re planning your Wedding and you’re looking for a Dorset Wedding Photographer, then let’s have a chat! I’ve written similar posts for the best wedding venues in other counties, so do take a look at these too in my blog.