10 Stunning Wedding Venues in Bournemouth & Dorset

As a wedding photographer, I get to see some pretty incredible places. One thing I’ve learnt, is just how much your venue shapes your day and your photos. Beautiful surroundings, great light and thoughtfully designed spaces all help create natural images that you’ll look back on for years to come.

Bournemouth and the wider Dorset south coast is full of amazing wedding venues, from grand country houses to beachside ceremonies. I wanted to put together a list of ten of the most stunning venues in the area to help couples who are currently planning their wedding.

Many of these sit on the higher end of pricing, but if you’re dreaming of a proper fairy-tale wedding, they’re well worth looking into. I’ll also be sharing another blog soon with more affordable options.

Here are ten of my favourite wedding venues in Bournemouth and nearby Dorset area.

Please note: I haven’t personally photographed at all of the venues listed below. Where images are used, I’ve credited the venue or photographer where appropriate. For more of my own wedding photography and portfolio, please see HERE.

1. Cranborne Lodge

📍 Castle Street, Cranborne, Wimborne, BH21 5PZ
🌐 https://cranbornelodge.com/

Set within 28 acres of beautiful grounds in the village of Cranborne, Cranborne Lodge is a Grade II* listed country house with a really serene and refined feel. It’s also home to Itasca Wines, known for producing some of England’s finest still and sparkling wines, which is a lovely touch for your celebrations.

From a photography point of view, this venue offers so much. The grounds are spacious and peaceful, the interiors are elegant, and there are plenty of quiet spots for couple portraits. It feels exclusive without being intimidating, which makes it perfect for relaxed, luxury weddings.

2. The Connaught Hotel and Spa

📍 30 West Hill Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5PH
🌐 https://www.theconnaught.co.uk/weddings/

The Connaught Hotel and Spa sits on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, just a short walk from the beach and town centre. This makes it really convenient for guests while also giving you easy access to the coastline for photos.

With 81 stylish rooms and well designed ceremony and reception spaces, it works brilliantly for couples wanting everything in one place. Slipping away for a few beach portraits, especially around sunset, while guests enjoy drinks back at the hotel can be a lovely touch.

3. The Nici

📍 West Hill Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5EJ
🌐 https://thenici.com/weddings/

THE NICI is perfect for couples who love modern style mixed with sea views. This was only recently refurbished and offers a different vibe to many other of the local hotels. Overlooking the Dorset coastline, this hotel offers elegant spaces for up to 175 guests, along with luxury accommodation.

The natural light here is beautiful, and the ocean backdrop adds something really special to your photos. It suits relaxed but stylish weddings and works brilliantly for couples wanting a contemporary feel.

4. Parley Manor

📍 Parley Green Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BB
🌐 https://parleymanorweddings.co.uk/ceremonies/

Set within four acres of Dorset parkland, Parley Manor feels wonderfully tucked away while still being easy to reach.

This Georgian Manor House has a lovely balance of grandeur and warmth. The gardens are perfect for portraits, and the house itself gives you that classic country wedding feel. It’s a great choice if you want something elegant without feeling overly formal.

5. The Italian Villa

📍 Compton Acres, 164 Canford Cliffs Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7ES
🌐 https://www.thevillacomptonacres.com/wedding-venue-poole-bournemouth-dorset/

The Italian Villa is one of Dorset’s most well known wedding venues, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a beautiful looking venue and probably my favourite on the list from and outsiders perceptive. Set within ten acres of Grade II listed gardens, every part of this venue feels carefully thought out.

Your day usually begins in the Italian Garden before moving into the villa itself, with themed gardens surrounding you. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s a dream venue with endless photo opportunities and beautiful light all day long.

6. Sopley Mill

📍 Sopley Mill, Mill Lane, Nr Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7AU
🌐 https://sopleymill.co.uk/weddings/

Sopley Mill dates back to 1066 and is full of character, with original oak beams, exposed brickwork and stunning river views.

The Avon Millstream wraps around the gardens, creating a peaceful and private setting that feels far removed from everyday life, even though it’s only ten minutes from Bournemouth. If you love relaxed, rustic weddings with lots of natural charm, this venue photographs beautifully in every season.

Photography by - @stephenduncanphoto

7. The Orangery Suite

📍 Merley House Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AA
🌐 https://www.theorangerysuite.co.uk/

The Orangery Suite is ideal for couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony. You have exclusive use of the walled gardens, including hidden corners and a sunken garden, which gives loads of variety for photos.

Ceremonies can take place in the gardens or indoors in the bright Orangery, followed by your wedding breakfast in a pagoda style marquee. It’s a lovely mix of countryside charm and elegant spaces.

8. Deans Court

📍 2 Deans Court Lane, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EE
🌐 https://www.deanscourt.org/

Deans Court is an elegant historic house set just moments from Wimborne Minster, surrounded by ancient gardens. It’s run by William and Ali Hanham, and the estate has been in William’s family for nearly 500 years.

There’s a real sense of history here, but it still feels warm and welcoming. From a photography point of view, it’s perfect for couples who love heritage settings with a relaxed atmosphere.

9. Highcliffe Castle

📍 Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 4LE
🌐 https://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk/

Highcliffe Castle is Grade I listed and sits high above the coastline, offering some incredible views. The architecture is striking, both inside and out, with sweeping staircases, historic stonework and dramatic surroundings.

If you’re looking for a venue with serious impact, this one definitely delivers. It’s a brilliant option for couples wanting something bold and memorable.

10. Bournemouth Beach Weddings

🌐 https://www.venuemad.co.uk/dorset/weddings-on-the-beach-uk.html

For something completely different, Bournemouth Beach Weddings allows couples to legally marry right on the sand.

Ceremonies take place in a charming ivory beach hut on West Cliff beach, with optional marquees that can seat up to 400 guests. You can even arrive by cliff lift, land train or boat. These weddings always feel relaxed and joyful, and the natural light by the sea is hard to beat.

Choosing your venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. My advice is always to visit in person where you can and picture how your day will flow from morning through to the evening.