KEEP IT local

Where to tie the knot in Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch

01202 093 377 | www.highcliff ecastle.co.uk

Perched by the sea overlooking The Solent, Highcliffe Castle is a dreamy wedding setting thanks to its prime clifftop location, beach access, surrounding woodland area, showstopping views and characterful features. First inspired by the work of Capability Brown, the grounds and estate have seen many changes through the centuries but still retain some of his original touches. Today it makes an excellent location for woodland walks, outstanding viewpoints and picnics.

From the moment guests arrive at the impressive driveway to the portecochère, the remarkable architecture with historical and Gothic revival features will wow guests. Ceremonies take place in The Winter Garden with 110 people. The conservatory-style building is flooded with natural lighting, offering views over the castle grounds and a romantic setting for the vows. The room’s design creates fabulous music acoustics, whether for baby grand pianos, media centres or string quartets.

Why not dine in the majestic Great Hall after the “I dos”, which can host 110 people and creates a spectacular backdrop for wedding breakfasts? With its carved stonework, exposed brick and 30-foot-high stained glass Jesse window, guests will be in awe of the special ambience this room creates. For a more intimate setting, the Dining Room offers a romantic and elegant backdrop to celebrations with whimsical exposed brickwork and impressive views over the lawns to the sea for up to 80 guests. Dance into the night in the atmospheric Drawing Room with a band or DJ. Its blank canvas allows couples to add fairylights, a disco ball, drapes, illuminated letters and a dancefloor. The Castle Bar links the dining and dancing areas of the castle to create a lively hub for all celebrations.

We love… that the dedicated wedding team will ensure that all plans run smoothly. A rehearsal will be booked before each wedding to ensure the wedding party and couple will unwind on their special day, knowing everything is under control.

Rnli College

01202 663 471 | www.rnli.org/college

Overlooking Holes Bay, the RNLI College is a bright and modern venue with a fabulous waterfront setting on the edge of Poole Harbour. Licensed for ceremonies, couples can choose from attractive rooms with bay views. The ground-floor Waterfront Suite has direct access to the sea terrace right by the water’s edge – great for post-vow drinks. The RNLI lifeboats moored on the pontoons make it the perfect backdrop for standout photos. The suite can accommodate up to 150 people for wedding breakfasts and an extra 50 in the evenings. For more intimate affairs, the Harbour View Suite provides a romantic setting for celebrations. Those who book the venue for their special day will be offered a complimentary wedding-night stay in a harbour-view bedroom.

We love… that every £1 spent here goes towards saving lives at sea.

The Kings Arms

01202 588 933 | www.harbourhotels.co.uk/kings-arms

Nestled next to the River Avon with Christchurch Castle as a backdrop, The Kings Arms offers a blank canvas setting that makes a beautiful backdrop for year-round weddings.

The idyllic Dorset wedding venue comprises The Kings Pavilion, The Bowling Green and the split-level Kings Priory Suite, decorated in a New England style. All locations boast classic untouched elegance while matching any colour scheme or theme.

Ceremonies and receptions can occur in the Kings Pavilion with 96 people. The beautiful restored pavilion opens onto a tranquil bowling green with highly maintained landscapes – perfect for garden games and entertainment. The space offers an outside airstream bar and an inside bar for drink receptions. While guests enjoy the grounds, Christchurch Quay and The Norman House are just a short stroll away, which makes for stunning and unique wedding photographs. The Pavilion and Bowling

Green are available until 8 pm for barbecues or outdoor dining rather than traditional wedding breakfasts.

Alternatively, the Upper Priory Suite is located in the upstairs suite of the Kings Priory, with the River Avon and the bowling green as a backdrop through the vast windows as pairs exchange vows. Continue the celebrations in the Kings Priory Suite with 120. The split-level space offers a downstairs bar and dancefloor for drink receptions and evening celebrations, while upstairs can seat up to 96 guests for wedding breakfasts.

Set in the main house, The Private Dining Room is the perfect space for more intimate ceremonies with 48 nearest and dearests. With glass doors over the main hotel entrance, dried floral bouquets on the ceiling, unique art pieces and colourful soft furnishings – it’s also ideal for small receptions with 36 loved ones.

We love… that most wedding packages include a complimentary menu-tasting session and a stay in the bridal suite.