Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - November/December 2023 (Issue 101)

THE KINGS ARMS, CHRISTCHURCH 01202 588 933 www.harbourhotels.co.uk/kings-arms/weddings Nestled in the heart of Christchurch, between castle ruins and the River Avon, The Kings Arms offers a blank canvas setting that makes a beautiful backdrop for year-round weddings. The team’s professionalism and genuine care make the venue stand out. Guests can enjoy pre-ceremony drinks in the Priory Bar before being led across to The Wedding Pavilion, which overlooks the landscaped bowling green and is licensed for ceremonies with up to 96 guests. After the vows, guests can enjoy al fresco drinks receptions with the ruins and river as a backdrop. The green provides the perfect setting for garden games and activities as well as the vintage airstream bar. Alternatively, the Kings Priory can host 96 people for the “I dos”. Couples can host wedding barbecues on the green or afternoon teas in the Pavilion as an alternative to sit-down wedding meals. Otherwise, the day continues in the Kings Priory Suite, which upstairs can seat up to 96 guests for wedding breakfasts. The Upper Priory Suite offers views over the bowling green and rose gardens beyond through the large windows as the trees and foliage transform with the seasons. Alongside the beautiful setting, the ancient fairytale ruins of Christchurch Castle and Norman House are the ideal backdrops for photos. For more intimate celebrations, the Kings Private Dining Room can host up to 40 loved ones. All wedding bookings include a menu tasting for nearlyweds, including bespoke menu writing and wine pairing recommendations from the in-house sommelier. They’ll also receive a complimentary bridal suite for their wedding night and discounted rates at the venue’s sister hotels for mini-moons and first-anniversary celebrations. www.nicolastreaderphotography.co.uk THE OYSTER & FISH HOUSE 01297 446 910 | www.theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk The Oyster & Fish House is nestled in Lister Gardens, overlooking the famous Cobb Harbour, where The French Lieutenant’s Women was filmed. With stunning views across the Jurassic Coast and across to Portland on a clear day, it’s the best location in Lyme Regis to take in the most incredible views. No matter where couples are in the Fish House, the floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the best views of the Dorset coast. With simple white tables and chairs, the wooden beams offer ample opportunity to dress the room to match any colour scheme. It’s a perfect year-round venue for weddings; it’s cosy in the winter but bright and airy in the summer. The restaurant is set up in a theatre style, facing the bay window overlooking The Cobb Harbour for ceremonies with 40 people. Once the vows have taken place, guests are invited to enjoy drink receptions on the terrace while the lovebirds have photos in the surrounding gardens. The large covered space wraps around the side of the restaurant, offering uninterrupted views. During this time, the restaurant will be re-laid for the wedding feasts. Should pairs wish to invite more people for evening receptions, the team can accommodate 60. Mark Hix and the events manager Jo Harris will liaise with pairs on a bespoke menu based on local and seasonal ingredients. The fish and shellfish are locally caught and brought directly to the restaurant by the fishermen, so pairs can always be assured of the freshest produce. The dishes are served sharing style, which is a feast for the eyes as well as the belly. The team will even be able to recommend local suppliers like photographers and florists. http://mattaustinimages.co.uk http://mattaustinimages.co.uk www.nicolastreaderphotography.co.uk 21 LOCAL VENUES

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