Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Jan/Feb 2018 (Issue 72)

Balmer Lawn Hotel &Spa, Brockenhurst 01590 625 779 | balmerlawnhotel.com A haven of peace and tranquility, you can expect a warm welcome at this wow-factor wedding venue. Nestled on the edge of Brockenhurst village in the heart of the New Forest, the landmark building is hard to miss. Set back behind the cricket pitch, it’s a picture-perfect location for a romantic wedding. With terraces and beautiful gardens on site as well as direct access to the glorious national park, there’s no shortage of fabulous photo opportunities. A mix of traditional and contemporary style, the hotel has 54 bedrooms including some with four-poster beds and a grand honeymoon suite overlooking the cricket pitch. There’s a range of stunning wedding spaces inside and out including the Savernake Suite with a beautiful high-ceiling room where you can exchange vows with up to 58 seated guests and spill out on to the decked terrace for an al-fresco drinks reception when the weather’s fine. With two more interconnecting rooms you can host your wedding breakfast here and the evening do for up to 75 loved ones. For larger gatherings, the Beaulieu Suite is a self-contained space set back from the main hotel, so you can enjoy a whole wing of the hotel to yourselves on your big day. With a private entrance and bar, there’s room for up to 140 family and friends for the ceremony and wedding breakfast plus 100 more for the evening do. In the warmer months, the oak-beamed Sylvan Pavilion in the hotel garden provides a romantic setting for outdoor ceremonies. We love... that the hotel’s dog friendly, so your four-legged friend can be part of the bridal party too! Old Thorns Hotel, Liphook 01428 724 555 | oldthorns.com There’s something to suit a host of big-day themes at this versatile venue. The different and quirky rooms and spaces include everything from traditional beams and glamorous chandeliers to an American-themed sports bar and a sophisticated champagne bar. The country drive sets the tone as you arrive at the front entrance to take in the tranquil setting. Set in more than 400 acres of grounds and gardens, with an 18-hole championship golf course, it’s a breathtaking backdrop. The course is dotted with natural springs, lakes, trees and boasts panoramic views over the South Downs National Park. The venue has 11 rooms licensed for weddings, including the light and airy Hampshire Suite complete with beams, arched ceiling and sliding doors opening out on to a spacious courtyard. You can tie the knot here and celebrate afterwards with up to 200 guests or for those with an even bigger guest list, the Grand Ballroom is the venue’s largest function space. It can cater for up to 500 friends and family and has its own entrance, mahogany bar, large sunken dancefloor and central stage with a starlit background – the perfect place to party. We love... that the bride and groom can enjoy a complimentary wedding night stay in one of the hotel’s new two-bedroom apartments. ann-aveyard.co.uk chrissuch.co.uk 30