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

Oakley Hall Hotel, Oakley 01256 783 350 | oakleyhall-park.com Following recent refurbishment, this 18 th -century Georgian manor house has been transformed into a contemporary and elegant venue. Surrounded by 315 acres of countryside, guests can enjoy a spot of croquet on the lawns, take a scenic jog around the private running track or for something more relaxing, take a stroll through the enchanting woodland walk or a tour of the kitchen garden, dating back to 1860. With eight stunning wedding spaces, traditional historic features and 50 luxurious bedrooms, it boasts a fascinating past and provides an inspirational big-day setting. The Garden Suite in the main house has a fresh, contemporary feel and can host 160 ceremony guests, 120 for the wedding breakfast and an extra 30 for the evening reception. Located on the ground floor it has a large bay window and patio doors leading straight on to the Garden Terrace. For more intimate ceremonies, the Library is bursting with charm and can accommodate up to 60 loved ones. The new Garden Pavilion is the venue’s most recent and luxurious reception space, complete with three stunning chandeliers, heating and air-conditioning, it’s perfect for weddings all year round. There’s also a high-tech lighting system, starlit ceiling, colour- changing uplighters and a new dancefloor, so you can party the night away in style. We love... the charming Garden Cottage, the perfect private retreat, it’s tucked away on the back lawns, and includes three king-size bedrooms, two bathrooms and a luxurious sitting room. The Bell Inn, Brook, Lyndhurst 02380 812 214 | bellinn-newforest.co.uk Nestled in the New Forest, this country venue offers plenty of rustic charm. With a history dating back to 1782, it offers a warm, cosy atmosphere and boasts an oak and flagstone floor, huge double-sided fireplace in the bar area as well as exposed brickwork and beams. With classical Georgian architecture, there’s a well-tended garden, rose arch and patio too, all flanked by picture-perfect thatched cottages to offer a quintessential English setting. The light and airy Garden Room has a fresh country feel with space for up to 50 loved ones to watch you say ‘I do’ followed by a wedding breakfast in the rustic Oak Room. We love... the New Forest Lounge; perfect for intimate ceremonies with up to 20 guests. Pylewell Park, Lymington 01590 670 001 | pylewellpark.com The Pavilion at Pylewell Park is a one-of-a-kind venue; ideal for weddings all year round. With bespoke antique trestle tables, cross-back chairs and floor-to-ceiling glass panels it’s a stylish, modern setting with stunning views across the Solent. Festoon lighting, firepit stations and its own terrace and lawn add to the attractions. You can tie the knot in the garden gazebo with the addition of a marquee if the weather’s wet or there’s a quaint church just past the end of the drive. The heated pavilion has a bar, kitchen, built-in bathrooms and can host up to 200 loved ones for a sit-down meal and evening reception. We love... the rambling English gardens, beautiful 15-acre lake and private beach – all yours to explore! newforeststudio.com realsimplephotography.net WINTER WONDERLAND 33