Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 77)

16 DURLSTON CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK, ISLE OF PURBECK 01929 424443 | durlston.co.uk If you’re dreaming of a castle as the backdrop for your big day, look no further. Set within the Country Park, the renovated Durlston Castle is an idyllic location for a magical wedding. With woodland on one side of the historic Victorian building and clifftop views out over Durlston Bay on the other, it’s not hard to see why couples choose to get married here. Both the Gallery and glass-sided Belvedere on top of the castle are licensed for ceremonies. The Belvedere can host up to 50 people and is ideal for intimate ‘I dos’ with post-vows drinks on the rooftop terrace afterwards. The Gallery with its modern Purbeck limestone and wood interior offers magnificent sea views and can host up to 120 loved ones. You can tie the knot here and enjoy exclusive use of the extensive patio and grassed amphitheatre; ideal for the wedding breakfast and reception. We love... the spectacular surroundings and historic Great Globe in the grounds; perfect for one-of-a-kind photos. Images: onethousandwords.co.uk ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS 01305 871 130 | abbotsburyweddings.co.uk Nestled on the Dorset coast this natural haven was established more than 250 years ago and has developed into a magnificent 30-acre garden filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world. Great for the wedding album, there are endless wonderful photo opportunities. To make the most of the glorious setting, you can exchange vows in the new purpose-built wooden gazebo just across the lawn from the permanent luxury pavilion. Carefully designed and located to blend in with the lush plants, the pavilion opens out into a private space at the heart of the gardens and has its own entrance gate. Hung with floor-length awnings, it can seat up to 150 guests and come the evening, the gardens are all yours to explore, so you and your guests can wander at will and discover all the natural wonders of the place. We love... the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast from the top of the Magnolia Walk.