We met up with Clare and Jonathan in a pub in the heart of the New Forest to discuss their wedding plans.  They had chosen the venue of Kingston Maurward House and Animal Park, in which to be wed.  Clare has many happy memories of visiting the animals there as a child.  The wedding was to be a laid-back country affair, we all had our fingers crossed the weather would hold out.

Kingston Maurward, Dorchester

The ceremony was beautiful, with piano playing and a reading of the poem ‘The Owl and the Pussy Cat’. The rain held back as the couple opened the doors onto the grounds, to greet their guests moments after the ceremony.  The couple were beaming and Clare cried ‘We’re Married!’ standing at the top of the stairs, Pimms in hand.  The couple were congratulated my family and friends.

Newly weds, Jonathan and Clare

We then ventured around the park, making our way down towards the ducks and swans that gathered by the lake, to begin Clare and Jonathan’s couple shoot.  We walked up the stone stairs towards the formal gardens stopping on stone steps, next to colourful boarders and by neatly cut box hedges to take a snap on our way to the ‘Temple of The Four Winds’.  This stunning feature made for some romantic and dramatic images.

Couple under the Temple of The Four Winds

We always enjoy stealing the couple from the wedding congregation for a few moments after the ceremony, as it gives them the chance to have a few moments together.

A venture around Kingston Maurward Gardens

Kingston Maurward House is said to be Dorset’s Best kept Secret and we can see why, full of character and surrounded by gardens, lakes, fields and woodland.  It really is a hidden treasure.

Kingston Maurward House was built between 1717 and 1720 for George Pitt, probably to the design of the architect John James of Greenwich. Eighteen years earlier Pitt had married Laura, the last of the Greys, who lived in the Elizabethan Manor House at Kingston Maurward. The Greys had owned the Estate for many generations, acquiring it through marriage, from the Maurwards who were the ancient Lords of the area.

The gardens have undergone extensive restoration since 1990. The Gardens and Animal Park are now open to the public all year.

Civil Licence - Yes
Service: Up to 200 people
Reception: Up to 200 people

If you would like to find out more about this venue for your wedding contact the Conference and Banqueting Manager for further information:

Hospitality Team
TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1305 215050
FACSIMILE: +44 (0)1305 215001
EMAIL: hospitality@kmc.ac.uk

WEBSITE: www.kmc.ac.uk/hospitality

Kingston Maurward
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8PY

Tags: civil ceremony, country wedding, Dorchester, dorset, Kingston Maurward

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