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

Claire and Jamie

Our latest themed wedding was shot at the quintessential English manor house in the quaint countryside of Dorchester. “Athelhampton House and Gardens” was the perfect setting for Claire and Jamie’s Regency style Wedding.

Athelhampton House, Dorchester

All the guests went to town with their outfits, the gentlemen were suited and booted in top hats and tails. The ladies dressed in flamboyant velvet and satin dresses, with matching feathers in their hair and ribbon flowers tied to their wrists; the detail was remarkable! Everyone carried off their regency attire so well that the celebrations seemed to be transported back in time. This made for a charming and surreal day, which produced some fabulous photography.

Ribbon Flowers, Athelhampton House Wedding

The civil ceremony took place in The Great Chamber, decked with Jacobean to late Victorian décor. The couple exchanged vows and signed the Register in front of the fireplace in this exquisite room. After a very personal and relaxed ceremony the couple and their guests retired to the gardens.

Group Shot by Dovecote

The group shots were taken in front of the 15th Century dovecote, which still houses dozens of white doves. Guests then made their way to the front lawn, where they were accompanied by a string quartet. Whilst guests entertained themselves in the summers sun, drinking Pims and eating canapés, we took a leisurely stroll around the world famous Elizabethan Gardens, with the couple. The many compartments of the garden form a labyrinth of rooms, each with their own theme and character. Recurring statues and pools made stunning backdrops for the couple’s shoot. Some of the gardens most dramatic features are the twelve giant pyramids, which stand over 30 feet high and the white bridge under the weeping willows which stands over the river piddle.

The partying carried on until the early hours of the morning…

Athelhampton House Entrance

View more of our wedding photography from Athelhampton House, Dorchester.

This wedding venue shouts opulence and is a romantic setting for a stylish civil ceremony. If you wish to find out more visit the Athelhampton House website at: www.athelhampton.co.uk where you will find a downloadable pdf with all the information you need to make an enquiry.

Athelhampton House is just 5 miles from Dorchester town, situated between Bere Regis and Puddletown. The villages nearby offer your guests a range of charming hotels and B&B’s.

So whether you are looking for a wedding venue with a difference or simply fancy a cream tea and wander around the magnificent gardens one Sunday afternoon, Athelhampton House makes for a delightful visit.

Athelhampton House - All Departments
Phone: 01305 848363
Fax: 01305 848135
Email: enquiry@athelhampton.co.uk
Postal Address: Athelhampton House, Athelhampton, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7LG