A luxury wedding venue in the Dorset countryside
Are you looking for a stunning wedding venue, or a location to host a big birthday, anniversary or other celebration? Downwood offers an elegant and tranquil setting for your special day.
Say ‘I do’ on our private estate
The Manor House is the perfect venue for an intimate wedding for you and up to 34 of your nearest and dearest. Or are you planning a larger celebration? We can arrange a marquee for you in our beautiful grounds, with enough space to host up to 100 guests.
Maybe you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding? Our landscaped gardens provide the ideal setting for this – and it’s perfect for an evening dancing under the stars. Along with our vast woodland and vineyard, the grounds also provide plenty of amazing photo opportunities.
Between the Manor House and our other 11 properties at Downwood, you would have room for up to 38 guests to stay overnight as well. Plus up to 10 four-legged friends. You and your guests would have full access to all our amenities during your stay. So you can pamper yourselves with a glass of fizz and a soak in one of our luxury hot tubs ahead of your big day. Or you might even fancy a dip in the pool or a jaunt through our woodland to calm any pre-wedding nerves!
Your wedding day at Downwood
Our estate does not hold a licence. So the legal bit of your wedding would need to take place at a register office. However, Downwood is perfect for a humanist, celebrant-led ceremony, or blessing – or your wedding reception. And we’d be happy to help find you a local celebrant if you need one.
There are also many amazing local caterers, florists, DJs, hairdressers and other suppliers. Just ask and we can happily put you in touch with them.
Big or small, whatever your theme is, we’ll be on hand to assist with anything you need. We’re here to ensure your big day runs without a hitch.
Please get in touch to book a viewing.
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Why Guests Love Downwood Holiday Cottages
Our Wedding Venues in Dorset for Your Special Day
There is nothing quite like saying “I do” with the Dorset countryside as your backdrop. Our nearly 30 acres have stunning woodlands, elegant vineyards, and picturesque gardens, making the Downwood estate one of the most enchanting wedding venues in Dorset. It’s a place where vows feel timeless, and celebrations flow as naturally as the setting itself.
The Perfect Countryside Wedding Venue in a Dorset Setting
Picture music drifting through decadent rooms, the laughter of your loved ones filling the fresh garden air, and your first dance beneath starlight. This is why couples fall in love with our countryside wedding venue, Dorset.
The Manor House is at the heart of our estate. It’s a stately home that blends timeless sophistication, historic charm, and luxurious comfort. The sweeping gardens and elegant rooms set the stage for an intimate and unforgettable wedding. It’s perfect for a small, private ceremony, comfortably accommodating up to 34 guests.
For couples who envision a grander wedding, the grounds can open up a marquee that welcomes up to 100 guests.
Creating Your Dream Wedding Reception Venue Dorset Experience
Every couple has a different vision for their wedding, which is why Downwood prides itself on being one of the most flexible choices for a wedding reception venue, Dorset. For grand wedding receptions, long banquet tables dressed with gorgeous flowers can be set under the marquee. If you have something more intimate in mind, the idyllic gardens can be transformed into a candlelit supper.
So you can make sure your wedding reflects you and your love, we don’t offer fixed packages. Instead, we offer the freedom to design your wedding reception however you like. Bring in your favourite caterer, a florist that gets your style, and the musicians who set exactly the right mood.
Need a hand with wedding planning? We’re happy to recommend local Dorset vendors we trust.
What Makes Our Dorset Wedding Venue So Memorable?
Part of what makes Downwood so special is the setting itself. Nestled in the Dorset countryside, the estate feels both private and expansive. Each hidden knook and decadent room becomes a new backdrop for your wedding.
The manicured gardens create a timeless space for ceremonies, while the vineyard and woodland paths add a touch of rustic romance. As the seasons change, so does the atmosphere. In the summers, golden evenings stretch across the grounds while the autumn adds a touch of crisp light to every photo. Our spring blossoms brighten the grounds, and frosted lawns create a magical setting for ceremonies.
Beyond just aesthetics (which are vital, of course, for any good wedding), the Downwood estate invites guests to wander the grounds, discover quiet spots to talk, or come together on the lawns as the day unfolds.
With almost 30 acres to enjoy, the estate weaves into the laughter, the photographs, and the memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
Planning Your Perfect Day at Our Countryside Location
For many couples, their weddings at Downwood aren’t over in just one day. With our fully furnished holiday homes, local vineyard, and woodland trails, you can turn a wedding into an entire weekend getaway.
You can host the rehearsal dinner onsite, and slip into the hot tubs to relax before the big day. Get in a morning swim or wander through the woodland before all the excitement of the wedding. After the reception, there’s no rush to leave. You can celebrate all through the night and wake up the next morning surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories over a countryside breakfast.
It’s this chance to combine a once-in-a-lifetime event with a full weekend escape that makes Downwood one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Dorset.
Making Your Wedding Dreams Come True in Dorset
Find a setting as unforgettable as the day itself. Our countryside wedding venue in Dorset gives you the flexibility to create the wedding that undeniably showcases your love and commitment to each other.
Wedding Venue Dorset - Your Questions Answered
How many guests can your wedding venues in Dorset accommodate?
The Downwood Vineyard Manor House can accommodate up to 34 guests, while our landscaped grounds can host a marquee with room for up to 100 guests.
What’s included with the package for your wedding reception venue Dorset?
Our Dorset wedding packages give you access to our historic Manor House, as well as the grounds. You and your guests will have access to our beautiful gardens, woodland trails, and vineyard. Couples and guests can also book additional cottages across the estate.
Can we have both the ceremony and the reception at your countryside wedding venue Dorset?
Absolutely. While our estate is not licensed for civil ceremonies, many couples have celebrant-led weddings, blessings, and humanist ceremonies here. And, of course, our grounds and Manor House are a superb choice for a wedding reception venue Dorset.
What catering options are available at your wedding venue?
We are a self-catering venue, meaning we do not lock couples into any menus. You’re free to bring any caterer of your choice. If you need suggestions for local wedding caterers in Dorset, we’re happy to recommend vendors we love working with.
Do you provide accommodation for wedding guests in Dorset?
Yes. You and your guests can stay at our Manor House or one of our other homes to rent.
What happens if the weather changes on our wedding day?
At Downwood, we have both indoor and outdoor venues for weddings. Our team is always ready to adapt if the weather changes and is happy to arrange for any coverings that may need to be added.
How far in advance should we book your wedding venue Dorset?
We recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for summer weekends. Downwood is a popular choice among countryside wedding venues Dorset, and securing a date early gives you more flexibility with suppliers and accommodations.
Are there photography restrictions at your countryside wedding venue Dorset?
No. Couples are welcome to bring the wedding photographer and videographer of their choice.
Can we do the legal registry part of our wedding onsite?
Since we don’t hold a civil license, the legal paperwork needs to be completed at a local register office. Many couples take care of this in town ahead of time.