13 of the Best New Forest Wedding Venues
Discover 13 of the best wedding venues in the New Forest here - from charming country hotels to lavish stately homes
Are you looking for a New Forest wedding venue? It's not hard to see why the New Forest makes such an idyllic setting for a wedding venue - conveniently located just 25 minutes from Bournemouth, 30 minutes from Southampton and 90 minutes from London, it's steeped in history, character and, of course, wonderful woodland.
Just imagine your wedding photos with the New Forest as your backdrop?! From frosted branches in winter and golden leaves in autumn to bluebell-dotted meadows in spring and lush green trees in summer, no matter what time of year you're getting married, the New Forest will not disappoint.
The New Forest is home to many kinds of wedding venues, from hotel wedding venues in the New Forest, to rustic barn wedding venues. There are also lots of amazing deals to be had by some of these, making it the perfect option if you're after a cheap wedding venue in the New Forest.
Plus, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. With cosy pubs and award winning restaurants nestled among The New Forest's quaint towns and villages, you won't have to travel far for a delicious meal. There truly are some of the best wedding venues in the New Forest, Hampshire.
You can browse more wedding venues in Hampshire here for even more choice.
13 Beautiful New Forest Wedding Venues
Luckily for engaged couples, there are plenty of New Forest wedding venues, from charming thatched roof cottage-style venues to luxurious country hotels.
Now we've got you suitably excited, read on to explore our edit of the top 13 New Forest wedding venues Hampshire has to offer.
1. Rhinefield House Hotel - Brockenhurst
As you make your way up the Canadian redwood and copper beech tree-lined driveway to Rhinefield House Hotel there'll be no mistaking you're in the enchantingly beautiful New Forest.
Set within 40 acres of grounds, you'll pass by manicured lawns and tranquil water features that are sure to impress, and that's even before you set foot inside the property.
When you do, expect this elegant country house hotel to be finished in Victorian grandeur, with high ceilings, wood details and decadent chandeliers.
Able to host weddings of up to 180 people, you can choose to have your ceremony and reception indoors or outdoors making it really versatile - ideal if you're after outdoor wedding venues in the New Forest.
- Capacity: 2 - 130
- Pricing: £POA
2. Careys Manor Hotel & Spa - Brockenhurst
Careys Manor Hotel & Spa is a versatile space that can cater for a whole host of different themes and types of celebration, but we adore their outdoor spaces.
Enjoy an outdoor wedding in the quintessentially English walled garden, or you can even host a festival-style wedding in their 10 acre field, complete with bell tents, Persian rugs and live acoustic music.
If you want to relax and unwind before the big day, the on site Thai SenSpa is the perfect place.
Nestled among the ancient trees of the New Forest, is it any surprise this place is an oasis of calm? It’s also hugely popular with Hitched couples, with 15 glowing five-star reviews on their Hitched listing.
- Capacity: 4 - 150 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £157
3. Minstead Lodge - Lyndhurst
If you're looking for an intimate wedding venue with beautiful surroundings, Minstead Lodge is a woodland retreat that could be perfect for your big day. It's great if you're looking for budget wedding venues in the New Forest as pricing starts from a very reasonable £1,200!
We love the oak panelled Long Hall - it's the ideal space for your ceremony, wedding breakfast or evening reception. Even better, it opens out onto whimsical views of the New Forest, so you and your guests can enjoy a tipple and canapés while taking in the countryside surroundings.
If you're planning an even smaller celebration of up to 70 people, Minstead Lodge also has two bay windowed reception rooms, or you can hold your ceremony within the gorgeous grounds. It’s rated five stars by Hitched couples, so you know you’re in good hands!
- Capacity: Up to 75 guests
- Pricing: From £1,200
4. Beaulieu Weddings and Events - Beaulieu
Celebrations at Beaulieu Weddings and Events offer both the idyllic setting of the New Forest and the tranquil atmosphere from the Beaulieu River.
Set within the historic Beaulieu Abbey, up to 130 guests can gather in the stunning 13th Century Domus for a ceremony or reception. With exposed beams and an open fireplace, it's cosy, chic and romantic. If you're after barn wedding venues in the New Forest, this venue has a very similar vibe.
For more intimate guest lists of up to 38 people, the Palace House provides a beautiful space to marry - home of the Montagu family since 1538, it's set in the gardens and is truly stunning. It's perfect pick for those looking for an intimate New Forest wedding venue.
- Capacity: 60 - 150 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £150
5. The Montagu Arms Hotel - Beaulieu
Another fantastic wedding venue in Beaulieu is The Montagu Arms Hotel. A romantic combination of rustic charm and grand elegance, it features oak panelling, open fireplaces and English gardens.
Marry with 100 loved ones in the traditional Oakwood Room or the glamorous Terrace Restaurant before enjoying an evening reception with up to 150 people.
As for the food? With 3 AA Rosettes you can expect a high quality dining experience. Head chef Matthew Whitfield will personally plan your wedding breakfast menu, plus he grows his own herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden so they're guaranteed to be fresh and delicious.
If you want a cheap New Forest wedding venue, the Montagu Arms has some amazing deals for couples on a budget!
- Capacity: 4 - 150 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £139
- Deals: Couples can save up to 40% with their midweek wedding package, or save £1,000 on select dates - see their listing for more details!
6. Highcliffe Castle - Christchurch
Twenty minutes south west from the New Forest National Park lies Highcliffe Castle - a Grade-I listed property that is truly breath-taking, and has nearly 100 five-star reviews from Hitched couples.
From the magnificent Wintergarden to the grand Great Hall and the elegant State Dining Room, there's so much space to celebrate your wedding day.
The Drawing Room is an excellent choice for your evening reception, where you and your family and friends can dance the night away. The maximum capacity is just 110 guests, making it an excellent option for couples looking for small wedding venues in the New Forest.
This fabulous setting is also located close to a sandy beach so you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to wedding photographs.
- Capacity: 2 - 110 guests
- Pricing: From £975
7. Somerley - Ringwood
Set in 7,000 acres of Hampshire countryside, Somerley is not open to the public so you're guaranteed a private, tranquil day if you choose to get hitched here.
Home to Lord and Lady Normanton and their family, the house can accommodate 160 guests for a ceremony and up to 200 guests for an evening reception.
Alternatively, if you're planning a wedding in the summer months, a marquee can be set up in the gardens for 200 guests.
There's on site accommodation for up to 18 adults and seven children in nine of the luxury bedrooms, plus 12 additional guests can stay overnight in the neighbouring Farmhouse.
- Capacity: 50 - 300
- Pricing: From £10,000
8. Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort - Lymington
Up there with one of the most romantic wedding venues in the New Forest is Macdonald Elmers Court & Resort.
We adore the impressive Ballroom for a delicious wedding breakfast - the high ceilings and grand fireplace are bound to impress.
Alternatively, gather your guests on the Queen Mary Lawn for a drinks and canapés reception, or if the weather isn't on your side the Tudor-style Music Bar is seriously cosy.
If that isn't enough, you'll also be offered a complimentary Honeymoon Suite for your wedding night, complete with champagne and breakfast.
- Capacity: 50 - 180 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £90
9. Pylewell Park - Lymington
Once owned by Lord Teynham, Pylewell Park is a wedding venue with an abundance of amazing features.
Sitting on 1,500 acres of gardens, lakes, open parkland and with private access to the beach, you're guaranteed to have more than enough space for your special day and be spoiled for choice with photography backdrops at this multi-award-winning venue.
Our favourite part? The Pylewell Pavilion is elegantly decked out with festoon lighting, rattan furniture and a dancefloor. Pair that with inside and outside bars, Italian chandeliers and wall to ceiling glass panels and you have one breath-taking space to say 'I do'.
- Capacity: 70 - 200 guests
- Pricing: £14,500
10. Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa - Brockenhurst
Located in the heart of the New Forest, it'll be hard to beat the views you'll get if you marry at Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa.
From woodlands to lakes, this charming hotel will become the perfect backdrop for your special day. It’s a firm favourite with Hitched couples, with over 40 rave reviews on their listing.
Boasting two brilliant suites for your ceremony and reception, you'll work with their dedicated wedding coordinator to create the day of your dreams.
After the celebrations, you and your guests can make use of the 54 luxury bedrooms and in the morning take a refreshing dip in the indoor pool or the outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi.
- Capacity: 2 - 140 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £139
- Deals: Two deals currently available on their Hitched listing, including an exclusive 3% discount for Hitched couples!
11. Potters Heron - Romsey
Dreaming of a New Forest wedding venue with a charming thatched roof? You need to take a closer look at Potters Heron. If you're after unusual wedding venues in the New Forest, this is definitely a more quirky choice.
Couples can choose between three different event spaces, and have up to 150 guests join them for their wedding reception.
We love the fact that you can make a wedding weekend out of your stay, with dinner the night before in the restaurant, followed by a hangover-zapping Sunday lunch the day after your wedding.
There are 53 well-appointed bedrooms, with preferential rates for your wedding guests available so everyone can stay onsite.
- Capacity: 2 - 150 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £80
12. The Master Builders House Hotel - Beaulieu
In the heart of the New Forest, you’ll find The Master Builders House Hotel, a New Forest hotel wedding venue with breath-taking views over the Beaulieu River.
You can have an outdoor wedding ceremony under the oak tree in the grounds, or indoors in the Riverview Room or the Chichester Room. Small, intimate weddings will be right at home in the striking Henry Adams room.
There’s a range of wedding packages to choose from, and this is also a dog friendly wedding venue in the New Forest, so your four-legged friend can join you for your wedding celebration.
- Capacity: 2 - 130 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £100
- Deals: A winter wedding package is available until the end of March 2024 - check out their listing for more details.
13. The Bell Inn - Lyndhurst
This 18th century coaching inn is set against the beautiful backdrop of the New Forest. The Bell Inn has a dedicated wedding team that will guide you through the whole process and help you create your dream wedding.
This is a New Forest wedding venue that suits all seasons - and creates bespoke menus to match! Think roaring fires in the winter, and vibrant gardens in the summer for your ceremony and wedding reception.
Couples can marry in the garden and have photos next to the rose archway, or within the beautiful venue space - either way your country wedding dreams will come true! It's truly the perfect wedding reception venue in the New Forest.
- Capacity: 30 - 100 guests
- Pricing: Menus from £200
- Deals: An exclusive 5% off for Hitched couples - head to their listing for more details!
A wedding in The New Forest wouldn't be complete without the décor to match. Check out these wonderful woodland wedding ideas for inspiration.
