Weddings at Abbey House
Tucked away, Abbey House is a place for weddings that feel personal, unhurried, and quietly unforgettable. We specialise in intimate ceremonies and small receptions, offering a relaxed alternative to large, traditional venues. With elegant rooms, beautiful views, and space to gather your closest people, our house is designed for meaningful moments, heartfelt vows and celebrations that feel entirely your own. Whether you’re planning a candlelit winter ceremony or a summer reception in the gardens, everything here is centred around warmth, simplicity, and ease.
A civil ceremony at Abbey house offers an intimate and elegant way to exchange your vows. Conducted by a registrar or authorised officiant, the ceremony can be personalised with meaningful readings, music, and your own vows, creating a celebration that reflects your relationship. Whether held in the cozy Inglenook, or amidst the beauty of our gardens and wedding pagoda, the ceremony combines legal formality with a relaxed, memorable atmosphere. Guests can enjoy drinks and canapés in the gardens afterwards, while you capture timeless photographs in the house and grounds.
Please note you must book your ceremony separately with the registrar. Contact details for Council Registrars:
Weymouth
Email: registrars@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225153
Dorchester
Email: registrars@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225153
Bridport
Email: registrars@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225153
Your civil ceremony
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Abbey house, the civil ceremony offers a relaxed and intimate way to begin your wedding day. With its characterful interiors and picturesque setting, the venue provides a wonderful backdrop for a meaningful exchange of vows, shared with family and friends. Abbey House offers a range of intimate and characterful spaces for civil ceremonies, each with its own charm. Whether indoors or out, each space combines elegance, character, and a sense of relaxed exclusivity for a wedding day to remember.
The Inglenook
For an intimately memorable experience, the Inglenook offers the characterful heart of the house, steeped in history and charm. Nestled inside the original stone hearth, its welcoming proportions create a serene enclave, perfect for small ceremonies, photography, or a quiet moment amidst the celebrations. Rich in atmosphere and timeless elegance, the Inglenook transforms every gathering into something truly personal and unforgettable.
Sunken Lawn & Wedding Pagoda
For those who dream of an outdoor celebration, our sunken lawn provides a beautifully secluded space framed by the gardens. The wedding pagoda offers a charming focal point for ceremonies, combining classic elegance with the natural beauty of the grounds. Guests can enjoy the open air, the views of the gardens, and a serene atmosphere that feels both relaxed and special. The entire garden can be used, offering couples the flexibility to create a truly personalised outdoor ceremony, with space for guests, photography, and the freedom to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Reception
Designed for small and intimate celebrations, Abbey House offers an elegant setting for a wedding reception. Our space provides a timeless backdrop for a wedding that feels both personal and beautifully considered with a sense of quiet exclusivity, the house invites unhurried moments, thoughtful details, and effortless celebration. .
Exclusive use of the house and gardens is available for your civil ceremony and reception, offering a variety of elegant ways to celebrate with those closest to you with ample space for mingling and photography.
Canapé Reception
A two-hour ceremony and canapé reception offers guests a curated selection of drinks and seasonal canapés served throughout the gardens. Elegant spaces provide the perfect backdrop for relaxed conversation and photography. We recommend allowing four canapés per guest during this time. Drinks can be tailored to your preferences and may include chilled prosecco, seasonal Pimm’s, crafted mocktails, or premium lager.
Bowl Food Reception
For couples wishing to elevate their ceremony, we offer an elegant bowl food reception designed to keep guests indulged. A thoughtfully curated selection of drinks is paired with exquisitely presented seasonal bowls, served within the gardens to create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Tables and chairs can be styled and arranged as desired, offering a graceful setting for conversation and celebration. We recommend allowing three to four bowls per guest, ensuring a generous and seamless culinary experience throughout this part of your day.
High Tea Reception
A High Tea reception invites guests to indulge in a beautifully curated selection of sweet and savoury delicacies, artfully presented and served throughout the afternoon. Delicate pâtisserie, refined finger sandwiches and handcrafted treats are accompanied by your chosen teas and, if desired, a touch of champagne. We work with you to give you the freedom to style tables as you wish, with comfortable seating and space for relaxed conversation and photography, High Tea offers a timeless and intimate way to celebrate. We offer a generous selection per guest to ensure the experience feels abundant, seamless and wonderfully indulgent.
Our wedding at Abbey House was everything we wished for. All our guests had an amazing day and couldn't praise the food, location and setting enough. A beautiful venue for a wedding and the perfect hosts who took care of all our needs and desires with real care and attention to detail.
Mr and Mrs Bowkett
Feasting Table Reception
The feasting table reception features a thoughtfully arranged selection of seasonal dishes, beautifully presented on communal tables with seating that can be arranged as required, encouraging relaxed conversation and conviviality. We offer generous portions per guest to fully experience the range of flavours on offer. Drinks can be tailored to your preferences, from delicious wines and prosecco to premium lager and artisan soft drinks.
Pricing
What’s Included
- Exclusive use of the house and gardens for your ceremony
- Ceremony chairs elegantly dressed with champagne sashes
- On-site parking for up to five cars
- Use of the outdoor speaker system for your personalised ceremony music
Civil Ceremony
£1,000
Reception Experiences
Prices start from:
- Canapé Reception: £22 per person
- Bowl Food Reception: £25 per person
- High Tea Reception: £30 per person
- Feasting Table Reception: £40 per person
Each reception style is thoughtfully designed to complement the setting, offering a seamless and beautifully curated culinary experience for you and your guests.
Accommodation
For an intimate and relaxed stay, Abbey house offers five beautifully appointed bedrooms, each designed with comfort and character in mind. Thoughtfully furnished and individually styled, the rooms provide a peaceful retreat for wedding guests or couples celebrating their special day. Staying on-site allows you to enjoy the house and gardens at your leisure, making the most of every moment of your celebration.
FAQs
How many guests can you accommodate?
Our venue is perfect for small and intimate weddings, comfortably hosting up to 20 guests for ceremonies and receptions.
Can we have exclusive use of the house and gardens?
Yes. All weddings at our country house are offered on an exclusive-use basis, allowing you and your guests full access to the house, gardens, and grounds for your celebration. Please bear in mind that the accommodation will still be open to the public if not taken by your party.
Do you offer both civil ceremonies and wedding receptions?
Absolutely. We host civil ceremonies only but give the option of following with a range of reception options including canapé service, bowl food, high tea, or feasting buffet tables, all designed for small, intimate gatherings.
What accommodation is available on-site?
Our house features five beautifully appointed bedrooms, each individually styled for comfort and character. Staying on-site allows your guests to enjoy the venue at leisure and makes your wedding weekend seamless and stress-free. View our rooms
Can we hold our ceremony outdoors?
Yes. The gardens offer a picturesque and private setting for your civil ceremony, with space for guests to gather with beautiful opportunities for photographs. Indoor options are also available in case of inclement weather.
Do you provide catering and drinks?
We offer a variety of tailored catering options, from canapés and bowl food to high tea or a feasting buffet. Drinks can be customised to your preferences, including fine wines, prosecco, premium lager, mocktails, or artisan soft drinks.
Can we decorate the house and gardens?
Yes, we encourage personal touches to make your day unique. We ask that decorations are thoughtfully installed and removed and we can advise on what works best within the house and garden spaces.
Is parking available?
Yes, we have shared on-site parking for five cars, along with access for deliveries and suppliers. There is also a public car park situated close to the house.
Can we have live music?
Yes, live music is welcome. We provide guidance on sound levels to ensure your celebration remains comfortable for all guests and respectful of our surroundings.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend securing your date as early as possible, as our small, exclusive-use house is in high demand for intimate weddings.
Other ceremonies
Life’s most treasured moments deserve a stage as extraordinary as the memories themselves. At Abbey House, celebrations of love, family, and legacy come to life. Whether it’s the radiant joy of a baby naming, the sparkling milestone of a wedding anniversary, or a dignified, heartfelt farewell.
Every event is embraced with warmth, elegance and attention to detail. Abbey House transforms each occasion into a inspiring setting for life’s most cherished moments. Love is honoured, milestones are celebrated, and every chapter of life shines beautifully. If you have a celebration in mind please contact us and we will be able to guide you in making yours a day to remember.
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