If you wanted to cross the water from the UK mainland, why not take a short trip over to the beautiful Isle of Wight.
With the coastline not far from any destination on the Island this makes the perfect choice for a wedding venue, and for those of you already lucky enough to live there.
Overlooking St Catherines Bay and the lighthouse sits The Enchanted Manor. With a reception and dining capacity of 60 guests, the manor offers a personal service catering to everyone’s themes and tastes for their wedding. To date, the Manor has even catered for a wedding party dressed in theme as the Groom rode in on a horse as Sir Gallahad to collect his bride. Here, no request is too big or too small.
Visit website: www.enchantedmanor.co.uk
In the famous part of the Isle sits Cowes and here you will also discover it is not just attractive for it’s boats. Northwood Park is nestled around Northwood House, a Victorian mansion that has been holding weddings for over 150 years. The catering at Northwood ranges from a simple buffet and hog roasts through to lavish banquets. The capacity for a reception is for up to 300 people or 170 seated for dining.
Marquees are available alongside the house if you require an outdoor reception with sheltered sunny lawns to make a perfect backdrop to any wedding photography.
Visit website: www.northwoodhouse.org
Facebook: facebook.com/NorthwoodHouse
Twitter: Not on Twitter
It has to be said the Isle of Wight holds some stunning wedding venues. If flowers and greenery are your ideal setting, Ventnor has the perfect place for you. Ventnor Botanic Gardens lies in the shelter of the Ventnor Undercliff, giving the venue an extended outdoor season for weddings beginning in early Spring through to late Autumn. There are five places to choose from here – The New Zealand Garden, The Garden Top Lawn Marquee, The Echium Room, The Meadow Marquee and Edulis Restaurant and Terrace.
What is so captivating about this venue is the 20 acres of garden, 6,000 plant, tree and shrub species from every continent, alongside secret tunnels that lead to the sea.
Visit Website: www.botanic.co.uk
Of course the Isle of Wight is famous for its boats and sailing, so it proves only fitting to include a sailing club in our top ten. The Bembridge Sailing Club is one of the oldest establishments, founded in 1886 on the Solent. This gives a wide view of the harbour with a backdrop to the hills of Brading Downs. The club is able to host wedding and civil ceremonies and you have the choice of two rooms, The Library or the Dining Room. The menu of choice can be catered to suit your own tastes with a reception and seating capacity of up to 100 people. All the food is freshly prepared by a team of in-house caterers.
The club also offers a wide variety of red and white wines, and champagnes. There are options of wedding breakfasts, as well as luncheons and evening receptions.
Visit website: www.bembridgesailingclub.org
Facebook: facebook.com/BembridgeSailingClub
Moving further into the Isle sits Shanklin, a popular tourist destination with it’s well known attractions. Here you will also find the beautiful Landguard Manor. The Manor is only a few minutes from the coast and set in four and a half acres of immaculate gardens and lawns. This stunning 18th century house is the perfect location for indoor and outside ceremonies. Guests are catered, for less than 30 or up to 150 people. There are various dining options and the marquee holds up to 350 guests.
Visit website: www.landguardmanor.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/LandguardManor
Twitter: Not on Twitter
What better way to choose a resort than going for an 18th century country house managed by English Heritage. Steeped in history and belonging to the Worsley family near Wroxall is Appuldurcombe House. Ceremonies can be held within the house or in a marquee on the front lawn. The Drawing Room and Great Hall are both licensed for ceremonies. The house is closed to the public on Saturday’s giving you exclusive use to the house on your special day. A large entourage is on hand to meet your requirements and you will also have a wedding planner to meet all your details.
There are many available choices for your day ranging from PA hire, photographers, florists, caterers and even a bouncy castle and magicians.
Visit website: www.appuldurcombe.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/appuldurcombe
Twitter: Not on Twitter
If you’re looking for scenic surroundings and 60 acres of privacy, Priory Bay will be your perfect location. With it’s grand estate and breathtaking rooms this is a wonderful setting for your special day and photography. You can choose a beach setting and have your ceremony in the bay where your guests can have the experience of arriving by boat or hovercraft. If you prefer to be high and dry you can have exclusive use of the house. The option exists of hiring the whole house for the entire weekend to suit yourself and your guests.
Just simply stunning settings and choices of backdrops to really make your day one to remember.
Visit website: www.priorybay.co.uk
If you love the waterside and are searching for a location that brings you blue skies with matching sea views, Cowes Yacht Haven makes the perfect choice. Here there is a covered terrace giving the finest view of the Solent, with the capacity to cater for 150 people for your ceremony or reception. If you choose to have the option of a wedding breakfast, the main room holds 120 seated guests. There is a team of finest cuisine caterers to give attention to detail for your requirements and a world wide selection of wines to chose from.
This all gives you the confidence and reassurance your special day is in capable hands, leaving your guests free to enjoy your special day.
Visit website: www.cowesyachthaven.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/CowesYachtHaven
Twitter: twitter@CowesYachtHaven
The island holds a private, 4 star hotel for those requiring the modern touch to their day. Coupled with breathtaking views overlooking a tranquil lake sits Parkside park and Hotel and Spa. The beauty of this venue is the added benefit of the spa, offering yourself and your guests the opportunity to try health and beauty treatments, massage, reflexology and hydrotherapy. All guests receive a 10% discount in the spa.
There is an array of facilities with sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and an ‘Experience’ shower. This is before your special day even gets underway.
Visit website: www.lakesideparkhotel.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LakesideParkHotel
Twitter: twitter@LakesideParkHotel
If you’re searching for a venue with a sea view of the Island, sitting in Shanklin Bay is Bourne Hall. This 1860s house was originally built for Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting. There are two rooms on offer for your ceremony – the drawing Room which holds 40 guests or the Cameron Room which holds 120 guests. To cater for your bespoke wedding there is a flexible wedding package to suit your taste and needs.
There is the freedom to chose from your own style of menu and evening buffet. A wide variety of facilities are on offer here to accommodate you and your guests during your stay. There are a range of rooms to chose from including family rooms and suites. Health and leisure facilities are also available and a well a presented restaurant.
Visit website: www.bournehallhotel.co.uk