On the south coast of England, the dramatic Jurassic Coast of Dorset has rolling hills, white cliffs and picturesque towns and villages. Sometimes, all it takes is a stroll along the beach and you’ll find genuine fossils that have been previously lost for millions of years. There are some iconic spots to visit, like the stunning limestone arch of Durdle Door, which is perfectly Instagrammable. It also makes for an amazing backdrop to your wedding photos, which is just one of the many reasons why Dorset is a fantastic place to get married.
Our 2025 Wedding Report uncovered that 13% of all UK weddings take place in Dorset and the wider South West region. A third (33%) of people who get married in the area come from elsewhere across the country, making it the most appealing wedding destination in the country for non-locals. And this is all despite the fact that the average cost of a wedding in Dorset is £21,921, which is more than the overall UK average of £20,822. But, this is a testament to just how amazing a wedding along the Jurassic Coast can be – and totally worth spending that budget.
That’s not to say that Dorset is exclusively for those with large budgets – far from it. With an amazing range of locations, venues and vendors, Dorset is the ideal location to host your wedding regardless of your tastes, styles or budget.
Dorset’s stunning coastline and idyllic countryside are the driving forces behind many of the region’s most-loved wedding trends. From clifftop vows on the Jurassic Coast to barefoot ceremonies on the sand and fun nautical-themed decor, beach weddings are a popular choice for couples after relaxed vibes.
But not everyone wants to battle beachy winds or sandy shoes. Many couples are opting for countryside celebrations tucked away in the rolling hills of Dorset or rural farm venues hidden away from the world. Rustic weddings are thriving, with barns, orchards and gardens all lending themselves perfectly to laid-back, romantic ceremonies.
As part of Dorset couples’ love for the local landscape, there’s a strong focus on sustainability. That means favouring green-certified venues, working with local florists and food vendors, and cutting down on waste, all while supporting independent businesses across the county.
Local food is also a big deal. Couples are curating menus packed with Dorset favourites, from seafood platters fresh off the coast to West Country cream teas and even canapés made with local cheese, alongside the famous Dorset ciders, local ales and craft beers
Dorset couples also tend to opt for all-in-one venues. This includes manor houses, country pubs, boutique hotels and gardens, where everything from ceremony to reception happens in one spot. This not only makes the day flow more smoothly, but also helps keep costs down. In fact, local couples spend just £396 on transport, significantly below the UK average of £626.
Dorset is home to a huge range of wedding venues, from romantic coastal retreats to countryside escapes and everything in between. So, whatever vision you have for your special day, you’re bound to find it around the county.
Dorset has absolutely bags of history, from the iconic Jurassic Coast to human history that dates back thousands of years. You could incorporate some of that history into your wedding by choosing a historic venue. One of the many castles around Dorset is a great place to start, where you can feel like true royalty for the day. Highcliffe Castle is located on top of a cliff and has amazing views across a nature reserve. Corfe Castle may be a 1,000-year-old ruin, but it offers panoramic views and an incredible mystical ambience. There’s also Durlston Castle, a unique and quirky coastal castle within 320 acres of parkland.
If you’d rather add an extra layer or class and luxury to your wedding day, another amazing option is one of the county’s stately homes or manor houses. Venues like Orchardleigh House & Estate, The Italian Villa at Compton Acres and Shillingstone House are all absolutely stunning and should definitely be added to your list of considerations.
The Dorset National Landscape is some of the most gorgeous countryside the UK has to offer, so why not take advantage of that and get married in the great outdoors? Venues such as Sopley Mill, The Orangery Suite and Moonacre Weddings are all great options and highlight exactly how beautiful Dorset is.
If you’d prefer to get married somewhere with some character that isn’t your typical wedding venue, Dorset has loads of places that let you inject some fun and personality into your big day. The Tank Museum is great for military personnel or fans of history; Bridport Electric Palace is ideal if you love to tread the boards; and Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre lets you tie the knot surrounded by more than 250 of your closest primate cousins!
While Dorset is one of the pricier regions to get married in on average, there are still plenty of venues that are perfect if you have a smaller budget. Take a look at venues including Harmans Cross Hall, Village Hotel Bournemouth and Kingston Maurward to see that you don’t have to spend a fortune to have your perfect wedding in Dorset.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Dorset and the wider South West region is £6,755, which makes it the second most expensive area outside of London. But, it’s important to remember that the average cost isn’t necessarily what you’ll pay, and there’s a wide range of venues across the county that are both cheaper and more expensive than this.
Because of its popularity, especially during the height of summer, wedding venues in Dorset can book up exceptionally quickly. Many venues have a lead time of 12 to 18 months, but if you’re hoping to get married between May and September, or on a weekend date, it’s a good idea to book two or more years ahead.
That said, if you’re flexible with your dates or considering a weekday or winter wedding, you may be able to secure your venue with just six to nine months’ notice. And with less demand during the off-season, you may even save a bit on costs, too.
Being on the south coast, Dorset is known for having some of the best weather in the UK. That said, it’s still the UK, so be ready for a little unpredictability no matter the season!
Spring (March – May) is a beautiful time for a wedding, with temperatures rising from 10°C (50°F) in March to 16°C (61°F) by May, which is a great time to go fossil hunting along the coastline. It’s also an amazing time for weddings, and is likely to be quieter than the busy summer months, perfect for an undisturbed photoshoot.
Summer (June – August) is the most popular season to get married in Dorset. With average highs of 18°C (64°F) to 23°C (73°F), couples flock to the coast for outdoor ceremonies and beach photography sessions. Venues like Kingston Country Courtyard and Gorwell Farm really do the Dorset countryside justice.
Autumn (September – November) is ideal for cosy, romantic weddings. The landscape starts to change as the leaves fall from the trees, and while temperatures cool from 17°C (63°F) to 9°C (48°F), you still get some warmer days. But, with an increased chance of rain, you’ll want to go with a venue that has indoor space, like Smedmore House.
Winter (December – February) in Dorset can be amazing. With fewer tourists and more availability at venues, it’s a great time for intimate celebrations. Temperatures usually stick between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F), but sometimes it can drop below freezing, so an indoor venue like St Giles House is a must.
Dorset may be right down on the south coast of the country, but it’s still easily accessible from London, the South East, South Wales and the Midlands, with great transport links and plenty of accommodation for guests coming from all across the UK.
Train services to Dorset are frequent and reliable. Weymouth, Dorchester, Bournemouth and Poole all have direct services to and from London, as well as other major towns and cities. A direct train to Poole from London Waterloo will take you a little over two hours.
If you’re driving, the A35 and A31 run right through the county, making it straightforward for guests to get to most venues. Just keep in mind that some rural venues may require a little extra travel planning and aren’t easily accessible via public transport, which is something to think about if you know a lot of your guests rely on this.
The county doesn’t have its own airport, but Bournemouth Airport (BOH) and Southampton Airport (SOU) both offer domestic and European routes. For guests coming from further afield, London Heathrow is just over two hours away by road.
As for places to stay, Dorset is a popular place for tourism, especially during the summer months, so accommodation is easy to come by. Dorset offers everything from boutique hotels and spa resorts to cosy B&Bs and coastal cottages. Many hotels also have their own event spaces, so you can get married and party the night away all under one roof, making it super convenient. Hotels including The Green House, The Royal Bath Hotel and The Connaught Hotel and Spa all have their own wedding venue spaces and are worth adding to your list of considerations.
Some venues may have a large outdoor space where a fireworks display can be arranged, or have facilities such as a garden, terrace or a lawn that can be used for outdoor activities such as games or lawn sports. Other venues may not have the same outdoor space but may have a balcony or a terrace where fireworks display can be arranged. It's important to check with the specific venue regarding their policies and regulations on fireworks displays and outdoor activities before booking. Some venues may have restrictions on the use of fireworks due to local regulations or safety concerns
