Small Wedding Venues in Hampshire

About Intimate wedding venues in Hampshire

Tucked away just south west of London along England’s south east coast, Hampshire has a great combination of beautiful sprawling countryside, historic towns and fantastic coastal spots, making it a dream setting for an intimate wedding. From the ancient woodlands of the New Forest to the characterful streets of Winchester and the seaside views near Portsmouth and Southampton, Hampshire is perfect for smaller, more personal wedding celebrations, with a wide variety of options.

According to our 2025 Wedding Report, Hampshire and the wider South East region host 16% of all UK weddings, which is the highest proportion in the country. That means it should come as no surprise that 84% of local couples choose to tie the knot close to home. Whether it’s a cosy barn tucked away in the hills, a historic manor house with space for just your nearest and dearest or a hidden garden venue with views over the English Channel, Hampshire is packed with picture-perfect places designed for heartfelt, intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Popular intimate wedding venues in Hampshire and average costs

Hampshire is home to some of the UK’s loveliest intimate wedding venues. From cosy spots on the outskirts of the New Forest to luxury manor houses dotted along the coast, there are so many options to choose from, suitable for a wide variety of tastes and budgets.

When you think about intimate wedding venues, the first thing that comes to your mind might not be a stately home or country house. Many are big and grand, set within huge gardens. But, while that is true, some do have smaller spaces that are absolutely ideal for a smaller, more intimate celebration. Check out the likes of Mill House Hotel, Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa, Newtown House Hotel, Groomes Country House and Esseborne Manor Hotel, which are all around Hampshire, and make for fantastic choices for smaller-scale weddings.

One type of venue that many couples seeking an intimate wedding go for is a hotel. Not only do loads of hotels have fantastic private event spaces, but you can spend your entire day there, from the ceremony through to the moment your head hits the pillow after a night of celebrating. Another great thing about hotels is that they’re all so different, so you’re bound to find one that fits with the vision you have for your special day, as well as your budget. Take a look at some of the best intimate hotel wedding venues around Hampshire, including The Angel Hotel, Solent Hotel & Spa, The Wellington Arms, Beaulieu Inn and The Bell Inn.

Another brilliant choice for couples after a smaller wedding is a restaurant, pub or bar. Venues such as Arty's at Clarence Marina, The Hampshire Hog and Bartons Mill are all brilliant options if you’re interested in a registry office ceremony followed by a relaxed celebration with your closest loved ones.

Hampshire has some gorgeous countryside, whether you like it out in the sticks or somewhere along the coast, breathing in that fresh sea air. And you can tie the knot among the great outdoors, with many intimate venues having outdoor space, so you can really appreciate what the county has to offer. Cain Manor is a romantic Tudor manor house with landscaped gardens and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces. The appropriately named Kissing Gate lets you have your fairytale wedding at one of several amazing spaces. And Hanger Farm is a rustic 18th-century barn filled with magic and whimsy.

If you’re hoping to have a wedding day with a difference, there are plenty of fun, unique and interesting venues around Hampshire that are both intimate and full of character. Gods House Tower is one of Southampton’s most recognisable landmarks and is over 700 years old. Quob Park Estate & Old House Hotel is a quirky and modern space, allowing you to exchange your vows in the middle of a vineyard. As you might expect from the name, Tudor House and Garden is an atmospheric 16th-century house with a banqueting hall that can accommodate 40 guests. Or you could choose Powder Monkey Brewery Group, which offers amazing views over Portsmouth Harbour.

The average cost of a wedding venue in Hampshire and the wider South East region is £5,626. This is a little less than the overall UK average of £5,945. However, this figure relates to all types and sizes of venues – many smaller venues that are suitable for intimate weddings can be far cheaper than this, which is good news if you’re working with a limited budget.

Average booking lead times for intimate wedding venues in Hampshire

Hampshire and the rest of the South East of England are super popular with couples looking to have their dream wedding. That means, competition from other couples to secure top venues can be tricky sometimes, especially if you’re after a specific date or you know you want a venue which is regularly booked by others. That being said, intimate weddings aren’t as common as larger celebrations, so you might just be in luck if you’re hoping for something smaller. Many venues have an average lead time of 12 to 18 months, with the most popular having a wait of two or more years. However, certain smaller venues, like pubs and restaurants, can be booked with a far shorter wait time, sometimes even just a month from now.

If you’re open to different types of venues or dates during the quieter times, like winter or during the middle of the week, this wait time can drop dramatically. It’s also perfect if you’re on a budget, with many venues offering discounted rates.

Popular themes and trends for intimate weddings in Hampshire

Intimate weddings in Hampshire are all about making the most of the county’s natural beauty. Couples are leaning into the idea of meaningful and super personal celebrations while incorporating local touches, like wildflower arrangements, forest-inspired decor and handpicked menus featuring local dishes and produce. The backdrop often does the talking, whether it’s the peaceful New Forest or a quiet spot somewhere along the coast.

When it comes to style and decor, Hampshire couples are going all-in on the Rococo Revival, a trend that blends vintage romance with theatrical flair. Even within intimate settings, couples are adding a splash of drama with detailed tablescapes, statement-making accessories and classic outfits like corseted gowns and ruffled details.

All-in-one venues such as boutique hotels and private estates continue to be popular, offering the perfect balance of intimacy and luxury. With everything under one roof, they make planning easier and the day more relaxed, not to mention it can be easier when it comes to budget management. This preference is also reflected in local spending habits, with Hampshire couples spending an average of £396 on transport, noticeably lower than the UK average of £626, showing a clear trend towards close-knit, all-in-one celebrations.