Description
Your Dream Wedding at a Historic Castle on the Dorset Coast
Imagine saying “I do” at Durlston Castle, a beautifully restored Victorian castle perched on a stunning headland within a 320-acre country park and National Nature Reserve. Located just a short drive from Swanage, this unique venue offers breathtaking panoramic sea views stretching all the way to the Isle of Wight. Surrounded by woodland, cliffs, and meadows, Durlston Castle blends timeless elegance with the natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast—making it a truly unforgettable setting for your wedding day.
Beautiful Ceremony and Reception Spaces Tailored to You
Durlston Castle is licensed for civil weddings in several distinctive spaces, giving you the freedom to create a day that reflects your style and guest list.
- The Belvedere: Located at the very top of the castle, this glass-sided room offers stunning 360-degree views of the sea and coastline. Perfect for intimate ceremonies, it accommodates up to 55 guests. After your vows, enjoy a drinks reception on the exclusive roof terrace with unforgettable views.
- The Fine Foundation Gallery: This contemporary space on the lower level features elegant Purbeck limestone and a wall of glass doors opening to sea views. It can host up to 120 guests for ceremonies and up to 90 for your wedding breakfast. The gallery also leads to a patio and a charming grassed amphitheatre—ideal for mingling and photos.
- Marquee Weddings: If you want more flexibility in style or guest numbers, the Learning Centre offers the option to host your celebration under a marquee. This package includes access to the main room in the Learning Centre, giving you plenty of space to personalise your day.
Expert Planning Support for a Seamless Celebration
The experienced wedding team at Durlston Castle is here to help you craft the perfect day. A dedicated wedding coordinator will guide you every step of the way, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The venue welcomes live music and discos, and features a licensed bar to keep the party going. You can choose from in-house catering or bring in your own preferred caterers. Plus, the stunning grounds—including the iconic Great Globe—offer endless beautiful spots for your wedding photos.
Venue Capacities at a Glance
- The Gallery: Up to 195 guests
- The Restaurant: Up to 95 guests
- The Learning Centre: Up to 75 guests
- The Belvedere: Up to 55 guests
Overview of Durlston Castle
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Location & Contact Details for Durlston Castle
What makes Durlston Castle a unique wedding venue on the Dorset Coast?
Durlston Castle offers a beautifully restored Victorian castle setting perched on a stunning headland within a 320-acre country park and National Nature Reserve. It features breathtaking panoramic sea views stretching to the Isle of Wight, blending timeless elegance with the natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast for an unforgettable wedding experience.
Which spaces at Durlston Castle are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies?
Durlston Castle is licensed for civil weddings in several distinctive spaces including:
- The Belvedere: An intimate glass-sided room at the castle's top with 360-degree sea views, accommodating up to 55 guests.
- The Fine Foundation Gallery: A contemporary limestone space with sea views, hosting up to 120 guests for ceremonies.
- Marquee Weddings at the Learning Centre: Offers flexibility with space and style, allowing personalized celebrations under a marquee.
What is the guest capacity for weddings at Durlston Castle?
The venue capacities include:
- The Gallery: Up to 195 guests
- The Restaurant: Up to 95 guests
- The Learning Centre: Up to 75 guests
- The Belvedere: Up to 55 guests
Can I host a drinks reception at Durlston Castle?
Yes, after your ceremony in The Belvedere, you can enjoy a drinks reception on the exclusive roof terrace featuring unforgettable sea and coastline views, perfect for mingling and celebrating with guests.
Does Durlston Castle allow live music and DJs during wedding celebrations?
Absolutely. Durlston Castle welcomes live music and discos to ensure your wedding party is lively and enjoyable. The venue also features a licensed bar to keep your guests refreshed throughout the celebration.
Is catering provided at Durlston Castle, or can I bring my own caterers?
The venue offers in-house catering with varied menu options. However, if you prefer, you are welcome to bring in your own preferred caterers to tailor your wedding dining experience to your taste and requirements.
Are there outdoor spaces suitable for wedding photography at Durlston Castle?
Yes, Durlston Castle's stunning grounds include picturesque woodland, cliffs, meadows, and the iconic Great Globe, providing endless beautiful and unique spots for memorable wedding photos.
What support does Durlston Castle offer for wedding planning?
The experienced wedding team provides expert planning support with a dedicated wedding coordinator assigned to your celebration. They assist in crafting a seamless and personalized wedding day, guiding you every step of the way.
Can Durlston Castle accommodate marquee weddings?
Yes, the Learning Centre at Durlston Castle offers an option for marquee weddings. This package provides access to the main room and ample space to personalize your event according to your style and guest list size.
How do the different ceremony spaces at Durlston Castle enhance the wedding experience?
Each ceremony space at Durlston Castle offers unique features:
- The Belvedere: Intimate setting with panoramic sea views ideal for smaller weddings.
- The Fine Foundation Gallery: Contemporary elegance with limestone décor and glass walls opening to nature, perfect for larger ceremonies.
- Marquee option: Flexibility in style and guest numbers with outdoor marquee celebrations.
