Minstead Lodge is nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park and offers an exclusive and elegant retreat for a unique country house wedding. The estate belongs to Minstead Trust, a local charity supporting over 300 people with learning disabilities, adding an extra layer of meaning to your celebration and contributing to the well-being of vulnerable individuals and fostering a sense of community. Our weddings are bespoke and personalised - reflecting your personality and making your wedding unforgettable. Originally built around 1832, Minstead Lodge is steeped in history and character. The venue features beautiful rooms with oak-panelled walls and captivating views over the grounds which you and your guests will have exclusive access to. The Long Hall, adorned with an oak fireplace for a winter log fire, leads to the South Terrace-an ideal spot for a refreshing drinks reception before the wedding breakfast. Intimate gatherings find solace in two bay-windowed reception rooms, versatile for ceremonies, receptions or additional lounge/bar areas. The lush gardens, spanning from the veranda to the middle terrace, offer outdoor ceremony options. At the same time, the Blade Garden accommodates celebrations with the Lodge and a marquee, providing flexibility to tailor your special day. As your celebration unfolds, Minstead Lodge offers a variety of spaces for the wedding breakfast. Opting for the drinks package adds a sparkling touch, with prosecco toasting the happy couple (or sparkling elderflower for non-alcoholic preferences). The festivities transition seamlessly to the Long Hall, where chosen entertainment sets the stage for dancing until 11pm. The day gracefully concludes at 11:30pm, with pre-ordered taxis ensuring your guests find their way home safely, wrapping up a day filled with love, joy and cherished memories.

Personal Message from the Manager

Name of Wedding Contact: Kyle Maxwell

I'm Kyle, the Events Manager here at Minstead Lodge, and I'm thrilled that you're considering our enchanting venue for your special day. We understand that your wedding is a momentous occasion, and we're honored to be a part of this exciting journey with you. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a visit. We can't wait to meet you and discuss how we can make your wedding day truly extraordinary.

Experience

Year Business Was Established

2017

No. of Weddings Hosted

Between 10 and 30

Public Liability Insurance

Yes

No. of People In Team

Overview of Minstead Lodge

Venue Type

Country House

Manor House

Dining Capacity

Reception Capacity

Usual Access Time

08:00 AM

Usual Finish Time

12:00 PM

Ceremony & Reception

Sound System Available

Wedding Licence

Dancefloor Available

Outdoor Ceremony Available

Confetti Permitted

Venue

Grade I/II Listed Building

Landscaped Gardens

Exclusive Use

Marquee Permitted

Disabled Access

On-Site Parking

Outdoor Reception Space

In-House Wedding Coordinator

Food and Drink

External Catering Permitted

Alcohol Licence

No Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol

Pricing for Minstead Lodge

Packages
(total price)

Prices Start At

£1,300

Maximum Price

£7,500

Number of Guests Included

Exclusive use of Minstead Lodge Reception Rooms including a Wedding PA on the day to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Includes the use of four reception rooms (seated capacity 75), terrace woodland views, and our marquee site. Exclusive use of the grand staircase and grounds for bride and groom photos. Tables, chairs, table linen and napkins for 75 people included.

What is included in this pricing:

Exclusive use

Furniture included

Wedding coordinator available on the day

Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)

Day before set up available

Reviews for Minstead Lodge
(14)

Hampshire Weddings Network

Wedding: January

January 2024

Such a stunning venue

Such a stunning venue!

Lovely venue, good food and excellent hospitality.

Tracy Sharp

Happy couple married in March

September 2023

Beautiful and tranquil setting

Beautiful and tranquil setting. Great hospitality and the staff are all lovely.

Samantha Turnbull

Wedding: May

September 2023

lovely setting for a wedding!!!!

I set up a wedding cake here in a marquee. What a lovely setting for a wedding!!!! Such a perfect setting. Easy to find and staff were lovely.

Simon Burge

Wedding: August

September 2023

the venue itself was stunning

The staff (Lois Janos in particular) could not have been more professional or helpful. The food for our event (approximately 50 people at a black tie dinner and drinks reception) was excellent and the venue itself was stunning on a summer's evening.

Emily and Olly Milton

Happy couple married in May

September 2023

The staff were incredible

We had an away day with our church at Minstead Lodge, it is a beautiful venue and the grounds are lovely to, the children enjoyed exploring them. We also were very happy with the disabled access. The staff were incredible, they were very attentive and went the extra mile, we hope to be able to use the facility again in the future.

Angela Kay Paddick

Wedding: September

September 2023

The hall was set up beautifully

We hired Minstead Lodge for a surprise party for my mum and dad’s 60th wedding anniversary. We were impressed right from the start with the helpful attitude of the staff who answered all of our questions and went out of their way to make our party such a special occasion. The hall was set up beautifully on the day and Lois, the events manager, was a great host making sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you so much, we would thoroughly recommend the lodge for a special occasion.

Taylor McCarthy

Happy couple married in September

September 2023

just perfect

Absolutely stunning venue! We had our wedding ceremony here on Saturday (25th Sept) and it was just perfect. Perfect for our wedding photos and so many of our guests commented on how much they loved it. Special mention to Kyle for helping the ceremony & drinks after run smoothly and all the help setting up & coordinating. I would recommend this venue to anyone!

Lovely venue, good food and excellent hospitality.

Minstead Lodge is such a beautiful venue! It's only a short hop from major routes but you instantly feel as though you are in the peaceful heart of the New Forest. A lovely heritage building with beautiful grounds. The staff (both employed and students) are friendly and eager to help, wanting to make sure your event goes smoothly. The refreshments have always been delicious too!

Location & Contact Details for Minstead Lodge

Wedding Venue Address

London Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7FT, England, United Kingdom

Website

Phone

Travel Notes

It's best to find us on Google Maps which should bring you to a turning over a cattle grid and along a long driveway which leads to our car park. We are lucky to be nestled in the heart of the New Forest where there are free roaming animals so please drive carefully and pass around them slow and wide, for more information please see the New Forest Code.

Nearest Town

Lyndhurst

Nearest Motorway & Junction

M27 Junction 1

Nearest Train Station

Ashurst New Forest

Nearest Airport

Southampton

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Gallery

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FAQs

Find out a bit more from our FAQs

Describe the best wedding that happened at Minstead Lodge?

One wedding we held on November was a complete wash out but our team were ready to make sure everything ran smoothly and the couple could still have their photos taken around the grounds. The photos turned out beautifully and made the Lodge look even more atmospheric. The couple and their family had the most amazing time indoors and some even embraced the autumnal British weather and continued partying outside.

What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Staying organised and being flexible are key factors in successful wedding planning. Trends may change, but effective communication and collaboration between you and your partner will always be fundamental to a smooth and enjoyable wedding planning experience.

What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?

For one wedding we hosted, the couple put together a vintage room divider filled with photos from their life together, friends and family. This was a beautiful way of showcasing their special memories for their guests to look through during the day.

Describe Minstead Lodge in 5 adjectives

Charming. Inspirational. Bespoke. Tranquil. Picturesque.

Where’s the best photo spot at Minstead Lodge?

In the summer months, definitely in our orangery underneath the wisteria or anywhere throughout the beautiful grounds. Throughout autumn and winter, as the leaves change colour, the best spot is at the front of the Lodge. We have a stunning maple tree that turns deep red which looks wonderful against the Lodge and is the perfect backdrop.

Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Minstead Lodge?

Not yet...

What’s your favourite canapé?

We don't have our own in-house caterers however we did have one external caterer come in and offer small arancini canapes which were delicious.

What’s your favourite midnight treat?

A cheese toastie is always a welcome treat at any wedding.

What is Minstead Lodge most unique feature?

The grand staircase. Not an original feature of the Lodge however it was donated to us by a local church so dates back even further than the Lodge and makes a stunning area for photos.

What part of your business are you most proud of?

The fact that every wedding booked at Minstead Lodge helps to support the work of Minstead Trust. A local charity supporting over 300 people with learning disabilities throughout Hampshire to build skills that help them find employment and live more independent and fulfilled lives.

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Minstead Lodge