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Price: £2,895 – £7,495
Guests: 100
Deals available: 3
Limited-Time Offers & Deals (3)
Description
Description
At Sopley Mill, we believe your wedding should feel as unique and timeless as the love you’re celebrating. I’m David, and my family has cared for this beautiful building since 1870. One of the things we hear most often is how breathtaking the Mill is in person, it’s even more magical than photos can capture. That’s why I love showing couples around, sharing the history, and helping them imagine all the different ways this special place can become theirs for the day.
Sopley Mill is a charming wedding venue in Christchurch, Dorset. Much of its main building still has the original features of the vintage watermill with its rich oak beams. Here, you and yours can enjoy incredible views over the Avon water meadows, flanked on both sides by the Avon River. This fantastic location is completely private without a house in view and it’s also conveniently minutes from central Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Facilities and Capacity
You and your party will have exclusive access to the venue’s get-ready facilities for a comfortable day-of preparation. There are three main floors to the building linked by a lift. The top floor has seating space for 100 individuals and a functional kitchen. You will find a dance floor and ceremony room on the second floor, while the ground floor is ideally suited for some rest and relaxation. Two rooms are licensed primarily for wedding ceremonies, and you also have the option to get married outside on the terrace. In the summer months, this expansive terrace is an ideal reception area; however, there is plenty of room on the ground floor in case of unforeseen weather changes. During the winter, you can enjoy the two log fires, many candlelit rooms, and twinkly lights that make the Mill warm, cosy, and romantic.
Services Offered
Whether your wedding is small and intimate or a larger gathering, Sopley Mill is versatile for either. The venue offers two different rental options for couples, including hiring the building on its own and designing every detail themselves. Alternatively, those who desire help and guidance can find all the assistance they need courtesy of the in-house event staff. A list of recommended vendors is available and provides you with contacts who can make planning your big day a breeze. Additional benefits included in your rental range from on-site parking for 80 cars, good local hotels for accommodation, and wheelchair access within the main building.
Message from the team
Name of Wedding Contact: David & Lucy
This wonderful building has been part of our family since 1870. We took it back in hand when it closed as a restaurant in 2012. Sadly, the poor thing wasn’t in the best state it looked like the inside of a very dated 1970s social club! The upside was its beautiful, quiet & secluded location. I thought it would make a gorgeous wedding venue – Lucy less confident! However, we spent the next 18 months of blood, sweat and tears converting this amazing building into the venue it is today.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
2013
No. of Weddings Hosted
More than 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
5
Overview of Sopley Mill
Wedding Venue Type
Barn / Farm
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
100
Reception Capacity
140
Wedding Venue Accommodation
Bridal Suite
Changing Only
Pricing for Sopley Mill
Pricing for Sopley Mill
What's Included?
Furniture included
Exclusive use
Choice of preferred caterers
What’s included...
▪ Exclusive use of Sopley Mill and it’s garden until 12am.
▪ Choice of 2 rooms locations or outside licensed for Registrar weddings (Registrar’s fee not included)
▪ Round tables to seat up to 100 people, 5 long trestle tables
▪ 100 chairs for the Granary & 100 chairs for the River View dining room
Hide detailsReviews (154)
- CChris and Georgia16/11/2025My magical experience!My magical experience!Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of using Sopley mill as a dry hire venue for our day. Being the type A bride I am, I was on top of everything and had a million spreadsheets and was also very stressed about everything- except the venue. The one thing that I didn’t have to worry about was our gorgeous venue. We of course had decorations but honestly you could have not had them and it still would have looked stunning. The venue itself is a beautiful old water mill, with parts of the mill still on show, and with four floors including a dressing room floor, this was the perfect option for the couple who wants something a mix between rustic and modern. We had constant communication from the venue and they were more than accommodating. We were able to visit the venue multiple times prior to the event and were given a comprehensive list of people they had previously worked with and trusted. They also knew exactly who to recommend based on what things we wanted (I.e specific caterers for pizza etc). They always kept an open line and responded very quickly to any calls/emails they had not been able to answer right away. I never had to chase anything and the value for money was incredible. I cannot recommend this venue enough! If I was getting married again (though I hope not to!) I would use this venue in a heartbeat! Special shout out to Kelly for seeing me right through from start to finish. From booking to the day she even got us milk for those all important morning cups of tea! Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of using Sopley mill as a dry hire venue for our day. Being the type A bride I am, I was on top of everything and had a million spreadsheets and was also very stressed about everything- except the venue. The one thing that I didn’t have to worry about was our gorgeous venue. We of course had decorations but honestly you could have not had them and it still would have looked stunning. The venue itself is a beautiful old water mill, with parts of the mill still on show, and with four floors including a dressing room floor, this was the perfect option for the couple who wants something a mix between rustic and modern. We had constant communication from the venue and they were more than accommodating. We were able to visit the venue multiple times prior to the event and were given a comprehensive list of people they had previously worked with and trusted. They also knew exactly who to recommend based on what things we wanted (I.e specific caterers for pizza etc). They always kept an open line and responded very quickly to any calls/emails they had not been able to answer right away. I never had to chase anything and the value for money was incredible. I cannot recommend this venue enough! If I was getting married again (though I hope not to!) I would use this venue in a heartbeat! Special shout out to Kelly for seeing me right through from start to finish. From booking to the day she even got us milk for those all important morning cups of tea!
- PPaul and Kat30/10/2025Incredible venueIncredible venueWhen we arrived at Sopley Mill over a year ago to take a look after viewing a couple of other venues, we knew by the time we had left the car park that we would be hiring this venue. The setting is simply stunning, rivers meeting, old machinery in the downstairs giving the character, water rushing under the downstairs room. Beautiful views across farmland, a stunning metal bridge just along a bit. The whole place is a photographers dream aswell and the photos we have had so far have been incredible. From the outset David, Kelly and Emma could not help any more than they did. They helped all the way through the process and right up to the day after when we collected our decorations from storage. Honestly you could not find a better venue to have your wedding.When we arrived at Sopley Mill over a year ago to take a look after viewing a couple of other venues, we knew by the time we had left the car park that we would be hiring this venue. The setting is simply stunning, rivers meeting, old machinery in the downstairs giving the character, water rushing under the downstairs room. Beautiful views across farmland, a stunning metal bridge just along a bit. The whole place is a photographers dream aswell and the photos we have had so far have been incredible. From the outset David, Kelly and Emma could not help any more than they did. They helped all the way through the process and right up to the day after when we collected our decorations from storage. Honestly you could not find a better venue to have your wedding.
- EEllie & Dylan06/09/2025The Best Day of Our Lives The Best Day of Our LivesI cannot thank Sopley Mill enough for a day we will cherish forever. I I want to especially Thank Kelly, for going above and beyond for helping us. There was a little bit of chaos with timing on the morning of our wedding. Kelly helped get everyone sorted and on queue. She even tied up my corset while I spoke to the registers. Her kindness and support throughout the whole experience was extraordinary. The Mill speaks for itself. We opted for the outdoor ceremony next to the River. It was the most natural, beautiful place to say i do. The views from all around the Mill is gorgeous. Toms bar created a warming, outstanding atmosphere for our guests with cocktails and a whole range of drinks to satisfy our guests. The Avon suite provided my bridal party enough space to enjoy getting ready together. The beautiful pictures we got as bridal party and the reveal to my dad / nan highlights this. The indoors of the Mill provided our guests freedom and space. They can take themselves away from the chaos, catch up with family members away from the party and join in when they want. My guests loved the fact that each floor provided something different. Downstairs was a chilled out area, where they could talk without music, reflect on our memories / people who couldn’t be with us on the day, write in our guests loved the book and use our Photo Booth. Middle floor party central and top floor buffet food, sit, chat and relax. The photographer enjoyed how many different and diverse pictures she got because of our venue. The surrounding areas of the mill offered us offer time to reflect our day as a newly married couple. Taking in the breath taking views of the Avon river and the marsh lands. It was worth every penny. It was my childhood dream come-true but better than I ever could imagined it to be ❤️I cannot thank Sopley Mill enough for a day we will cherish forever. I I want to especially Thank Kelly, for going above and beyond for helping us. There was a little bit of chaos with timing on the morning of our wedding. Kelly helped get everyone sorted and on queue. She even tied up my corset while I spoke to the registers. Her kindness and support throughout the whole experience was extraordinary. The Mill speaks for itself. We opted for the outdoor ceremony next to the River. It was the most natural, beautiful place to say i do. The views from all around the Mill is gorgeous. Toms bar created a warming, outstanding atmosphere for our guests with cocktails and a whole range of drinks to satisfy our guests. The Avon suite provided my bridal party enough space to enjoy getting ready together. The beautiful pictures we got as bridal party and the reveal to my dad / nan highlights this. The indoors of the Mill provided our guests freedom and space. They can take themselves away from the chaos, catch up with family members away from the party and join in when they want. My guests loved the fact that each floor provided something different. Downstairs was a chilled out area, where they could talk without music, reflect on our memories / people who couldn’t be with us on the day, write in our guests loved the book and use our Photo Booth. Middle floor party central and top floor buffet food, sit, chat and relax. The photographer enjoyed how many different and diverse pictures she got because of our venue. The surrounding areas of the mill offered us offer time to reflect our day as a newly married couple. Taking in the breath taking views of the Avon river and the marsh lands. It was worth every penny. It was my childhood dream come-true but better than I ever could imagined it to be ❤️
- EEmma and James03/09/2025Best day of my life Best day of my lifeWe didn't need to view any other venue. We visited Sopley Mill on their open day and were blown away by the beauty of the venue and all the support and flexibility they offer. Planning our dream day was easy, with so much room with having 3 floors and outside available all day. We had the choice of having our ceremony outside or inside (both beautiful options) and were able to use a room to get ready in the morning for all the girls. The perfect venue.We didn't need to view any other venue. We visited Sopley Mill on their open day and were blown away by the beauty of the venue and all the support and flexibility they offer. Planning our dream day was easy, with so much room with having 3 floors and outside available all day. We had the choice of having our ceremony outside or inside (both beautiful options) and were able to use a room to get ready in the morning for all the girls. The perfect venue.
- DDaniel Witt29/08/2025Incredible venue Incredible venueSopley Mill is a beautiful jewel in the New Forest, the venue was so amazing throughout the process and it was perfect for us as we wanted exclusive access and an outdoor ceremony, one person here really stands out and that is the venue manager Kelly, she really sold us with Sopley Mill, she made us feel like family and if it wasn’t for her the day would not have been as smooth and calm the communication was great the venue was flexible and very professional, we made the best choice in getting married here and would never change it.Sopley Mill is a beautiful jewel in the New Forest, the venue was so amazing throughout the process and it was perfect for us as we wanted exclusive access and an outdoor ceremony, one person here really stands out and that is the venue manager Kelly, she really sold us with Sopley Mill, she made us feel like family and if it wasn’t for her the day would not have been as smooth and calm the communication was great the venue was flexible and very professional, we made the best choice in getting married here and would never change it.
- AAlice & Craig05/08/2025Beautiful wedding day!Beautiful wedding day!The Mill was such an amazing venue for our wedding day! Kelly and the team were amazing and incredibly lovely and accommodating to all our guests. They worked really well with our other suppliers and gave great recommendations so it was a seamless day. We booked one of the Mill’s midweek packages and it took a lot of organising out of the picture and made everything so easy and there were good vibes all round! Thank you!The Mill was such an amazing venue for our wedding day! Kelly and the team were amazing and incredibly lovely and accommodating to all our guests. They worked really well with our other suppliers and gave great recommendations so it was a seamless day. We booked one of the Mill’s midweek packages and it took a lot of organising out of the picture and made everything so easy and there were good vibes all round! Thank you!
- VVicky & Steve26/06/2025An Unforgettable Day at Sopley MillAn Unforgettable Day at Sopley MillBooking Sopley Mill for our wedding was honestly the best decision we made. We completely fell in love with the mill during our very first viewing, and we both knew straight away that we didn’t need to look anywhere else. The venue is stunning, full of character, with beautiful views over the river and surrounding countryside. This gave us the perfect blank canvas to truly make the day our own. Our guests absolutely loved the venue and couldn’t stop complimenting how cozy and romantic it felt. We really didn’t need to go overboard with decorations to make it feel special, as the setting speaks for itself. The option to dry hire the mill and choose our own suppliers was a huge plus for us, and the flexibility really helped us create a day that felt completely personal. From start to finish, Kelly and the team were friendly, responsive, and incredibly helpful, always offering support when needed. We really appreciated how easy and stress-free they made the whole process. If you're looking for a wedding venue that offers flexibility, privacy, and a truly memorable setting, we can’t recommend Sopley Mill enough. Thank you for an unforgettable day. Vicky & Steve Booking Sopley Mill for our wedding was honestly the best decision we made. We completely fell in love with the mill during our very first viewing, and we both knew straight away that we didn’t need to look anywhere else. The venue is stunning, full of character, with beautiful views over the river and surrounding countryside. This gave us the perfect blank canvas to truly make the day our own. Our guests absolutely loved the venue and couldn’t stop complimenting how cozy and romantic it felt. We really didn’t need to go overboard with decorations to make it feel special, as the setting speaks for itself. The option to dry hire the mill and choose our own suppliers was a huge plus for us, and the flexibility really helped us create a day that felt completely personal. From start to finish, Kelly and the team were friendly, responsive, and incredibly helpful, always offering support when needed. We really appreciated how easy and stress-free they made the whole process. If you're looking for a wedding venue that offers flexibility, privacy, and a truly memorable setting, we can’t recommend Sopley Mill enough. Thank you for an unforgettable day. Vicky & Steve
- GGeorgia & Emma16/06/2025Our beautiful 2025 wedding at SopleyOur beautiful 2025 wedding at SopleyI honestly can’t recommend Sopley Mill enough! My partner and I had our wedding here May 2025 and the whole experience from our first look round Sopley to the actual wedding day was brilliant. The staff are so lovely and welcoming, they made sure we had everything we needed and were always on hand to ask questions to! The actual venue itself is just beautiful for both indoor and outdoor weddings! We were lucky enough to have our ceremony outside. The best part is being able to make the day your own and decorate the venue in a style that suits you. We had the most relaxed and perfect day here.I honestly can’t recommend Sopley Mill enough! My partner and I had our wedding here May 2025 and the whole experience from our first look round Sopley to the actual wedding day was brilliant. The staff are so lovely and welcoming, they made sure we had everything we needed and were always on hand to ask questions to! The actual venue itself is just beautiful for both indoor and outdoor weddings! We were lucky enough to have our ceremony outside. The best part is being able to make the day your own and decorate the venue in a style that suits you. We had the most relaxed and perfect day here.
- GGeorgina and Joe03/06/2025The most amazing wedding dayThe most amazing wedding dayWe would highly recommend Sopley Mill as a wedding venue. After looking at quite a few venues, we knew it straight away it was the one for us! The Mill and surrounding scenery is so beautiful, making our weddings photos perfect! Our guests commented what a beautiful venue it was. We would highly recommend Sopley Mill as a wedding venue. After looking at quite a few venues, we knew it straight away it was the one for us! The Mill and surrounding scenery is so beautiful, making our weddings photos perfect! Our guests commented what a beautiful venue it was.
- HHannah & Rory24/05/2025The Mill sold itself the moment we first viewed itThe Mill sold itself the moment we first viewed itI don't really know where to begin in thanking you and all of the team in making Saturday so perfect for us. We had the most amazing day and have not stopped talking about it and looking at photos since. The Mill will forever be a very special place for us and it sold itself from the moment we first viewed itI don't really know where to begin in thanking you and all of the team in making Saturday so perfect for us. We had the most amazing day and have not stopped talking about it and looking at photos since. The Mill will forever be a very special place for us and it sold itself from the moment we first viewed it
Location & Contact Details for Sopley Mill
Location & Contact Details for Sopley Mill
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FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs
Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?
There are so many wonderful weddings to choose from, we just couldn't choose one! I am sure our team can fill you in during your private viewing of The Mill.
What is your No.1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Make the planning fun!
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
We have a very unique venue being a blank canvas we see so many different ways our couples add their own personal touch. It is really special.
Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.
Exclusive, Unique, Magical, Romantic, Picturesque.
Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?
This beautiful building still has the stunning original features of the watermill with oak beams, exposed brick work and incredible views over the Avon water meadows. So everywhere is a great photo opportunity! The gardens and lawn are flanked on both sides by the Avon Millstream. The wild location is picturesque and completely private without another house in view – you would never know we are just 8 minutes from the centre of Bournemouth.
We have a very popular photo spot at The Mill where the couple can get a photo before the ceremony without seeing each other which is extremely special and not something you can do in many places! Send us a message if you would like to see the photo.
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?
We once had Fleur East sing the first dance for a couple. She was their friend & bridesmaid!
What’s your favourite canapé?
Oh, this is a tricky one. Give us them all!
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Pizza!!
What is your venue's most unique feature?
The downstairs holt bar still features all the original mill workings. We also have a wonderful viewing window to watch the river run by whilst feeling cosy inside.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
Our fantastic team
Press & Awards
All our awards & press mentions
