Smedmore House is a unique and very special, exclusive venue for your wedding reception or Civil Ceremony. Hidden away in the Dorset countryside, nestling among rolling hills with views to the sea, Smedmore offers the opportunity for an wonderfully romantic and memorable occasion. Ceremonies can take place either in the Summer House in the Walled Garden or in 6 of the elegant rooms inside – the Front Hall, Dining Room, Cedar Room, Drawing Room, Staircase Hall or in the Old Kitchen. The lawn at the front of the house is an excellent marquee site with the Georgian west face of the house behind and sea views to the side. There are many different options available when planning your special day at Smedmore House.
•Civil Ceremony in Smedmore House (up to 60 guests)
•Civil Ceremony in Summer House: (unlimited)
Civil Ceremony in The Avenue or elsewhere int he grounds.
•Drinks Reception in Walled Garden
•Drinks Reception in front of the house.
•Marquee Reception on front lawn
•Accommodation for up to 16 people in the house
•And where to take your photographs? On the beach, in the house, on the stairs, in the garden. The possibilities are endless.
The house also offers accommodation in the historic house for a minimum of 2 nights to wedding groups and can sleep up to 16 people in the 8 attractive bedrooms in the Main House and there is the option of a further 6 in the Garden Wing, taking the total to 22.
Personal Message from the Manager
Name of Wedding Contact: Laura
The photographs do not begin to do justice to the beauty of the setting and friendly atmosphere at Smedmore House. We would be delighted to show you round. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Experience
Year Business Was Established
2010
No. of Weddings Hosted
Between 10 and 30
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
3
Overview of Smedmore House
Venue Type
Country House
Manor House
Dining Capacity
200
Reception Capacity
200
No. of Bedrooms
11
Sleeps No. of People
22
Bridal Suite
Honeymoon Suite
Usual Access Time
03:00 PM
Usual Finish Time
12:00 AM
Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Licence
Outdoor Ceremony Available
Venue
Landscaped Gardens
Exclusive Use
Water View
Marquee Permitted
Bridal Changing Facilities
Pet Friendly
Disabled Access
Grade I/II Listed Building
On-Site Parking
Outdoor Reception Space
In-House Wedding Coordinator
Food and Drink
External Catering Permitted
Asian Catering
Halal Catering
No Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol
Kosher Catering
Cultural Specialists
Asian Wedding Specialist
Jewish Wedding Specialist
Muslim Wedding Specialist
Pricing for Smedmore House
Venue Hire Only
Prices Start At
£650
Maximum Price
£6,750
For 2024 our prices range from £650 for holding just your ceremony at Smedmore House to £6750 for exclusive use of the venue for a large wedding plus 2 nights accommodation for 16 people. Smaller weddings and mid-week weddings are priced individually.
Smedmore is roughly 2 to 2.5 hrs by car from London, down the M3 and M27 to Wimborne and Wareham, then turn right off the Wareham bypass for Kimmeridge. Do not go to Corfe Castle. Follow the signs to Kimmeridge and just before you drop down into the village, turn left up up the private drive to Smedmore. Do not trust Sat-Nav for the final minutes of your journey, as the private drive is often not shown. Also do not rely on Google maps or The AA.com as they will take you through Kingston and Encombe along a bridleway which is not accessible to vehicles.
Public Transport Directions
By Rail
There are trains direct from Waterloo, London, to Wareham twice an hour every day. The trip takes around 2½ hours with South West Trains.
Taxis
Rural Dorset has good taxi cover. Taxi firms will wait to collect passengers at Wareham Train Station and will collect from Smedmore House and there is also a local firm in the village. Taxis can also be booked for airport collections / departures from London Heathrow and Gatwick. See our website for further taxi Information.