Description
Welcome to Summer Lodge Country House Hotel: Your Dream Wedding Venue in West Dorset
Located in a picturesque West Dorset village, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding. This beautiful 18th-century Georgian manor sits on four acres of stunning gardens, offering a classic English setting that suits both intimate ceremonies and grand celebrations. The venue’s rich history shines through, especially in the Drawing Room, which was designed by the famous novelist Thomas Hardy.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces Tailored to Your Wedding
Summer Lodge offers a variety of licensed spaces to host your ceremony and reception, making it easy to create the wedding day you’ve always imagined. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a larger party, there’s a perfect spot for you:
- The Drawing Room: Bright and airy, this historic room designed by Thomas Hardy accommodates up to 40 guests for civil ceremonies.
- The Dorchester Suite: A cozy, elegant wood-panelled room ideal for intimate weddings with up to 25 guests for both ceremonies and receptions.
- Restaurant and Conservatory: These light-filled spaces offer beautiful views of the gardens and seat up to 76 guests for wedding breakfasts and receptions.
- Marquee on the Lawn: For larger celebrations, a marquee can be set up in the gardens to host up to 200 guests, perfect for a lively party under the stars.
Exclusive Use and Comfortable Guest Accommodation
Make your wedding truly yours by booking exclusive use of the entire venue, giving you and your guests complete privacy throughout your celebration. Summer Lodge features 24 individually styled bedrooms and suites, comfortably accommodating up to 50 overnight guests. As the happy couple, you’ll enjoy a complimentary suite to relax in. If you have additional guests, the nearby 16th-century Acorn Inn offers accommodation for 10 more.
Exceptional Catering and Expert Service
The dedicated Summer Lodge team is here to make your wedding planning stress-free. A personal wedding coordinator will guide you every step of the way to ensure your day runs smoothly. The in-house catering team is known for creating delicious, innovative menus that can be customized to your tastes. Plus, a world-class sommelier is on hand to help you select the perfect wines to complement your meal.
Creating Unforgettable Wedding Memories
Beyond your ceremony and reception, Summer Lodge offers plenty of ways to make your wedding weekend special. Relax and prepare in the tranquil spa, toast your new life together with a Champagne reception on the terrace, or capture stunning photos in the beautifully maintained gardens. With its blend of historic charm, luxurious comfort, and impeccable service, Summer Lodge Country House Hotel is an exceptional choice for couples seeking a memorable Dorset wedding.
Experience
Overview of Summer Lodge Country House Hotel
Reviews (8)
- MMichael & Heather14/04/2023We had an absolutely amazing tailormade wedding at Summer LodgeWe had an absolutely amazing tailormade wedding at Summer LodgeWe had an absolutely amazing tailormade wedding at Summer Lodge. From the. first meeting with the events manager and chef who took into account all our. wants, needs and expectations, to the end of our wedding day, nothing was too. much trouble. We were looked after happily and professionally to make us feel. entirely comfortable and pampered throughout. What a wonderful day and a. superb wedding dinner.We had an absolutely amazing tailormade wedding at Summer Lodge. From the. first meeting with the events manager and chef who took into account all our. wants, needs and expectations, to the end of our wedding day, nothing was too. much trouble. We were looked after happily and professionally to make us feel. entirely comfortable and pampered throughout. What a wonderful day and a. superb wedding dinner.
- AAbi and James14/04/2023The Dorchester Room was perfect for our intimate wedding, it was decoratedThe Dorchester Room was perfect for our intimate wedding, it was decoratedThe Dorchester Room was perfect for our intimate wedding, it was decorated. so elegantly with lots of candles and orchids. The staff at Summer Lodge are so. accommodating and so polite, you really do feel like royalty here. Nothing was. too much trouble big thanks to everyone at Summer Lodge for making our day. so special!The Dorchester Room was perfect for our intimate wedding, it was decorated. so elegantly with lots of candles and orchids. The staff at Summer Lodge are so. accommodating and so polite, you really do feel like royalty here. Nothing was. too much trouble big thanks to everyone at Summer Lodge for making our day. so special!
- MMichael and Heather30/07/2018Absolutely amazingAbsolutely amazingWe had an absolutely amazing tailor made wedding at Summer Lodge. From the first meeting with the wedding coordinator and chef who took into account all our wants needs and expectations to the end of our wedding day nothing was too much trouble. We and our guests were looked after happily and professionally to make us feel entirely comfortable and pampered throughout. What a wonderful day and a superb wedding dinner. Thank you all at Summer Lodge. We had an absolutely amazing tailor made wedding at Summer Lodge. From the first meeting with the wedding coordinator and chef who took into account all our wants needs and expectations to the end of our wedding day nothing was too much trouble. We and our guests were looked after happily and professionally to make us feel entirely comfortable and pampered throughout. What a wonderful day and a superb wedding dinner. Thank you all at Summer Lodge.
- AA Messervy30/07/2018Glorious settingGlorious settingSo many of our guests say it was the best wedding they have ever attended. Much of this is down to meticulous planning and attention to detail and Summer Lodge, particularly the team headed by Laure Pages, was instrumental in ensuring this was true. The weather was perfect, complimented by an artistic menu of seasonal local produce, fine wines and a glorious setting. Accommodations understatedly luxurious and no stone left unturned. Above all, though, we felt we were at home, and that is probably the finest accolade of all. So many of our guests say it was the best wedding they have ever attended. Much of this is down to meticulous planning and attention to detail and Summer Lodge, particularly the team headed by Laure Pages, was instrumental in ensuring this was true. The weather was perfect, complimented by an artistic menu of seasonal local produce, fine wines and a glorious setting. Accommodations understatedly luxurious and no stone left unturned. Above all, though, we felt we were at home, and that is probably the finest accolade of all.
- MMr & Mrs Gladysz30/07/2018No detail was too small and nothing was overlookedNo detail was too small and nothing was overlookedHaving been previous hotel guests on several occasions, Summer Lodge Hotel already had a special place in our hearts. So when we became engaged to be married, Summer Lodge Hotel was the obvious venue for our country house wedding ceremony. As always, the level of service we received was exemplary, from making preparations with the Events Manager, Executive Chef and Sommelier through to the attentive waiting staff on the wedding day itself. The day was managed smoothly and efficiently by the highly accomplished and impressive Summer Lodge team. No detail was too small and nothing was overlooked. We received much praise from our guests who thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food, superb wine and the 5 star hospitality. Summer Lodge Hotel is an exceptionally picturesque and romantic setting for an intimate marriage ceremony. We had a perfect wedding day with many fond memories that we will cherish always! With kindest regards to all the team, Mr & Mrs Gladysz Having been previous hotel guests on several occasions, Summer Lodge Hotel already had a special place in our hearts. So when we became engaged to be married, Summer Lodge Hotel was the obvious venue for our country house wedding ceremony. As always, the level of service we received was exemplary, from making preparations with the Events Manager, Executive Chef and Sommelier through to the attentive waiting staff on the wedding day itself. The day was managed smoothly and efficiently by the highly accomplished and impressive Summer Lodge team. No detail was too small and nothing was overlooked. We received much praise from our guests who thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food, superb wine and the 5 star hospitality. Summer Lodge Hotel is an exceptionally picturesque and romantic setting for an intimate marriage ceremony. We had a perfect wedding day with many fond memories that we will cherish always! With kindest regards to all the team, Mr & Mrs Gladysz
- TTripAdvisor30/07/2018An amazing wedding venueAn amazing wedding venueAfter visiting Summer Lodge on several previous occasions, when we decided to eventually get married, there was only one place! From the outset, Laure put us at ease and made us feel very special; her expertise and calmness were invaluable. The wedding was a small gathering of close friends and family and the hotel caters really well for that intimate gathering. The gardens just happened to put on a special show for our day - we were so fortunate with the weather. We were made to feel extremely special and were wonderfully looked after by everyone. Special thanks to Rosemary (Spa), Steven Titman (Executive Chef) Eric Zwiebel (Sommelier) and definitely to Laure Pages. Thank you all SO much - we had a truly wonderful, amazing day. We will be back!!!After visiting Summer Lodge on several previous occasions, when we decided to eventually get married, there was only one place! From the outset, Laure put us at ease and made us feel very special; her expertise and calmness were invaluable. The wedding was a small gathering of close friends and family and the hotel caters really well for that intimate gathering. The gardens just happened to put on a special show for our day - we were so fortunate with the weather. We were made to feel extremely special and were wonderfully looked after by everyone. Special thanks to Rosemary (Spa), Steven Titman (Executive Chef) Eric Zwiebel (Sommelier) and definitely to Laure Pages. Thank you all SO much - we had a truly wonderful, amazing day. We will be back!!!
- MM Merville30/07/2018Couldn't have been more impressedCouldn't have been more impressedWe had our wedding at the Summer Lodge at the end of June, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with our choice, or more impressed with our experience there. The team is truly exceptional, and they made us, and all our guests, feel completely taken care of. From Laure Pages who seamlessly coordinated the day to Steven Titman who created a delicious wedding breakfast, the service is flawless. The in-house sommelier, Eric Zwiebel, selected a fantastic range of wines for us to enjoy throughout the day, and the general manager, Charles Lotter, was exceedingly pleasant and accommodating. The property and grounds are absolutely beautiful – the perfect location for holding a quintessential English wedding. There are countless special touches that distinguish Summer Lodge from other wedding venues, and if you’re looking for an intimate, understated yet luxury wedding venue, this is certainly the place for you. I look forward to returning to the Summer Lodge for our anniversary, to commemorate what was a truly wonderful day for us. We had our wedding at the Summer Lodge at the end of June, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with our choice, or more impressed with our experience there. The team is truly exceptional, and they made us, and all our guests, feel completely taken care of. From Laure Pages who seamlessly coordinated the day to Steven Titman who created a delicious wedding breakfast, the service is flawless. The in-house sommelier, Eric Zwiebel, selected a fantastic range of wines for us to enjoy throughout the day, and the general manager, Charles Lotter, was exceedingly pleasant and accommodating. The property and grounds are absolutely beautiful – the perfect location for holding a quintessential English wedding. There are countless special touches that distinguish Summer Lodge from other wedding venues, and if you’re looking for an intimate, understated yet luxury wedding venue, this is certainly the place for you. I look forward to returning to the Summer Lodge for our anniversary, to commemorate what was a truly wonderful day for us.
- AAbi and James30/07/2018Perfect for our intimate wedding Perfect for our intimate weddingWe celebrated our wedding at the beautiful Summer Lodge Hotel in Evershot. We chose to have our ceremony in the stunning Dorchester room because I grew up in Dorchester, it was decorated so elegantly with lots of candles and orchids. We only had a small ceremony of 18 guests so The Dorchester Room was perfect for our intimate wedding. After having photos taken in the stunning gardens we enjoyed an afternoon tea in the conservatory, the food was glorious and the Prosecco, divine! The staff at the Summer Lodge are so accommodating and so polite, you really do feel like royalty here. Laure Pages helped me throughout the planning of our wedding and I must say she is perfect at her job, nothing was too much trouble and she made our day perfect! Big thanks to everyone at Summer Lodge for making our day so special! We celebrated our wedding at the beautiful Summer Lodge Hotel in Evershot. We chose to have our ceremony in the stunning Dorchester room because I grew up in Dorchester, it was decorated so elegantly with lots of candles and orchids. We only had a small ceremony of 18 guests so The Dorchester Room was perfect for our intimate wedding. After having photos taken in the stunning gardens we enjoyed an afternoon tea in the conservatory, the food was glorious and the Prosecco, divine! The staff at the Summer Lodge are so accommodating and so polite, you really do feel like royalty here. Laure Pages helped me throughout the planning of our wedding and I must say she is perfect at her job, nothing was too much trouble and she made our day perfect! Big thanks to everyone at Summer Lodge for making our day so special!
Location & Contact Details for Summer Lodge Country House Hotel
What types of wedding ceremony spaces are available at Summer Lodge Country House Hotel?
Summer Lodge offers a variety of licensed ceremony spaces to suit different wedding sizes and styles, including:
- The Drawing Room: A bright, airy historic room designed by Thomas Hardy, seating up to 40 guests.
- The Dorchester Suite: A cozy wood-panelled room ideal for intimate ceremonies with up to 25 guests.
Can Summer Lodge accommodate large wedding receptions?
Yes, Summer Lodge can host large wedding receptions. The venue offers:
- Restaurant and Conservatory: Seating up to 76 guests for wedding breakfasts and receptions with beautiful garden views.
- Marquee on the Lawn: A marquee set up on the gardens can accommodate up to 200 guests for lively parties under the stars.
Is exclusive use of the venue available for weddings?
Yes, couples can book exclusive use of Summer Lodge Country House Hotel. This provides complete privacy for the wedding party and guests throughout the entire celebration, ensuring a personal and intimate experience.
What accommodation options does Summer Lodge offer for wedding guests?
Summer Lodge features 24 individually styled bedrooms and suites, comfortably accommodating up to 50 overnight guests. The happy couple receives a complimentary suite. For additional guests, the nearby 16th-century Acorn Inn offers accommodation for 10 more guests.
Does Summer Lodge provide wedding planning services?
Yes, every wedding at Summer Lodge is supported by a personal wedding coordinator who assists couples through every step of the planning process, helping ensure the wedding day runs smoothly and stress-free.
What catering options are available for weddings at Summer Lodge?
The in-house catering team at Summer Lodge creates delicious and innovative menus tailored to your tastes. Additionally, a world-class sommelier is available to help select the perfect wines to complement your meal.
Can I hold both my wedding ceremony and reception at Summer Lodge?
Absolutely. Summer Lodge offers a variety of licensed spaces for ceremonies and receptions, allowing you to host both parts of your wedding day conveniently in one beautiful location, ranging from intimate rooms to larger marquee celebrations.
Are there special amenities to enhance the wedding weekend at Summer Lodge?
Yes, guests can enjoy various amenities including:
- A tranquil spa for relaxation prior to the wedding day.
- A Champagne reception on the terrace to toast the happy couple.
- Beautifully maintained gardens perfect for stunning wedding photographs.
Where is Summer Lodge Country House Hotel located?
Summer Lodge is situated in a picturesque village in West Dorset, England, with the postal code DT2 0JR, near Dorchester. This scenic location offers a classic English countryside backdrop for your wedding.
What makes Summer Lodge Country House Hotel a unique wedding venue?
Summer Lodge stands out for its blend of historic charm, luxurious comfort, and impeccable service. Its 18th-century Georgian manor status, historic rooms designed by novelist Thomas Hardy, extensive gardens, personalized service, and flexible event spaces combine to create unforgettable wedding memories in Dorset.
