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Price: £2,750 – £6,300
Guests: 80
Description
Description
Your Dream Intimate Wedding in Historic Dorchester
Located in the heart of Dorchester, Sunninghill is a stunning Grade II listed Victorian Gothic house that offers an exclusive and private setting for your wedding day. This unique venue, which also operates as an independent prep school, is nestled within beautiful, secluded grounds. Here, you’ll find a peaceful and charming atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy town nearby. With its rich history and distinctive character, Sunninghill provides a captivating backdrop for couples who want a wedding full of personality and meaning.
Beautiful Spaces Tailored for Your Ceremony and Celebration
Sunninghill is perfect for intimate to medium-sized weddings, comfortably hosting around 50 guests during the day and up to 90 in the evening. You’ll have access to a variety of elegant indoor and outdoor spaces to create your ideal wedding experience. The large stone conservatory is a favorite—it’s a bright, airy room where you can hold your ceremony, enjoy your wedding breakfast, and dance the night away all in one beautiful space. Architectural highlights like the Grand Staircase and warm oak paneling add timeless charm and stunning photo opportunities. For outdoor lovers, the main lawn is perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and capturing those magical sunset portraits.
What Makes Sunninghill Special: Key Features and Inclusions
- Exclusive Use: The entire house is yours for the day, creating a private, house-party vibe where you and your guests can relax and celebrate without interruptions.
- Guest Capacity: Ideal for smaller weddings, with seating for 50 guests during the day and up to 90 in the evening. The venue can seat up to 100 and accommodate 140 standing guests.
- Elegant Decor Included: Your venue hire includes tasteful touches like ivory drapes and living trees, setting a stylish and welcoming scene for your ceremony and reception.
- Seasonal British Flowers: Locally grown, seasonal blooms decorate the register table, aisle chairs, and wedding breakfast tables, adding natural beauty to your day.
- Catering Options: Whether you prefer a relaxed hog roast, a finger buffet, or an all-inclusive food and drinks package, Sunninghill offers flexible catering choices to suit your style and budget.
- Picturesque Grounds: Surrounded by mature trees, the well-maintained gardens provide countless beautiful spots for your wedding photos and outdoor moments.
Message from the team
Name of Wedding Contact: Jacky Walker
Hi,
Congratulations and thank you for considering Sunninghill Weddings venue in Dorchester for your special day!
Sunninghill is a beautiful venue set in lovely grounds in the heart of the town centre; it would be our absolute pleasure to show you around the house and for us to hear all about your wedding plans.
I look forward to meeting you,
Jacky
Experience
Year Business Was Established
2015
No. of Weddings Hosted
Between 30 and 50
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
2
Overview of Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester
Wedding Venue Type
Country House / Manor House
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
80
Reception Capacity
200
Pricing for Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester
Pricing for Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester
What's Included?
Furniture included
Exclusive use
Wedding coordinator available on the day
Non consumables (e.g. linen, lights etc.)
Ceremony Only Hire (3 hours exclusive use) for your wedding ceremony and photographs in the house and grounds from £2750 in 2023.
Full Day Exclusive use hire (May-September): 2023 £5750; 2024 £6000; 2025 £6300
Full Day Exclusive use hire (Oct-April): 2023 £4750; 2024 £5000; 2025 £5250
Hide detailsReviews (17)
- HHolly Hock Photography05/05/2023An amazing place and beautiful wedding photographsAn amazing place and beautiful wedding photographsAs a wedding photographer, Sunninghill is an amazing wedding venue to work at and an amazing place to achieve beautiful wedding photos. The main lawn its amazing for outdoor ceremonies, couple portraits, cocktail hour and group photos! It's also amazing if your looking for dreamy, backlit evening portraits as the sunsets onto the lawn nicely. It also has lovely scenery around, with trees surrounding the area, its hard to believe your in a busy town when your there! As a wedding photographer, Sunninghill is an amazing wedding venue to work at and an amazing place to achieve beautiful wedding photos. The main lawn its amazing for outdoor ceremonies, couple portraits, cocktail hour and group photos! It's also amazing if your looking for dreamy, backlit evening portraits as the sunsets onto the lawn nicely. It also has lovely scenery around, with trees surrounding the area, its hard to believe your in a busy town when your there!
- SSophie and Liam05/05/2023We had the most perfect dayWe had the most perfect dayWe had our wedding at Sunninghill last month and had the most perfect day thanks to Jacky and her team. Even with rain on and off we had a beautiful backdrop inside the venue. The staircase and stain glass windows are stunning for photos. Having a package where tableware, flowers etc were included took a lot of stress away and helped with cost. Having Jacky on hand to help plan and answer any question big or small really took the worry away. The location was brilliant for guestsWe had our wedding at Sunninghill last month and had the most perfect day thanks to Jacky and her team. Even with rain on and off we had a beautiful backdrop inside the venue. The staircase and stain glass windows are stunning for photos. Having a package where tableware, flowers etc were included took a lot of stress away and helped with cost. Having Jacky on hand to help plan and answer any question big or small really took the worry away. The location was brilliant for guests
- LLiam and Steve09/09/2022The perfect wedding for usThe perfect wedding for usJacky is an absolute star. She and her staff hosted the perfect wedding for us under difficult circumstances. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Sunninghill to anyone. The decorations were stunning, and on the big day everyone proved to be a very calming influence and everything went without a hitch. We had no idea how to arrange a wedding but with Jacky's guidance we got there and couldn't have been happoer with the results.Jacky is an absolute star. She and her staff hosted the perfect wedding for us under difficult circumstances. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Sunninghill to anyone. The decorations were stunning, and on the big day everyone proved to be a very calming influence and everything went without a hitch. We had no idea how to arrange a wedding but with Jacky's guidance we got there and couldn't have been happoer with the results.
- CCasey and Ben09/09/2022We couldn't have been happier with how the day went.We couldn't have been happier with how the day went.We held our whole wedding day here in August 2021 and it was amazing. Jacky and her team were very accomodating, and despite everything with Covid, we were able to have the wedding that we'd hoped for. The venue is really beautiful; we held our ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening party in the conservatory room and it was perfect. We had around 50 guests and it was the perfect size. The cost was good value for money, and even included some decorations and flowers which was a bonus. There are plenty of lovely spots to get those all important wedding photos, both indoors and outdoors. Particularly the tall stained glass windows! Everything was so chilled and Jacky ensured the day ran smoothly for us. We couldn't have been happier with how the day went. We would highly recommend Sunninghill for weddings.We held our whole wedding day here in August 2021 and it was amazing. Jacky and her team were very accomodating, and despite everything with Covid, we were able to have the wedding that we'd hoped for. The venue is really beautiful; we held our ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening party in the conservatory room and it was perfect. We had around 50 guests and it was the perfect size. The cost was good value for money, and even included some decorations and flowers which was a bonus. There are plenty of lovely spots to get those all important wedding photos, both indoors and outdoors. Particularly the tall stained glass windows! Everything was so chilled and Jacky ensured the day ran smoothly for us. We couldn't have been happier with how the day went. We would highly recommend Sunninghill for weddings.
- EEmma and Will09/09/2022Lovely location, perfect for the family wedding feel we wantedLovely location, perfect for the family wedding feel we wantedThank you to Jacky and all the staff at Sunninghill for our amazing wedding reception. It is such a lovely location, perfect for the family wedding feel we wanted, and the decorations were stunning! All the organisation and your attention to detail allowed us to relax and just enjoy celebrating the day with our guests :)Thank you to Jacky and all the staff at Sunninghill for our amazing wedding reception. It is such a lovely location, perfect for the family wedding feel we wanted, and the decorations were stunning! All the organisation and your attention to detail allowed us to relax and just enjoy celebrating the day with our guests :)
- BBeth09/09/2022It was just perfectIt was just perfectI was lucky enough to have my wedding at Sunninghill in December and it was just perfect. Jacky was super helpful from the first meeting and we knew we could trust her with our special day. The school was set with candles, Christmas trees and we got married at 3:30 just as it was getting dark. We were able to throw confetti inside and get some amazing photos on the beautiful staircase. Couldn't fault communication throw out the year which made me feel very at ease with my plans, I knew I could turn up on the day with no worries at all. Thanks to all at Sunninghill!! XI was lucky enough to have my wedding at Sunninghill in December and it was just perfect. Jacky was super helpful from the first meeting and we knew we could trust her with our special day. The school was set with candles, Christmas trees and we got married at 3:30 just as it was getting dark. We were able to throw confetti inside and get some amazing photos on the beautiful staircase. Couldn't fault communication throw out the year which made me feel very at ease with my plans, I knew I could turn up on the day with no worries at all. Thanks to all at Sunninghill!! X
- EEmily and Bryce09/09/2022Would definitely recommend this venue to any engaged coupleWould definitely recommend this venue to any engaged coupleMy husband and I got married at Sunninghill in 18th July 2020. The venue is beautiful, the outside space was amazing for our socially distant wedding! Jacky and the team did an incredible job of making the day so special. Our outdoor ceremony was beautiful, followed by a fantastic afternoon tea in the grounds. Would definitely recommend this venue to any engaged couple, it has something to suit everyone from the gorgeous outdoor space to the unique Sunninghill house. Jacky the wedding coordinator is beyond fabulous and will make sure you day is perfect!My husband and I got married at Sunninghill in 18th July 2020. The venue is beautiful, the outside space was amazing for our socially distant wedding! Jacky and the team did an incredible job of making the day so special. Our outdoor ceremony was beautiful, followed by a fantastic afternoon tea in the grounds. Would definitely recommend this venue to any engaged couple, it has something to suit everyone from the gorgeous outdoor space to the unique Sunninghill house. Jacky the wedding coordinator is beyond fabulous and will make sure you day is perfect!
- JJohn and Rebecca09/09/2022Memories made for a life time, thank you Sunninghill for making them.Memories made for a life time, thank you Sunninghill for making them.This is a hidden gem, right in the centre of town. From start to finish Jacky and the team at Sunninghill have been superbly professional and so helpful in making our special day complete. The venue is spectacular, all year round. We used the facilities to the max, in particular the open plan large conservatory where we had our reception, the fireplaces, the cosy bar room with sofas which gave the ability for a quieter place for people to relax. We also made use of the sports hall for games, which included table tennis tables etc. Finally the Christmas decoration was magical, in which we utilised the large Christmas tree at the bottom of the staircase for countless photos and a place for people to drop our presents and cards. Jacky was extremely helpful in helping plan our day and kept us at ease all night. In the preparations she made regular contact through our year of planning, keeping us updated with itinaries of the day. Memories made for a life time, thank you Sunninghill for making them.This is a hidden gem, right in the centre of town. From start to finish Jacky and the team at Sunninghill have been superbly professional and so helpful in making our special day complete. The venue is spectacular, all year round. We used the facilities to the max, in particular the open plan large conservatory where we had our reception, the fireplaces, the cosy bar room with sofas which gave the ability for a quieter place for people to relax. We also made use of the sports hall for games, which included table tennis tables etc. Finally the Christmas decoration was magical, in which we utilised the large Christmas tree at the bottom of the staircase for countless photos and a place for people to drop our presents and cards. Jacky was extremely helpful in helping plan our day and kept us at ease all night. In the preparations she made regular contact through our year of planning, keeping us updated with itinaries of the day. Memories made for a life time, thank you Sunninghill for making them.
- LLaura and Rob09/09/2022A beautiful setting to be married inA beautiful setting to be married inMy husband and I chose to have our wedding at Sunninghill on Saturday 15th February 2020. Not even "storm Dennis" could spoil things! We were unable to venture outside but Sunninghill's beautiful staircase and impressive windows provided us with the perfect backdrop to all our photographs and a very special indoor confetti moment. Jacky was fantastic throughout the planning of the wedding, nothing was too much trouble and was efficient at answering my many emails. Sunninghill is a hidden gem in the heart of Dorchester and is a beautiful setting to be married in. Thank you so much for helping to create a day that we shall never forget.My husband and I chose to have our wedding at Sunninghill on Saturday 15th February 2020. Not even "storm Dennis" could spoil things! We were unable to venture outside but Sunninghill's beautiful staircase and impressive windows provided us with the perfect backdrop to all our photographs and a very special indoor confetti moment. Jacky was fantastic throughout the planning of the wedding, nothing was too much trouble and was efficient at answering my many emails. Sunninghill is a hidden gem in the heart of Dorchester and is a beautiful setting to be married in. Thank you so much for helping to create a day that we shall never forget.
- PPhoebe and Rhys09/09/2022Thank you so much for making our day one to rememberThank you so much for making our day one to rememberWe were lucky enough to get married here on 09/04/22 - we booked late January for a wedding the same year, 3 months later! Jacky was a dream to work with and took all the pressure and stress out of our hands. The building and surrounds were perfect for our intimate ceremony of 30 day guests and an extra 60 more for the evening party, added bonus having a playground for the children - no need to fork out on bouncy castle or other entertainment. The food was delicious and the evening buffet was greatly received. The way Jacky and her team transformed the rooms with such a quick turnaround was very impressive, the boho theme was enhanced with the stunning arch, Ivy trees and wreath wall decor. If you’re looking for a budget friendly location to get married, but without losing the grand wedding vibe, I promise you you need not look further. Just wish we could do it again. Thank you all so much for making our day one to remember. Mr & Mrs Jones We were lucky enough to get married here on 09/04/22 - we booked late January for a wedding the same year, 3 months later! Jacky was a dream to work with and took all the pressure and stress out of our hands. The building and surrounds were perfect for our intimate ceremony of 30 day guests and an extra 60 more for the evening party, added bonus having a playground for the children - no need to fork out on bouncy castle or other entertainment. The food was delicious and the evening buffet was greatly received. The way Jacky and her team transformed the rooms with such a quick turnaround was very impressive, the boho theme was enhanced with the stunning arch, Ivy trees and wreath wall decor. If you’re looking for a budget friendly location to get married, but without losing the grand wedding vibe, I promise you you need not look further. Just wish we could do it again. Thank you all so much for making our day one to remember. Mr & Mrs Jones
Location & Contact Details for Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester
Location & Contact Details for Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester
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FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs
What types of weddings are best suited for Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester?
Sunninghill Weddings Venue Dorchester is ideal for intimate to medium-sized weddings, comfortably hosting around 50 guests during the day and up to 90 guests in the evening. It’s perfect for couples seeking a private, charming setting with exclusive use of a historic Grade II listed Victorian Gothic house and beautiful grounds.
Where is Sunninghill Weddings Venue located?
Sunninghill Weddings Venue is located in the heart of Dorchester, Dorset, England, with postal code DT1 1EB, providing a stunning and historic backdrop for your wedding celebrations.
What indoor spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions at Sunninghill?
The venue offers a variety of elegant indoor spaces, with the large stone conservatory being a particular favorite. This bright and airy room allows you to hold your ceremony, enjoy your wedding breakfast, and dance the night away all in one beautiful, cohesive space. Architectural highlights such as the Grand Staircase and warm oak paneling add timeless charm and photo opportunities.
Can we have our wedding ceremony outdoors at Sunninghill?
Yes, Sunninghill’s picturesque grounds include a spacious main lawn that is perfect for outdoor wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, and capturing magical sunset portraits in a serene and secluded environment.
Is Sunninghill Weddings Venue available for exclusive use?
Yes, when you book Sunninghill Weddings Venue, you have exclusive use of the entire house for the day. This ensures a private, house-party vibe where you and your guests can relax and celebrate without interruptions.
What catering options does Sunninghill offer for weddings?
Sunninghill provides flexible catering choices to suit various tastes and budgets including:
- Relaxed hog roast options
- Finger buffets
- All-inclusive food and drinks packages
Does the venue provide decoration as part of the hire?
Yes, your venue hire at Sunninghill includes elegant décor such as ivory drapes and living trees, which create a stylish and welcoming scene for both your ceremony and reception. Additionally, seasonal British flowers, sourced locally, decorate key areas including the register table, aisle chairs, and wedding breakfast tables.
What is the maximum guest capacity for Sunninghill Weddings Venue?
The venue comfortably seats up to 50 guests during the day and up to 90 guests in the evening. For seating arrangements, it can accommodate up to 100 guests, and standing guest capacity can reach up to 140, making it suitable for various wedding sizes.
Are there scenic spots for wedding photography at Sunninghill?
Absolutely, the mature trees and well-maintained gardens surrounding the venue provide countless beautiful spots for wedding photos. Whether indoor architectural features or outdoor natural settings, Sunninghill offers a captivating backdrop for your wedding photography.
What is unique about Sunninghill Weddings Venue’s historical features?
Sunninghill is a Grade II listed Victorian Gothic house with distinctive architectural character including a Grand Staircase and warm oak paneling. This rich history and unique aesthetic provide a captivating and meaningful atmosphere for couples wanting a wedding full of personality and charm.
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Bridebook Benefits
Bridebook GiftFree Bottle of Champagne
