Description
Welcome to The Crown Hotel: Your Dream Wedding Venue in Blandford Forum
Located in the heart of the picturesque market town of Blandford Forum, The Crown Hotel is the perfect place to celebrate your wedding. This historic Georgian coaching inn, thoughtfully refurbished in 2017, combines classic charm with modern comforts to create a stunning setting for your special day in the beautiful Dorset countryside.
A Perfect Mix of History and Modern Style
The Crown Hotel is rich in history, once serving as a stop on the famous Trafalgar Way. Its timeless features—like classic panelled walls and oak flooring—add character and elegance to your wedding celebrations. Conveniently located and easy to reach from Bournemouth, Poole, and Shaftesbury, the hotel overlooks the peaceful River Stour and the scenic Blackmore Vale. These breathtaking views provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
Flexible Spaces Tailored to Your Wedding
Whether you’re planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, The Crown Hotel has the perfect space for you:
- Sealy Suite: This elegant function room accommodates up to 150 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. It features a private bar and direct access to a sunny, south-facing walled garden—ideal for outdoor ceremonies or stylish drinks receptions with canapés.
- Pantry and Dining Room: For smaller, more intimate weddings, choose the pet-friendly Pantry or the formal Dining Room.
- Exclusive Hire: For complete privacy, you can book the entire venue just for your wedding party.
Expert Support and Comfortable Accommodation
- Dedicated Wedding Coordinator: A professional coordinator will guide you through every step—from planning to the big day—ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- All-Inclusive Wedding Packages: Packages often include venue hire, welcome drinks, a multi-course wedding breakfast, and a complimentary bridal suite for the newlyweds, making planning easier and stress-free.
- On-Site Accommodation: The hotel offers 27 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms and suites, many with charming Georgian touches. Comfortable and convenient, discounted rates are available for your wedding guests.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of The Crown Hotel, Dorset
Pricing for The Crown Hotel, Dorset
Reviews (22)
- JJames & Diane11/11/2025"the wedding of our dreams""the wedding of our dreams"Laura and her team helped us plan the wedding of our dreams. The hotel provides an old-fashioned, comfortable theme, and the weather was on our side to allow us an outside wedding as planned. Accommodation, service, staff, and environment were all excellent and we would highly recommend them.Laura and her team helped us plan the wedding of our dreams. The hotel provides an old-fashioned, comfortable theme, and the weather was on our side to allow us an outside wedding as planned. Accommodation, service, staff, and environment were all excellent and we would highly recommend them.
- CChloe & Ryan11/11/2025I cannot praise it highly enough. I cannot praise it highly enough.The Crown hotel was recommended to us by a friend as a potential venue for our son and his fiancée's wedding, and we are so glad they chose to get married there. From start to finish, the day ran incredibly smoothly, with everyone having a wonderful day. The food was absolutely fantastic, I cannot praise it highly enough. The chef and team deserve a huge well done.The Crown hotel was recommended to us by a friend as a potential venue for our son and his fiancée's wedding, and we are so glad they chose to get married there. From start to finish, the day ran incredibly smoothly, with everyone having a wonderful day. The food was absolutely fantastic, I cannot praise it highly enough. The chef and team deserve a huge well done.
- RRob & Charlotte11/11/2025Amazing Day!Amazing Day!Laura and Rob from The Crown made our special day even more magical with the care and attention they provided. Laura was so helpful and friendly right from the beginning of the process, which was a blessing considering all the other things we had to do. Can't fault anything and would highly recommend this lovely venue :)Laura and Rob from The Crown made our special day even more magical with the care and attention they provided. Laura was so helpful and friendly right from the beginning of the process, which was a blessing considering all the other things we had to do. Can't fault anything and would highly recommend this lovely venue :)
- CCath & Gareth11/11/2025A good price for an amazing dayA good price for an amazing dayThe Crown were brilliant at helping us plan our special day. A good price for an amazing day for those who are struggling to afford a wedding (like we were) Very glad we chose The Crown as our venue.The Crown were brilliant at helping us plan our special day. A good price for an amazing day for those who are struggling to afford a wedding (like we were) Very glad we chose The Crown as our venue.
- MMichael & Kelly Batten11/11/2025We'd thoroughly recommend.We'd thoroughly recommend.We had our wedding here on 11th October and it was a magical day. Laura was fabulous throughout as the wedding organiser, Vince was superb on the day, and Gemma was so friendly and helpful when called upon. The room looked amazing, the grounds were super clean and tidy, and the rooms were fantastic as well. We had guests from abroad, and they said the booking of the rooms was super easy and nearly a year in advance. We'd thoroughly recommend.We had our wedding here on 11th October and it was a magical day. Laura was fabulous throughout as the wedding organiser, Vince was superb on the day, and Gemma was so friendly and helpful when called upon. The room looked amazing, the grounds were super clean and tidy, and the rooms were fantastic as well. We had guests from abroad, and they said the booking of the rooms was super easy and nearly a year in advance. We'd thoroughly recommend.
- JJon & Joan11/11/2025The team was brilliant.The team was brilliant.We met Laura, the wedding planner, who was amazing. She was calm, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and extremely professional. We had our entire day at The Crown, and from the moment we arrived, everything was perfect. The Sealy Suite is a private wing with its own bar and it looked beautifully decorated with the fairy lights and drapes. The food was absolutely delicious and received lots of positive comments. The team was brilliant.We met Laura, the wedding planner, who was amazing. She was calm, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and extremely professional. We had our entire day at The Crown, and from the moment we arrived, everything was perfect. The Sealy Suite is a private wing with its own bar and it looked beautifully decorated with the fairy lights and drapes. The food was absolutely delicious and received lots of positive comments. The team was brilliant.
- MMolly & Dan11/11/2025Nothing was too much to ask!Nothing was too much to ask!… ! Laura (best wedding planner ever) went above and beyond to make sure it was perfect; nothing was too much to ask. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a wedding venue 🤍… ! Laura (best wedding planner ever) went above and beyond to make sure it was perfect; nothing was too much to ask. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a wedding venue 🤍
- TTerisa & Charlie11/11/2025"it was completely stress-free""it was completely stress-free"I don’t have a single negative thing to say about my wedding at The Crown Hotel. From the initial meeting to the big day, Laura was fantastic! I never had a worry with the organisation as most of the suppliers I chose were recommend by the Crown and liaised directly with the team. On the day, it was completely stress-free as Laura had everything under control. Perfect day in every way, and a stunning setting for a wedding. I don’t have a single negative thing to say about my wedding at The Crown Hotel. From the initial meeting to the big day, Laura was fantastic! I never had a worry with the organisation as most of the suppliers I chose were recommend by the Crown and liaised directly with the team. On the day, it was completely stress-free as Laura had everything under control. Perfect day in every way, and a stunning setting for a wedding.
- RRebecca & Jamie11/11/2025We can’t recommend The Crown highly enough!We can’t recommend The Crown highly enough!We can’t recommend The Crown highly enough. Laura was brilliant in helping us set up our special day, and they provided everything we wanted. The food was great, the room was beautiful, and everyone had a great time.We can’t recommend The Crown highly enough. Laura was brilliant in helping us set up our special day, and they provided everything we wanted. The food was great, the room was beautiful, and everyone had a great time.
- KKeith & Cathy Manston11/11/2025A day we remember for a very long time! A day we remember for a very long time!The Crown hosted our wedding reception at the end of May and the experience can be summed up in a single word – wonderful! From the very first time we met Laura, our wedding coordinator through to breakfast on the day after our reception the experience was perfect. The Sealy Suite looked stunning and the food both at the main reception and in the evening was excellent. Laura was brilliant giving us great care and attention during all the preparations before the event, and on the day. The Crown hosted our wedding reception at the end of May and the experience can be summed up in a single word – wonderful! From the very first time we met Laura, our wedding coordinator through to breakfast on the day after our reception the experience was perfect. The Sealy Suite looked stunning and the food both at the main reception and in the evening was excellent. Laura was brilliant giving us great care and attention during all the preparations before the event, and on the day.
Location & Contact Details for The Crown Hotel, Dorset
What makes The Crown Hotel in Blandford Forum a unique wedding venue?
The Crown Hotel offers a blend of historical charm and modern comforts. This Georgian coaching inn, beautifully refurbished in 2017, features classic panelled walls and oak flooring, set against the scenic Dorset countryside with views of the River Stour and Blackmore Vale, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding day.
Where is The Crown Hotel located and how accessible is it?
The Crown Hotel is located in the heart of Blandford Forum, Dorset, with the postal code DT11 7AJ. It is conveniently accessible from nearby towns such as Bournemouth, Poole, and Shaftesbury, making it easy for guests to attend your wedding.
What wedding spaces are available at The Crown Hotel?
The Crown Hotel offers flexible event spaces tailored to your wedding size and style, including:
- Sealy Suite: Suitable for up to 150 guests, featuring a private bar and access to a sunny south-facing walled garden ideal for outdoor ceremonies or drinks receptions.
- Pantry and Dining Room: Perfect for intimate weddings and pet-friendly options.
- Exclusive Hire: Option to book the entire venue for complete privacy during your celebration.
Does The Crown Hotel provide wedding coordination services?
Yes, The Crown Hotel has a dedicated wedding coordinator who will assist you throughout the planning process and on your wedding day, ensuring everything runs smoothly and meets your expectations.
Are there all-inclusive wedding packages available at The Crown Hotel?
The Crown Hotel offers all-inclusive wedding packages that typically cover venue hire, welcome drinks, a multi-course wedding breakfast, and a complimentary bridal suite, simplifying the planning process and reducing stress.
Can The Crown Hotel accommodate overnight guests?
Absolutely. The hotel has 27 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms and suites featuring charming Georgian touches. Special discounted rates are available for wedding guests to ensure comfort and convenience.
Is The Crown Hotel suitable for outdoor wedding ceremonies?
Yes, The Crown Hotel's Sealy Suite provides direct access to a south-facing walled garden, perfect for outdoor ceremonies or stylish drinks receptions with canapés, offering a picturesque setting in the Dorset countryside.
Can I host both my ceremony and reception at The Crown Hotel?
Yes, The Crown Hotel accommodates both wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Sealy Suite can host up to 150 guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast, providing a seamless and enjoyable experience on your special day.
Is The Crown Hotel pet-friendly for smaller weddings?
Yes, for smaller, more intimate weddings, The Pantry is a pet-friendly space, allowing you to celebrate with your beloved pets by your side in a welcoming environment.
What historical significance does The Crown Hotel have?
The Crown Hotel is a historic Georgian coaching inn that once served as a stop on the famous Trafalgar Way. This rich history combines with its elegant interiors to create a wedding venue full of character and timeless charm.
