Description
Welcome to The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant: Your Dream Wedding Venue
If you’re planning a wedding and want a setting that’s both elegant and full of character, The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant is a perfect choice. Located on the original grounds of Highcliffe Castle, between the stunning Dorset coast and the beautiful New Forest, this venue offers a charming and intimate atmosphere for your special day. With over 20 years of experience creating unforgettable weddings, The Lord Bute is known for its unique style, award-winning food, and attentive personal service.
An Exclusive and Intimate Celebration Just for You
At The Lord Bute, your wedding is the only one happening that day—meaning you get the full attention of the team and a truly private experience. For couples wanting the ultimate exclusivity, you can book the entire hotel, including the beautiful conservatory, restaurant, and all 13 individually designed rooms. This boutique setting ensures a warm, personal touch for you and your guests throughout your celebration.
Flexible Ceremonies and Receptions Tailored to Your Vision
Whether you’re planning a cozy daytime gathering or a lively evening party, The Lord Bute can accommodate your needs. Daytime celebrations can host between 40 and 105 guests, while evening receptions welcome up to 150. A dedicated wedding coordinator will work closely with you to bring your vision to life. Plus, if you dream of a castle ceremony, the stunning Highcliffe Castle is just a short walk away—offering a breathtaking backdrop for your vows and wedding photos.
Award-Winning Food That Your Guests Will Love
- The Lord Bute features a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, recognized for exceptional culinary quality.
- Chefs craft menus using fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, blending traditional and modern flavors.
- Guests can choose their meals on the day from your personally designed menu—no need for pre-orders.
- A carefully curated wine list is available to perfectly complement your wedding breakfast and fit your budget.
Prime Location and Comfortable Accommodation
Situated in Christchurch, Dorset, The Lord Bute is close to Bournemouth and Lymington, with easy access to sandy beaches and dramatic clifftops—ideal for stunning wedding photos. The hotel offers a luxurious bridal suite featuring a sumptuous canopied bed, perfect for your honeymoon stay. Additional stylish suites and elegant en-suite bedrooms are available for your guests, ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable and memorable visit.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Reviews (20)
- DDeborah Thompson22/11/2023Incredible IncredibleThe Lord bute was an absolutely amazing hotel .. The staff were amazing and the owners should be so proud of them..I have never experienced such a beautiful hotel as this with the service and staff being so hard working ,friendly and attentive. The food was incredible . I would recommend this unique hotel in a heartbeat 💓 💗 WELL DONE xxxThe Lord bute was an absolutely amazing hotel .. The staff were amazing and the owners should be so proud of them..I have never experienced such a beautiful hotel as this with the service and staff being so hard working ,friendly and attentive. The food was incredible . I would recommend this unique hotel in a heartbeat 💓 💗 WELL DONE xxx
- AAnne Warren22/11/2023Impressive!Impressive!From the decor to the attitude of the staff as you arrive, this place impresses. Had lunch here in aid of a charity and considering we were around 80 people the kitchen dealt with it admirably. Fresh salmon on a very hot plate you could warm your hands on! Lovely flavours and vegetables al dente. Presentation very good. Cheesecake was delicious. Compliments to the chef and congratulations to the staff! Will definitely be back.From the decor to the attitude of the staff as you arrive, this place impresses. Had lunch here in aid of a charity and considering we were around 80 people the kitchen dealt with it admirably. Fresh salmon on a very hot plate you could warm your hands on! Lovely flavours and vegetables al dente. Presentation very good. Cheesecake was delicious. Compliments to the chef and congratulations to the staff! Will definitely be back.
- MMaurice Dowling22/11/2023ExcellentExcellentExcellent food, friendly staff and great service. Recommended. Lunch for 60 people.Excellent food, friendly staff and great service. Recommended. Lunch for 60 people.
- JJake Collier22/11/2023PerfectPerfectWe are about to check out having spent the most perfect 3 days. We couldn’t have wanted or wished for a better place to start our married life. The hotel is a gem and you don’t need a special occasion to come and stay it. We will be back!!! A special thank you to Simon and Gary who own the hotel and to all of the staff for making this such a wonderful experience. As you can see we really can’t recommend this hotel enough.We are about to check out having spent the most perfect 3 days. We couldn’t have wanted or wished for a better place to start our married life. The hotel is a gem and you don’t need a special occasion to come and stay it. We will be back!!! A special thank you to Simon and Gary who own the hotel and to all of the staff for making this such a wonderful experience. As you can see we really can’t recommend this hotel enough.
- Tristan Barnes22/11/2023Superb!Superb!Attended a wedding this week. Facilities are amazing, the staff were superb and the food the best I have had! Everyone really made the day very special, and were making sure all the guests were OK. I would definitely recommend coming here!Attended a wedding this week. Facilities are amazing, the staff were superb and the food the best I have had! Everyone really made the day very special, and were making sure all the guests were OK. I would definitely recommend coming here!
- SSue Hills22/11/2023Excellent ExcellentWent to the restaurant for my sons 50th birthday. Excellent food, service fantastic and very attentive. Our favourite restaurant . Regretfully limited sparking space on premises but more available in church car park directly opposite the hotel.Went to the restaurant for my sons 50th birthday. Excellent food, service fantastic and very attentive. Our favourite restaurant . Regretfully limited sparking space on premises but more available in church car park directly opposite the hotel.
- KKeith Somers22/11/2023LoveLoveMy girlfriend and I decided to take in the Jurassic Coast on a weekend excursion from London, so we elected to book a one night stay at The Lord Bute Hotel, and are so glad we did as we had a wonderful experience. The hotel location was perfect given the fact that we wanted to take in as many castles and tourist attractions as possible. Given the fact that this hotel is down the road from Highcliffe Castle made it all the more organic. Staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Being vegan my girlfriend and I, sadly more often than not, have great difficulty being adequately accommodated for a hotel's inclusive breakfast, but thankfully such was not our experience at Lord Bute! They had many delicious vegan options and substitutions that not only allowed us to partake of the included breakfast, but to have a truly enjoyable dining experience throughout. Bravo, Lord Bute, please don't change as the hospitality industry needs you!My girlfriend and I decided to take in the Jurassic Coast on a weekend excursion from London, so we elected to book a one night stay at The Lord Bute Hotel, and are so glad we did as we had a wonderful experience. The hotel location was perfect given the fact that we wanted to take in as many castles and tourist attractions as possible. Given the fact that this hotel is down the road from Highcliffe Castle made it all the more organic. Staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Being vegan my girlfriend and I, sadly more often than not, have great difficulty being adequately accommodated for a hotel's inclusive breakfast, but thankfully such was not our experience at Lord Bute! They had many delicious vegan options and substitutions that not only allowed us to partake of the included breakfast, but to have a truly enjoyable dining experience throughout. Bravo, Lord Bute, please don't change as the hospitality industry needs you!
- BBryan Ryan22/11/2023WowWowReally, really amazing venue. The staff are a cut above the rest and service was exemplary. The food is worth its accolades and the range of beverages not vast but top standard. Classy joint, be going back soon for a jazz nightReally, really amazing venue. The staff are a cut above the rest and service was exemplary. The food is worth its accolades and the range of beverages not vast but top standard. Classy joint, be going back soon for a jazz night
- NNitisha Gopaul22/11/2023Amazing AmazingWe stayed at the Lord Bute for a friend's wedding and the service was amazing. The hotel rooms were great, plenty of space to get ready, really close to the wedding venue, good parking spaces and the staff we're extremely helpful in making sure we had everything we needed on the wedding day. Would definitely recommend this hotel if you're in the area!We stayed at the Lord Bute for a friend's wedding and the service was amazing. The hotel rooms were great, plenty of space to get ready, really close to the wedding venue, good parking spaces and the staff we're extremely helpful in making sure we had everything we needed on the wedding day. Would definitely recommend this hotel if you're in the area!
- MMike Bradshaw22/11/2023FantasticFantasticFantastic stay in comfortable modern rooms with a nice restaurant.Fantastic stay in comfortable modern rooms with a nice restaurant.
Location & Contact Details for The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant
What makes The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant a unique wedding venue?
The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant offers a charming and intimate atmosphere located on the original grounds of Highcliffe Castle. With over 20 years of experience, it combines elegant character, award-winning food, and attentive personal service, making it ideal for couples seeking a memorable wedding.
Can I have an exclusive wedding celebration at The Lord Bute?
Yes, The Lord Bute offers exclusive use of the entire hotel including the conservatory, restaurant, and all 13 individually designed rooms, ensuring a private and personalized experience for you and your guests.
How many guests can The Lord Bute accommodate for weddings?
The hotel can host daytime wedding celebrations with between 40 and 105 guests and evening receptions welcoming up to 150 guests.
Is there assistance available to plan my wedding at The Lord Bute?
A dedicated wedding coordinator is available to work closely with you to tailor ceremonies and receptions according to your vision, ensuring every detail is perfect.
Can we have our wedding ceremony at Highcliffe Castle nearby?
Absolutely. Highcliffe Castle, located just a short walk away, provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding ceremony and photos if you wish to use this beautiful venue alongside The Lord Bute.
What kind of food is served at The Lord Bute for weddings?
The Lord Bute features a 2 AA Rosette restaurant known for exceptional culinary quality. The chefs create menus with fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients, blending traditional and modern flavors tailored to your preferences.
Do our guests need to pre-order their meals for the wedding?
No pre-orders are required. Guests can choose their meals on the day from a personally designed menu created by you.
Is there a selection of wines available for wedding guests?
Yes, a carefully curated wine list is available to complement your wedding breakfast. Options can be selected to suit both your taste and budget.
What accommodation options does The Lord Bute offer for wedding guests?
The hotel offers 13 individually designed rooms including a luxurious bridal suite with a canopied bed ideal for honeymoon stays, as well as stylish suites and elegant en-suite bedrooms to ensure guest comfort throughout the wedding weekend.
Where is The Lord Bute Hotel & Restaurant located and what surroundings can my wedding photos feature?
The Lord Bute is located in Christchurch, Dorset (postcode BH23 4JS), near Bournemouth and Lymington. The venue provides easy access to sandy beaches and dramatic clifftops, perfect for capturing stunning and memorable wedding photographs.
