History

Designated a Grade I-listed building, Athelhampton Hall (as it was originally called), is truly a mansion of some importance. Work began on the manor in 1493 by Sir William Martyn, and it was continued and extended by his heirs for centuries after.

Like a handful of other significant houses in this area of Dorset, Athelhampton has links to the celebrated local novelist Thomas Hardy, who appears to have been a regular visitor to the manor. His poem 'The Dame Of Athelhall' was conceived at the house.

Athelhampton House is constructed partly from gorgeous honey-coloured Hamstone, quarried from renowned Ham Hill at Yeovil.

The House

Athelhampton House offers a splendid range of function suites, set within various onsite buildings. The principal activities of the wedding day take place in the Main House or the Coach House.

The outstanding 15th-century Main House presents an idyllic venue to host your ceremony and subsequent drinks reception.

The Great Hall

Furnished with gorgeous oak panelling, original fireplaces and Jacobean antiques, The Great Hall can seat 80 for a ceremony.

Ceremony Capacity - 80 guests
Reception Capacity - 30 guests

The Great Chamber

The distinctive Great Chamber, although impressive, is a smaller and more intimate space, able to hold up to 30 for the ceremony.

Both the Great Hall and Great Chamber are available for smaller reception dining parties, though larger parties should move on to the Coach House for the rest of the day and the evening festivity.

Ceremony Capacity - 30 guests
Reception Capacity - 20 guests

The Coach House

This exquisite, thatched-roofed building is absolutely perfect for wedding breakfasts with up to 120 guests and evening reception parties for up to 300. The Coach House has its own bar, and is easily split up into the Long Hall and the spacious Conservatory.

The Long Hall

With its own minstrels' gallery and simple oak panelling, seating up to 80 for a formal wedding breakfast, The Long Hall is even licensed to host civil marriage ceremonies with up to 120 guests.

Ceremony Capacity - 120 guests
Formal Reception Capacity - 80 guests

The Conservatory

Athelhampton House's largest room, The Conservatory seats up to 120 guests for a wedding breakfast. Naturally light and airy in the day, it invariably comes to life during the evening celebration.

Formal Reception Capacity - 120 guests

The whole of The Coach House comes into its own during your evening reception party, with The Conservatory transformed into a spacious dancefloor - it now accommodates up to 300 guests.

Catering

Athelhampton House's head chef is pleased to arrange a delicious menu that your guests can choose from. The menu will be entirely bespoke - discussed with you and the Chef and will be made of locally-sourced, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Unlike most wedding menus, your guests won't have to have made up their mind months before the wedding, they can choose from the menu on the day. You can also opt for a buffet, afternoon tea, canape menu or a la carte dining.

Accommodation

The Athelhampton grounds themselves contain a 6-person, self-catering cottage perfect for the bridal party or the wedding night. It offers three ensuite bedrooms.

There is also a wide range of accommodation within the nearby villages and hamlets, including; bed and breakfast, boutique hotel and self-catering farmhouse, so your guest won't have to worry about travelling far after the reception.

Get in contact with Owen, Laura or Natalie from the events and hospitality team at Athelhampton House to formulate your plans. Either just click the 'Email this business' button above, or reveal the telephone number and give them a call.

Address
Athelhampton House
Athelhampton
Dorchester
DT2 7LG