Weddings in Bournemouth

Dramatic clifftops, subtropical gardens and golden sand make weddings in Bournemouth among the most romantic on the south coast. If you picture bare feet on the beach, the town can do that; if you picture a grand seafront hotel, it can do that too.

Beach and seafront ceremonies

Nothing frames a ceremony quite like the sea. Several stretches of the Bournemouth coast can host celebrations on the beach, with sand underfoot, the pier to one side and the long curve of Poole Bay beyond. Saying "I do" this way is relaxed, and nobody forgets it.

Clifftop and garden venues

If it is the view you want, the clifftops above the town hold graceful hotels and function rooms looking straight out over the bay. Further inland, country houses and historic gardens offer sheltered, green settings for photographs and outdoor drinks receptions.

Hotels with a view

The seafront and clifftop hotels in Bournemouth have hosted a great many weddings, bringing a ceremony licence, reception rooms and bedrooms together under one roof, which suits anyone making a weekend of it. Our accommodation listings cover the options.

Making a weekend of it

A wedding on the coast gives your guests a short break by the sea. Point them to our things to do guide and the beaches page, and if you would like local ideas for the planning, do contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get married on the beach in Bournemouth?

Yes. Several stretches of the Bournemouth coast can host ceremonies and celebrations on the beach, with golden sand underfoot and the pier and the curve of Poole Bay behind you. It is a relaxed way to marry by the sea.

What types of wedding venues does Bournemouth offer?

The town covers a lot of styles, from ceremonies on the beach and seafront to graceful clifftop hotels looking over the bay. Inland, country houses and historic gardens give sheltered, green settings for photographs and outdoor drinks receptions.

Do Bournemouth hotels host weddings and guest accommodation?

They do. The seafront and clifftop hotels are experienced wedding hosts, combining a ceremony licence, reception rooms and bedrooms under one roof, so the celebration turns easily into a weekend by the sea.

How far is Bournemouth from London for wedding guests?

Bournemouth lies on the Dorset coast in southern England, about two hours by train from London Waterloo, so guests from the capital and across the south will find it a straightforward seaside destination to reach.

Is Bournemouth good for a wedding weekend away?

Very. Marrying on the coast gives your guests a short break by the sea into the bargain, and between the seafront attractions, the subtropical gardens and the sandy beaches, Bournemouth will keep them happily occupied before and after the day.

When is the best time of year for a wedding in Bournemouth?

June and September strike the best balance of weather and availability. July and August are hotter and far busier, and the Air Festival at the end of August makes accommodation across the bay hard to find that week.

Where should wedding guests stay in Bournemouth?

Somewhere central, and close together: the bay is seven miles long, and guests booked at opposite ends will spend the weekend in taxis. Serviced apartments suit families and groups, since a kitchen and living space make several nights easier.