Summer Lodge Country House Hotel is the quintessential Dorset wedding venue. The historic property is perfect for a timeless celebration of love in a classic English setting.

The Grade II Listed house is set within beautiful mature country gardens in the picturesque village of Evershot. Once part of the Melbury Estate and partially designed by Thomas Hardy, Summer Lodge is a five star, Relais & Chateaux property and a member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, a mark of style and luxury.

A remarkable backdrop to your fairytale English wedding, the magnificent country house and walled gardens are ideal for intimate celebrations and grand events alike. With beautiful venues for both your ceremony and reception, Summer Lodge offers supreme luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and sublime cuisine in an extraordinary idyllic setting, exuding refined and timeless British charm.

The dedicated Summer Lodge wedding team will guide and assist you every step of the way, ensuring your special day is a magical experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life. They work with you to create your wedding and to make it a personal bespoke celebration that truly reflects your deepest wishes. Whether you envisage an intimate gathering for close family and friends, or a large and elaborate party, Summer Lodge’s experienced team can make your dreams a reality.

Both indoors and out, the spell-binding property never fails to enchant. The magnificently-appointed Drawing Room, designed by Thomas Hardy, is an elegant space for your intimate ceremony, opening out onto the beautiful gardens through a grand sash window doorway. For larger celebrations, the gardens themselves set the scene for an unforgettable romantic celebration, with the Rose Pergola making the perfect focal point for your wedding vows.

After your ceremony, mingle with your guests in the gardens, enjoying delicious canapés and wines from Summer Lodge’s remarkable cellar. You can then retire to the Dining Room or Marquee for a show-stopping, bespoke wedding breakfast. Executive Chef Steven Titman and his award-winning team work with you to create your ultimate celebratory wedding feast. With decades of experience and three AA Rosettes for outstanding quality, you are in safe hands. World-class sommelier Eric Zwiebel will help you create the perfect wine pairings for your special meal, making it something your guests will talk about for years to come.

The ancient local church is a wonderful venue for the ceremony, before you and your newly-wed parade down the picturesque village street to Summer Lodge for your elegant reception and wedding breakfast, where you have exclusive use of the entire property. Up to 200 of your guests can be accommodated in a luxurious marquee on the lawns giving you the most private of wedding celebrations with exclusive use of the hotel and grounds.

For smaller more intimate weddings there are options for you to choose from. Summer Lodge’s sister property, The Acorn Inn, is just a minute’s walk away and is an atmospheric pub steeped in local folklore. Named as The Sow and Acorn in Tess of the d’Urbervilles, The Acorn Inn is the quintessential countryside pub, and the perfect place to end your evening after your wedding breakfast at Summer Lodge. Enjoy drinks with your guests at the bar and dance the night away in the Skittle Alley. The Evershot wedding package allows you to make the most of the beautiful village and to enjoy everything that a Dorset village has to offer.

Your guests are spoiled for choice with 19 stunning rooms and five wonderful suites. Each is individually designed and uniquely-decorated with beautiful artwork and antiques. They are as inviting as they are comfortable, allowing your guests to enjoy a true taste of luxury.

For your Bridal Suite, there are two superb options. The grand Master Bedroom, designed by Thomas Hardy, is an oasis of tranquility for both before and after your celebration. Featuring a four-poster kingsize bed, open fireplace and two serene bathrooms, it is the perfect place to get ready for your big day, as well as a fabulous place to spend your first night of married life.

The ultimate in luxurious accommodation, Ivy Cottage is a romantic retreat in the grounds of Summer Lodge. A self-contained 400-year old private cottage, it is the perfect option for couples looking to enjoy all the space of a private home, with the service of a five-star hotel. With its own courtyard garden and a hot tub, it is the ideal romantic hideaway, affording you all the privacy you require.

When searching for your perfect Dorset wedding venue, look no further than Summer Lodge. The grand, historic property embodies the luxurious elegance of stately country living, while providing flawless service and effortless grandeur. With exceptional cuisine, opulent accommodation and a stunning setting, it is a true gem in the heart of Dorset.

Summer Lodge, Fore Street, Evershot

T: 01935 482000

W: summerlodgehotel.co.uk