About

Highcliffe Castle is a magnificent Grade I-listed property with a rich history. The distinguished diplomat Lord Stuart de Rothesay commissioned the construction of this Gothic Revival castle, a project he had dreamt about during his childhood visits to this clifftop overlooking Christchurch Bay. The castle was duly built during the early 1830s using reclaimed Norman and Renaissance carved stone. Highcliffe is certainly an impressive structure, with sumptuous Gothic Revival features and amazing stained glass. After surviving two fires in the 1960s, several enormous repair projects were completed in the 1990s and again in 2008, resulting in the beautiful wedding venue that exists today.

The Facilities

The Wintergarden

The light and spacious Wintergarden is the perfect room to host elegant wedding ceremonies. Walk steadily down the aisle towards stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and enjoy three fresh floral arrangements provided courtesy of the hospitality team at Highcliffe Castle. A fine baby grand piano is also available to set the mood at your ceremony.

Spring/Summer/Autumn Weddings

• Ceremony-only weddings are held at 11am and 1pm.
• 3:30pm ceremonies will be followed by receptions at Highcliffe Castle.

Winter Weddings (November-February)

• Ceremony-only weddings are held at 12pm.
• 2:30pm ceremonies will be followed by receptions at Highcliffe Castle.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 100 Guests

Drawing Room

If you're planning a more intimate ceremony, the Drawing Room is brilliant. Also, during your evening reception, this beautiful room can readily be combined with the excellent Castle Bar to give a superb space for drinks and dancing.

Civil Ceremony Capacity - 40 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 110 Guests

State Dining Room

This chamber is full of historic character, with exposed brick walls adding a wonderfully rustic twist to the elegance of your wedding décor. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer beautiful views of Poole Bay and the Isle of Wight Needles.

Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 80 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 150 Guests

Great Hall

The magnificent Great Hall boasts an impressive 30ft high stained-glass Jesse Window. This is a truly breathtaking space in which to host your wedding breakfast, formal reception and/or evening party, and holds up to 200 guests.

Wedding Breakfast Capacity - 110 Guests
Evening Reception Capacity - 200 guests

The Castle Bar

The Castle Bar will be available to you and your wedding guests from 5pm onwards, and will remain open until 15 minutes before the end of your event. You can either run a tab or arrange for your guests to pay for their own drinks.

Catering

Food

Selecting the right type of cuisine and the right style of presentation for your wedding breakfast and refreshments is a most important decision. Highcliffe have taken the time to handpick a selection of outstanding caterers for you to choose from. The Highcliffe Castle team will even help you choose which caterer is right for your tastes and budget.

Drinks

Highcliffe Castle will allow you the option to bring in your own drinks to be enjoyed after the ceremony, during the wedding breakfast and throughout the speeches. A modest corkage charge per head covers the following services:-

• Receiving and storing your drinks
• Chilling your drinks
• Glassware and service
• Recycling empties
• Repacking unopened bottles
• Storage of unopened bottles, up to three working days

Beer, lager, cider and spirits are not permitted. Alternatively, you can purchase all your drinks from Highcliffe Castle.

Accommodation

While you cannot stay at the castle itself, there is accommodation in the nearby village of Highcliffe and the town of Christchurch. The venue is within easy reach of Bournemouth International Airport, the New Forest or Southampton.

For more information, or to book Highcliffe Castle for your wedding, simply use the contact buttons below.