Houghton Lodge and Gardens

One of the finest private wedding venues in Hampshire

Houghton Lodge is arguably one of the most stunning riverside wedding venues in Hampshire and one of the most romantic Historic Houses in the region. Overlooking the famous chalk stream of The River Test, with panoramic views over the water meadows and along the Test Valley, there is no other house in sight offering picturesque views and tranquillity for your dream day.

Mike Tozer Photography

The family home is cosy, friendly and amazingly special. In 2001 Houghton Lodge were granted our marriage licence to hold small civil wedding ceremonies, over time we have developed a reputation for being one of the most memorable wedding venues in Hampshire, offering a unique and exclusive venue.

• A unique wedding ceremony in an 18th Century Domed & Circular Music Room
• Family home, with lots of photos, cosy and friendly.
• There is a beautiful Dining Room for small Weddings.
• Riverside Marquee Venue for Receptions (unlimited numbers.)
• "No horrible long corridors to walk down!"
• Above all a family home and not a big and impersonal hotel or function room.

A new Conservatory is available in the walled garden for small intimate gatherings, including champagne receptions and barbecues. It is a wonderful addition to our walled garden with an enticing view through the garden to the river beyond.

The Tea House is also available for small parties. Surrounded by tender plants, and the stunning walled garden, it is ideal for barbecues and hog roasts. Stroll in the whole garden and enjoy the beauty of it all before retiring to the tranquil settings of the Tea House or the Conservatory for your party.

Both the Tea House and the Conservatory are available for a modest charge.

 “We enjoyed our visit to Houghton Lodge with our photographers who were very impressed with the house and the location. As we stood by the river our daughter told us that she could not think of anywhere else in the world where she would rather get married. Everything seems to be falling into place for the big day and thank you once again for your co-operation"  

Visitor to Houghton Lodge, April 2011

Weddings in the Music Room  

Mike Tozer Photography

The Music Room is the central feature of the house and is licensed for small civil marriages for up to 30 people. This stunning circular room was built in the eighteenth century and features a beautiful domed ceiling. Recently renovated, a more romantic and beautiful room to be married in would be hard to find.

The walls are stylishly decorated with Trompe L’Oeil butterflies and flowers, and swallows and clouds adorn the ceiling. Beautiful mirrors line the walls, and french windows open directly to the garden. Musicians can play on the lawn beyond.

This room has provided the setting for Oscar Wilde’s study in the film Wilde with Stephen Fry and Jude Law, and more recently in the BBC adaptation of David Copperfield when Betsey Trotwood (played by Dame Maggie Smith) bathed the young David (Daniel Radcliffe) in an old tin tub filling the room with clouds of steam.

After you have been married in this heavenly room walk out through the french windows and on to the lawn with its panoramic views over the river and the water meadows

Weddings in the Dining Room

Stunningly decorated in silk wallpaper, hand painted in China, the beauty of which can take your breath away. The exotic birds and exuberant peonies, tell a symbolic story of friendship, peace, love and luck. This amazing room is available for small Weddings . It is licensed for up to 75 standing or 50 seated.

For Wedding Receptions we can provide you with an unsurpassable position for you to place your marquee: What could be more romantic than on the idyllic banks of the River Test.

Receptions

At Houghton Lodge & Gardens you will find most romantic position for your marquee. Overlooking the River Test, with tables on the lawn between the marquee and the river. Flowers adorning the entrance and festooning the pier, Swans gently gliding by, the water vole busily going about its daily business, the trout rising for a quick gulp of a plump and delicious mayfly. A riverside marquee with floodlit paths and the river bathed in evening mists and moonlight have provided the venue for such glorious memories.  

Entertaining In The Walled Garden

Imagine enjoying drinks al fresco in our magnificent walled garden, before a leisurely walk through the ancient gates, past the glorious herbaceous border, and down the steps to your marquee next to the river. Surround yourself in the quintessential English walled garden, with its evocative colours and scents. There is the beautiful herb garden to sit within, a magnificent rose arbour to walk through, a buddleia border full of butterflies, the apple walk to gaze upon, and even a Well to make wishes in! All this is contained within the privacy of the giant chalk cob walls bedecked with their ancient espaliered fruit trees.

Mike Tozer Photography

Your Wedding Photographs

Houghton is a photographer’s paradise. There are endless opportunities for the most memorable wedding photographs that you will want to treasure forever: Perhaps on the terrace in front of this magical house, or in the formality of the Topiary Garden, or sitting on the pier next to the river, standing on the bridge, or against the apple blossoms, next to the peony walk, under the rose arbour, or even sitting on the Well…. Whatever time of year you choose to get married there will always be something stunning in bloom.

Visit Houghton Lodge's photo gallery for Wedding Photogprahy

Costs

To have your Wedding Ceremony in the House: the cost is £3000. To have your Reception in the Garden: the cost is £3000. To have your Wedding Ceremony in the House and your Reception in the Garden: the cost is £5000. Other arrangements can be negotiated to suit your requirements.

As Houghton Lodge has become such a popular wedding venue, we must now make a charge of £5 per person, refundable on booking, to view the house and gardens.

Email us at info@houghtonlodge.co.uk with your requirements and we will be happy to help plan your perfect day!

Download a copy of the Houghton Lodge Wedding Brochure

How To Find Us

Click Here to see the map.

Houghton Lodge is one of the most accessible wedding venues in Hampshire and is situated in the heart of the Test Valley, only an hour and a half from Central London, a simple and usually fast journey straight down the M3 and the A30. We are five minutes from the local town of Stockbridge. Follow the signs to Houghton Lodge Gardens. Winchester and Andover are our nearest mainline stations ( to/from London, Waterloo) and Southampton our nearest airport, there is a local landing strip for small aeroplanes and we have had frequent arrivals by helicopter. Also wonderful departures by hot air balloon!

• Riverside venue with panoramic and stunning views, with no other house in sight.
• Historic house, which is an 18th century Grade II *Cottage Orné .
• Excellent location in the heart of the Test Valley only 1½ hours from central London.
• "Undeniably among the most beautiful private houses and gardens in Hampshire".
• So very special and desperately romantic.
• Superb photo opportunities: it really is a photographer's dream.
• Tranquil setting with 16 acres of gardens, park, and views over the river and the water meadows.
• Knot Garden with topiary Peacocks and a topiary Dragon by the river.
• Film Location, also featured in TV commercials, many books and magazines.
• There are practically always swans gliding by on the river!
• We can recommend excellent local caterers, Florists, marquee hire: all local to here(see below).
• A quintessential Walled Kitchen & Herb garden: perfect for drinks al fresco.
• This is simply the most unique and incredible place... come and see for yourself!

Local Services

Below are listed some excellent local businesses who are able to provide you with catering for all types of party, marquees, wine & champagne, flowers, photos and musicians: