Sopley Mill

This beautiful Dorset wedding venue is as gorgeous on the inside as on the outside, making it perfect for summer and winter weddings (or those rainy summer days!).

The Mill still has the stunning original features of a watermill, including oak beams, exposed brickwork and incredible views. The gardens and lawn are flanked on both sides by the Avon Millstream river. The wild location is picturesque and completely private without another house in view – you would never know it is just 10 minutes from the centre of Bournemouth!

Sopley Mill offers couples complete flexibility for their ceremony. The venue is exclusively theirs for the day, allowing them to choose when and where to exchange vows. Whether opting for an early ceremony to maximise the day or a later one for a relaxed morning, the timing is entirely up to them.

There are three beautiful ceremony spaces: the main Ceremony Room, which can accommodate up to 100 guests; the intimate Boat Room, licensed for 25 guests; or the open-air Ceremony Terrace, where couples can marry surrounded by wildflower meadows with the river flowing on both sides.

For those who prefer a church wedding, the nearby village church overlooks the Mill and welcomes couples, even if they are not part of the parish. Guests can park at the Mill and walk to the church, avoiding the need for additional travel.

Humanist weddings are becoming increasingly popular at Sopley Mill. Unlike civil weddings, these non-religious ceremonies are entirely personal and designed around the couple. Before the ceremony, the legal marriage must be completed separately at a registry office or Mill.

On sunny days, the River Deck or the lawn provide a picturesque setting for a drinks reception. If the weather is less favourable, the ground floor can comfortably accommodate 100 guests.

For those providing their own drinks, Tom’s Bars offers staff to serve them or complete drinks packages for a hassle-free experience. All listed caterers provide canapé options for guests to enjoy during the reception.

As the evening unfolds, the Granary Room transforms into a dance floor for the First Dance. The Potting Shed Bar opens, and the celebration continues. Live music brings the evening to life, with various bands to choose from. Alternatively, We Perform offers experienced DJs who tailor the music to the couple’s preferences, ensuring a great night of entertainment.

Although Sopley Mill does not offer on-site accommodation, there are plenty of options nearby. Several Airbnbs and unique lodges are within walking distance, while Bournemouth and Christchurch, less than ten minutes away, offer a range of hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses. The nearby New Forest also provides further accommodation choices.

Sopley Mill embraces both formal and relaxed dining styles. The Riverview Room provides a setting for a traditional three-course Wedding Breakfast, complete with speeches and toasts. For a more informal approach, guests can enjoy picnics on the lawn, BBQs on the terrace, or street food.

Couples have a choice of trusted caterers, all experienced at the Mill. These professionals range from high-end wedding caterers to smaller, passionately run businesses, offering everything from multi-course dining to hog roasts, paellas, and wood-fired pizzas served from a vintage Air Stream caravan. Couples are asked to select their caterer from this list to ensure a seamless service on the day.

Sopley is a picturesque village on the edge of the New Forest, just three miles from the coast. For guests travelling from further afield, it is an ideal location for an extended stay, whether for a weekend celebration or a midweek getaway.

Christchurch station, served by trains from Waterloo, is less than ten minutes away by taxi. By car, Sopley Mill is five minutes from Christchurch, ten minutes from Bournemouth, and around 25 minutes from Poole and Southampton.