Weddings in Dorchester

Celebrate your wedding in Dorchester, set in the captivating Dorset countryside – a place where rural charm most certainly shines through! Enclosed by outstanding natural beauty with a core that is just as attractive. The streets are decorated with elegant 18th century buildings and relics from years gone by.

Dorchester is essentially Thomas Hardy’s town, where this legendary poet and author spent much of his days, drawing inspiration from the idyllic surroundings - to a great extent the Casterbridge he describes in his novels. The Hardy trail gives further insight into his life, mapping the place where he lived, locations featuring in his books and the church where his heart and soul now lies.

You will come across history almost everywhere you go in Dorchester. Although the town is largely Georgian, its origins extend to the Roman who founded Durnovaia, some traces of their occupation have still survived including a Roman villa with mosaic flooring and a massive amphitheatre seating up to 10,000 spectators. The gladiatorial combats held here were later replaced by bear-baiting and public executions.

The town also has a fascinating yet murky past. The infamous Judge Jeffrey’s Bloody Assize in 1685 saw the sentencing of 292 men to death, and over 70 of them were hung, drawn and quartered with their heads stuck on pikes and distributed throughout the country to warn others against treason! The building where he once lodged still survives today.

The Old Crown Court and Cells are open to the public and make an interesting tour where you can explore the site of the famous 1930’s Tolpuddle Martyrs trial. Six men were banished to Australia for protesting at their meagre wages, wanting an increase from 7 to 10 shillings. This treatment caused outrage in the country and the labourers were returned safely home after 250,000 signatures were taken and 30,000 people marched down Whitehall in support of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

The Borough Gardens situated at the topmost part of the town is an absolute delight. The area is bustling with activity especially during the summer months with regular events held over the weekends. The lively atmosphere of the weekly markets is a scene not to miss while the river Frome offers peaceful walks with the pretty meadows making a lovely backdrop for a wedding any time of year.