Weddings
An idyllic Dorset wedding venue, our beautiful and exclusive use venue spaces are comprised of the ceremony room, The Kings Pavilion and our split-level Kings Priory Suite, both decorated in a New-England style.
All Harbour Hotels are known for their stunning locations and The Kings Arms is no exception. Blending traditional character with contemporary design, the hotel showcases its original Georgian style with period features whilst boasting modern interior. This character-filled boutique hotel faces out onto a picture-perfect setting, including a retired bowling green, the River Avon and the Norman-era ruins towards the 18th Century priory.
The hotel has two main event rooms, the Kings Pavilion and Kings Priory Suite, listed below, for wedding ceremonies and breakfasts of up to 96 guests and wedding receptions of up to 120 guests. The main hotel benefits from a purpose-built restaurant extension, available for private use. The extension is bright with natural light and has stunning views of the bowling green and Kings Pavilion. This space is ideal for smaller, more intimate receptions and dinners of up to 30 guests, enquire with the team about using it for pre-and post-wedding gatherings.
To enjoy your special day with your guests, whether they are local or travelling from further afield, we can offer discounted bedroom rates to accommodate your loved ones for just the wedding night or for a staycation of the celebrations. Our in-house restaurant and ever-popular Kings Bar provides decedent drinking and dining options. Guests staying a little longer can also enjoy locally-themed activities and experiences. The hotel is located perfectly to enjoy a stroll through the historic town centre, a few minutes’ walk from Christchurch Quay (via a rather lovely riverside walk), and a few minutes’ drive from the local beaches.
For those wanting to explore further afield, the hotel is also an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Dorset coast, including the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast, and the many trails and quaint villages of the surrounding New Forest – by bike, on foot or even on horseback. See our staff’s recommendations of the best activities, attractions and events in Christchurch and the wider Dorset and Hampshire area here.
The hotel is readily accessible by your guests; it’s just two hours by train from London, or 15-minutes or 35-minutes drive from Bournemouth and Southampton airports respectively. As our building is listed, help is always on hand for any of your guests who need assistance navigating their way around.
Our Wedding Crew will make planning your special day a sea breeze. Start with a standard package that’s perfect for expanding out as needed, with flexible menus that marry the freshest, locally sourced ingredients with the most indulgent of flavours.
Event rooms
The King’s Pavilion
Restored in a beautiful New England-style, this impressive space features views over the bowling green, River Avon and grand castle ruins.
- Area 106 sq m / 1,106 sq ft
- Max capacity 96
- Dining capacity 80
- Licensed
Event rooms
The King’s Priory Suite
Our split-level Kings Priory Suite is designed to host your wedding breakfast on the first floor and your evening celebrations on the ground floor. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal and views overlooking the breathtaking local grounds, then head downstairs to dance the night away. Featuring its own private bar and our dedicated bar team at your service.
- Area 100 sq m / 1,081 sq ft
- Max capacity 120
- Dining capacity 96
- Licensed
Event space
The Bowling Green
This unique outdoor space - a retired bowling green opposite from the hotel, bordered by the River Avon on one side, castle ruins on the other – is ideal for receptions and stunning wedding photography.
- Area 40 sq m / 430 sq ft
- Max capacity 96
- Licensed
Event rooms
Private Restaurant Extension
Perfect for dinner the night prior to your wedding, or breakfast the morning after, this space is perfect to kick-start your celebrations or say bon voyage to your guests after your special day. Specially-created menus include a banquet-style ‘Bring Me Food’ menu, a ‘3,3,3’ set menu (3 courses, 3 choices for each course), or a 5-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings.
- Max capacity 30
- Dining capacity 30
- Licensed
Offers & Events
2024 Wedding Offer
Wedding Open Day
Sunday 14th January 2024
Themes
Need some inspiration?
Need some inspiration? Are you looking for a seasonally themed wedding? Or just some inspiration? We offer the following special wedding themes, uniquely suited to our venue. Our wedding coordinators are here to support and help with your plan whether you’re looking for a theme or to enjoy the simplistic beauty of our venue. The choice is yours.
Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it
Some of our past happy couples have kindly agreed to share their wedding experience to help you decide. See what’s possible, be inspired by their choices.
Recommended suppliers
They’ll help too
Our recommended suppliers know our venue space inside out and are some of the best at what they do. You are of course welcome to organise your own should you prefer, or ask our wedding team for further recommendations.
Food & Drink
Treat your guestsHere at Harbour Hotels, we understand the importance of treating your guests to exceptional food & drink in making any day a special one.
Our passionate chefs have created several different menus, using only the highest quality, locally-sourced ingredients, that will delight your guests.
Private tours
See for yourselfFinding a wedding venue, is like finding a new place to live. You’ll know it’s right as soon as you walk in. To arrange a private viewing, please call our weddings team on 01202 588933, or send us an online enquiry.
Your wedding, your way
We want you to have your dream wedding and anything is possible.
If you don’t see what you want, or have questions, just call us. Our specialist wedding team is here to help – and we will undoubtedly have lots of other great ideas and suggestions.
