Houghton Lodge, a Grade II listed Cottage Orné house built in 1793 by John Plaw, is an exceptional wedding venue set on the idyllic River Test in Hampshire. Originally intended as a fishing lodge, the house is now one of the must-see houses in Hampshire, and its extensive fine trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the River Test make it arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned historic houses and gardens in the county.
With its 14 acres of stunning gardens, Houghton Lodge provides the ideal backdrop for your wedding. Whether you’re planning a spring or summer celebration, you’ll be surrounded by the vibrant colors and beautiful fragrances of the season.
Overlooking the magnificent countryside, Houghton Lodge is a stunning location for weddings, and the possibilities for your special day are almost endless. With panoramic views over the water meadows and along the Test Valley, there is no other house in sight, and nowhere else could offer such picturesque views and tranquillity for your dream day.
Find out more about the history of Houghton Lodge on their website here.
Location: Houghton, Hampshire
Maximum Capacity: 300
Outdoor Ceremony Options: Yes
Indoor Ceremony Options: Yes
Ceremonies
Houghton Lodge Gardens is a licensed wedding venue and offers a variety of outdoor and indoor ceremony locations for your special day. From the stunning Walled Garden to the Riverside Fishing Hut, there are a variety of beautiful locations to choose from.
THE BANKS OF THE RIVER TEST
At Houghton Lodge, couples can have their ceremony on the riverbank of the Test, the most famous chalk stream river in the world. The landing stage provides an idyllic platform, with the river flowing by and the occasional swan paddling past.
This is truly a dreamy location, a sight to behold! Couples can have as few or as many guests as they like for an outdoor ceremony, but the maximum number is limited by the size of the wet weather room, the largest of which is the Orangery in the Walled Garden, which can accommodate 110 guests. The WILDS Events team can discuss ways to increase this number during the enquiry stage.
THE WALLED GARDEN
Couples can choose from two ceremony locations in the ancient Walled Gardens: by the pear trees with the chalk cob walls as a backdrop, or deeper in the garden by the Peony/Rose Arch, using the rose arch as an aisle. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy a confetti shot amongst the avenue of ancient apple trees and drinks and canapes in the quintessentially English Walled Garden.
The number of guests for an outdoor ceremony is limited by the size of the wet weather room, the largest of which is the Orangery in the Walled Garden, which can accommodate 110 guests. However, there are a variety of solutions available to accommodate up to 300 guests, so couples should speak with the WILDS Events team during the enquiry stage.
THE ORIENTAL GARDEN
Houghton Lodge’s new Oriental garden, which opened in May 2023, features a stunning Nikko bridge that is the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony. Couples can exchange vows with a beautifully landscaped garden as their backdrop, creating a picture-perfect moment that will be cherished for years to come.
With its red lacquer finish and intricate detailing, the Nikko bridge is a truly unique and eye-catching feature of the Oriental Garden. It is surrounded by lush greenery, including cherry trees, Japanese maples, and roses – the perfect spot for a wedding ceremony.
THE CHINESE DINING ROOM
Ceremony for up to 54 people.
The Chinese Dining Room at Houghton Lodge, built in the eighteenth century, is a stunningly decorated room with hand-painted silk wallpaper from China. The exotic birds and exuberant peonies tell a symbolic story of friendship, peace, love, and luck, making it the perfect room for a wedding ceremony.
The wallpaper is so beautiful that there is hardly any need for further decoration. The doors from the room open onto the garden, providing a wonderful opportunity for confetti shots before guests head to the Walled Garden for drinks and canapés.
THE MUSIC ROOM
Ceremony for up to 38 people.
The Music Room at Houghton Lodge is a stunning circular room built in the eighteenth century. It features a beautiful domed ceiling hand-painted with blue skies, clouds, and swallows, and the walls are stylishly decorated with butterflies, flowers, and beautiful mirrors.
Originally built as a music room, it is a perfect place to have a soloist, harpist, or string quartet, with the music resonating around the room.
Couples who choose to have their wedding ceremony in the Music Room can step out through the French windows and onto the lawn for confetti shots with panoramic views of the river and water meadows before leading their guests to the Walled Garden for drinks and canapés.
THE WALLED GARDEN CONSERVATORY
Ceremony for 30 people. (With outdoor space for more)
This charming glass Conservatory is tucked away in the Walled Garden enjoying an elevated position with views of the fountain, Bramley Apple arch, gardens and water meadows beyond.
The Rose Arch and Peony walk provide a perfect natural aisle, and the conservatory can seat up to 30 people, with additional guests able to sit around the fountain.
After the ceremony, couples and their guests can enjoy a confetti shot amongst the avenue of ancient apple trees, followed by drinks and canapés in the sanctity of this quintessentially English Walled Garden.
RIVERSIDE FISHING HUT
Ceremony for 6 people – Outdoor seating for 20
Whether couples are passionate about water, the river, fishing, or nature, the Riverside Fishing Hut at Houghton Lodge is the ideal place to be married. Couples and their guests can enjoy the sound of the lapping water, birdsong, and the occasional plop of a fish in the crystal-clear waters of the River Test.
The charming thatched Fishing Hut can accommodate up to 6 people inside (the bride and groom, two registrars, and two witnesses), but there is room for up to 30 guests to sit comfortably along the riverbank. Couples can decorate the hut with ivy, flowers, and bunting to create a truly unique and memorable setting for their special day.
CHURCH WEDDINGS
Houghton Lodge is situated in the Test Valley, surrounded by many beautiful villages and towns with churches of different denominations, all within 20-30 minutes away. In the village of Houghton itself, there is All Saints’ Church, which is a short drive or walk from Houghton Lodge.
For more information please visit the All Saints website by clicking here.
Wedding Receptions
Houghton Lodge offers a variety of stunning wedding reception venues, accommodating parties of 10 to 300 guests. With a range of unique and unforgettable spaces to choose from, couples can create a wedding reception that their guests will never forget.
THE WALLED GARDEN
Following the ceremony, couples and their guests can enjoy drinks and canapés in the quintessentially English Walled Garden at Houghton Lodge. For flower lovers, this is the most colorful place to be, with its peony walk, rose arches, sweet peas, irises, wildflower meadow, and other picture-perfect spots to relax.
The Walled Garden is closed for the exclusive use and privacy of the wedding party, and The Orangery provides shelter as a wet weather backup plan. There is plenty of space for guests to enjoy themselves, with chairs, tables, umbrellas, and an outside electric point for musicians.
One of the best-surviving examples of a Walled Garden in use for its original purpose of growing fruit and vegetables, Houghton Lodge’s Walled Garden provides a stunning backdrop for photographs, with its giant cobb walls bedecked with fruit trees.
MARQUEE RECEPTIONS
Following drinks and canapés in the beauty of the Walled Garden at Houghton Lodge, couples can lead their guests through the charming Peacock Garden to the front of the stunning eighteenth-century house, with its panoramic view of the expansive lawns and water meadows. This always creates a “wow” moment for guests as they set eyes on it for the first time.
Houghton Lodge has hosted a variety of spectacular weddings in marquees positioned at the end of the lawn on the riverbank, with swans quietly gliding by. A more romantic and ethereal venue would be hard to find.
The talented team at WILDS Events manages the wedding planning process for weddings at Houghton Lodge, from the initial enquiry through to waving off the final guest. Their team can look after everything from catering to invitations, and whatever style of wedding couples are looking for, they can make it happen.
THE GLASS HOUSE
The Glass House provides the perfect backdrop for your wedding reception. Bathed in natural light and featuring a stunning grape vine, it is guaranteed to wow your guests.
Nestled within the beautiful Walled Gardens of Houghton Lodge, this elegant space can comfortably accommodate up to 80 guests. The possibilities for your reception are endless.
It works well when paired with welcome drinks in our stunning Walled Garden.
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THE TERRACE OF THE HOUSE
The Terrace of the main house at Houghton Lodge is a beautiful area to enjoy welcome drinks, canapés, and photos. With its beautifully manicured lawns stretching down to the River Test, it provides the perfect backdrop for wedding celebrations.
The Terrace can accommodate up to 30 guests for a seated reception.
THE WALLED GARDEN CONSERVATORY
The Conservatory at Houghton Lodge can provide a perfect space for a small and intimate wedding breakfast with seating for up to 25 people. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Walled Garden, it enjoys an elevated position with stunning views of the fountain, Bramley Apple arch, gardens, and water meadows beyond.
Small & Intimate Weddings
Houghton Lodge is the perfect location for a wedding of any size. There are plenty of options for small and intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Ceremonies
Indoor ceremonies can be held in one of the two ceremony rooms in the house, the Chinese Dining Room (up to 54 guests) or the Music Room (up to 38 guests). Couples also have various options for outdoor ceremonies in the gardens, including the charming Oriental Garden, the stunning Walled Garden, and many more. Please inquire with WILDS Events & Management to discuss your options.
Receptions
Receptions can be held in a variety of locations, including the Walled Garden, the Oriental Garden, the Conservatory in the Walled Garden, the main terrace of the house overlooking the River Test, and the Apple Barn.
The Oriental Garden is a perfect and unusual place for a small wedding reception, overlooking the pond and the Nikko bridge, with the stream trickling past and surrounded by roses.
The Conservatory in the Walled Garden can provide a perfect space for a small and intimate wedding breakfast, with seating for up to 25 guests.
The Terrace of the House overlooks the River Test and offers stunning views of the river and water meadows. The Terrace can accommodate up to 30 guests for a seated reception.
The Apple Barn is a rustic space that can be transformed for a wedding reception, with dancing space for 30-50 people.
Speak with the WILDS Events team to discuss your special day, and we can arrange a show around with the various options available.
Apple Rooms
A bespoke collection of six individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms on-site at Houghton Lodge – the perfect place to stay for your wedding.
Situated in the picturesque Test Valley, in the heart of Hampshire’s countryside, The Apple Rooms at Houghton Lodge invites you to experience the perfect haven for your wedding celebrations. This unique collection of six individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms beckons you with its exquisite antique furniture, well-equipped kitchenettes, and a myriad of amenities.
Your wedding festivities need not be confined to a single day – The Apple Rooms at Houghton Lodge means you can extend the joy and merriment across an entire weekend.
With no fixed check-out times, you are granted the luxury of unwinding and savouring the day following your wedding. A leisurely picnic or BBQ on the lawn provides the perfect setting to reminisce and cherish the moments shared with loved ones.
The Apple Rooms are pet-friendly, allowing your furry companions to partake in the adventure.
A variety of bedroom configurations, including twin bedrooms, interconnecting rooms, and ample space for cots, caters to every family’s needs.
To secure The Apple Rooms and inquire about special wedding rates for the weekend, please speak with the WILDS team during your enquiry.
Brochure
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Book a visit
All journeys start somewhere. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your requirements and to organise a show around.
You can contact us on the details below.
01264 300260
Testimonials
About Wilds
WILDS is a full-service wedding planning and management company, offering full wedding planning and catering services. We work with Houghton Lodge as their preferred event management company. We have a wealth of experience managing weddings at Houghton Lodge, and we are entrusted to look after couples from initial inquiry through to waving off the final guests.
We have extensive experience in organising weddings of all styles and budgets. We will work with you to create a bespoke wedding that is perfectly tailored to your taste and vision. We can take care of everything your big day would require, from marquees to place cards, and everything in between.
WILDS are experienced caterers and have served thousands of weddings and parties with unforgettable food. We tailor our menus to your unique tastes, so your wedding menu is as individual as you.
You can relax and enjoy your special day knowing that everything is taken care of by WILDS.
Good to know
IS CAR PARKING AVAILABLE AT HOUGHTON LODGE?
Yes, there is plenty of car parking available for both day and evening guests. Couples are welcome to collect their cars the following day, but by 10.30am at the latest. Please note that all cars are left at the owners’ risk.
CAN WE USE HOUGHTON LODGE THE DAY AFTER OUR WEDDING?
Yes, speak to the WILDS Events & Management team about BBQ’s and Picnics for the day after – the perfect way to reminisce about your special day.
DOES HOUGHTON LODGE HAVE ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, there are 6 beautiful on-site self-catering rooms, known as The Apple Rooms. These rooms can be booked as part of a wedding package. Couples can speak to the WILDS team during their enquiry to find out more information.
WHAT IS THE MUSIC CUT-OFF TIME?
Loud music can be played until 11:30pm. If couples wish to continue the party after that, there are other options such as a silent disco. They can speak to the WILDS team for more information.
CAN I USE MY OWN CATERERS
Yes, couples can work with their own caterer if they do not wish to use WILDS. Please inquire for further details.
DOES HOUGHTON LODGE HAVE DISABLED ACCESS?
Yes, couples may use the main driveway to the house and a disabled ramp is available on request. However, please note that the riverside lawn is not disabled friendly, but couples can drive to the back of the marquee.
WILL OTHER PEOPLE BE ABLE TO ACCESS HOUGHTON LODGE ON THE DAY OF MY WEDDING?
Yes, there may be a few other people on the grounds on the day of a wedding, but Houghton Lodge takes steps to ensure that couples and their guests have exclusive use of certain areas of the gardens. If couples would like to book Houghton Lodge for their exclusive use, they should request this at the time of viewing and Houghton Lodge will discuss this further. Please be aware that there will be an additional venue hire fee for exclusive use.