Weddings and Events

Houghton Lodge Gardens has been described by recent visitors as ‘the jewel of the Test Valley’, and ‘A Stately Pleasure-Dome on the most romantic river in England’. It has been the home of the Busk family for more than a century, and still is. It provides a perfect setting for corporate entertaining, parties and romantic weddings. Some people visit Houghton for its architecture, some for its literary connections with Jane Austen and some for its gardens; but everyone leaves with a sense of its ageless tranquillity and special magic. It is little wonder that Country Life readers voted it in such numbers for their search for ‘England’s Favourite Country House’. Houghton Lodge is listed Grade II* and is the best surviving example of a “Cottage Orné” in England. It is surrounded by mature trees and lawns sweeping down to the banks of the famous River Test and is arguably one of the most beautiful privately owned gardens in Hampshire.

Ceremonies

Houghton Lodge is a licenced venue with a number of different rooms in which to get married.
We have two rooms in the house, The Chinese Dining Room with its exquisite wallpaper hand painted with birds and flowers, and the stunning Music Room with its domed ceiling with doves and clouds. In the garden we have The Orangery. It is gloriously light and airy, with a glass ceiling and beautiful views over the walled garden. For brides who dream of a long aisle then this is the perfect room, and the ancient vine provides a wonderful canopy under which to make your vows. For more intrepid couples we have the woodland Grotto and a riverside Fishing Hut in which to make your vows.

Receptions, Parties and Private Events: Riverside Marquee, The Orangery and Conservatory

We have a stunning riverside venue for a marquee, with space for up to 500 people. The marquee is placed close to the river with beautiful views over the water meadows, framed by magnificent trees with Houghton Lodge, majestically perched on the hill looking down at the marquee. In the Walled garden we have The Orangery. It is a perfect venue for a wedding reception, party or private event with seating for up to 70 guests. For more intimate gatherings we have The Walled Garden Conservatory which can seat 25-30 guests.

Accommodation at Houghton Lodge: The Apple Rooms

We also have on site our own tourist accommodation in what was once an old calf byre. These have been converted into a bespoke collection of six individually designed boutique en-suite bedrooms called The Apple Rooms, named after apple trees growing in the walled garden heritage orchard. The rooms face west across a grassy meadow, away from the main house and river. These rooms are perfect for large gatherings and can sleep up to 12 people, with six self contained rooms each with their own front door.
Corporate Fishing Days
We have two beats of the river Test, and these provide excellent corporate fishing days. Local caterers, McCrimmon and Reid’, are able to provide riverside catering for your cooperate days. Combining their love for seasonal and local produce with a passion for providing fantastic food they can greet your arrival with a riverbank breakfast followed by amazing bbqs for lunch with pulled pork, chateaubriand and lobster combined with sensational salads for afters. If you would like to entertain your client with a days fishing on the River Test with breakfast, lunch or tea, just tell Oliver at time of booking.