Minstead Lodge run by Minstead Trust celebrates winning Wedding Venue of the Year at UK Weddings and Honeymoons Awards 2024

NESTLED in the heart of the New Forest it is the perfect place for one of the most important days of people’s lives.

Minstead Lodge has been recognised as such by being named ‘Best UK Wedding Venue’ at the UK Weddings and Honeymoons Awards 2024.

The award celebrates “excellence” in the wedding industry, honouring venues, suppliers and professionals “who make significant contributions to creating unforgettable wedding and honeymoon experiences”.

The lodge, run by the Minstead Trust, was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony at Royal Botanic Gardens in London on 29th February.

A spokesperson for the lodge said it was its “charm, exceptional service and dedication to creating unforgettable wedding experiences” that saw it scoop the prize.

They said: “The win not only brings deserved recognition, but also opens exciting new opportunities for Minstead Lodge in its work supporting people with learning disabilities.”

The trust supports more than 300 people in the south with learning disabilities through five social enterprises, of which Minstead Lodge is one. Every event booked at the Lodge contributes to helping them.

Built around 1832 by Lt Colonel Edward Buckley, the lodge still retains its original great oak door.

In 1852 it was sold to the Preston family and then to Dr Duncan, who was physician to Queen Victoria.

In 1924 the 6th Baron Congleton bought it. His wife Lady Congleton was an active member of the community and was Minstead’s first female church warden.