Cerne Abbey

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Price: £5,000 – £8,000
Guests: 150
Bedrooms: 2

Description

There are few places this historic where you can still marry. Cerne Abbey is a Grade I listed former Benedictine abbey, founded in 987 and standing for over a thousand years, hidden in a Dorset village beneath the famous Cerne Abbas Giant.

At its heart is the historic Monument courtyard, with weathered medieval stone on every side and a lawn in the middle. It is quiet, rare and genuinely beautiful, the kind of setting you cannot recreate.

Couples can marry in the grounds, with St Mary's Church 150 metres away for a church service. For the day, the abbey is yours and your guests' alone.

It suits intimate weddings and celebrations of up to 150 guests, with room for a marquee in the courtyard. Catering is your own choice, and caterers are welcome to use the kitchen on site at no extra charge.

Packages from £5,000. The abbey is even more breathtaking in person, so do arrange a visit and come for a look round, or find out more at cerneabbey.com.

Message from the team

Name of Wedding Contact: Jessica
The estate has over a thousand years of history, and I love sharing it with people on one of the most important days of their lives. Please do reach out directly for a tour of the grounds. I would be delighted to show you around.

Experience

Year Business Was Established
2026
No. of Weddings Hosted
Less than 10
Public Liability Insurance
Yes
No. of People In Team
3

Overview of Cerne Abbey

Wedding Venue Type
Stately Home
Wedding Venue Capacity
Dining Capacity
150
Reception Capacity
150
Wedding Venue Accommodation
No. of Bedrooms
2
Sleeps No. of People
4
Bridal Suite
Changing Only

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Church within walking distance
Wedding license
Outdoor Ceremony Available
Fireworks permitted
Confetti permitted

Wedding Venue Details

Grade I/II Listed Building
On-site parking
Landscaped gardens
Outdoor Reception Space
Marquee permitted
Exclusive use
Disabled access
Open Flame Permitted
1,000-year-old Grade I listed abbey
Bridal Changing Facilities

Wedding Catering

No corkage charge for own alcohol
External catering permitted

Pricing for Cerne Abbey

Wedding Venue Hire Only
£5,000.00 – £8,000.00
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What's Included?
Exclusive use
Day before set up available
Private room(s) included (non-exclusive use)
Choice of preferred caterers
Venue hire at Cerne Abbey starts at £5000. This covers full exclusive use and is the most common package. Please do contact us directly if you have a special request and we can give you a package based around your day.
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Packages (price per head)
£30.00 – £90.00
Minimum number of guests: 20
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Packages (total price)
£5,000.00 – £8,000.00
Number of guests included: 150
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Location & Contact Details for Cerne Abbey

Wedding Venue Address

Abbey Street, Cerne Abbas, Dorset, DT2 7JQ, England, United Kingdom

Travel Notes

Cerne Abbey is located at the end of Abbey Street in the heart of Cerne Abbas, one of Dorset's most beautiful and historic villages. Follow Abbey Street through the village and the abbey entrance is at the end of the lane. Parking is available within the grounds on arrival.

Nearest Town

Dorchester

Nearest Motorway & Junction

Dorset

Nearest Train Station

Sherborne

Nearest Airport

Bristol

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FAQs
Find out a bit more from our FAQs

What type of weddings can be held at Cerne Abbey?

Cerne Abbey is available for wedding receptions, wedding blessings, symbolic ceremonies, drinks receptions, celebrations and wedding photography within the historic grounds and buildings of the estate. 

How many guests can you accommodate?

Cerne Abbey can accommodate up to 150 guests for wedding receptions and celebrations within the historic grounds, courtyards and buildings.

Is exclusive use available?

Yes. Cerne Abbey is available on an exclusive use basis only. This gives you the entire historic estate for your celebration.

Is there a church nearby for a ceremony?

Yes. St Mary's Church in Cerne Abbas is located just 150 metres from Cerne Abbey, making it one of the most natural church and reception pairings in Dorset. Couples can marry at St Mary's before walking through the village to celebrate at the abbey.

Is the venue suitable for an evening reception?

Yes. Couples can carry on into the evening in the grounds, with music and a bar by arrangement. There is room for a marquee in the courtyard for dining and dancing.


Can we have a marquee at Cerne Abbey?

Marquee arrangements can be discussed depending on the style and scale of your wedding. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

How do we arrange a viewing?

We would love to welcome you to the estate. Please contact us via the enquiry form at cerneabbey.com or email [email protected] to arrange a visit.

Is catering provided?

Cerne Abbey works with approved external caterers. We are happy to recommend trusted local suppliers to suit the style and scale of your wedding day. We have an onsite commercial kitchen which caterers can use.

Is parking available?

Yes. Private parking is available for wedding couples and guests.

Do you have a website where i can find out more?

Yes, feel free to take a look at cerneabbey.com

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