Why take the car to the church when you can take the speedboat to the fort?
We know how important the venue decision is when organising your wedding, and that is why we are so excited to unveil the incredible Solent Forts.
Located just off Portsmouth on England’s south coast, let our boat transport you across the waves to our wonderful private islands. These stunning venues have been beautifully refurbished and are just waiting to bring you a wedding day beyond your wildest dreams.
Constructed between 1865 – 1880, these incredible forts were originally built to protect Britain’s premier naval dockyard from the forces of Napoleon. Two of these forts – the intimate Spitbank Fort and the larger No Man’s Fort – have been beautifully renovated to become the UK’s first luxury private islands and the ultimate wedding venues. Careful restoration and collaboration with National Heritage has ensured that many original features, including an artisan well, wash rooms, original windows, hammock hooks and ammunition hoists, have been preserved, adding an authentic setting to any extra special wedding celebrations.
Spitbank Fort was acquired in 2009 and, after a sympathetic renovation, now offers 9 incredible bedrooms, an open-air hot pool, sauna, wine cellar, games room, and a fire pit. The stunning Crow’s Nest boasts floor-to-ceiling glass walls, providing a wonderful setting for an exclusive and intimate wedding ceremony. With space for up to 60 guests, this chic location offers stunning views of the Solent towards the mainland and will leave your guests breathless.
After you’ve taken your vows, explore the fort and discover all of its wonderful facilities. Wave at passing ships from the hot tub, toast marshmallows around the atmospheric fire pit, and watch the sun set over the waves. Raise a glass to the start of your new life and take your first dance in the moonlight on the beautiful top deck as the stars appear.
At the end of a long, emotion-filled day, retire to one of our stunning suites. Each of the nine bedrooms inside the fort (with the ninth up in the Crow’s Nest!), have captured the wonderful sense of life on the ocean. Each bedroom has bags of character with the original exposed brickwork and iron ceilings studded with rivets adding an authentic historical atmosphere. Period furniture, dramatic lighting, and deep carpets all add to the feeling of snug comfort and indulgent luxury. Sink into the huge bed and listen to the sound of the lapping waves as you fall asleep.
Three times the size of Spitbank Fort, No Man’s Fort was acquired in 2012 and opened in Spring 2015. Offering an array of beautiful ceremony rooms you are spoilt for choice aboard No Man’s Fort. Flooded with light, the circular Atrium is ideal for large wedding ceremonies and receptions. It features a glass roof, grand piano, its own bar, and fantastic acoustics. If you are looking for something more intimate, The Lighthouse is perfect for smaller receptions for up to 20 guests.
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