Merley House

Weddings and Functions

Merley House is a superb venue for a wedding. It is elegant, quiet and refined and also offers fantastic value for money. Couples can host their entire day from one venue and unlike many wedding venues Merley House can be booked exclusively for you and your guests to enjoy.

The Drawing Room and Dining Parlour are similar in size and each incorporate enchanting ceilings ad impressive fireplaces. These rooms are perfect for smaller ceremonies, drinks receptions or buffets. The largest of the rooms, The Old Library can accommodate a wedding breakfast, dancing and live music. The spacious classical entrance hall makes for a grand impression and leads to a magnificent staircase. Upstairs the Old Nursery is perfect for the convenience of the Bridal party, a creche or for the safe storage of personal items. The facilities also include disabled access, kitchens, separate toilets, and ample parking.

Pre-planning is essential to ensure your event goes like a dream. We are happy to spend time with you to plan your perfect day tailored to your individual requirements. We have wedding packages available to suit every budget, including flowers, decorations and catering. We can also recommend other professional services such as photographers, car hire, entertainment and local accommodation.

About Merley

Merley (originally spelt Myrle) was an ancient manor belonging to the Lords of Canford. In 1751, Ralph Willett purchased the estate and is responsible for the building of the larger and much grander house we see today.

Willett's great enthusiasm for architecture led to the design of the three storey building, rendered on the north side in Portland stone, featuring three balconies and four ionic pilasters supporting the entablature. In 1772 two wings were added one of which contained the new library as Willetts vast collection had outgrown the existing library in the house. Unfortunately these two wings were demolished in the early 1800's following an auction of the books and paintings they housed by the then owner, John Willett.

A walled garden was built to the North East of the house with an Orangery on the south side. This has survived to this day and used to be known as the Merley Bird Gardens, home to many exotic bird species. It is now the Orangery Suite;a unique venue for conferences and events which can be hired in conjunction with Merley House.

In 1875 the whole estate was sold by auction but there is little information as to whom it was sold until it was bought by Ivor Guest, 1st Lord of Wimborne. In 1927, the MP for South Dorset, Angus Valdemar Hambro purchased the estate in a dilapidated condition, spending two years renovating it. In 1939 the out break of war meant that the house was requisitioned by the War office. When they left in 1946 the house was again sold at auction. Now down to just 270 acres it was sold in 14 lots and the house was converted into flats. During the 1960's a holiday park was started, by the present owners, to help finance the restoration of the house. The ground floor was opened to the public and contained a collection of model cars, lorries, airplanes, ships and train sets. Most recently the downstairs was restored again to create spacious and elegant areas for different events and the upstairs for office space where views of Wimborne can be enjoyed.