Newly engaged?
Start planning your wedding at Oakley Hall
Just engaged? Congratulations!
Your wedding journey starts here!
You’ve said yes, and now the excitement really begins! Whether you’ve been dreaming of a countryside celebration, a grand Asian wedding, or a romantic, intimate day with your nearest and dearest, Oakley Hall Hotel in Hampshire is the perfect place to start planning your story.
Explore inspiration, practical tips for newly engaged couples, and everything you need to take your first steps toward the perfect wedding day.
Where do you start?
Your first steps after getting engaged
Feeling unsure where to begin? You’re not alone; most newly engaged couples start by exploring venue styles, budgets, and inspiration before making any big decisions.
Here’s what we recommend as your first few steps:
1. Decide on your guest numbers and budget.
How many people do you want to attend the ceremony & reception? Are children welcome? Start thinking about what the maximum amount of money you can spend is. Will it be you paying, or will family be contributing?
2. Discover what type of wedding feels “you” – traditional, rustic, outdoor, or countryside chic.
Are you absolutely set on a style of wedding? Do you want to explore other options?
3. Decide on your wedding date & season.
Do you want to have your wedding on a weekday or a weekend? What season do you want to get married in? Are you fussed about the weather? It's important to note that a lot of venues will charge high-season prices for warmer months and weekend dates!
4. Research venues that fit your style and vision.
Where do you want to get married, in the UK or abroad? If in the UK, what county? (London & home county venues will generally be more expensive). Do your venues fit the capacity you want? Do your venues fall in line with your budget? Do your venues have all the amenities you are hoping for (i.e. onsite accommodation, Dry Hire option, easy access via public transport)?
5. Book a venue tour to see how your day could look in real life.
Visiting your venue before confirming is a non-negotiable! Visit the venue multiple times with your partner & family members. Go for dinner/stay overnight at your favourite venue(s) to get a sense of the service and environment.
Why couples choose Oakley Hall
A Hampshire Wedding Venue full of Character, choice & charm
Set within 315 acres of beautiful countryside near Basingstoke, Oakley Hall combines elegant Georgian architecture with modern luxury. With both traditional packagesand dry hire options, we welcome all kinds of celebrations - from classic English weddings to vibrant Asian and multicultural ceremonies.
- Use of our country house and grounds
- Licensed indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces
- Award-winning catering or bring-your-own for dry hire weddings
- Accommodation for you and your wedding guests
- Experienced team with 20+ years of wedding expertise
Get inspired
Explore ideas & real weddings
See how other engaged couples transformed Oakley Hall into their dream wedding. From romantic outdoor ceremonies to colourful Asian celebrations, every wedding here is unique.
When should you book your book your venue?
Timing your wedding planning journey
According to Bridebook, couples most often book their wedding venue 12 - 18 months in advance of their wedding date. 18 months is the recommended lead time that we would give to our couples to book their wedding, especially if they are looking for a peak season date (for example: a Saturday in August).
Booking your wedding venue with this much time in advance gives you plenty of time to book all of your other suppliers for the wedding party and sort out all of the extra bits & pieces for your day. Photographers & videographers often get booked up quickly, and some couples will need to leave plenty of time for their dresses/suits to be ordered and tailored.
Dry Hire & Asian Weddings
Your Wedding, Your Way
Oakley Hall is one of Hampshire’s most popular dry hire wedding venues, perfect for Asian, Afro-Caribbean, fusion and bespoke celebrations. We partner with trusted caterers and décor specialists to help you bring your traditions to life in our stunning countryside setting.
Our fantastic Dry Hire package offers couples the creative freedom and flexibility to choose the wedding day of their dreams. You can work with your wedding planner and/or caterers to adapt your wedding to how you want it. The large capacity Garden Pavilion can host up to 350 guests and our hotel is home to 50 bedrooms for your friends & family to stay in.
Frequently asked questions
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When should I start booking my wedding venue?
Most couples book 12-18 months ahead. Early booking gives you more wedding date and supplier options.
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Can I visit Oakley Hall before deciding?
Absolutely! We'd love to show you around and inspire you about your big day. Book a guided tour with our wedding team here.
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Do you host Asian or multicultural weddings?
Yes, we welcome all cultural celebrations and offer flexible dry hire options. View our dry hire wedding page for more information.
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What makes Oakley Hall different?
Our historic country house, vast gardens and award-winning service make it one of Hampshire's most loved wedding venues. Oakley Hall has been the space of choice for many exclusive wedding parties, ceremonies, summer to winter weddings, and been tailored as a venue to a variety of wedding themes.