Alexandra Hotel Wedding

Dorset’s Alexandra hotel unveils newly-restored chapel for weddings

9 February 2017

Few locations can be more romantic than Lyme Regis, with its famous harbour wall, the Cobb, as featured in novels such as Jane Austen’s Persuasion and John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman. Perched on a cliff-top overlooking the picturesque harbour and Lyme Bay, with the glistening azure sea beyond, boutique bolthole the Alexandra is a dreamy venue for a chic wedding by the sea.

The Grade-II listed hotel has five wedding venues, the newest of which is a beautifully-refurbished chapel in the grounds.

Newly-restored chapel (maximum 60 guests)

The private chapel in the hotel’s grounds has been lovingly restored to its former glory and is ready to be enjoyed, with exquisite candle-lit ceremonies for up to 60 guests. Kathryn Haskins, owner of the Alexandra hotel, worked closely with the architect (Nichola Burley from Heritage Vision) to ensure the style would reflect the original interior of the chapel as it was back in 1884, when it was first converted from a Georgian stable block. The stained-glass windows are a particular feature and the wood and iron work has been restored its previous splendour.

A quirky place to say “I do”: The Lookout Tower (maximum twelve guests)

For a smaller-scale celebration, the secluded Lookout Tower, nestled amongst trees in the gardens, with stunning sea views, is the perfect choice for a wildly romantic ceremony. The picturesque folly has space for twelve guests. Guests can also book the Lookout Tower for an intimate candle-lit meal for two (prices from £99 pp).

Ceremony venues from two to 98 guests

The Alexandra has pretty gardens – with sweeping sea views – as well as a pathway winding down to the pristine sandy beach on the Jurassic Coastline (perfect for wedding photos). In addition to the Chapel and Lookout Tower, weddings can also take place in the elegant Alexandra Restaurant, the light-filled Conservatory Restaurant and the cosy Sitting Room.

From champagne and canapés on the lawn to a full sit-down wedding breakfast, the hotel’s kitchen is renowned for championing local West Country produce. Guests experience a mouth-watering menu created by Head Chef Tom Holloway, serving fresh seasonal seafood dishes such as Lyme Bay scallops and beer crab croquettes – often sourced from the bay below.

There are 23-individually-designed bedrooms – most with sea views – offering modern accommodation, including a sumptuous and romantic bridal suite with sea views. The hotel has been decorated in keeping with its coastal location and in-room amenities include ammonite-fossil shaped chocolates and marine-extract toiletries. The hotel also has two self-catering apartments in its pretty courtyard.

All weddings at the Alexandra are completely bespoke and tailored to individual requirements.

Sample package for 60 people:

A wedding ceremony in the Alexandra Restaurant, with a champagne and canapé reception in the garden followed by a three-course wedding breakfast with wine costs from £7,150 (total).

Exclusive use for 60 people:

The hotel can be hired for private use for weddings and an overnight stay from £16,986 (Sunday to Thursday). Weddings with exclusive use of the hotel, chapel and a two-night stay cost from £26,822 (Friday and Saturday).

For more information visit www.hotelalexandra.co.uk, or call 01297 442 010 to arrange a visit or to book.