Small Wedding, Big Moments: Real Wedding Stories from The Montagu Arms

If you're dreaming of a small wedding full of heart, charm, and timeless elegance, look no further than The Montagu Arms. Tucked away in the picturesque village of Beaulieu, our Hampshire wedding venue offers everything you need for an intimate wedding surrounded by scenic landscapes and historic character.

Whether it’s a micro wedding or an intimate ceremony, having a smaller celebration often makes the day feel even more special. With fewer distractions and more focus on what really matters, those moments become personal and full of meaning. It just goes to show—a wedding doesn’t have to be huge to feel absolutely unforgettable.

Here, we share some real stories from couples who chose a small wedding venue that made a big impression.

“We wanted an intimate wedding, and when we visited The Montagu Arms, we fell in love with it. The hotel gardens were beautiful and the location was ideal. We wanted a dog-friendly wedding venue too, and the setup at The Montagu Arms meant our dog could be with us for the whole day. Clara, the wedding coordinator, was great on our visit, answering all our questions and being welcoming.”

Liam and Sian dreamed of a relaxed wedding day shared with their nearest and dearest — including their beloved dog. The Oakwood Room, with its timeless charm and warm atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for their intimate ceremony and wedding breakfast.

They created a family-style celebration with one large oval table, adding a sense of closeness and togetherness. Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course menu with choices including fishcakes, chicken supreme or fillet of beef, and lemon meringue tart or chocolate delice.

“The Montagu Arms more than delivered! The food was incredible, the team were so accommodating with dietary needs, and even our dog got his own special meal from the 'À La Bark' menu — he loved the fish pie!”

Photographer: Summer Gray Photography 

“We found The Montagu Arms on a wedding website and fell in love with the charming building and classic English gardens. We decided to visit to see the surrounding New Forest countryside and the venue and were blown away by how quaint the area was. We loved the ponies, donkeys, and other wildlife and picture-perfect vistas.”

“Marrying my best friend was the best part of the day. Standing in front of our closest family and friends and exchanging such heartfelt vows that we had compiled ourselves was so meaningful to us. Bizarrely, it went by within a blink, but it was the most special moment of our lives, committing ourselves to one another and sharing our love with the people in the room. The speeches were also another special moment; there was hardly a dry eye in the room.”

“Our advice to others would be, do your best to take it all in; take a moment to just watch what is going on around you and observe like a fly on the wall. These people are all here for you to help celebrate the love you and your partner share for one another. Nothing is more special than that.”

Photographer: Jessica Hayman 

Emily and Harry tied the knot in a cosy Christmas ceremony at The Montagu Arms Hotel, nestled in the heart of the New Forest.

Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they exchanged heartfelt vows in the charming Oakwood Room, officially licensed for civil ceremonies.

The celebration continued with a delightful wedding breakfast, making for a truly magical day.

Photographer: Jessica Hayman 

Jessica and Bradley chose to celebrate their love with a beautifully intimate small wedding, with just their closest friends and family by their side, the couple created a day filled with heartfelt moments, elegant touches, and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

After saying their vows, Jessica and Bradley enjoyed a relaxed garden reception with drinks and canapés in the Montagu Arms’ glorious Hampshire gardens, followed by a delicious three-course wedding breakfast.

Jessica and Bradley’s day was proof that a more intimate celebration can be just as meaningful, beautiful, and memorable as a larger affair.

Photographer: Lou Osbourne Photography 

Sarah and Rob’s special day was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and festive charm, set against the enchanting backdrop of one of the most romantic venues in the New Forest.

Choosing to keep things intimate, Sarah and Rob opted for a small wedding ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. The Montagu Arms, with its warm interiors, historic character, and inviting atmosphere, was the ideal setting for their Christmas wedding — cosy, elegant, and full of love.

Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests gathered for an intimate wedding with soft candlelight, seasonal florals, and rich winter tones adding to the magic of the day, creating an ambiance that was both luxurious and deeply personal.

Photographer: Az at Lemontree Photography