There are quite a few places on the Isle of Wight that make unusual wedding venues.
Here's a non-comprehensive list of seven places on the Island that are quirky choices to get married in.
Sir Max Aitken Museum, High Street, Cowes
You may find yourself asking, “Who'd get married in a museum?”
Perhaps those who appreciate Sir Max Aitken would, or people who'd love to be surrounded by maritime treasures, or even fans of the quaint town of Cowes.
Sir Max Aitken was a pilot fighting in the Battle of Britain. He was credited with 16 victories and was recorded as having damaged 15 enemy aircraft. He was knighted in the 1940s, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Also being a yachtsman, he was named Yachtsman of the Year in 1978, and won the Round the Island Race twice.
The museum is a sail-maker's loft, restored by Sir Max in 1947. Today it holds some of his most esteemed awards, describes his achievements in great detail and is a great venue for transport history buffs, war enthusiasts and devout lovers of old knick-knacks.
Up to 80 people can fit in the main room, and there's a balcony right on the water.
Shanklin Theatre, Prospect Road, Shanklin
Shanklin Theatre is a Grade 2 listed English Heritage building. Great if you love showbusiness and would like your ceremony to be akin to a stage production!
Unfortunately, the theatre is unable to host receptions and doesn't offer any catering services, but wedding ceremonies are welcome to take place.
The auditorium can fit up to 600 people.
Everybody knows Osborne. The famous holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert is loved by many for a multitude of reasons.
But did you know you could get married there? And did you know you could get married in the places close to it, too? Osborne, Barton Estate and Albert Cottage are all Isle of Wight Council approved venues for a wedding.
Perfect for monarchy and history lovers, Osborne boasts seemingly endless tended grounds, and having a wedding there may make you feel like you're royalty yourself.
The Durbar Lawn can accommodate a marquee tent that holds up to 300 people.
Enchanted Manor, Sandrock Road, St Catherine’s Point, Niton
Everybody knows you can get married or have wedding receptions in hotels, but manors and boutique stays are a little different.
The Enchanted Manor is described as a “fairytale dream” on its website, and dons a theme of spiritualism, recycling and sustainability.
The grounds boast gorgeous gardens and flouncy flowers.
You can be pretty specific with what you want here – the staff are more than happy to meet many of your romantic needs, and while they don't cater for big dinners, they can provide breakfast and small bites.
Pinkmead Estate and Vineyard, Werrar Lane, Newport
This is perhaps one that not many have heard of. Recent winner of the Muddy Stilettos Best Boutique Stay in Hampshire and IOW 2023, Pinkmead Estate originally opened in 2017 as an AirBnB.
Pinkmead is a privately-owned historical home that offers modern facilities, its own organic vineyard, 24 acres of well-manicured land, soothing lakes, immersive woodlands, a boat house, and a view over the River Medina.
If you want to have your wedding here, you'll find it's very inclusive, the owners being proud supporters of the LGBT+ community.
You can reach the estate at a long road off Stag Lane, and it has exclusive access to the NewportCowes cycle track.
Robin Hill, Downend Road, Newport
It's likely you'd think of Robin Hill as a visitor attraction park mainly for children, but that's not all it can cater to. The park and gardens have some gorgeous scenery, including woodland ponds and gorgeous pathways.
Overall, there's a surprising amount of choice for someone who wants a specific setting for their wedding.
You could also conduct a wedding in the park if you wanted, though I wouldn't recommend trying to stuff the bottom of a wedding dress into the boat ride!
Ventnor Botanic Garden, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor
There are a few different settings around the gardens, including a Secret Garden Trail, a Dinosaur Plant Trail, and a huge collection of trees to boot. Renowned as “Britain's Hottest Garden”, it's filled with various collections of different plants, so if you want to get married in the middle of the tropics without actually going there, this venue is for you!
On-site accommodation is also available, and they can also cater using their own produce and that of local sources.
All listed above are approved venues for marriages and civil partnerships by the IW council.
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