A literary dream: Stephanie and Seán’s romantic wedding at Chawton House

Chawton House is a dream wedding venue for book lovers and history enthusiasts as well as lovers of architecture. Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, this Grade II listed building is not only breathtakingly beautiful but steeped in rich literary history. Owned by Jane Austen’s brother, Edward, the house was a frequent retreat for Jane Austen herself, making it a truly magical and unique location for a wedding celebration. I found the history of the building incredibly interesting to learn about while I was there.


A venue full of history and charm

Stephanie and Seán chose Chawton House for their wedding and it’s easy to see why. The venue is such a perfect combination of romance and charm. Their ceremony took place at St Nicholas’ Church, located right next to Chawton House. It’s always a bonus when a venue has a church on-site, as it makes the transition between ceremony and reception effortless for the couple and their guests.


St Nicholas’ Church is a stunning historic building with strong ties to Jane Austen’s family - her mother and sister are even buried in the churchyard.


Bespoke florals for a special day

It's no secret that I love wedding flowers, and one of the standout features of Stephanie and Seán’s wedding was the incredible floral arrangements. Stephanie’s mother, who is a talented florist, created the flower installations herself, adding a deeply personal touch to the day.


The floral arch at the altar of St Nicholas’ Church was a true masterpiece, perfectly framing the couple as they exchanged vows. Inside the church and throughout Chawton House, the carefully arranged blooms helped create the romantic and elegant atmosphere of the wedding.


The perfect Setting for a romantic celebration

After the heartfelt ceremony, guests strolled over to Chawton House for the reception. With its beautiful gardens, sweeping grounds and timeless architecture, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for the celebration. Whether it’s a sunny summer day or a cosy winter affair, Chawton House offers stunning indoor and outdoor spaces for all kinds of weddings.


For couples who are fans of Jane Austen and simply love the idea of a literary-inspired venue, or couples who appreciate history and gorgeous architecture, Chawton House offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Its connection to one of the greatest writers in English history, paired with its stunning aesthetic, makes it a venue to remember.


Why choose Chawton House for your wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding in Hampshire or are looking for a venue that combines history, beauty, and romance, Chawton House is a standout choice. Its rich ties to Jane Austen and breathtaking grounds create an unforgettable setting. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, it’s a venue that truly has it all.

Historic English manor house with Tudor architecture and stone facade sits on manicured lawn under cloudy sky at Chawton House wedding.
Chawton House church
Delicate white flowers and greenery grow beneath a rustic wooden eave of a building.
Chawton House church flower arch
Chawton House church wedding.
Wedding flower arch
Church wedding photographer
Colourful stained glass church window depicting religious scenes illuminated in dark interior with light reflection at Chawton House wedding
Church set up for a wedding
Chawton House church wedding
Wedding invitation program for Stephanie and Sean on decorative floral patterned background.
Candles at a church wedding
Black and white portrait of groom in a formal suit adjusting their cuffs in a garden setting with soft bokeh background.
Groomsmen in black tuxedos and bow ties gather outdoors on a sunny day surrounded by greenery.
Two people in formal black suits walk together on grass with parked cars and trees in the background.