Wedding suppliers in Portsmouth

Planning a wedding in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is Britain's only island city, and the sea is never far away. Its naval history gives it a distinctive character: the Historic Dockyard, old fortifications and Round Tower at the harbour mouth, cobbled streets in Old Portsmouth and the tall white Spinnaker Tower all make strong backdrops for wedding photographs.

Southsea and the coast

Southsea's seafront, with its common, castle and long promenade, is a favourite with local couples, and its independent shops and cafés give it a relaxed feel. Across the harbour, Gosport has its own waterfront and forts, reached by a short ferry crossing. To the east, South Hayling has long beaches, while Havant and Waterlooville lead inland towards the South Downs. Portsdown Hill, above Cosham, gives views over the whole city and harbour.

Guests from the island

The Isle of Wight is only a short crossing away, with ferries and a hovercraft to Ryde, so it is common to have guests or suppliers travelling across. Check timetables and leave plenty of slack, as crossings can be affected by weather.

Planning points

• Seafront venues can be very windy. Ask about sheltered spots and indoor options.
• Summer weekends are busy with visitors, and major events on the common can affect traffic and parking. Check local event calendars when picking your date.
• Many venues near the water have limited parking, so arrange drop-off points.

Portsmouth has fast trains to London Waterloo and good links along the coast. The M27 and A3(M) bring road traffic in, and Southampton Airport is a short drive away. Fareham is close by and has many suppliers who cover the city.

In England, civil ceremonies must be held at a register office or approved premises, and you give notice at your local register office. Portsmouth's register office can explain current arrangements.