Our Story ...
Our Love For Nature isn't just a responsibility- it's a part of who we are.
Welcome to Moonacre
Welcome to Moonacre, a charming and family-run wedding venue nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dorset countryside. Once known as Partyfield, we underwent an exciting and transformative journey in 2020, evolving into a truly stunning wedding destination. Since then, we have had the honour of hosting over 200 enchanting weddings and wellness events, each unique and magical in its own way.
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At Moonacre, our commitment is to offer more than just a venue – we are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences that reflect the beauty, joy, and significance of your special day. Surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere, our location provides a perfect backdrop for an outdoor wedding that is both intimate and grand.
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Our journey from Partyfield to Moonacre has been one of growth and transformation, with a renewed focus on curating exceptional events and providing a seamless experience for couples. We are proud to be recognised as one of Dorset’s premier wedding venues, offering a blend of natural beauty, personalised service, and a deep commitment to making your wedding day everything you've dreamed.
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When Moonacre was founded, we built it on three core pillars:
1. A Deep Respect for Nature: Our vision was to create a beautiful wedding venue while always prioritizing environmental care. In just a few short years, we've seen a remarkable return of wildlife to the area, including the recent arrival of two lesser spotted woodpeckers.
2. Supporting Our Local Community: We are committed to giving back both by working with local suppliers and by offering free events for residents. Next year, we’re proud to be hosting a fundraiser in support of the local village church.
3. Championing Local Charities: Our venue is available free of charge to charitable organisations. We've proudly partnered with groups such as the NHS Trust, Julia’s House, and Dorset Mind. We also provide emergency accommodation for vulnerable women through Dorset Council and BCP.
None of this would be possible without our dedicated team many of whom are family as well as the unwavering support from our wonderful neighbours and the close partnerships we’ve built with local businesses, especially in the neighbouring village of Sturminster Marshall and of course our wonderful Bride & Grooms!
Our story
Our story began in 1985
The land where Moonacre is located has a rich history of hosting events spanning several decades.
In 2009, Ben took over the project from his father, John, and began developing Partyfield. Before that, John had used the land for clay pigeon shooting events and later operated a motocross track.
In 2014, the site began to evolve significantly. Dorset Council granted us permission to host licensed events all year round, marking a turning point in our journey.
By 2020, Dominic joined the team at Partyfield. He quickly saw the potential to transform the space into a unique and picturesque wedding venue. And so, Moonacre was born.
We made substantial investments to enhance the site, with our biggest challenge being the approval to host legal wedding ceremonies. After more than a year of collaboration with Dorset Council and planning authorities, we successfully obtained a wedding license, allowing us to offer legal ceremonies .
In just five years, Moonacre has hosted nearly 200 weddings and numerous wellness events, all while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. In 2005, the Lacy family planted over 30 acres of woodland surrounding what is now the Moonacre site and each year, we continue the tradition of planting hundreds of trees on the land each year.
Recently, Dorset Council extended our wedding license through to 2027. We’re now entering our next phase which is over four years in the making, we are incredibly excited that after 14 years of running amazing weddings and events, that we are now seeking the support of our local council to grant us full planning consent for the site. This crucial step will allow us to further improve the site, including things such as the potential plans to install a wildflower living roof on our marquee, something we are really excited about.
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Protecting our legacy
At Moonacre, we are deeply committed to preserving the natural environment that surrounds us, and we feel truly blessed to be situated in such a beautiful and serene part of Dorset. Our venue is built on a foundation of eco-conscious principles, and we strive to honor the land we call home in every aspect of our operations. From using sustainable materials in our buildings and decor to implementing eco-friendly practices like waste reduction, recycling, and energy efficiency, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint. We are passionate about nurturing and protecting the local flowers and forestry, ensuring that the stunning natural landscape we share with our couples is preserved for future generations.
Meet your Moonacre Team
Moonacre is a small family-run business. From the moment you step through our gates you're enveloped in a sense of familiarity and care. We are run by a small but dedicated family team with rustic charm and heartfelt hospitality.
Dominic
Director
Since 2020 Dominic has transformed Moonacre into the spectacle it is today. Bringing with him a wealth of event knowledge and general go getting attitude Dominic has thoughtfully crafted a ready to use events space .
His role at Moonacre is to support and encourage its clients but to also ensure that standards are held high across the board!
Hayley
Wedding and Events Manager
Rachel
Accommodation Manager
Hayley is our wedding and events manager and is generally the first person from our team to greet you from your initial enquiry and the last person you see before leaving us.
Hayley has over 10 years hands on experience in the wedding and events industry and a bachelor’s degree in events management meaning you are in safe hands during your experience at Moonacre
Hayley will assist you with general enquiries and make recommendations should you need them throughout your planning. Hayley is also your wedding coordinator throughout your wedding day!
Rachel manages all things accommodation, her role at Moonacre is to uphold the quality of our onsite accommodations making sure you and your guest have only the best experiences during their stay.
Rachel is also regularly found assisting in the general running of Moonacre and its operations such as our on site bar so will be a friendly face around site throughout your event.
But we couldn't do it alone!
At Moonacre, we believe in supporting our local community and fostering strong, collaborative relationships with those around us. Our venue thrives thanks to the hardworking individuals who help bring our vision to life, and we are proud to work alongside local craftsmen and tradespeople, including our skill handymen Scott who assist with our site maintenance and upkeep. We also provide opportunities for young adults to gain experience and develop their skills, with many joining us for bar work and event support, creating a welcoming environment that encourages local talent.
​Additionally, we actively seek to collaborate with local industry suppliers, from florists and caterers to photographers and musicians, ensuring that our couples have access to the best that Dorset has to offer while supporting small businesses and the regional economy. By working together with the people and businesses that make our community unique, we create a wedding experience that is truly reflective of the local countryside charm and spirit that makes Moonacre so special.
