The Municipal Buildings, a distinctive feature of the town, are Grade II Listed and date back to the mid-nineteenth century.

The buildings are licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies which can take place in one of the three rooms available. For the smaller ceremony the historically decorated Council Chamber features a fine display of Civic Insignia and wall plaques recording the Mayors of Dorchester and significant events since 1793. Larger Ceremonies can take place in the Town Hall which has a fine vaulted ceiling and oriel window.  Both rooms are on the first floor, with access for disabled people, and can accommodate up to 50 and 120 guests respectively.  Our third room is the Corn Exchange itself which is licensed for 300 people and has full disabled access.

 To complete the celebrations, receptions may be held in the Town Hall, Corn Exchange or Magistrates Room. We have excellent kitchen facilities and a well stocked bar.  These buildings in addition to holding Civil Weddings are an excellent venue for a wide range of functions including Conferences, Seminars, Meetings, Dances and Trade Sales.   If you would like further information, please contact Julie Hollings on 01305 265840.

Morning Session 8am - 1pm, Afternoon Session 1pm - 5pm and Evening Session 5pm - 11pm (additional hours are available)

All prices are exclusive of VAT. A deposit and Performing Right Society Copyright Fee may also be payable. Prices include heating, public address system, light use of the kitchen and crockery, piano (if booking the Corn Exchange) and a duty caretaker throughout your event. These charges EXCLUDE Bank Holidays, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve hire which are 'by negotiation'.
Discounts are available for regular users.

Voluntary/Charitable Rates (minimum hire, one session)

Private/Non Commercial Rates (minimum hire, one session)

Civil Weddings / Civil Partnerships Rates

Commercial Rates (minimum hire, one session)

The Corn Exchange

Located at ground level and with a clear floor area of approximately 20m x 12m (67ft x 39ft), this spacious hall is equipped with a wide range of modern features and facilities which can be arranged to meet the requirements of most larger functions or performances.

Stage - A modular system with variable size, height and floor position.

Rostrum - A modular multi-tier system for raked seating. 

Projection - A purpose built Projection Room and variable-format screen. 

Lighting - Sophisticated house-lighting and performance lighting systems.  Sound - Primary and secondary Public Address, and radio microphones.  Control - A purpose-built high-level Control Room with integral cabling systems giving technical flexibility.   Catering - Full kitchen facilities for food preparation/serving, up to 200 dinners.

Some typical uses and seating capacities:
( Capacity details can be individually assessed )

Dressing  Rooms

Kitchen Facilities

A built in sound system with connection points from all parts of the hall.

Some typical uses and seating capacities:

Public Meetings or Seminars -  120
Wedding Ceremonies -            120
Casual Buffet-Dance -               80
Receptions, Seated -                 80

When not required for formal civic business, this historically decorated first-floor room is available for selective public use.

It is suitable for use independently for small to medium size meetings or, in association with the adjacent Town Hall, for use as an ante-room or dressing-room. It is approximately 10.8m x 6.2m (35ft x 20ft) and a typical seating capacity is 40 to 50.  It is also licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies.

Facilities include

   * Coffee/tea making facilities
   * Infra red hearing system

This ground-floor room, measuring 9m x 6m (29ft x 20ft) holds up to 40 people and is ideal for meetings, training or for trade-sales.

Facilities include coffee/tea making facilities and alternatively, its position also makes it suitable for use in conjunction with either the Town Hall or The Corn Exchange as a dressing room, food servery etc..