Its members are primarily from Hampshire and Dorset, but clubs from adjoining counties such as Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and the Isle of Wight are also eligible.

Champions of the Wessex League who meet the relevant ground and financial requirements are eligible for promotion to the Southern League Division One South or Isthmian League Division One South Central.

It was proposed to draw clubs from the Hampshire, Dorset, Berks and Bucks, Sussex and Wiltshire FAs.

1990–91 saw the league reach previously untouched heights as 20 clubs participated.

At the end of the 2006–07 season, Division Two was disbanded, and most of the clubs formed a new Hampshire Premier League.