West Country wedding ideas
If you’re thinking of tying the knot or are attending a wedding in the West Country, we’re sure that you’ll enjoy a stay in one of our holiday cottages. How about joining forces with your friends and family to turn a weekend of celebrations into a fantastic week away?
We hope that you love the West Country as much as we do, and we think it would certainly be a treat for all your guests if you say your vows in this fantastic region. So to give you a helping hand, we’ve searched out some of our favourite wedding venues for you:
Cool
If you want your wedding to be a roaring success, then you can have a wild celebration right in the heart of Dartmoor Zoo! This is certainly a wedding venue to remember: set in 33 acres of woodland surrounded by exotic animals, it’s one of the few locations in the country offering the choice of an outdoor wedding.
You can stay with us nearby on the edge of South Dartmoor in Moorhaven or Shaugh Prior.
For a quirky, country wedding, how about The Old Pavilion in East Devon. This eco-friendly venue is solar powered and food is cooked on wood fired ranges. Guests have access to a flower meadow and 7 acres of fields for some quintessentially English fun and games.
Stay nearby in one of our lovely properties near Honiton.
Glazebrook House is perched on the edge of South Dartmoor and set in beautiful, secluded grounds. With handmade furnishings plus retro and vintage curios, this is a truly quirky wedding venue.
Stay nearby in the small town of Modbury or if you have a large group, try our properties at White Oxen Manor in Rattery.
Classy
Known as the “thatched cathedral”, the 15th Century Great Barn is set on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, just 8 miles from Exeter. This stunning location has been beautifully restored, and with its wonderful walled gardens will provide the perfect backdrop for your special day.
Image credit: The Great Barn
You can suggest to guests that they stay nearby at Riverside in the Teign Valley or in scenic Topsham on the Exe estuary.
Sitting in 4 ½ acres of gardens and woodland, Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel is a luxury country house in the heart of South Devon. Its secluded location will provide an exceptional location for your wedding, and is only a short drive to the beach. They’re holding a Wedding Open Evening on Oct 1st 2015 so save the date if you’ve popped the question but haven’t decided on a venue yet.
Image credit: Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel
We’ve got plenty of places to stay nearby; you could try Bluebell Cottage very close to the venue or one of our properties in nearby Kingsbridge.
On top of the world!
If you love the West Country for its coastline, then how about overlooking the sands as you say your vows? Tunnels Beaches in Ilfracombe, has a thatched gazebo perched on rock above the water with a fantastic function room and bar. There’s no worries about the weather; you’ll have all the joy of the sea view along with the warmth and shelter of a stylish, modern building for your guests to enjoy. There’s also access to secluded beaches for those fantastic wedding photos and if you’re lucky the resident seal might even make an appearance!
Why not stay in the 17th Century Woodclose Cottage or at nearby Berrynarbor in Sunrise Cottage.
For timeless elegance, Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) is a stunning Georgian castle perched on a hilltop, 244 metres above sea level. Your guests will be enthralled by the panoramic views looking across Haldon Forest, Exeter and the surrounding countryside, which are simply breath-taking.
Stay nearby and within the Dartmoor National Park at Compass Cottage or close to the stunning granite outcrop of Haytor.
Plan to make a spectacular entrance on your big day? How about flying down the SkyWire or abseiling right into the ceremony at the Eden Project in Cornwall? Couples can choose to wed in either the Rainforest or Mediterranean Biomes, guaranteeing the weather will be as wonderful as if you had jetted off to sunnier climes.
We have plenty of great holiday cottages in Cornwall, so why not try 3 Prideaux Cottages, a mere 15 minutes’ walk from the Eden project, or try Topsides in fabulous Fowey.
Outdoor antics
Is your idea of heaven a small, intimate country wedding? If so, The Cow Shed at Freathy Farmhouse is a truly rustic and romantic setting. Placed in mature grounds with a stream running through, this is the place for you if you want a laid back feel to your special day. So, if you’re dreaming of wildflower bouquets, rose petal confetti and straw bale seats, look no further.
For fabulous sea views, stay at Mer-boes overlooking Whitsand Bay, or stay in the seaside village of Downderry.
For those wanting to feel at one with nature, consider holding your wedding on the tranquil organic farm at West Kellow in Cornwall. Combining traditional with modern, using an alternative style of marquee (a Capri marquee), the meadow here is essentially a blank canvas for you to plan your perfect day. With views from the moors to the sea, guests will have plenty of room to frolic about outside.
We have plenty of holiday cottages in the quaint fishing village of Polperro nearby, so we’re sure you’ll find somewhere to suit your needs.