How to choose the perfect Devon wedding venue
Planning a wedding is an exciting time! Finding your perfect wedding venue is one of the first jobs on the list. There is so much choice these days that it can be fairly overwhelming. So, I’ve put together this little blog post help engaged couples who are looking at wedding venues in Devon.
To help in selecting a venue, I think it’s really useful to think about what kind of wedding you’d like. Think about the overall feeling you want to generate on the day. Do you want some formal elements like a sit down meal? Or a more relaxed vibe with a barbecue? Your choice of venue and how you style it all adds to the aesthetic of the day. Some venues suit glamorous styling whilst others lend themselves to a more rustic feel.
My experience of covering weddings at a range of different types of venue has helped me put together this little guide to Devon wedding venues. To keep it simple, I’ve grouped the venues into five popular categories. I hope it helps you on your way to finding the perfect place to get married! And once you’ve got the date booked, get in touch about your wedding photography!
- Country/manor house wedding venues
- Barn wedding venues
- Marquees and tipis
- Country house hotels & inns
- Beach & coastal wedding venues
Country/Manor House Wedding Venues
A country house is a large house that was once owned by a rich family. They might also have owned a town house so ‘country house’ referred to their countryside residence. A manor house is similar and would have once been home to the lord of the manor. With grand halls and sweeping staircases these historic houses are perfect for elegant weddings. The grounds are often extensive and perfect for wandering away from the guests for a few moments to capture some relaxed couple photos.
Other venues include Colehayes Park, Holne Park House, St Audries Park, Hunstsham Court, Bovey Castle, Bridwell Park and Escott House.
Barn Wedding Venues
Barn weddings have become popular in recent years. Exposed beams and haybales make them the perfect venue for a relaxed, rustic wedding. You usually get to decorate the barn yourselves making them great venues for DIY weddings too. They range from quite basic structures with breezeblock walls and corrugated roofs to those that have been renovated and made a bit more luxurious. You can create different looks with the furniture ~ more traditional round tables and chair covers or long wooden tables and rustic benches. The meal can be served as a BBQ or sharing platters from local caterers. Some of the older barns can be quite dark so I’d recommend adding extra lighting. String fairy lights and candles look great!
Other popular Devon wedding barn venues include Ashbridge Great Barn and Brickhouse Vineyard.
Marquees and Tipis
If you’re having your reception in a large garden or even a friend’s field then you might be looking to hire a marquee or tipi. They can be tailor made to suit your requirements and suit a variety of wedding themes from vintage to festival. Again, you can inject your own personalities with wedding decor such as bunting and paper lanterns. Keep your outdoorsy wedding cosy with firepits and fairy lights.
Here are some more hire companies to take a look at: World Inspired Tents and Abbas Marquees.
Country House Hotels and Inns
If you’re looking for a smaller, more relaxed venue then country house hotels and inns can be a great option. They’re often more budget-friendly but still offer a pretty setting for your wedding. With a cosy and intimate feel they are often well known for their hospitality and great food – what a treat for your guests!
Check out these country hotels: Fox and Hounds Hotel North Devon, Two Bridges Hotel Dartmoor, Hotel Endsleigh and The Edgemoor Hotel.
Beach and Coastal Wedding Venues
We’re spoilt here in Devon with our stunning coastlines and beaches. You can choose a clifftop setting or a venue right on the sand for a relaxed, beachy vibe.
Some stunning beach and coastal venues to check out: Sandy Cove, Ocean Kave, Tunnels Beaches and Watermouth Cove.
I hope you’ve found this guide to Devon wedding venues helpful! If you’d like to narrow down your choice by area then check out my local recommendations!
