Brilliant wedding venues in Devon

It’s summer which means wedding season is upon us – if you’re heading to your friends’ ceremonies and are gathering ideas for your own nuptials, why not plan for a memorable wedding in beautiful Devon?

With easy access to the motorway, being on the national rail network and having an airport catering to international and domestic flights, it’s a great venue to cater for friends and family that are scattered all over. Plus, with scenic countryside and beautiful beaches, there are a host of interesting venues for you to choose from.

Here is a selection of Devon’s best-loved wedding venues to help you create the perfect wedding day.

If you’re the kind of couple who love the great outdoors and being surrounded with plants and greenery, Devon is a great option for a wedding location. There are loads of incredible country hotels surrounded with acres of land, the two National Parks and a host of other outdoor venues to enjoy.

One such outdoor venue is Roadford Lake. Famous for its adventure activities, this venue has a 730 acre lake and is surrounded by rolling countryside and romantic woodland walks. Not only that but it is conveniently located just off the A30, so you can have the rural wedding you like while still safe in the knowledge that your guest will be able to easily get to you.  Roadford Lake’s wedding team offer indoor and outdoor options, and with the abundance of space, you can have all of your favourite people celebrate with you. The venue is licenced for marriage and civil ceremonies and offers complete flexibility so you can tailor your dream day. What could be better than saying your vows in full view of a stunning lake and then dancing the night away to a live band, disco or whatever else you fancy!

Image: Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Located near Budleigh Salterton in the picturesque East Devon area is Bicton Park Botanical Gardens. This is a truly unique and special wedding venue that is steeped in history and provides a beautifully, romantic place to get married. The expansive lawns and Palm House offer wonderful backdrops for your photos and are both licensed for wedding ceremonies. The Palm House is constructed from 18,000 individual glass panes and full of tropical plants and natural light – a unique venue that really suits couples that love the great outdoors. The dedicated and experienced wedding team at the site are on hand throughout the entire day so all you need to worry about is being on time!

Dartington Hall near Totnes is a great option for those of you who want those spectacular gardens and greenery but also want an impressive and awe-inspiring interior. Both the hall and the gardens are listed and are some of the most important medieval structures in the South West of England. With versatile rooms, gorgeous gardens and an incredible, historic atmosphere, Dartington Hall has everything you need to create a memorable day. Plus, the nearby town of Totnes is known for its quirky and Bohemian nature, full of locally sourced food and drink and with a real focus on sustainability, this is a great option for couples of all ages, those that like things a little different and those that want a wedding that is as eco-friendly as possible.

If you like the idea of a garden but also want a sea view, why not check out Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth? This garden is licenced for weddings and offers some incredible backdrops for your photos.

There are also opportunities for beach side weddings – like those on offer at Tunnels Beaches or Saunton Sands among others. Summery weddings on the beach with the waves crashing gently behind you as you say your vows? Perfect!

One of the most popular venues for a wedding is a hotel and for good reason. Hotel weddings provide you with accommodation for the guests, a dedicated wedding planner, a dedicated space for the venue, catering and plenty of parking. They are also usually easily found using public transport from guests travelling from further afield.

Devon is full of gorgeous hotels ranging from luxury boutiques to sprawling country estates, beach side settings and small, informal properties. With so much choice, you can easily find a hotel to suit your nuptials.

For those of you who like the idea of getting married near the beach, check out Langstone Cliff Hotel. Located in Dawlish, near the popular destinations of Torquay and Paignton, the hotel overlooks the award winning beach and has great public transport links, including being on the main rail network. The hotel have been catering for weddings since the 1940s, so have plenty of experience and really know how to create a memorable day. Depending on the size of your party, there are a variety of function rooms to choose from, as well as a choice of catering options so you can really tailor your day.

Another hotel with wedding experience is Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa in Plymouth. With grand Elizabethan architecture, this is an impressive wedding venue. The wedding planning team are on hand every step of the way and you can have exclusive use of the whole site for you and your guests. With arrow slit windows, sweeping staircases and four poster bedrooms, this is a truly romantic and inspirational venue offering a glimpse of times gone by.

Image: Moreton House

At the other end of the county near Bideford, you’ll find Moreton House, a Grade-II listed Georgian country house near the coast. With elegant function rooms complete with original features, formal dining rooms for a wedding feast to be remembered and just about everything else you can think of, this is a good venue for those that want to take control and do all the planning themselves. The house is set within a 5 acre garden and even has accommodation for guests, including a VIP suite for the happy couple. The house is also wheelchair accessible and pet friendly, should you want your furry babies to act as ring bearers. Like most of the venues on this list, it’s also easy to reach for those travelling for the big day, It’s just 2 minutes from the North Devon Link Road!

If you like the sound of all the hotel facilities but still want to be a bit different take a look at the facilities offered by Cofton Holidays. Cofton Holidays have the Warren Retreat function room, plus ample space to host your event, including weddings, vow renewals and other big events. Catering is offered by the onsite Amelia’s Pantry team and there is lots of space to have a dance and celebrate your big day. It’s a good option for a post ceremony venue and is something a little different to your traditional hotel.

Or why not go for something completely different by hosting your wedding at the National Marine Aquarium? Just think of saying your vows while surrounded by sharks and other tropical fish, all without having to wear a diver’s suit and snorkel mask! Their dedicated event team are on hand to help you every step of the way and it is a great option for those of you who want a venue as truly unique as you are.

You can find other wedding venues across Devon below.