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Getting married in 2020? Why not do it in Devon?

15th December 2019

Categories: Visitor News

If you popped the question this year, chances are you’re looking to tie the knot in 2020, if that’s the case, you’re no doubt already knee deep in potential venues, discussing flowers and arguing over who to invite. Booking and planning a wedding can be stressful, so let us help out by introducing you to some of the best wedding venues in Devon.

First things first, what kind of wedding are you looking for? Something fun and quirky? Something laidback? Something traditional? Something big? Something small? Well, here in Devon, there are an abundance of wedding venues, so the possibilities are endless! You can even get married on the beach if you like!

For those if you who want to get married by the coast, you’re in luck – Devon has two coastlines and several venues who take advantage of the beautiful views offered by these locations.
The coastline in North Devon falls within the region’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you can be sure of some incredible views as the backdrop to your wedding photos. One option for you on the North Devon coast is Ocean Kave. This venue located in Westward Ho! offers the ultimate in bespoke coastal wedding experiences and is suitable for all weathers, so no matter what season you choose to hold your nuptials, you can take advantage of this beautiful venue. Getting married here means hosting your wedding on the cliff tops within the AONB with unparalled views across the ocean and exclusive hire – you and your guests will have the run of the whole site. The venue also offers onsite accommodation and is licensed to hold the ceremony as well as the party. If that sounds like it might be the venue for you, make sure to get in touch and speak to their experienced team of wedding planners.

Image: Ocean Kave

Another option is Saunton Sands Hotel which is located on the seafront at the award-winning Saunton Beach. Each couple that books their wedding at the hotel gets their own personal wedding planner who will work with them every step of the way to make sure you have the event of your dreams.

One of the pros of holding your wedding at a hotel is of course the amount of space, these venues are perfect for big weddings with plenty of room to accommodate all your guests plus onsite accommodation. Booking Saunton Sands as your venue will mean that your guests will have access to all the hotel’s facilities, including the restaurants and of course you can make use of the three mile stretch of golden beach!

Image: Saunton Sands.

Perhaps you’d like a beachside wedding, but you fancy the south of the county rather than North Devon. The Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa is also located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it consistently wins awards as one of the best seaside hotels in the UK. Weddings typically take part in a purpose built area of the hotel with views over the Salcombe Estuary and with a dedicated wedding planner included in your package, you can be sure that the whole thing will go without a hitch.
Only yards from the beach, the Belmont Hotel in Sidmouth is another great choice and makes for a perfect wedding venue for those that are looking for somewhere warm. Sidmouth is blessed because it is sheltered, so the weather is much warmer than it is in neighbouring towns.

Like we said, a hotel wedding is a great choice for anyone wanting a huge party and as most of the hotels in Devon have dedicated wedding planners on hand to walk you through the process, you can relax and let someone else sort out the stressful parts of booking your wedding. Hotels and country houses generally allow you to have the ceremony and the reception all in one place too, so you and your guests can really get the party started without worrying about having to change venue.
There are a whole host of beautiful places to hold your wedding in Devon, whether you want a country house hotel with plenty of grounds to act as the backdrop of your photos or you want a centrally located hotel so your guests have easy access, you’ll be spoiled for choice here.

Barnstaple’s Park Hotel is one venue to consider, it offers views across the River Taw and is home to some of the finest chefs so your guests will be nothing short of impressed by the catering. Weddings at the Park Hotel take place in the Park Suite which is licensed for a range of ceremonies, including weddings, vow renewals and civil ceremonies so can accommodate a wide range of events.
The Imperial Hotel, which is also in Barnstaple, is perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings and vow renewals. They have been rated as the tip civil wedding venue in North Devon and have a choice of rooms for you to host your event.
In the heart of the town is the Royal and Fortescue Hotel. This venue with its beautiful Georgian surroundings creates a truly magical atmosphere for your big day. Plus, being in the centre of Barnstaple means it is easily accessible for your guests and you’re well placed for exploring the town and the surrounding areas when gearing up to or winding down from your wedding.
Alternatively, the Barnstaple Hotel (no prizes for guessing where that is!) can host any kind of ceremony and are happy to create a bespoke package with your own wedding planner to help you create the perfect wedding. The Barnstaple Hotel offers packages all year around with discounts available for weekday ceremonies, so whether you’re saying your vows for the first time or renewing them, you’re in good hands.

Nearby in Bideford, the Royal Hotel prides itself on being one of North Devon’s most elegant venues. Their private gardens overlook the River Torridge creating a lovely backdrop for your photos and lots of space for guests to enjoy the day.

Image: Dartington Hall.

In south Devon near the quirky town of Totnes, Dartington Hall offer wedding packages. The grounds are truly special and with five licensed ceremony rooms to choose from, you can pick a venue that suits the size of your party. You don’t even have to stay inside, the private gardens can also host marriage ceremonies!
The Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish is close to the town’s train station and has excellent public transport links making it a good choice for those of you with family coming from around the country. The hotel has a wealth of facilities for receptions and can accommodate up to 400 guests.

For something rural, book your wedding at Gidleigh Park. Located on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, this venue has award-winning catering and a country retreat atmosphere, allowing you to re-enact the kind of decadent weddings you see in TV dramas. Though hopefully, without the conflict!
If you want a country house rather than a hotel, Holne Park House is another choice. Also located on the edge of Dartmoor and conveniently between Plymouth and Exeter, the house and private lawns are available for exclusive use. Whatever the season, Holne Park House is a great option, from roaring fires of the winter package to the stunning sunsets of the summer ones, the venue is available all year around and offers both indoor and outdoor ceremonies.

Alternatively, Deer Park Country House in Honiton is a good choice for a country wedding. Not only has this venue been named as the best wedding venue in Devon, but the house and its beautiful gardens are the perfect backdrop for a real fairy tale wedding. With excellent catering, plenty of room and the chance to offer accommodation to your guests make sure to shortlist this property. Petrol heads will also want to take note – this venue has a collection of classic cars which are available for you to make the perfect entrance to your wedding.

If you’re looking for somewhere central where your guests can easily get to you either by car or by public transport, take a look at the Devon Hotel in Exeter. As Exeter is serviced by two mainline train stations and has an airport and a main road network, it is relatively easy for your guests to join you. This doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on beautiful surroundings, the Devon Hotel is surrounded by private gardens and has a host of fabulous, tastefully decorated function rooms for you to choose from.

As nice as a traditional venue might be, they aren’t for everyone and sometimes you just want to really step outside the norm. Don’t fret, there are plenty of options for you too if you want something a bit more unusual.

Why not feel like a real princess for the day by saying your vows at a castle? Pentillie Castle near Plymouth is a grand private home set in a magical location along the banks of the River Tamar. This venue is pretty flexible when it comes to your nuptials and you have the freedom to really create your own perfect wedding day.

Image: Pentillie Castle.

Or if you’re not into princesses but you are into mermaids, get married at the National Marine Aquarium! This unusual but first class venue adds something special to your event and caters for a wide range of ceremonies and celebrations – plus how cool would it be to get married while fish swim around you!?

Those of you who pride themselves on their green fingers and count their garden as being their pride and joy will want to look at the wedding options at Fursdon House and Gardens. The gardens are located on the outskirts of Exeter and there is plenty of scope for some amazing photos. Or why not get married at a botanical garden? Bicton Park Botanical Garden is a great choice for a unique wedding venue. The Palm House is the jewel in the crown and is licensed for ceremonies, so you can hold the whole event there.

Another outdoor option is Roadford Lake, the 740 acre lake is surrounded by rolling countryside and is a truly unique location for your special day. It’s the ideal venue for anyone who loves being outdoors and adventure. Especially if you choose to spend a few days in the area really taking advantage of the activities that the lake offers!

For a venue with accommodation that is completely different, take a look at the weddings offered by YurtCamp Devon. This site can not only host your wedding, but they also have a catering service and accommodation available - in yurts! Plus you can really tailor your wedding to you, choose from candlelit dinners in a purpose built barn or go for a campfire supper!

Are you getting married next year? Do any of these venues meet your criteria? We’d love to know how your big day goes, you can get in touch with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.