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You are here > Home > Visitor Info > More Information > Visit Devon News > Choose Devon for your nuptials in 2022!
10th May 2021
Categories: Visitor News
With everything that has gone on over the last year and a bit, wedding planning has been a much more arduous task than before. If you’re planning to tie the knot in the next year or two and are looking for inspiration for magical venues, look no further than what is on offer in Devon.
Whether you want something traditional, something small, something grand or something as unique as you are you’ll find it all in Devon. From beachside venues to luxury hotels to country getaways and purpose built venues, there is something for everyone here.
One great option for planning a wedding is hosting the whole event at a hotel. Not only can you have the ceremony and the reception all in one place, but there is accommodation on hand for your guests, plenty of parking, dedicated event planners and caterers all on site – it’s ideal for those who don’t want to move between venues or anyone who wants the whole thing taken care of, so you can just enjoy the big day. There are a whole host of different hotels all across the county providing incredible wedding packages, so here are a couple of suggestions for you.
Image: Saunton Sands Hotel
For those of you who love being near the ocean or anyone who wants their love of watersports to be part of the proceedings, take a look at what is on offer from Saunton Sands Hotel. The hotel is located above the three mile stretch of beach complete with golden sand and amazing views across the sea – think of how magical those photos will look! The hotel has several spaces available for weddings, including the garden, the gallery or one of the many function rooms. A wedding held here can be themed to your choosing, your guests can enjoy discounted rates on rooms and you have your own private self contained function room for the after party. If that wasn’t enough, you can also make use of the onsite hair and beauty salon!
While not directly on the beach, another hotel with amazing views across the beach can be found in Dawlish at the other end of the county. The Langstone Cliff Hotel can be found among 19 acres of woodland overlooking the sea and the Exe Estuary with ample free parking. There is also easy access to a main line train station in Dawlish, connecting you to the wider Torbay area. There is even a schedule bus stop opposite the hotel entrance, so it is easy for all your guests to join you.
Having been holding weddings onsite since the 1940s, the team are experienced and dedicated to making sure that you have the very best and most memorable day. Your dedicated wedding planner will also be on hand, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
If a grand setting sounds like something you’d be interested in, The Royal Hotel in Bideford is a beautiful Regency style hotel with private gardens overlooking the River Torridge providing a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos. The hotel is one of the most elegant venues in the North Devon region and their team of experts are well versed in planning special occasions, so you can relax and just enjoy your day.
Image: Imperial Hotel
Also in North Devon is the Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple’s ultimate dream wedding venue. Located alongside the River Taw, this is a beautiful and elegant venue with plenty of picturesque places for your photos. Not only that, but it offers exceptional service and first class catering, so you can be sure that your wedding is in good hands. It’s perfect for intimate, smaller weddings with a relaxing atmosphere. There are a whole host of options for you depending on what decorations and themes you want at your big day, so be sure to get in touch with the hotel to organise a meeting with your personal wedding planner.
Another option in the Barnstaple area is the Barnstaple Hotel where you can host everything from a large gathering to a smaller celebration – bespoke packages are created for every couple, so you can rest assured that you can have the wedding of your dreams. Being in Barnstaple means that you have a central location, so your guests can easily find you, plus they get discounted rates on rooms should they want to stay over.
For something with a more rural feel, take a look at the Park Hotel, with views across the River Taw and Rock Park being just a stone’s throw away, giving you both waterside and garden backdrops for your photos. The romantic park setting is calm and peaceful, so you are away from the crowds without being so rural that your guests can’t find you. Packages here include everything from room hire to wedding menus that range from a dressed buffet to a spectacular five course lunch.
Speaking of hotel venues that are easily accessible, why not look at the packages offered by the Devon Hotel in Exeter. You can get married in elegant Georgian surroundings and beautiful gardens, with plenty of luxury options to choose from. Being based in Exeter also means that you have access to mainline train stations, excellent public transport and of course, the road network, linking you to cities and towns across the country, so wherever your guests are based, they can reach you in good time!
This hotel also has different rooms and packages available depending on the size of your wedding, so no matter whether you’re looking for an intimate celebration with just a few friends or a large affair with every family member you can think of, you can comfortably host the perfect wedding here.
Image: Holne House
It isn’t just hotels that make great wedding venues, there are other options for you too, including Holne House, a country house with exclusive use for you and your party. Located on the edge of Dartmoor, the house is just off the Devon Expressway. The house and lawns are available exclusively to you and your guests, with over 90 acres of gardens, lakes, rivers and woodland, plus the River Dart Country Park being just a stone’s throw from the house, you can really feel like you’re hiding in your very own rural retreat. Plus having exclusive use of the house and grounds allows you complete flexibility and privacy – what could be better?
If the sound of something rural and full of greenery is appealing to you, why not book a wedding at Fursdon Gardens? This beautiful site is located in Exeter and has one of the oldest family homes in the county. The setting has amazing views across the parkland and Devon’s rolling hills – this couldn’t be more rural if you tried! This is despite being close to Exeter, Tiverton and Crediton – so plenty of cultural hubs to escape to if you need to!
The gardens themselves are a perfect venue for anyone who loves being outside and wants to create a truly unique wedding experience.
Alternatively, you could always get married at a botanical gardens, especially if plants are a big part of you and your partner’s life together. Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
is a really unique and special venue, full of history, romance and of course, beautiful spots for photos – it is a venue that no one could forget!
The Palm House in the centre of the park is licenced for ceremonies and is full of lush tropical plants and the glass structure allows in huge amounts of natural light. If you’re looking for something tranquil and utterly you for your big day, this is certainly a venue to consider.
Image: Dartington Hall
If you like the idea of getting married somewhere steeped in history, Dartington Hall might be perfect for you. The hall has five rooms licenced for ceremonies, so you can really choose the one that best represents you and your relationship. Plus, you can make use of the gardens during your ceremony if you wish – they are one of the few venues in Devon that can offer ceremonies outside in their stunning private gardens. You and your guests are also welcome to stay onsite, with rooms overlooking the 14th century courtyard – a truly romantic and individual experience!
Of course, if we’re talking about history buffs what could be better than saying I Do in a castle? Powderham Castle is another venue that hosts weddings – with over 600 years of history, this is a wonderful place to hold your wedding. Between their woodland garden, the Gothic Pavilion or the castle itself, there are plenty of spaces available for you to create the wedding of your dreams.
For the ultimate in unique wedding venues, why not book your event at the National Marine Aquarium? Located in Plymouth, this is a wonderfully flexible venue that can be tailored to the individual needs of each couple. With the low lighting, fascinating species and bespoke management and catering teams on hand, you can create the most memorable wedding without having to do too much planning!
Want a few more suggestions for a wedding in Devon? You can find a whole host of venues here.
© Visit Devon Community Interest Company