Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding news and ideas from around the area

Book Before They Go: Premier Cottages’ Hottest Properties for Your Next Staycation

With demand for premium UK staycations continuing to rise, now is definitely the moment to book your next summer holiday. Premier Cottages represents a hand-picked selection of 4- and 5-star luxury holiday cottages across the UK and Ireland including The Shippon in Devon. This property is ideal for family-moons, multigenerational family holidays or friends' getaways, with outdoor play equipment and an indoor playroom. The Shippon sleeps up to 18 people in ten bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and boasts two hot tubs against the backdrop of serene river views. Set in the tranquil River Dart valley, there's riverside walks on the doorstep and its popularity comes from the blend of countryside, luxury, and space, making it a top-seller for large families and groups.

2026 Brides’ First Dance Forecast: The Songs Brides Can't Resist

For many couples, choosing the perfect first-dance track is a heartfelt decision, the song that will forever anchor the memory of their wedding day. Grace Loves Lace, the bridal company renowned for its effortless, romantic designs, has released a first-of-its-kind "Spotify Wrapped" for first dance songs. The new exclusive study analysed more than 70 of the most popular first dance playlists, listing over 3,800 unique songs, to uncover the best first dance tracks of all time. "Music is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, and the first dance sets the emotional tone for the entire celebration," comments Rosie Keating Leary, Head Designer at Grace Loves Lace. "It's fascinating to see the patterns emerge across genres, it mirrors how our brides approach dress selection. There's no one-size-fits-all; the perfect choice is simply the one that feels like you."

Romantic Countryside Stays to Book This Valentine’s Day in Devon and Cornwall

Escape to the countryside this Valentine's Day and get cosy with a romantic escape in Devon and Cornwall booked through Simply Owners. Hank's Annexe, a one-bedroom cottage in Colyton, Devon sleeping two people is tucked away in a secluded East Devon valley near the Jurassic Coast, It's an award-winning, adults-only hideaway created for romance. Designed with two people in mind, this luxurious Five Star Gold retreat offers far-reaching rural views, a private enclosed garden, and beautifully crafted interiors. It's home to a dramatic four-poster bed and an indulgent bateau bath for pure indulgence. Prices start from just £100 per night.

What’s next for weddings? The Wedding Shop reveals all

Multi-award-winning gift list service, The Wedding Shop has revealed new data, showing the trends that are shaping weddings and couples' gift lists for 2026. Based on information from over 80,000 couples gathered since 2019, the leading personal gift service has looked at changes in how couples are choosing to celebrate, and how their dearest and nearest are gifting them to mark their special day with some surprising results.

Exeter Racecourse launches Community Raceday and calls for Devon’s community heroes

Exeter Racecourse has launched a new Community Raceday on Friday 20th February and is inviting people across Devon to nominate a community hero who deserves recognition. The initiative celebrates the people who make a real difference in their communities – from volunteers and carers to sports coaches, fundraisers and quiet grafters who go above and beyond. Every nominee will receive a free ticket to Exeter Racecourse, and one overall winner will be treated to a Family Raceday experience for 12 people on Tuesday 7th April, including food and drinks. The winner will also be presented with a certificate on Community Raceday itself. Nominations will be judged by Exeter Racecourse general manager Jack Parkinson, Chairman Duncan Sykes, and Wincanton Racecourse general manager Blaithin Murphy.

Getting married soon? Sort finances before saying 'I do'

A wedding is a promise of a shared future, but concerningly, especially when it comes to retirement, many couples delay discussion of how they'll plan for their future finances. Mapping out your finances to track life's milestone moments long before the big day is important to ensure both partners feel confident and prepared - from the prospect of taking a possible career break, to job loss, potential illness and being comfortably affording retirement.

Gardens to visit in Devon this February half term

This February half term is the perfect chance to embrace the great outdoors and head into nature by visiting a National Garden Scheme venue complete with tea and cake. Children go free at the majority of the gardens making it an affordable family day out. There are 72 gardens opening on the weekends in the half term on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February, and Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February. Higher Cherubeer in Devon will be open on Friday 13th and Saturday 21st February, and is known for its snowdrops and early spring blooms, with so much more to explore.

The UK Hen & Stag Destinations Everyone’s Booking for 2026

Once dominated by big nights out and budget flights abroad, hen and stag parties in the UK are having a rethink, and things are now looking very different. Research suggests that pre-wedding celebrations could be completely sober as early as 2040, with groups instead embracing alcohol-free celebrations that they're more likely to remember. Also, rising travel costs, tighter schedules and a growing appetite for wellness experiences are pushing more groups to stay closer to home.

Celebrate Burns Night with the Adam Handling Collection in Cornwall

Celebrate Burns Night with the Adam Handling Collection. In Cornwall, The Tartan Fox will host an atmospheric Scottish fireside feasting night in Newquay on Saturday 24th January, set within the pub's toasty tipi. It's hosted in collaboration with Potluck Cornwall. Kicking off at 7 pm, the evening celebrates chef Adam Handling's proud Scottish heritage with a menu full of much-loved Caledonian flavours, reimagined with the team's signature sustainable and innovative twist. Dishes include Ember-smoked Scottish scallops served with garlic butter and smoked chicken served with peat whisky sauce. There's also a delicious clootie pudding served with custard for dessert. Tickets are priced at £75 per person.

Bovey Castle to host movie-inspired cooking competition this February

A five-star Dartmoor resort is inviting members of the public to channel their inner food critic for the evening where five chefs - including a MasterChef: The Professionals winner – will be competing against each other with their own culinary creations. Bovey Castle is hosting Battle of Eden 2026: A Night at the Movies on 28 February 2026 where each head chef from Bovey Castle and its four sister hotels, which make up The Eden Hotel Collection, will be creating dishes inspired by iconic films. Those taking part include Mark Budd (Bovey Castle); Stu Deeley (Mallory Court Hotel and Spa, and MasterChef: The Professionals winner); Tim Jenkins (Brockencote Hall Hotel); Abhijit Dalsalkar (The Greenway Hotel & Spa); and Amith Fernando (The Arden Hotel).

Cornish Holiday Parks Launch All-Inclusive Offer

Lizard Point, Looe Bay, Newquay and White Arces holiday parks in Cornwall are four of 42 Parkdean Resorts across the UK rolling out an all-inclusive offer. The upgrade is available exclusively on four-night breaks from Monday to Friday on select dates during spring and early summer. The break includes three meals a day and unlimited soft drinks (including Costa coffee). All-inclusive prices start from £25 per adult and £10 per child per day. Andy Edge, chief marketing officer at Parkdean Resorts, said: "Following the huge success of our trial at ten parks in 2025, including Newquay, we are rolling out our all-inclusive offer to a total of 42 holiday parks this year."

The philosophy of white - Pantone's Colour of the Year

White has always been more than a colour; it is the quiet space between thought and form, the light-filled pause where the eye rests and the mind find clarity. Today, in a world buzzing with distraction, white takes on renewed significance. Pantone's selection of PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as the Colour of the Year 2026 celebrates this very essence - a lofty, aerated white that whispers calm and serenity into a frenetic society. At James Cropper, the historic British papermaker, white is not just a conceptual ideal - it is a craft, a product, and a philosophy...

Wedding Flower Trends Set to Bloom in 2026

As couples begin planning their nuptials for the year ahead, 2026 wedding trends are already coming into bloom. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bridgerton and regency-era romance, Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, shares how brides and grooms can embrace these tones through their floral choices creating looks that feel understated yet refined, moving away from bold brights toward something more subtle, romantic and dreamlike.

Devon-born Sorrell Jewels offers something old and something blue

Did you get engaged between Xmas and New Year? Devon-born Sorrell Jewels, a curated vintage jewellery brand offers something old and something new for brides-to-be, bridesmaids, mothers, guests and gifts. Founder Emily Sorrell hand-sources sterling silver and 9-carat gold pieces with emotional value at their core: birthstones marking milestones, charms telling love stories, signets engraved with meaning, and heirloom-style rings to pass down. For couples, Emily creates wedding jewellery with soul – an object to wear on the day and treasure for a lifetime. From vintage rubies for luck to opals that shimmer like the sea, many of the pieces blend tradition with personal meaning.

New Mural Unveiled at Newquay WI Hall as Part of Expanding Love Newquay Mural Trail

Newquay BID is delighted to announce the completion of a striking new mural at the Newquay Women's Institute Hall on Manor Road, marking the second of three murals being delivered through TRIP funding secured from Cornwall Council. The mural forms part of Newquay BID's growing Love Newquay Mural Trail, an ongoing project that has been developed over the past 18–24 months. The trail features large-scale artworks across prominent buildings in the town centre, each accompanied by QR codes that link to the Love Newquay website, providing information about the artist, the artwork, and its story. The aim of the project is to drive footfall not only during the peak tourist season but throughout the year, while celebrating Newquay's heritage, creativity, and community.

Hen Party Trends for 2026

Hen parties in 2026 are shaping up to be even more expressive, more personal and far more adventurous than the familiar nights out of the past decade, according to hen party experts Book a Party. Brides and their friends are leaning into weekends that feel curated rather than copied. There is a clear move toward experiences that tell a story about the bride and the group. People want something that feels fresh and clever but still relaxed enough that everyone can enjoy themselves without pressure.

Take a dip in Newquay on New Year's Day for Young Lives vc Cancer

Whether you live in Newquay, are visiting on a honeymoon or a mini-moon, or in town for the festive season, Young Lives vs Cancer are looking for adrenaline enthusiasts in Cornwall to take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on New Year's Day! Everyone is invited - in your swimming cossie, wetsuit or fancy dress!! Visit Newquay Harbour on 1st January at 12 noon and start 2026 by doing something amazing to raise money to support children, young people and their family's facing cancer. If you can't bring yourself to wade into water (which may be a bit on the chilly-side at this time of the year) please still come along and support those-who-dare; we love to see as many cheering supporters as possible!

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

China Fleet Country Club commemorates 30 years since its Royal opening

China Fleet Country Club, one of the South West's premier health and leisure destinations, commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its official opening by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (now His Majesty King Charles III) in December 1995. Originally founded in Hong Kong to support the welfare of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community, the Club moved to Cornwall and was established via the China Fleet Trust. It maintains strong modern ties, including those with HMS TAMAR and 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines and open to the wider community too. Over three decades, the Club has grown into a high-value, multi-generational destination and economic engine for the South West.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.