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

Newquay to enjoy three-day Christmas celebration with lights switch on

Newquay is set to sparkle this festive season as Newquay Town Council, Newquay BID and Cornwall Shop Small come together to host a spectacular three-day Christmas celebration from 28th to 30th November 2025 on the historic Killacourt. The free event will feature the town's Christmas lights switch on, a bustling Christmas market, live music performances, and family entertainment. The festivities commence on Friday 28th November with Newquay's traditional Christmas lights switch on ceremony at 6:45 pm accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display over the bay. The celebrations start at 3:00 pm with the opening of the Christmas market and bar featuring carol singing by Oll an Gwella, performances from Wicked Tribute and Bubbles the Pixie, finishing with an evening show by Forever Swift.

Legal experts warn couples not to change wedding plans amid wedding law reforms

Proposed changes to 19th Century weddings laws could be about to change everything for couples, but one legal expert has urged wedding planners to hang fire before making any changes to their big day. Legal experts from The University of Law say: "While there have been various updates to wedding laws in recent years, such as legalising same-sex marriage and changing the legal age requirement for marriage, nothing has changed the laws that govern marriage to this extent since the 1800s. "The main thing couples need to know now, is that nothing is going to change in the immediate future. The reforms still need public consultation, then the usual Parliamentary processes before implementation, all of which could take many years.

ST MORITZ HOTEL & COWSHED SPA UNVEILS A SERENE TWIXMAS

After the fanfare of Christmas Day, St Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa in Polzeath, Cornwall invites guests to slow down, breathe out, and embrace the restorative calm of the north Cornish coastline with its blissful Twixmas Break. Wrapped up in signature St Moritz luxury, this indulgent dinner, bed and breakfast escape is the perfect antidote to the Christmas chaos, gifting a mid-season pause designed for rest, reconnection, and revitalisation. More of an extensive transatlantic resort than a 'normal' hotel, with acres of space and purposefully designed facilities to satisfy every modern day lifestyler, St Moritz has everything that festive short-breakers or extended holiday makers could need.

Cornwall's Firebrand Wins Double Gold for Shorebreak at International Non-Alcoholic Competition

Firebrand Brewing Co. recently announce its non-alcoholic hazy pale, Shorebreak, won Double Gold at the International Non-Alcoholic Drinks Competition. This follows on from being named Britain's Best Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale at the World Beer Awards. Co-owner and head brewer at Firebrand Brewing Co., Joe Thomson says: "Winning Double Gold at the International Non-Alcoholic Competition is a huge moment for us. Shorebreak was created to give drinkers a full-flavoured, hop-forward beer without compromise, and to see it recognised by such a respected panel of judges is incredible.The awards were held in New York and we were up against beers from across the globe so this is a huge international accolade. The non-alcoholic category is growing fast and to be leading the way with one of our core beers is something we're really proud of."

Lympstone Manor to host watercolour workshop, brass band and vineyard tours

December at Lympstone Manor is vibrant, with a watercolour workshop, Michelin-starred dining, brass bands, vineyard tours and tasting sessions to be hosted. The festive season starts on 2nd December with a watercolour workshop and lunch with Rachel Toll, learning the techniques to paint a Christmas tree and winter landscape. Throughout the month, a festive afternoon teas and variety of seasonal dining experiences can also be enjoyed. A three-night Christmas package that commences on Christmas Eve witha festive brass band performance playung traditional carols includes mince pies and mulled wine. This is to be ollowed by an eight-course tasting menu by Michael Caines MBE. Optional transport is available to midnight mass at Exeter Cathedral. Christmas Day starts with a champagne breakfast followed by a five-course Christmas tasting menu served either as lunch or dinner.

7 Ways Marriage Celebrations Will Change By 2035

Planning a wedding used to follow a predictable script – white dress, church ceremony, big reception with 150+ guests. But it seems those days are numbered. According to this expert, the next decade promises to completely reshape how couples say "I do," driven by technology advances, environmental concerns, and evolving social attitudes. Wedding expert Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, a family-run business specialising in exclusive-use venues across the UK, has witnessed these changes first-hand at their castle and country estate locations. "We're seeing couples make bold choices that would have seemed impossible just five years ago," says Bramer. "The traditional wedding playbook is being rewritten entirely."

Newquay Lantern Parade lights up Trenance Gardens on 21st November

The annual Newquay Lantern Parade is returning on the 21st of November 2026 to light up the Cornish town. The new home of the Lantern Parade event is down in Trenance Valley, and much the same as last year will be linked in with the Trenance Cottages Light Switch-on event happening on the same night. The lanterns will process from 6 pm through Trenance Valley to the cottages, with viewing points in both Trenance Gardens and the Boating Lake. This year Blystra Arts, who deliver all the creative activity related to the parade, have been able to enhance the event even further by linking the project in with another of their 2025 projects, Stories from the Station.

No ring? No proposal! New study reveals the top reasons for a proposal turn down

A new survey of 2000 UK adults has revealed timing is everything when it comes to a proposal, but so is taste. In an era where perfect proposals are deemed as Instagram-worthy backdrops and a professional photographer, this study reveals that the fundamentals are what couples are really wanting. A new study, commissioned by professional jewellers, F. Hinds, shows nearly 3 in 10 (29%) would be turned off by a public proposal, whilst another 29% would say no if it happens on someone else's special day, such as a birthday or even another person's wedding day. The engagement ring itself still plays a pivotal role. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 (20%) say the ring, or lack of one, can make or break the moment, proving that in an era of bigger is better, the perfect ring is still the ultimate "yes" factor.

Chunk of Devon Strikes Gold (and Platinum) at the Food Drink Devon Awards

Chunk of Devon is celebrating after collecting an impressive 15 awards at this year's Food Drink Devon Awards, including eight for its gluten-full range and seven for its gluten-free bakes. The standout win of the evening went to the Butter Chicken Pasty, which took home both Platinum and the coveted title of Product of the Year. Six further products from Chunk's traditional range earned gold and silver awards, while the company's gluten-free creations were also recognised across both savoury and sweet categories. "We're absolutely thrilled," said Chunk founder Simon Bryon-Edmond. "It's fantastic to see our gluten-free range receiving the same recognition as our traditional favourites."

Legal officiants vs legal venues

The wedding industry in the UK is worth £14.7billion, and the average cost of a wedding is over £20,000. With not only the cost, but the time and effort put into your wedding and making it one of the most special days of your life, you want to make sure that the event does actually legally marry you and your partner! Joanna Newton, a partner at Stowe Family Law, advises on the changes, and what couples need to consider.... In England and Wales, for your marriage to be legally binding, your ceremony venue needs to be a registered location. For more and more people, this is their local registry office, as they are choosing to have their wedding in venues that, whilst special to the couple, are unlicensed. In many cases, this means couples are having two weddings – one for the legal bit and one for the fun!

Whistlefish- Affordable, eco-conscious wedding stationery & gifts

When it comes to planning a wedding, organising a hen party or finding thoughtful gifts, Whistlefish makes it simple with its beautifully designed wedding collection. Whistlefish offers affordable, design-led products that make every moment of the celebration feel special. Crafted by their in-house artists in Cornwall, the range blends timeless style with eco-conscious values, proving you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a polished, personal wedding look. Whistlefish offers a range of chic, budget-friendly pieces to help bring a couple's vision to life.

Valleyside Barn named finalist for Wedding Venue of the Year at Devon Tourism Awards

Bickleigh-based Valleyside Barn was recently announced as a finalist in the Wedding Venue of the Year category at the Devon Tourism awards. The venue will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze award on November 27th. This marks the second year running that Valleyside Barn has been recognised, following a Highly Commended award in the Barn/Country Venue category at the South West Wedding Awards in 2024. Emma Wright, co-owner, said, "This is the first time we have entered the awards in this category, and we're so happy to be a finalist. It is a rigorous process - not only do you have to submit a supporting application, but you also have a judge come and visit the venue."

‘Til death us do part: making plans for beyond your future.

On 16th May 2025 the Law Commission published its recommendations on wills and proposed a new statute. This is the first significant reconsideration since the Wills Act 1837 which is still effective today. Life was quite different in 1837. Queen Victoria ascended the throne aged 18 years old. Any property owned by a women on marriage was transferred automatically to her husband. It would be 40 years before Thomas Edison lit up the first electric lightbulb.

Enjoy Christmas festivities at the Adam Handling Collection in Newquay

This festive season, the Adam Handling Collection is delivering extraordinary Christmas experiences across its award-winning restaurants and bars in Cornwall, Windsor and London. With indulgent British menus featuring delicious dishes, cosy festive feasts and Christmas markets to make spirits bright, they've got something special for every occasion. The Adam Handling Collection also has a range of foodie gifts on offer, including gift vouchers, Adam's Limited Edition Boxset of cookbooks and a selection of Adam Handling Own Label English sparkling wines. For pre-Christmas delivery of these gifts, order before midday on 18th December 2025. Their Christmas Chocolate Shop offering isn't to be missed.

Bridebox - the bridal subscription box for DIY brides

Each beautifully presented box contains everything needed to create stunning wedding crafts and personalised keepsakes, alongside thoughtful self-care treats designed to help you pause and truly enjoy your engagement journey. With clear, friendly instructions and all materials included, Bridebox takes the guesswork out of adding personal touches to your big day, allowing you to experience the satisfaction of creating something meaningful while taking precious moments for yourself amidst the planning whirlwind. More than just crafts, each Bridebox offers an opportunity to learn new skills, experiment with different ideas before committing to larger wedding projects, and perhaps most importantly, provides that perfect excuse to set aside the to-do list, brew a cuppa, and reconnect with the joy that should always be at the heart of your wedding planning adventure.

Cake International returns for 2025

The world's premier cake decorating and baking show, Cake International, is back for 2025 and it's bringing even more flavour with it. Co-located with the ever-popular Bake International, this year's show promises to be the most spectacular yet, with new features, industry-leading exhibitors, hands-on workshops, and a landmark celebration to launch the Cake & Bake International Awards. Find out more here.

Los Angeles-harpist Mary Lattimore returns to Newquay

Los Angeles-based harpist and composer Mary Lattimore returns to Newquay next month for a special evening of live music at St Michael's Church, presented by ALMA Artspace. Lattimore will be joined by Neil Halstead (Slowdive) on guitar to perform material from their critically acclaimed album Silver Ladders, recorded together in Cornwall in 2020, as well as performing a varied selection from her impeccable canon of work. This will be Mary's only UK performance on this trip, ahead of recording a new album with Halstead at his North Cornwall studio. The evening will also include support from Voguebeloth. Born from the echoing walls of a Cornish chapel, Voguebeloth weave distortion and ambience into improvised soundscapes. Featuring members of Mildred Maude, Seamouse, and Pink Midnight.

Wedding reforms: Freedom, flexibility… or fancy-dress farce?

Following a recent announcement of major reforms to the wedding laws in England and Wales, Kate Van Rol, barrister at 4PB advises what these changes could mean... The government's latest plan to reform weddings has been met with excitement, curiosity, and the occasional raised eyebrow from the vicarage. Ministers promise to liberate love from the clutches of red tape – simplifying the marriage process and allowing couples to wed in a manner that truly reflects their beliefs, personalities, and (let's be honest) Instagram aesthetic. Under these proposals, couples will no longer be bound by the old rulebook of marrying only in a church or registry office. Instead, weddings could take place almost anywhere – in gardens, on beaches, aboard boats, or even in a back garden with a barbecue and a borrowed gazebo. Religious and non-religious groups alike would be able to conduct legally binding ceremonies. It's marriage law for the modern age — simple, flexible, and tailor-made for a society that's allergic to formality. But as with all government reforms that sound too good to be true, there's a catch or two lurking beneath the confetti.

PREZZO ITALIAN ANNOUNCES MEOW-MAGICAL RESTAURANT TAKEOVER WITH DREAMWORKS ANIMATION'S GABBY'S DOLLHOUSE: THE MOVIE

Prezzo Italian is sprinkling a little extra meow-gic into family mealtimes with the launch of an exclusive partnership with DreamWorks' Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie until the 3rd of November. With restaurants located in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, the South West including Devon and nationwide, families visiting Prezzo restaurants this half term can enjoy a paws-itively playful dining experience, complete with themed dishes, in-restaurant fun for kids, and an unforgettable competition prize. Big adventures start with little bites! Inspired by the colourful, playful world of Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie, the new limited-edition menu features family favourites with a twist including cat-shaped pizzas and delicious rainbow doughnuts topped with strawberry sugar crunch and a caramel drizzle.

Would you like to win your hen do?

GoHen.com, one of the UK's leading hen party planners, are giving one lucky bride-to-be the chance to win her entire hen weekend for free. Yep, one lucky group will win an unforgettable GoHen weekend for 10 friends worth £2,000 – for free! With 70+ amazing destinations across the UK and Europe, and 1,000s of activities and accommodation options to choose from, you can make your send-off exactly how you imagined it – whether that's spa days and cocktails or beach clubs and bottomless brunches.