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

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.

A meaningful Christmas gift

Knowing what to get your loved ones a Christmas seems to get harder every year. What to get people who seemingly want nothing but have everything? This year, gift them mindfulness with Myind Map MY Journal. created by Rosemary Ikpeme, this journal takes users on a 90-day journey of self-discovery and mindfulness activities. This journal blends productivity tools with mindset practices, combining visualisation, the law of attraction, and colour therapy illustrations to support reflection and manifestation.

Parkdean Resorts with parks in Devon and Cornwall reveal couple getaways have surged this year

More couples are opting for short getaways in the UK this year, new booking data reveals. Over the past year, lodge holiday provider Parkdean Resorts, with parks in Devon and Cornwall has seen a notable rise in demand for romantic breaks closer to home. By analysing sales data, it's been revealed that bookings by couples have surged by 14% year-on-year. This highlights an increasing trend of shorter, more affordable romantic staycations. With a growing appetite for intimate breaks in the UK, the travel experts have revealed the specific locations surging in demand and how to make couple breaks extra romantic.

The 3 Golden Rules for Choosing the Right Wedding Jewellery

With Married at First Sight dominating our screens from Sunday to Thursday, it's hard not to be inspired by the stunning bridal looks, sparkling jewellery, and dreamy hairstyles on display. Whether you're planning your own big day or simply daydreaming about it, finding the right accessories is key to creating a look that feels uniquely yours. From statement earrings to delicate hairpieces, the perfect finishing touches can elevate your ensemble from beautiful to unforgettable. Experts at Abbott Lyon have revealed how to choose wedding accessories that balance timeless elegance with your personal style.

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS: NEWQUAY ZOO STRIKES GOLD ON DEBUT

Newquay Zoo has been awarded a Gold medal in this year's Britain in Bloom competition, a standout achievement for its first-ever entry into the prestigious national horticultural event. The award recognises the zoo's vibrant planting schemes, which enhance the visitor experience while supporting the welfare of its animals. Judges praised the Cornwall-based attraction for its beautifully designed landscapes, enhancing the natural feel of animal enclosures and maintaining seasonal interest throughout the year. The result reflects the skill and dedication of the zoo's team, who continue to deliver high-quality experiences for visitors while managing the site with care and efficiency.

A luxurious hamper with an added personal touch

For anyone looking for an outstanding wedding gift, a luxurious hamper with an added personal touch is an ideal option. Top Hampers was born from the belief that gifts should mark an occasion in a way that is meaningful and memorable, to enable you to give gifts that are thoughtful and personalised, showing just how much you care. They have used their expertise to create a range of ready-to-go wedding hampers. These are perfect if you are short on time ahead of the wedding, as you can rely on Top Hampers for quality and the personal touch, while knowing the hampers can be delivered the next working day.

One in three Brits skip weddings over sky-high guest costs

Despite being one of the biggest factors in long-term relationship success, money is still a taboo topic for most couples. New research from HSBC UK reveals that three in four Brits (75%) consider financial compatibility essential. The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults explored how modern couples navigate finances - from dating apps to wedding vows - and the pressures, expectations and unspoken rules that come with spending in relationships. The impact of this silence is clear, with 58% of couples having argued about money.

Newquay Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottages Light Switch on to Return

Following the success of the 2024 Trees and Tales event held in Trenance Valley, the Newquay Lantern Parade and Trenance Cottages Lights Switch On event is set to return on Friday 21st November from 5.30pm in Trenance Valley. Newquay BID, Blystra Arts and Trenance Cottages invite the community to wrap up warm and come out to celebrate the start of the festive season in the most magical way possible with a community lantern parade and light switch on event, celebrating the start of the festive season in Newquay with a light parade in a beautiful wooded, lakeside location. Last year the parade moved to Trenance Valley and saw record numbers attend to participate in and watch the event which ended with the countdown to the first Trenance Cottages Light Switch On event.

Chef Adam Handling MBE’s AHC Food Festival was attended by thousands

Chef Adam Handling MBE's first-ever AHC Food Festival was a huge success with around 2,000 attendees joining the festivities across the weekend of October 4th and 5th at The Tartan Fox, Adam's luxury countryside pub near Newquay. Created as a celebration of community and the exceptional talent within the Adam Handling Collection (AHC), the two-day event saw festival-goers enjoying the very best in food, drink and hospitality. "We're going to do it again next year," says Adam "and make it even bigger and better. It was an incredible day. It was great to bring our team from across the collection together and to showcase what we do best."

Changing your name after the wedding

When the confetti settles and you're left with a shiny new name, the natural panic starts to set in "what documents do I need to change?" An aspect many don't consider until they have to, is the seemingly endless list of documents that now need updating. Below is a list of all the official bits you'll need to look at, now that you're embarking on newlywed bliss.

Tom Thumb cocktail bar in Newquay awarded prestigious Pinnacle Guide Star

Newquay's much-loved cocktail bar Tom Thumb has been officially recognised by the Pinnacle Guide, earning a coveted One Star Award for excellence — a significant achievement that places the venue among the UK's leading bars. The Pinnacle Guide, often described as the Michelin Guide of the drinks world, celebrates outstanding bars for their quality, consistency, sustainability, and service. Achieving a star involves a rigorous process, including mystery reviews and a detailed assessment of each venue's ethos and operational excellence. Owner Jamie, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to receive a Pinnacle Guide Star. It's a reflection of our team's dedication to quality, creativity, and the customer experience. From day one, our ethos has centred on exceptional service, sustainability, and serving drinks we're truly proud of."

FINDING YOUR SEASON

Whilst a summer wedding is traditionally considered the most popular time to tie the knot, there are many reasons why couples choose other seasons for their celebrations. For many, choosing a date comes down to a mix of budget, venue availability, work schedules and personal preferences. Whether you adore autumn's vibrant colours, the blossoms of early spring, or heartwarming winter celebrations, each season has unique charms to inspire your wedding plans. From selecting sun-kissed summer cakes and bespoke gifts, to arranging autumnal barn dances or finding local caterers with seasonal produce; this guide helps you host a wedding for all the seasons