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

Celebrate love, friendship and forever at Prezzo Italian this Valentine’s week

Celebrate love, friendship and forever at Prezzo Italian this Valentine's week at restaurants in Devon, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire as well as nationwide. This February, Prezzo Italian is serving up the perfect excuse to celebrate love in all its forms with a series of irresistible Valentine's-inspired dining offers. From romantic date nights to Galentine's celebrations and any love worth toasting, guests are invited to indulge in Prezzo Italian's specially curated Valentine's Day Set Menu, with two courses from £24.95, and three courses from £29.95, while also enjoying exclusive, limited-time treats. Prezzo Italian's Valentines Day Set Menu includes classic dishes such as crab and lobster ravioli, 'Marry Me' chicken, tasty tiramisu and a delicious quadruple chocolate cookie dough.

I SA-y yes! How soon-to-be wedded couples and newlyweds can use their ISAs 

From venues and catering to the dress and rings, wedding expenses can quickly add up. With the average cost of a UK wedding now more than £20,000, and with so many other pressures on our finances, putting money aside for your special day can feel challenging. A Cash ISA can be an efficient way for couples to save for their big day. With the Personal Savings Allowance limited to £1,000 for basic rate taxpayers, the tax-free allowance in an ISA has the potential to help you reach your goals sooner. Chris Henderson, Save and Pay Director at Tesco Bank, shares his top tips on how couples can save for a wedding and beyond.

Married to your surname? 26% of women are planning on keeping theirs

Lots of people are ditching traditions when it comes to modern weddings and marriage - one of which quickly losing favour is the tradition of taking your partner's surname. In a recent survey carried out by Pandora UK, almost nine in ten (88%) women said they think that attitudes to married names are changing in 2026 ¹. When asked, over a quarter (26%) of unmarried women said they'd keep their last name if they got married, whilst less than half (45%) said they'd take their partner's name. This is indicative of the shift in opinion in recent years, as when married women were asked, only a sixth (17%) of women said they kept their maiden names when they got married, whilst the majority (78%) took their partner's surname, with just 4% choosing to double-barrel their last name with their significant other.

Cool Cornwall Launches as Insider's Guide to County's Best Experiences

Cool Cornwall has launched as the definitive insider's guide to the county's best experiences, positioning itself as the go-to resource for discovering authentic Cornwall beyond the tourist trail. The new digital platform provides visitors and residents with expertly curated recommendations for the coolest things to see, do, and experience across Cornwall's vibrant coastal destinations, arriving at a crucial time following the closure of VisitCornwall in October 2025. Unlike conventional tourism guides, Cool Cornwall showcases the hip, authentic side of the county that locals know and love. The platform cuts through tourist clichés to reveal beachside saunas, hip new cafés, independent boutiques, cutting-edge galleries, and seasonal pop-ups that casual visitors might never discover on their own.

Love is in the air: Eden Mill and COCO Chocolatier partner to create the perfect Valentine's bundle

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based artisan, COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle just in time for Valentine's Day - featuring award-winning gin and a luxurious chocolate bar. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier Bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's iconic Love Gin with a bespoke bar of Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate. Designed with gifting in mind, the chocolate is presented in stunning, custom packaging inspired by the Love Gin's romantic aesthetic, beautifully merging the two brands.

Exeter’s Super Sunday delivers top-class racing on the road to Cheltenham

Exeter Racecourse hosts one of the highlights of its jump racing season with Super Sunday on Sunday 8th February, a meeting that has firmly earned its reputation as a key stepping stone towards the Cheltenham Festival. The seven-race card regularly attracts high-calibre runners and a strong Irish challenge, reinforcing Exeter's standing as a serious proving ground at this crucial stage of the season. For racing fans across Devon, Super Sunday offers the chance to witness Festival-quality action on their doorstep. A highlight is the second running of the £40,000 Listed Agatha Christie Mares' Novices' Chase, a race that brings national racing interest together with deep local significance. The contest honours one of Devon's most celebrated figures, with the winner receiving The Mousetrap Cup, a historic trophy with longstanding ties to Exeter Racecourse.

Monty Bojangles' new White Rose Kit-Tin makes for a quirky wedding favour idea

Looking for a wedding memento that really stands out from the crowd? As wedding season comes back around, Monty Bojangles, the multi-award-winning UK confectionery brand, has unveiled a new addition to its hugely popular Cat Tin collection. Say hello to White Rose, the enchanting wedding Kit-Tin. Marking the brand's first foray into the wedding space, the elegant keepsake has been beautifully designed as the perfect wedding favour, whilst also serving as the sweetest engagement, bridesmaid or wedding gift.

Top cottages in Cornwall for 2026 revealed

Cornwall travel experts have curated a list of the top-performing holiday cottages in Cornwall that delighted guests in 2025 and why they loved them. Inday Harrison, regional marketing manager for Cornish Horizons tells us, "In Cornwall, we're seeing a mix of repeat visitors alongside guests who are visiting for the first time. Guests are loving these cottages due to their great locations, comfortable beds, astonishing views and cleanliness." Inday adds "Cornwall is a great place for many different types of travellers, such as multigenerational families, due to Cornwall's large array of family-friendly beaches within proximity to each other that are close to restaurants, cafes, and many attractions accessible by foot." These cottages range from luxury coastal properties with far-stretching sea views to cosy countryside cottages filled with traditional charm.

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."

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.

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...