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

Frank P Matthews Tree Nursery launches Cornishgold

Frank P Matthews, one of the UK's leading tree nurseries, has launched a new pear variety called Cornishgold. With a history dating back more than 300 years, this exceptional juicing and cooking pear is now available for home gardeners and commercial growers to enjoy. Originally discovered in Launceston, Cornwall, the Treburrow Pear, as it was first known, stood in the kitchen garden of a historic farmhouse. For centuries, this ancient tree thrived unnoticed, bearing fruit with a mellow sweetness and outstanding juicing qualities. In 2015, its hidden legacy was uncovered by renowned pomologist Dr. Joan Morgan, who was captivated by its unique character. DNA testing confirmed that it was unlike any other known variety.

New Study Reveals the Best Places in England to Get Married

With wedding season fast approaching, the wedding experts at F.Hinds have analysed hundreds of the best wedding venues that England has to offer, to uncover where nearly-weds should be adding to their shortlist this summer. The study considered several factors such as popularity, reviews and weather predictions and awarded bonus points for how "Instagrammable" the aesthetic is. The systematic scoring system has revealed the "best of the best" English wedding venues for couples planning a wedding in 2025.

Devon-based jewellery designer Claire Austin unveils Claire Austin Wedding Celebrant

After training at the Academy of Modern Celebrancy, Devon-based jewellery designer Claire Austin, the talent behind Claire Austin England Bridal Hair Accessories & Jewellery has just launched Claire Austin Wedding Celebrant. When it comes to booking a celebrant-led wedding. Claire tells us there are many advantages. She says, "As a wedding celebrant, I will work with couples over the months or weeks (depending on the time of booking) leading up to their wedding day with regular communication over email, via WhatsApp, via a video call or in person. I will learn everything about them as a couple so I can write a bespoke and personalised script for the wedding ceremony."

Wedding expert reveals the top 2025 trends

With weddings becoming more personalised than ever, many couples are rethinking the traditional elements of their big day. In 2025, couples are all about individuality and creating an experience that truly reflects them. For those looking for inspiration on what's 'in' and what's 'out' for weddings this year; Jeremy Hinds, Wedding and Engagement Ring expert at F.Hinds, shares his top tips for planning a celebration that feels both modern and timeless.

The first Newquay Food Festival is taking place this July

The first Newquay Food Festival is taking place this July for lovers of the Cornish food scene. It's coming to Killacourt on the 10th until the 13th of July 2025 with free entry. Overlooking Towan Beach, everyone is invited to join uinfor a weekend of unforgettable flavours, local producers and creatives, with a dash of seaside magic. Visitors can expect a jam-packed schedule of bands and musicians, plus a Chef Stage focused on fire-cooking, hosted by Andi Tuck, and sponsored by Kamado Joe. The creators of Newquay Food Festival are truly passionate about Cornish food and the creative arts culture. It's no secret that Cornwall County boasts some of the best fresh produce, innovative chefs and creative talent that the UK has to offer.

Celebrate National Tea Day with the Nation’s Best Tasting Tea!

Birchall Tea is a family-owned tea company with a heritage dating back to 1872. Known for its exceptional quality and flavour, Birchall Tea sources the finest ingredients to create a wide range of blends enjoyed by tea enthusiasts worldwide. Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, Birchall Tea continually seeks ways to support environmental and social causes. To celebrate National Tea Day 2025, Birchall is giving customers 10% off any online purchase, but hurry as it's available for today only!

Nominations for the National Pub & Bar Awards 2025 have been announced

Nominations for the National Pub & Bar Awards 2025 have been announced, including pubs and bars in Devon and Cornwall. Pub and bar operators from hundreds of venues across the UK are celebrating ahead of the long Easter weekend, as more than 250 businesses raise a glass to being nominated for a National Pub & Bar Award. The annual event, which returns to London on Tuesday, 24 June, highlights an eclectic range of venues across the UK by naming 94 sites as the best in their respective counties. The 94 County Winner and the Highly Commended winners will be announced live at the event.. In total, 256 pubs and bars have been shortlisted throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Enjoy Flapjackery's irresistible Easter range this weekend

Enjoy Flapjackery's irresistible Easter range this weekend, a delicious alternative to traditional Easter treats! The team is delighted to offer a mouth-watering selection of gluten-free, hand-crafted flapjacks and indulgent Easter treats that are perfect for sharing and gifting. Made with the finest British oats and bursting with flavour, these delicious creations are a wonderful alternative to traditional Easter eggs, offering something truly special for everyone to enjoy. The Happy Easter Flapjack Gift Box, £34, features a Happy Easter chocolate plaque surrounded by four indulgent flapjacks, including a twist on the classic Simnel cake, playful Egg Splat and Egg Crush creations, and a zesty Seville orange brownie flapjack. Neatly presented in a gift-ready box, it's a sweet and thoughtful way to spread Easter joy.

Adam Handling MBE’s The Tartan Fox launches masterclass series with head chef Andi Tuck

Ever wondered how to roll and trim a ewe? Master a chicken terrine? Grill the perfect lobster? Guests will be welcomed at The Tartan Fox, chef Adam Handling MBE's luxury pub located in the picturesque countryside between Truro and Newquay, for a series of themed masterclasses in which they can learn how to butcher and cook dishes just like those found in the pub itself. Head chef Andi Tuck will be hosting the events, the first three of which will be focused on lamb (on the 29th of May 2025), seafood (on the 26th of June 2025) and chicken (on the 24th of July 2025).

Couples seek help with their Wedding Checklist

With the average 2025 wedding costing £20,822, it's understandable that couples are feeling the pressure to ensure their special day runs smoothly. Wedding costs have more than doubled since the pandemic and with higher budgets often comes increased planning and the need for checklists. Last year "wedding checklist" received 6,600 average monthly searches online as UK couples turned to Google for guidance, to make sure nothing was missed. As your 2025 wedding day approaches and the big elements are secured, from venue and dress to guest list, there will still be a number of important details to manage in those final weeks.

Everything you need to know about pre-nups

While pre-nups were once seen as only for the wealthy, they are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide financial clarity and peace of mind, especially if you are a business owner, have inheritance or assets acquired prior to the marriage. In my view, prenuptial agreements should be seen like car or wedding insurance, arranged in the event that something should happen, but not with the expectation that it is needed.

The Wave Project Newquay Shop Reopens

The Wave Project is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Newquay-based shop this week following a major refurbishment that will allow the team to expand their pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme. Thanks to the generosity of their partners, especially the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme and SUEZ, the space has been transformed to tackle neoprene waste while supporting young people's mental health through Surf Therapy. All profits from the shop directly fund the charity's life-changing Surf Therapy programmes, which help children and young people build confidence, resilience and improved mental wellbeing through the power of the ocean and other blue spaces.

Devon's Tavistock Town Hall offers iconic wedding venue

Devon's Tavistock Town Hall, located in Bedford Square, is an iconic venue offering exclusive use of its facilities for weddings and events. The historic stone building boasts elegant Gothic windows and dark wood panelling, perfect for year-round weddings, and the venue provides an extremely flexible space for couples to style to suit their big-day theme, plus there's seating for up to 190 guests or 400 loved ones standing. There's a large staging area for wedding entertainment and performances from live bands and musicians, plus up-to-date kitchen facilities including the use of crockery and cutlery available for any catering supplier of the couple's choice.

From smart invites to livestreams: the tech-savvy wedding trends of 2025

Like the tides of fashion, wedding trends come and go; however, the coming online age of nuptials is coming in fast and causing quite the wave. From AI-generated floor layouts and digital invites, modern couples are finding new ways of broadcasting their love. Here are some of the biggest trends in technology that will shape weddings in 2025, and how the industry is adapting to meet couples' expectations.

Spring into Easter with PoB Hotels at The Headland Hotel

Spring into Easter with PoB Hotels' Seasonal Escapes at The Headland Hotel & Spa in Newquay, Cornwall. Uncover an extraordinary spring sanctuary at this delightful property where Cornwall's dramatic coastline becomes a haven of rejuvenation. This retreat offers a two-night experience that blends natural wonder with luxurious comfort. Direct access to the Southwest Coast Path invites guests to explore clifftop walks and golden beaches, with each step revealing the beauty of Cornwall's seascape. The journey includes a sumptuous breakfast, dinner at RenMor restaurant showcasing local culinary excellence, and a restorative spa treatment that promises complete relaxation. Whether wandering windswept coastal trails or unwinding in beautifully appointed rooms and cottages, The Headland offers an immersive escape that celebrates the untamed spirit of spring by the sea.

David Alpert named British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 with photo from Lundy Island

David Alpert is named British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 with 'The Curious Seal' photo from Lundy Island in North Devon, a remote and unique spot for honeymooners to explore. The award-winning underwater and wildlife photographer and co-founder and managing director of International Institute for Active Ageing (iiaa) has won the highly prestigious title in the global photography contest, which attracted 6750 underwater pictures. Being regularly based in Devon, his image 'The Curious Seal' was taken from Lundy Island and challenges the misconceptions that British waters are murky and lifeless. It was selected from thousands of entries with the international winners announced in an awards ceremony in central London.

Say I Do with Chelsea Peers

Chelsea Peers have made the morning of the wedding even more stylish than before. You and your bridal party can now get ready in soft satin and lace trimmed nightwear, bringing together the joys of wedding morning excitement and the wow factor for your photo album. Why not have your bridesmaids in matching pyjamas? The bridal collection caters to the whole wedding party and would make those getting ready photos all that more special.

Cornish brand Helen Round unveil Mother's Day gift sets

Sustainable Cornish brand Helen Round have unveiled their most sought-after items to create lovely, themed, boxed gifts, perfect for Mother's Day. Beautifully packed in bee tissue paper and protected in a recyclable cardboard box, these sustainable gifts are all made in Cornwall. Three bestsellers include the eco cleansing gift set, £32, which offers three presents in one with a handy bamboo headband, ten soft bamboo make-up pads and a fragrant citrus and sea salt soap packed neatly in a recyclable box. This is a plastic-free, soft and sustainable approach to cleansing. Another bestseller is the brand's linen make-up bag gift set and the eco hair care gift set.

Three cheers for mum!

Mother's Day is fast approaching, and with this comes the worry of buying the right present. Mum does so much, how can we possibly repay her? For many mothers, they'll be sat there thinking they don't want the fuss, maybe just a cup of tea and a lay in. However, it's important we show them that they're worth the extra day of love and affection. The mother of the bride is a special role, and I'm sure one all mums look forward to. The extra support we get from our mums on our wedding day is three-fold, so let's unpack them and remind ourselves why we should be treating them on the 30th of Mach 2025.

Caerhays Estate Weddings launches new, immersive elopement experience

Cornwall has always been a popular destination for couples wanting to marry somewhere magical, and Caerhays Estate Weddings has responded to the rising interest in elopements by launching a new immersive wedding experience at The Vean, a beautifully restored Georgian country house on the estate, which has been tailored specifically for smaller elopement and micro weddings. Jen Polkinghorn, wedding Co-ordinator at Caerhays Estate Weddings, says, "We're noticing increasingly that couples are placing a higher value on privacy, personalisation and breaking away from norms and expectations on their special day, and this is making elopement and micro weddings a more appealing option for many newly engaged couples". Censuswide research conducted for Ginger Ray in 2024 reported that Google searches for Elopement Weddings increased by 83%.