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

Stay in a historic Devonshire house this autumn

Whether you're looking for wedding guest accommodation, or wanting to enjoy a staycation in Devon with friends this autumn, Premier Cottages offers the finest collection of 4- and 5-star historic properties across the UK with fantastic choices in Devon, perfect for every gathering, season and occasion. The Manor House in Cadhay is a Grade I listed Tudor house located near Ottery St Mary offering grand group accommodation for up to 22 guests. From its vast Georgian dining hall to four-poster chambers, it exudes atmosphere. Visitors can explore the medieval stew ponds, fountain and Bothy, or venture into the property's unique roof chamber, dating all the way back to 1430.

Bumper crops of pumpkins at National Trust gardens in Devon and Cornwall in time for Halloween

The National Trust has confirmed a bumper harvest at many of its gardens, including in Devon and Cornwall, with pumpkins promised for Halloween. Fruit and vegetable crops are ripening and ready for harvest weeks earlier than usual. Despite the UK experiencing a hot summer with drought conditions recorded in many places, gardeners are reporting an unusually abundant year for orchard fruit and pumpkins, thought to be the result of a combination of weather factors including last year's wet conditions, the warm and dry spring and plenty of sun. Experts at the National Trust have also advised how to care for pumpkins and apples on the lead-up to Halloween.

THE TOP HEN-DO LOCATIONS

Organising a memorable hen-party for any bride-to-be, is no easy task. There's so much to think about from setting a budget, choosing an accessible destination for everyone, curating activities, managing group logistics and so much more. Luckily, new research by immersive cocktail bar brand Alcotraz, has compiled the best and worst hen-do locations across the UK. The new league table analyses 25 major UK cities and ranks them on key party planning criteria such as safety, affordability, and hen-activity and nightlife options, and the results may surprise you.

Thrills and traditions sparkle at Exeter Racecourse this season

As the crisp autumn air sweeps across Haldon Hill in Devon, a palpable buzz is building at Exeter Racecourse. Devon's premier jumps track is gearing up for a season that promises to be nothing short of exhilarating, mixing centuries of racing tradition with a fresh, vibrant energy. "It's a fantastic day out, whether you're a seasoned racing fan or just looking for something truly special to do in Devon," says general manager Jack Parkinson. The jumps season bursts into life with an unmissable Season Opener on Thursday, October 9th. This highly anticipated return marks the official start of the new season at Exeter, promising a thrilling seven-race card.

The Swift Effect: Why Cushion-Cut Diamonds Are About to Have Their Moment

Taylor Swift's engagement is driving more than just headlines - it's inspiring UK couples to rethink their dream rings! Fans have watched her trade 'Blank Space' for a love that's truly ring-worthy, and now her cushion-cut sparkler is reshaping the engagement ring market! Want the inside scoop on how pop culture is shaping Britain's "dream ring" moment? Iconic UK Jewellery brand Abbott Lyon has created the full breakdown of the hottest styles, shapes, and regional trends — and it's sparkling with star appeal

Chef Adam Handling launches AHC Food Festival at The Tartan Fox, Newquay, this October

Chef Adam Handling MBE is breaking new ground with his first-ever Food Festival. To end the summer months on a high and to say thank you to the local community for all their support over the past year, the festival will be on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of October at The Tartan Fox - his luxury pub in the picturesque countryside between Truro and Newquay in Cornwall. This inaugural event will showcase the best of the Adam Handling Collection (AHC), bringing the restaurants, pubs and bars together for the very first time for diners to enjoy.

Pre-wedding aesthetic treatment must-haves

Everyone wants to look their best on their wedding day, but what can you do before the makeup artist arrives to make sure you're glowing as you walk down the aisle? With the rise of the 'quiet luxury' trend and the 'old money' aesthetic, most nearlyweds want to look like themselves, just more elevated. Dr Barbara Kubicka, founder of Clinicbe® in London, shares the top five most requested treatments her brides and grooms are booking right now.

Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Beyond Summer: Discover the South West’s Secret Season with Harbour Hotels

With domestic travel booming and travellers seeking slower, wellness-led escapes, Harbour Hotels, the UK's leading independent luxury hotel group, is championing Britain's coastline as the ultimate out-of-season destination. According to VisitBritain's latest Domestic Sentiment Tracker (July 2025), 77 per cent of UK adults plan to take an overnight domestic trip in the next 12 months, with more than a third now more likely to choose a UK break over going abroad. Against this backdrop, Harbour Hotels is positioning autumn and winter as the South West's "Secret Season" – a time where empty beaches, wild swimming, spa rituals, and fireside dining create a new rhythm of travel beyond summer.

Presence over presents: Brits ditch wedding gifts

Karin Haglund, Head of Consumer Insights at Klarna said: "Destination weddings tap into Brits' love of travel and shared experiences, but our research shows that cost remains a concern when celebrating love abroad. For those who want more flexibility, Klarna offers interest-free payment options and budgeting tools in the app that help support smarter planning — whether that's by booking travel early to secure a better deal or keeping track of costs along the way."

Engaged couples invited to rehearse big day at Devon's Bovey Castle

Engaged couples are being invited to rehearse their own big day at a five-star Devon resort. Bovey Castle located in North Bovey is hosting Cocktails at the castle: The Alternative Wedding Showcase on 21st September between 6 pm and 7.30 pm. The free one-night event is being held in response to rising demand for interactive experiences and personal storytelling during couples' wedding days. Guests will be greeted on arrival with complimentary cocktails and canapes before touring three of the property's indoor wedding ceremony spaces – including the 120-capacity Cathedral Room which played host to British Olympian Tom Daley's wedding to Dustin Lance Black in 2017.

The top wedding trends for Autumn and Winter 2025

As summer weddings start to take a step back, a new wave of seasonal trends are emerging. According to Pinterest Trends, searches for 'wedding inspiration' have surged by 10,000% over the past month, with terms like 'October wedding', and 'autumn wedding cake' dominating mood boards. Nicola Barker, Head of Buying at Suit Direct, shares her insights on the standout trends set to shape autumn and winter weddings this season. From elegant romantic draping and on-trend semi-naked cakes to rich, moody colour palettes, couples are embracing celebrations that feel warm, inviting, and romantic.

Devon-based Helen Round Winter Fox Collection launches

Devon-based Helen Round located in Millbrook has unveiled Winter Fox, a new collection of linen homewares inspired by frosty woodland walks, charming wildlife, and cosy country cottages perfect for weddings. Winter Fox has been created by talented young illustrator Imogen Belton. It captures the quiet magic of wintertime family adventures perfectly with illustrations featuring countryside walks, wildlife spotting, quirky cottages, open fires, pub lunches and winter picnics perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas and winter gatherings. Available in three signature colours - sage green; raspberry red and navy, the beautiful design on each piece is screen-printed by hand, in soft white ink, using traditional methods, in the Cornish Studio.

The Last Night of the Proms returns to Newquay on Friday 12th September

St Michael Lodge presents The Last Night of the Proms in Newquay on Friday 12th September 2025 - back by popular demand for one night only! Sponsored by Start and Co Estate Agents, the spectacular Mount Charles Band will bring the pomp and ceremony of London's Royal Albert Hall to St Michael's Church in this popular Newquay town. The event will feature special guest appearances and visitors are invited to dress up in red, white and blue colours and bring along flags to wave, which will be on sale at the event. This is a ticket-only event with adult tickets priced at £8 and those for seniors over the age of 65 and children under the age of 16 costing just £6.

The legal implication of 'two weddings'

Wedding season is in full swing and it's a celebratory, joyous time filled with love and laughter. A wedding is the celebration of two people coming together in matrimony but what many forget is there are requirements to comply with to ensure the marriage is lawful within England and Wales. Here, Sophie Croft, an Associate at Stowe Family Law, highlights the considerations couples need to have... "It may not be the most romantic thing to think about when you're in the midst of wedding planning, but it's really important to remember that if you want the benefits of being a married couple, your marriage does need to be legally sound.

Cornwall crowned as the UK’s happiest region in new nationwide study

Holiday letting agency Cornish Horizons is proudly celebrating as St Ives is crowned the happiest place in the UK for holiday goers, following a national survey by sister brand holidaycottages.co.uk. This Cornish haven is the perfect place to slow down, relax and breathe in the salty air with friends and family. The research, which gathered responses from more than 12,000 UK holidaymakers, asked people to reflect on the places and experiences that bring them the most joy while on a UK break. Newquay, Padstow and Bude were also listed in the top 10 happiest towns in the UK, which earned Cornwall's definitive victory.

Leaders at Bovey Castle featured in hospitality power list

Mark Chambers, managing director of the Eden Hotel Collection - which runs Bovey Castle in Dartmoor - has been recognised in The Boutique Hotelier Power List 2025. Mark was named in the 'Business Leader' category, while people director Lisa Redding has been recognised in the 'Hidden Heroes' category after the hospitality market was invited to nominate individuals. The recognition comes as Mark gears up to celebrate 20 years with the business in 2026, during which he has overseen Eden Hotel Collection twice being named Small Hotel Group of the Year by the AA, as well as personally being awarded Master Innholder status, which acknowledges the attainment of the highest international standards in hotel management.

Why August 23rd Could Be the Most Romantic Day of the Decade

Celebration vacations are on the rise, as more people swap parties for passport stamps to mark life's biggest milestones. From weddings and retirements to birthdays and new jobs, searches for 'anniversary holidays' are soaring at 585k monthly, 'birthday trip ideas for couples' have doubled year-over-year, and 'celebration vacations' is up 57% in the last month alone. A new survey of 1,000 UK travellers, commissioned by Citalia, found that over half (56%) believe celebrating a major milestone abroad turns their trip into a once-in-a-lifetime story, whilst 47% say travel makes milestone moments truly unforgettable.

Tickets are now on sale for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at the South Devon Railway

PNP Events, South Devon Railway, Rail Events Inc. and Warner Bros. are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride at South Devon Railway in Buckfastleigh with departures between the 28th of November and the 23rd of December 2025. This much-loved family Christmas experience, a great idea for those celebrating a family-moon in the region, welcomed more than 1.5 million riders across 54 locations in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia in 2024, and it's back to spread festive cheer in Devon once again this winter. Popular dates sell out very quickly, so customers are encouraged to book soon via the website.

Devon's Gidleigh Park named Best Luxury Hotel in the UK

Tripadvisor, the world's leading travel review platform recently revealed the winners of its annual 'Travellers Choice Awards: Best of the Best Hotels', and has named Gidleigh Park in Devon as the UK's top luxury hotel as well as fifth best luxury hotel in the world. Celebrating the highest level of excellence and awarded according to reviews and ratings submitted over the last year, the travel platform analysed 12 months of review data for over eight million hotel listings. Fewer than 1% achieved 'The Travellers' Choice: Best of the Best' award badge and the top ten winners span 10 worldwide and regional categories including Top Hotels, All-Inclusive, B&Bs and Inns, Family-Friendly, Small and Boutique and Luxury.