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

Expert Reveals Why Winter Weddings Are Making a Big Comeback in the UK

Once considered the "off-season" of the wedding world, winter is now becoming one of the most sought-after seasons for UK couples tying the knot. Industry experts say the trend is more than a passing phase, but rather it's the start of a long-term shift in how Brits envision their perfect day. To understand why couples are turning to crisp days, cosy settings, and festive flair, we spoke with Nick Bramer from Country House Weddings, who says winter weddings are not only more romantic, but strategically smart.

China Fleet Country Club commemorates 30 years since its Royal opening

China Fleet Country Club, one of the South West's premier health and leisure destinations, commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its official opening by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales (now His Majesty King Charles III) in December 1995. Originally founded in Hong Kong to support the welfare of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community, the Club moved to Cornwall and was established via the China Fleet Trust. It maintains strong modern ties, including those with HMS TAMAR and 47 Commando (Raiding Group) Royal Marines and open to the wider community too. Over three decades, the Club has grown into a high-value, multi-generational destination and economic engine for the South West.

‘Tis the season to say ‘I Do’ - but don’t forget this crucial step, warns expert

December is the most popular month to get engaged, accounting for more than 11% of proposals¹. But, as peak proposal season approaches, new research from MoneySuperMarket reveals that many couples could be putting their engagement rings - and their wallets - at risk. The research* revealed that two-thirds (66%) of engaged or married couples don't have their rings covered under their home insurance and more than a quarter (27%) don't have any insurance at all. The data highlights a growing protection gap, particularly among younger generations with over a third (38%) of 18-24 year olds having no cover, compared to 24% of 25-34 year olds.

Wedding Song of 2025

The Post Barn, the award-winning Berkshire venue, is delighted to announce its Wedding Song of the Year 2025, as chosen by their 2025 wedding couples. Topping the list is "West Coast" by Lana Del Rey, capturing hearts with its dreamy, cinematic vibe. Following closely are: We Found Love – Sydnee Carter; You Make My Dreams – Alex Francis; No Judgement – Niall Horan; Perfect – Ed Sheeran. In total, The Post Barn played an impressive 9,092 songs for their wedding guests throughout the year. The average listening age of these tunes? A youthful 26, reflecting a vibrant, contemporary taste among couples celebrating their special day.

Newquay businesses join in the Christmas spirit with donation project

Businesses in Newquay are once again coming together in the spirit of Christmas, by way of a community project put together by husband-and-wife duo Jess and Laurie Gardener, who run award-winning L&K Travel, and local mortgage broker James Savage. Following the success of last year, the aim of the Newquay Community Christmas project is simple; to ensure all children across the town can receive a present this Christmas. Jess, 29, explains: "The project started in 2024 when we bought a little Santa's letterbox. We asked the community of Newquay to anonymously nominate people who they feel need help this Christmas, or to put themselves forward."

Perfect Christmas Escapes That Are Still Available (For Now!)

Christmas is just around the corner – and the holiday cottages available to book in Devon and Cornwall through Finest Retreats are filling fast! If you've been dreaming about a festive getaway, now's the time to book - take a look at the remaining properties available for Christmas (or New Year) before they're gone. Michel in Cornwall is a bright and spacious holiday retreat, perfectly positioned just a short stroll from the golden sands of Carbis Bay and the picturesque town of St Ives. Its elevated setting offers beautiful panoramic views that stretch across Hayle's sweeping coastline to the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse. Currently, there is a Christmas Week Special of 30% Off!

2026 wedding trends that are set to dominate your feed

As wedding-related searches such as 'dream wedding' and 'wedding décor inspo' are up 10,000% year-on-year according to Pinterest trends, it's clear that couples are turning their attention to the finer details of their nuptials. To guide couples through 2026 wedding planning, Jess Levick, Assistant Buyer at Suit Direct, and Lucy Hook, Floral Lead at Bloom & Wild, reveal the key wedding trends shaping celebrations next year, covering regency romance, natural colour palettes and hyper-personalised celebrations.

Newquay Rotary Club announces Christmas Eve Extravaganza on Bank Street

The Rotary Club of Newquay warmly invites the entire town to a magical Christmas Eve celebration on Bank Street. Visitors can come along at 10 am and see Titan the Robot in his special Christmas show, right next to the Rotary Club's spectacular Christmas tree that's generously donated each year to the people of Newquay. Santa will also be there for festive photos, and at 10:30 am, a selection of ponies will be in pens beside the tree for children to enjoy. At 12:30 pm, the Newquay Band will be performing festive music and additional festivities include interactive games like Splat the Rat and mulled wine will be served from the Clover Club. All proceeds will go to the Newquay Food Bank.

What are Prenup and Postnup Agreements?

Nuptial agreements have seen a rise in popularity in the UK, with high profile divorces highlighting the risks of not having a prenup or postnup in place. In addition, people now tend to get married later in life when they have accumulated more wealth and therefore have more assets to protect. Claire Porter, partner within the family team at leading Cheshire-based law firm SAS Daniels, discusses nuptial agreements for pre and post-marriage...

New wedding venue Bow Grange offers a deal before end of 2025

Bow Grange, a stunning new DIY wedding venue in Totnes, is running an opening offer of 20% off venue hire for the next 10 couples who secure their date with a deposit before the end of 2025. This offer applies to weddings taking place in 2026 or 2027. Set in the heart of the South Devon countryside, the venue, nestled in 30 acres of farmland, offers a selection of beautifully restored spaces, including the main barn, featuring statement chandeliers, a bar, and a dancefloor, as well as the courtyard with an outdoor bar. There's also a firepit, ideal for summer celebrations, and a camping field for guests to stay overnight.

Be inspired by Pantone's Colour of the Year 2026 for your nuptials

Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Colour of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming influence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. At first, you'd be forgiven for thinking 'well it's a white tone, and there is a lot of white at a wedding already - so what's new?'.

Newquay Community Invited to Festive Evening of Music and Celebration this weekend

St. Michael & Towan Masonic Lodges are delighted to announce their annual Christmas Carol Concert, set to take place at St Michael's Church, Newquay, Cornwall this wekend on Sunday the 7th of December at 18:30. This much-anticipated event promises an enchanting evening of festive music and seasonal joy, welcoming residents and visitors alike to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Newquay. Guests will be treated to a spectacular line-up, featuring the celebrated Newquay Town Band alongside the energetic Hitchhikers. Together, they will perform beloved Christmas carols and festive holiday favourites, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages.

Expert Reveals: The Biggest Wedding Trends for 2026

You've found the love of your life, and you're happily engaged. It's finally time for your main-character moment, your wedding, and we're here for it. Whether you're just getting started on planning or you've been swimming in tulle for months, one thing's clear: 2026 is the year of "I do, my way." According to Nick Bramer, Co-owner & Marketing Director at Country House Weddings, "2026 is shaping up to be the year of personality-driven weddings. Couples are blending tradition with innovation to create days that feel unapologetically 'them'." Below, Nick shares the biggest wedding trends set to define 2026.

Enjoy New Year's Eve with the Adam Handling Collection

Enjoy New Year's Eve with the Adam Handling Collection at The Tartan Fox and Ugly Butterfly 2.0 in Cornwall, and The Loch & the Tyne in Old Windsor. To mark Hogmanay in style, chef Adam Handling MBE has embraced his Scottish roots to create a series of unforgettable New Year's experiences for guests. Those seeking an indulgent family-friendly dining experience need look no further than Ugly Butterfly 2.0 - the Collection's latest opening, set in the iconic five-star hotel, The Headland, overlooking dramatic coastal views of Fistral Beach. Innovative menus transform local Cornish ingredients into extraordinary dishes at this beautiful location, with an exclusive New Year's Eve tasting menu serving as the perfect way to bid farewell to 2025.

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."

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."

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.