Wedding venue inspiration - Venues

Upton Barn & Walled Garden, Cullompton, Devon

This exclusive-use wedding venue is positioned in the beautiful Devon countryside allowing for panoramic views of the Blackdown Hills and surrounding areas. It's ideal for couples searching for privacy in a quiet, rural setting yet still easily accessible and offering a bespoke service. The property is unlike many other barn venues because it marries contemporary and traditional architecture and is accessible for everyone, with gently sloping inclines and step-free access. The Walled Garden, with its neatly manicured lawns, fragrant flower beds and hand-crafted oak arbour at the end of a lavender-lined aisle, provides a stunning ceremony backdrop for up to 156 loved ones and is also ideal for al fresco drinks and canapés, and garden games. The grounds beyond offer the opportunity to capture picture-perfect photographs by the fountain in the lake, the horses in the paddocks, and against the incredible countryside views at sunset.

Bitton House, South Devon

This Grade II listed period property set in the beautiful Bitton Park showcases impressive bay windows, manicured flower beds and an outdoor veranda. It offers a choice of function rooms all located on the ground floor for easy access, and there is ample parking available. Located in the grounds of Bitton Park is a historic orangery managed by the Friends of Teignmouth Orangery. For a donation, the volunteers will open it, providing a wonderful setting for big-day photographs. Another photo opportunity is by the two cannons positioned at the front of the house. Ceremonies take place in a variety of areas. The Pellew Suite is two adjoining rooms that can be used separately or together located next to the veranda overlooking the orangery holding up to 70 guests. A more intimate gathering of up to 36 loved ones can take place in the Mayor's Parlour located at the front of the house and the orangery, filled with exotic plants, can hold up to eight people.

Brickhouse Vineyard, Exeter, Devon

This intimate and affordable wedding venue is situated in a tranquil location just 20 minutes from Exeter offering panoramic vistas sweeping across the Devon countryside. It features stunning outdoor spaces such as the vineyard, organic gardens and the beautifully landscaped terrace offering an 'aisle' pathway for brides and grooms-to-be leading through the wildflower meadow to the ceremony room inside the recently renovated, 18th-century thatched Round House. This unique structure sits at the beating heart of the property and boasts a hexagon-shaped roof that has been restored to its former glory. It has been adapted in design to create the perfect space for small weddings and provides exclusive use for intimate celebrations.

Ludbrook Manor, Modbury, Devon

This country retreat located in South Hams is a regal manor house in the style of a traditional English castle nestled in eight acres of picturesque grounds and an orchard. It boasts panoramic views across the rolling hills of Dartmoor and the coast at Salcombe. The venue marries historic features such as ornate cornices and stained-glass windows with many luxuries, including a bubbling hot tub, sumptuous bathrooms complete with Whirlpool baths and underfloor heating. As we revealed on page nine, the new function room specially designed for weddings is The Orchard Room, holding up to 250 guests for the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception.

Pentillie Castle & Estate Cornwall, Saltash

This historic castle situated on a private family estate is nestled on the Cornish bank of the River Tamar. It's available for exclusive-use weddings and holidays, making it the ideal retreat for couples to enjoy quality time with loved ones. Steeped in more than 300 years of history, the grounds look as breathtaking in winter as they do in summer, especially when caught on camera dusted with snow. Ceremonies take place in a variety of places indoors and out. The Bathing Hut, a charming structure perched on the banks of the river, is a year-round option. The team at the castle offer couples the opportunity to use it for their ceremony only, moving to another reception venue of their choice if required. It can seat up to 60 guests but also suits intimate gatherings with social distancing guidelines in place. The castle itself provides another impressive backdrop for winter ceremonies and the elegant dining room is the ideal choice for a stylish intimate reception.

Rockbeare Manor, Exeter, Devon

Originally built around 1760, this magnificent Grade I listed manor house has been lovingly restored, transformed from a family home into a wonderful contemporary wedding venue whilst still retaining the beauty of its past. Beautiful modern chandeliers, a stylish colour palette and luxurious furnishings complement the period features of this Regency country house, creating an outstanding setting for a wedding. Statement white pillars mark the entrance to the long, tree-lined driveway that reveals panoramic views across acres of parkland showcasing a picturesque lake and the rolling hills of Dartmoor beyond. The striking façade of the historic house is framed by stately columns and a balcony spanning across the front. There's a grand entrance hall and large windows that flood the venue with natural light.

The Orangery Garden Café & Exclusive Wedding Venue, Torpoint

The Orangery is an elegant 100-foot long reception venue surrounded by stunning formal gardens and woodland located on a wild and remote coastline above secret beaches and smugglers coves. The floor-to-ceiling windows and doors flood the venue with natural light and offer magical views of the water fountain and Italian gardens. The wisteria on the exterior blends the Orangery into the Italian garden and there are outdoor seating options and parasols where guests can enjoy a drinks reception. The bar in the centre of the room separates the dining area and dancefloor. Recently refurbished, the décor is modern and neutral, providing the perfect backdrop for any colour scheme. Ceremonies take place at Mount Edgcumbe House in the Great Hall and gallery. Other options are The Drawing Room, the Library which is ideal for smaller celebrations, and outside in the summerhouse overlooking the formal Earl's Garden and Plymouth Sound.

Elfordleigh, Plymouth, Devon

Nestled within 120 acres of park and woodland on the edge of Dartmoor is this privately-owned country house hotel - and stunning wedding venue - and golf club complete with luxurious bedrooms and elegant suites, an 18-hole golf course and outstanding leisure facilities including the Elfordleigh Spa. Ceremonies take place in a choice of three stunning rooms and there are two impressive function rooms with private bars to suit every size of wedding breakfast and evening reception.

The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth

This magnificent hotel is positioned on the fringe of the city, adjacent to Millbay Park which offers a fantastic green space as well as period steps and pillars perfect for big-day photographs. A short stroll from the hotel is another wonderful photographic opportunity at Plymouth Hoe, which offers sensational ocean views across Plymouth Sound. The hotel is a Gothic Grade 11 listed building with feature windows, towers and turrets. It boasts a canopy entrance, ornate architectural features and revolving entrance doors. The interior offers a wealth of historic features, with grand rooms and hallways, glittering chandeliers, period columns and a stunning Grade II listed sweeping staircase.

Humber Barn, Bishopsteignton, Devon

This idyllic wedding venue is set in 100 acres of beautiful farmland with views stretching across Dartmoor and the Bishopsteignton hillside and is available for exclusive hire over three days. Originally the lambing shed, the barn has been beautifully restored keeping its original character. It's fully glass-fronted with a hand-crafted wooden door opening out on to the patio which is the perfect spot for reception drinks and garden games, with the rolling Devonshire fields as a scenic backdrop, plus a sheep or two!

Crowne Plaza Plymouth, Devon

This sophisticated hotel is located in a stunning setting on Plymouth Hoe with beautiful sea-facing views. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, gym, steam room, sauna and beauty salon. The venue is perfect for a modern wedding in a fantastic contemporary setting and a wide selection of wedding packages are offered. Home to the largest ballroom in Plymouth, the Mariner Suite is licensed for civil ceremonies and also works well for the wedding breakfast and reception furnished with a licensed bar, dancefloor and stage. Ceremonies also take place in the Commonwealth Suite, a versatile option that boasts stunning vistas across Plymouth Hoe, the Astor Suite, and the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. This is located on the penthouse floor of the hotel revealing panoramic views over the Plymouth Sound, Dartmoor and across to Cornwall.

The Ashridge Great Barn, North Tawton, Devon

This historic wedding barn is set on a working farm in the rolling Devonshire countryside. Nestled in its own valley, it's surrounded by green pastures and a sustainably managed, wildlife-friendly woodland. Previously a grain barn and with some parts of the structure being 500 years old, it retains many original features. The space is split-level with a built-in dancefloor, moveable bar and flexible entryways. It also features a snug area and accessible toilet facilities. The exterior space includes a firepit, space for food vans and outdoor seating, a catering barn and a lawn area.

The Alverton Hotel, Truro, Cornwall

This four silver star hotel wedding venue is a Grade 11 listed building, surrounded by rolling lawns and manicured gardens with an outdoor terrace providing a picturesque spot for arrival drinks and canapés. The grounds provide a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photographs, or for newlyweds to steal a private moment together. Steeped in history, the exterior boasts many original features including stained-glass windows, grand archways, ivy-clad exposed brick walls and a stunning bell tower. The interior is bursting with character and Cornish charm, featuring a stately wooden staircase, mullion windows and candlelit corridors. Ceremonies take place in The Great Hall, an enchanting space with a gothic-revival design offering a church-like setting that's transformed for the wedding breakfast and evening reception.

Harefield Barn, Crediton, Devon

This exclusive-use venue is situated in the heart of the Devon countryside only ten minutes from Exeter. It offers panoramic views and has its own wildflower meadow home to unusual sculptural pieces - all Insta-worthy backdrops for big-day photographs. There are also cider apple orchards close by, adding to the photographic opportunities. The interior of the barn is wonderfully light and airy, with huge windows designed to capture the stunning views. It has contemporary touches, like the bifold doors allowing guests to spill out on to the terrace where tables and chairs are provided. There's subtle external lighting and a large firepit for guests to enjoy. The terrace flows seamlessly on to the extensive lawns and adjacent cornfield.

The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth, Cornwall

This coastal property is Falmouth's oldest hotel, perched overlooking the privately owned quay and pontoons that offer Instagrammable photo opportunities, and just a stone's throw from some of Falmouth's stunning beaches. Newlyweds can take a romantic boat trip to toast their marriage, before returning to the hotel. Ceremonies are held in the romantic Riverbank Suite that boasts views of the estuary, or on the sundeck overlooking the water, an ideal spot for smaller celebrations. The Water's Edge restaurant is an idyllic pick for an intimate wedding breakfast, and the evening reception follows in the Riverbank Suite complete with a private bar and a balcony overlooking the river.

Cornish Camels, Helston

Located on a working organic farm in the countryside, Cornish Camels is a beautiful and unique setting for bespoke wedding celebrations. Cottage gardens, orchards, woodland, natural heathland, courtyards, fields and meadows are just some of the outdoor spaces the venue has to offer allowing guests to mingle whilst enjoying canapés and cocktails. There are a variety of interior spaces licensed for ceremonies, including the Camel Centre that's a large, open-plan barn with plenty of natural light, and views of the surrounding farmland accommodating up to 200 guests. T

The Berry Head Hotel, Brixham, Devon

This family-run hotel nestled on the water's edge in six acres of grounds enjoys seaside views across the Torbay coastline. It's positioned in six acres of picturesque gardens offering plenty of photo opportunities. Facilities include comfortable bedrooms, an à la carte restaurant for fine dining, and a more relaxed menu available in the brasserie. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. The hotel caters for between two and 200 wedding guests, with menu choices that can be tailored to suit each different celebration. Ceremonies take place both indoors and out, and the wedding breakfast and reception can be enjoyed in a choice of two rooms.

Polhawn Fort, near Torpoint, Cornwall

This historic Napoleonic fort located on a Cornish clifftop overlooking the sweeping Whitsand Bay offers exclusive use for extended weddings. It boasts pretty gardens, ideal for outdoor games, and its own private beach. A sweeping stone walled garden reveals indigenous plants as well as bright flower displays throughout the year including spring bulbs and vibrant poppies. The Mediterranean garden situated on the roof terrace; the New Zealand garden located behind the fort and the living wildflower wall on the lower lawn are also great spots for photo opportunities.

The Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall

Recently re-opened in February this year, this Relais & Chateaux property is located on the harbour of this picturesque, cobbled fishing port against the rugged Cornish coast. It's home to 19 bedrooms, each one individually designed to complement the surroundings. It's the ideal setting for a drinks reception or a post-vow wedding celebration in the multi-award-winning restaurant with views across the water. Couples can dine at the chef's table or outside on the waterside terrace. New head chef Dorian Janmaat heads up the kitchen team, serving dishes that champion the freshest local ingredients and produce.

Holne Park House, Ashburton, Devon

This exclusive-use manor house is located on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park in 90 acres of woodland and gardens. It offers a selection of accommodation options, including an opulent wedding suite for newlyweds, and camping close by for wedding guests in their four-star, AA-approved River Dart Country Park camping and touring park. Ceremonies take place in a choice of indoor and outdoor locations. The Garden Pavilion is situated in a stunning countryside setting, while The Ballroom with its high ceilings and large windows offers an elegant indoor option for up to 120 guests. There's also The Dawson Room hosting up to 90 loved ones, The Inkwell with its glass lantern roof and marble fireplace holding up to 80 loved ones, and The Music Room and The Ashburton Room best suited to more intimate gatherings of between 33 to 40 guests. The wedding breakfast can be hosted in a variety of these areas with a selection of menus on offer using freshly prepared, locally sourced produce.