Wedding venue inspiration - Venues

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.

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.

Deer's Leap Retreat, South Molton, Devon

This idyllic country venue, set in its own secluded valley, offers far-reaching views across pastoral fields and hills. The converted barn, nestled in the garden next to the all-season tennis court framed by pretty flower borders that doubles as a platform for marquees and outdoor parties, features bare stone walls inside and out, and oozes rustic charm. It also has its own patio complete with fire heaters, outdoor festoon lighting, tables ideal for seating groups of guests and comfortable seating. The homely farmhouse is more than 900-years old and combines a timeless ambience with comfort and modern luxuries, like the twin hot tubs and sauna.

Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall, Plymouth, Devon

This award-winning, five-star spa wedding venue is located in the picturesque grounds of Boringdon Hall Hotel, an elegant manor house with fire-lit lounges, two restaurants and 42 sumptuous bedrooms. With an emphasis on wellbeing in a natural environment, the facilities are set against a backdrop of countryside views and include an indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool with an outdoor swim-through, experience showers, heat experiences including a Finnish sauna and a crystal salt steam room, a herbal sauna and outdoor hot tubs. The deep relaxation room overlooks the wildflower meadow and offers a wide variety of treatments, and there's a Spatisserie in which to relax and enjoy the indulgent menu. Ceremonies take place in a variety of places in the hotel, from the beautiful Rose Room for up to 30 guests, or in the Ward room or the Grenville Room.

Scorrier House, Redruth, Cornwall

This family-owned ancient country house is situated in four hundred acres of private parkland and historic gardens deep in the heart of Cornwall, providing a mystical setting for exclusive-use weddings, ensuring privacy. A magnificent sweeping driveway and double staircase, that looks fantastic dressed with flowers under a string of fairylights, provide great photo opportunities. Ceremonies take place in The Grand Hall, home to this staircase, for up to 120 guests, or, if the weather allows, in the outdoor gazebo located in the pool garden opposite the botanic conservatory. Two other ceremony alternatives are the light-filled conservatory and elegant Drawing Room. The wedding breakfast takes place in The Grand Hall for up to 120 loved ones seated, and the reception can also take place here, or in a marquee that can be added with direct access to the house. The Drawing Room is ideal for dancing, and the Blue Library is home to a wood burner and provides the perfect spot for guests to recline in.

Abbey Sands Hotel, Torquay, Devon

This beautiful hotel wedding venuel, part of The Richardson group, is located on the English Riviera. Originally two villas, it's a Victorian building boasting much of the original architecture with most of the 47 bedrooms still home to period features. The property sits in manicured gardens, ideal for big-day photographs, and is situated less than a one-minute walk from the beach and close to the town. Leisure facilities include an indoor and heated outdoor pool, a gym, hot tub and 15% off treatments in the spa at sister property, The Grand Hotel (also in Torquay). Ceremonies take place in a choice of beautifully appointed ceremony rooms or outside in the secret garden. There's flexible, bespoke packages available for the wedding breakfast and reception, from the Elegant Package for 40 day guests and 80 evening guests, to The Fairy Tale package designed for 60 day guests and 100 evening guests.

Cuckoo Down Farm, Nr Sidmouth, Devonshire

This glamping and holiday site, and new wedding venue, is located near the World Heritage Coastline at Sidmouth in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, surrounded by 30 acres of unspoilt meadows and a three-acre oak and bluebell wood with a stream running through it where deer, badgers and owls can frequently be spotted. The farm is home to four beautifully decorated safari lodges accommodating up to six adults and two yurts providing glamping for up to four adults (or a family including two children) – ideal for wedding guests. Facilities include hot showers, wood-burning stoves and cosy sofas, rugs and double beds and the newest safari lodge called Blackberry features a private wood-fired hot tub.