Wedding venue inspiration - Manor house, Stately homes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tredudwell Manor, Fowey

This spectacular house seamlessly marries history with contemporary features. The sweeping driveway reveals the Queen Anne manor house dating back to 1705 having been lovingly renovated using Cornish stone and slate. The south-facing views are towards the sea and the property is surrounded by the stunning Cornish countryside. There's four rooms ideal for intimate ceremonies of up to 25 guests and for larger functions, the Tredudwell Pavilion offers the flexibility of a modern building with bi-fold walls that modulate the size of the rooms according to the number of guests. It can set up to 150 loved ones and boasts traditional design elements including wooden beams, a draped canvas ceiling and glittering chandeliers. The outdoor temple, with its amphitheatre, seats up to 220 guests.

Trevenna, Liskeard, Cornwall

Located in a secluded setting within 142 acres of the Cornish countryside, Trevenna is a cluster of elegant barns and a cosy farmhouse that accommodates up to 40 wedding guests. The views provide a beautiful backdrop for photographs, and the grounds provide plenty of opportunities for guests to explore, with meadow walks and games on the lawn. Ceremonies take place in a choice of areas. Outside, the beautiful Arbour constructed from solid oak and natural slate using traditional carpentry skills can be styled with drapes to create a soft and romantic look, or the posts and beams can be adorned with ivy, flowers or bunting. It's surrounded by open countryside views and holds up to 120 guests.

The Horn of Plenty, Nr Tavistock

This stylish hotel wedding venue is set in five acres of landscaped grounds is located on the Devon and Cornwall border, just outside the market town of Tavistock, overlooking the picturesque Tamar Valley. On a clear day, views stretch across to Bodmin Moor which is 40 miles away and on balmy evenings, watching the sunset across the valley is not to be missed. The main house was built in the 1860s and has constantly evolved, with this year seeing a major refurbishment of all the public rooms. There are tall ceilings, large bay windows and real fireplaces and the restaurant now features wall-to-ceiling sliding doors leading on to the decked terrace that overlooks the valley boasting some of the best non-coastal views in Devon.

Two Bridges Hotel, Dartmoor National Park

This country house hotel wedding venue and former coaching inn located in the heart of Dartmoor is perched on the banks of the West Dart River. It oozes character and style as you first approach it over a historic bridge, with its manicured lawns sweeping down to the water. The informal yet beautiful gardens that surround the hotel merge into the open moorland beyond, with rolling countryside vistas in every direction. Inside is like stepping back in time, with historic antiques, crackling log fires, and romantic candlelit areas offering a sense of warmth and well-being. The individually styled bedrooms range from those with a traditional country feel to indulgent premier ones with four-poster beds and spa baths.

Hallsannery House, Bideford

This stunning Grade II listed manor house wedding venue set high on a hilltop is surrounded by 60 acres of parkland and fields, offering incredible views across the Taw Torridge Estuary. With the sandy beaches of Westward Ho! and Instow just a 15-minute drive away, barefoot beach wedding photographs are a possibility. A fantastic photographic backdrop at the venue is the East Lawn where the rhododendrons are in bloom during early summer. Hallsannery is home to 11 stylish en suite bedrooms, reception rooms boasting period features, and a wow-factor hall, not to mention the dining room with its showcase chandelier. It specialises in exclusive wedding weekends.

The Rosevine, Nr Truro, Cornwall

Located on the Roseland Peninsula, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the South Coast, and close to St Mawes and Truro, wedding venue The Rosevine is a relaxed and friendly seaside bolthole open all year. Set within a Georgian family house just a stone's throw from the golden sands at Porthcurnick Beach and the South West Coast Path, it's a boutique apart-hotel lovingly known as 'the big house by the sea'. The property welcomes couples getting married and can accommodate up to 30 of their family and friends in the choice of 15 individual apartments each featuring a large living and dining area plus a kitchenette. Most have incredible views over the landscaped lawns down to the sea and next door is The Lookout, a cosy holiday house with a large open-plan kitchen, sitting room and four bedrooms accommodating up to six adults and two children. Extensive manicured lawns frame the venue with sweeping views across Gerrans Bay to the tiny fishing village of Portscatho. Once inside, there's a heated swimming pool, comfortable lounge with sofas and a wood-burning stove, a children's play area, restaurant and a friendly and welcoming team ensuring a relaxed home-from-home vibe.

Cadhay, Ottery St Mary, Devon

This magnificent Tudor manor house wedding venue is located in the rural Devon countryside is situated just outside Ottery St Mary, an attractive parish town on the River Otter, and just six miles from the sea at Sidmouth. It dates back to the 16th Century exuding the grandeur of centuries past through its beautifully restored features and contemporary comforts. It's built around a central courtyard, ideal for big-day photographs with its four statues of Tudor monarchs, and inside there's an elegant dining room, three main stylish reception rooms which have kept the feel of a private house, and a total of 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms comfortably sleeping up to 22 loved ones. Newlyweds can choose to sleep in a traditional four-poster bed or a more contemporary version hand-crafted by Cadhay's owner. The cosy attic rooms also provide an alternative, comfortable option.

Kitley House Hotel & Restaurant, Plymouth, Devon

This 500-year-old country house hotel wedding venue and privately owned estate sits on the tranquil Yealm Estuary and its own lake in Devon's stunning South Hams. It's home to 19 stylish bedrooms including three charming suites packed with character and revealing far-reaching views down to the creek that makes a romantic photographic backdrop. Ceremonies take place in a choice of elegant rooms inside the house for up to 100 guests. There's The Regency Room and the Library, The Morning Room that's best suited to more intimate gatherings, and the Banquet Hall which is ideal for larger celebrations. Outside, couples can step across a rustic bridge to The Island for a spectacular lakeside ceremony, or exchange their vows in the summerhouse located beside the fountain garden. The wedding breakfast can be hosted in the Library for a maximum of 65 guests, or in the Banquet Hall for a maximum of 100 loved ones. The evening reception holds a maximum of up to 150 guests.

Moreton House, Bideford, Devon

This new wedding venue offers the feeling of privacy and seclusion in a remote setting, yet it's located just one mile from the town centre and close to the stunning North Devon coast with its abundance of local beaches. Ceremonies take place framed by the columns of the portico, or in the hall beyond. Inside, the venue offers a choice of four elegant function rooms all with stunning period features yet still maintaining an inviting and homely feel. It's ideal for medium-sized functions of up to 70 guests, allowing for each stage of the wedding to be held in its own dedicated space. The salon dining room easily seats up to 70 loved ones for the wedding breakfast and guests can then move to the relaxed clubroom bar, or dance the night away in the morning room bar and party room.