Wedding venue inspiration - Castles

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.

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 Castle Bude, Bude

This historic castle is a Grade II listed wedding venue nestled in dunes next to Summerleaze Beach and runs alongside the Bude Canal. It offers a relaxed and friendly venue with unrivalled views, stunning grounds, and a sweeping driveway, all ideal for big-day photos. Ceremonies take place in a choice of three areas. The Willoughby Gallery is the largest room overlooking the castle grounds seating up to 60 guests. The Blanchminster Gallery can seat up to 16 loved ones and also boasts beautiful views, and there's also the Conservatory Room with views stretching across the Atlantic Ocean that also accommodates up to 16 guests. Buffet-style receptions are held in the Willoughby Gallery for up to 40 seated guests or up to 80 standing. There's a second, smaller room available best suited to a more intimate 20 seated guests or 30 standing.

Caerhays Estate, St Austell

Tucked in a hidden Cornish cove on the unspoilt Porthluney Beach and hugged by woodland spring gardens sits this stunning coastal wedding venue. Ceremonies take place in The Coastguards Lookout, a small, historic building hosting up to 20 nearest and dearest. Situated on the rural headland overlooking the coast, it offers stunning views over Veryan Bay and beyond, and the backdrop presents the perfect spot for photographs. There's also the opportunity for pictures to be taken down on the beach after the ceremony at no extra cost. Alternatively, The Vean is a beautifully restored Georgian manor house nestled in the Porthluney valley that's licensed for ceremonies and can be hired exclusively. Couples can choose to host a private dinner the night before the wedding, and a marquee can be erected on the lawn just outside seating up to 150 guests for the wedding breakfast and reception. There's also the option of using the terrace marquee attached to the side of the Vean to seat up to 70 loved ones. The house offers luxury accommodation with up to 16 guests staying in eight stylish bedrooms.

Bickleigh Castle, Tiverton, Devon

This English historical wedding venue is situated next to the River Exe that winds through this quaint village and close to the 18th-century working watermill at Bickleigh Mill. The estate combines its tranquil river setting with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and can be hired exclusively for a day or a weekend celebration. The pretty courtyard takes centre stage dotted with charming thatched cottages accommodating up to 40 guests in 17 individually decorated rooms. The bridal suite – a charming Tudor room with a four-poster bed – is located inside the castle itself.

Pengersick Castle, Penzance, Cornwall

This enchanting castle is steeped in history and character, with open-beam ceilings, ornately carved granite fireplaces and a fine Tudor stone spiral staircase for those wishing to make a grand entrance. The main entrance features an arched doorway with a built-in drop-slot, and it sits in formal Tudor gardens complete with a Knot and Medieval gardens. Guests can enjoy the four acres of woodland with grassy pathways leading to the original Medieval manor house site that's now a Scheduled Ancient Monument and everything is located just 600 metres from the sea.