Wedding venue inspiration - Country havens

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Middle Coombe Farm, Tiverton, Devon

This tranquil venue is set in the heart of the rolling Devonshire countryside. Nestled in a private valley, it's surrounded by more than 400 acres of mixed woodland, meadows and pasture, all of which can be used during a wedding celebration. The Grade II listed farmhouse provides guest accommodation and is surrounded by established cottage gardens brimming with colour, perfect for big-day photographs. There's also a converted barn boasting original features that can sleep up to 20 loved ones, and guests can use the private swimming pool and hot tub.

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.

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.

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

Knightor Winery, Trethurgy, Cornwall

Knightor is a beautiful courtyard of historic and traditionally restored granite barns with an adjoining farmhouse used for on-site accommodation. The winery is set in four acres of vineyards, pasture and orchard in a secluded area of countryside nestled just above St Austell Bay. The grounds include a sunny courtyard perfect for drinks and dining al fresco, pretty cottage gardens that surround the farmhouse and lead to the arbour, and a wildlife pond which is a stunning outdoor blessing location. The main Threshing Barn comprises an oak-topped barrel bar, comfy sofas and a dancefloor on the ground floor, with doors leading out to the sunny courtyard. On the second floor, the large room filled with natural daylight has vaulted ceilings, oak beams and stone walls offering a traditional Cornish barn feel.

The Grain Store, Kingsbridge, Devon

The Grain Store is a new wedding and party venue set in the heart of Devon on the site of a traditional English farm, offering complete privacy, accessed via a tree-lined drive, and boasting sea views across Start Bay. After sitting empty for years, the barn has been lovingly transformed into the perfect wedding location able to host up to 200 guests. It boasts a dancefloor, stylish bar, cartwheel chandeliers, soft up-lighting, silk parachutes strung from the ceiling and fairylights scattered throughout, creating a magical, romantic ambience. Hire of The Grain Store includes exclusive-use from the Friday to the Monday allowing couples time to style it, plus accommodation at the farmhouse, a five-star, seven-bedroom house featuring luxury interiors that sleeps up to fourteen wedding 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 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.

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.