Wedding venue inspiration - Historic venues

The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock

This historic hotel wedding venue sits just across the road from St. Eustachius' Church and the Pannier Market that this quaint town is well known for. It reflects the style and grandeur of the area and is packed full of charm, with original features and antiques on display in the public areas, and 31 individually styled bedrooms ranging from the comfortable classic ones to the indulgent four-poster rooms and the elegant bridal suite.

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.

Cliff House Salcombe, Devon

This historic waterside wedding venue overlooks the Salcombe Estuary and the golden beaches of East Portlemouth. It enjoys uninterrupted views from the large terrace which is a picture-postcard spot for big-day photographs and a drinks reception. It can also accommodate a marquee if required and can be decorated to suit the theme of the wedding, with furniture, bunting, outdoor lighting and other decorative accessories. Ceremonies take place in a choice of two function rooms each featuring original period features and stylish décor. The elegant Library holds up to 100 guests and the larger Assembly Hall, with its large bay windows and French doors leading out on to the terrace, hosts up to 150 loved ones. It can hold an additional 50 evening guests, (so 200 people in total), plus there's plenty of space for a band or DJ and a dancefloor.

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.

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.

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.