Finding a wedding venue nearby or one that is perfect for everything you need can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Whether you're looking for something traditional, modern or quirky, the venue is one of the biggest - and first - choices you make about your wedding day, so it has to feel perfect in every way.
Covid-19 may have put a dampener on big lavish parties and celebrations for now, however planning ahead is key or you may prefer the simplicity of more intimate surroundings with 30 of your most trusted and loved family and friends, the choice is yours.
From grand stately homes to glass-roofed conservatories and charming countryside idles, there's something for every kind of wedding in our edit of the best venues in the county of Devon.
Type of Wedding: Castle
A fairy tale castle of your dreams! Everything you dreamed of as a child, the five-star Bovey Castle is in an unrivalled location with views over the dramatic Dartmoor National Park, and offers guests a unique and unforgettable experience. With its rich history, effortless charm and elegance, you can enjoy a castle wedding like no other. Whether you choose the grandeur of the imposing Cathedral room, the intimate surroundings of the Adam Room or simply sit within the manicured gardens whilst celebrating in the summer house. The hotel caters for every guest with an array of activities and accommodation in the hotel or its forest lodges. The place has a magical vibe that will give any wedding a special feel. Exclusive use available if the budget allows
- Spa
- Golf Course
- Hotel & exclusive lodges
- Exclusive use available
- Civil Ceremonies
- ££-£££
Type of Wedding: Luxury Boutique
Following its recent multi-million-pound refurbishment, The Salcombe Harbour, a 50-room boutique hotel, now features stunning contemporary interiors, wide outdoor terraces with panoramic estuary views, and first-class facilities.
The hotel’s main event room, The Marine Room, is suitable for any size or theme wedding ceremony, wedding breakfast or reception for up 120 guests; it features stunning views from the main room while the private outdoor terrace is the perfect place for Instagrammable photographs. Light, bright and airy this hotel is for the trendy set.
- Estuary location
- Private Cinema room
- Luxury spa
- Hydro pool, sauna, & steam room
- Civil ceremonies available
- ££-£££
Type of Wedding: Countryside
This privately-owned venue's main selling point is its gorgeous Atrium, which feels like sitting among the trees - without the risk of rain! The Hartnoll Hotel is your typically English country wedding location set on the edge of the Exmoor valley. An elegant retreat without the hefty price tag, adorning the walls are bold artworks and around every corner there’s something a little quirky to admire and ponder.
The Hartnoll Hotel also has late availability openings, so if you fancy just getting it all done this is your place.
- Exmoor location
- Spa
- Civil Ceremonies
- Complete packages available
- Late availability possible
- ££
Type of Wedding: Modern
Designed originally as an Edwardian summer residence The Watersmeet Hotel is a fabulous hotel situated above a quiet sandy beach on the stunning North Devon coast. The spectacular backdrop of the sandy beach and rolling surf below the landscaped gardens makes for a fabulous all year-round venue. Guests have full use of the indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and steam room. Complete packages are available. The Watersmeet is a photographer’s dream, being spoilt for choice when it comes to backdrops.
- Atlantic coast backdrop
- Outdoor pool and spa
- Civil ceremonies available
- Exclusive use
- ££
Type of Wedding: Traditional
This family-run hotel is winner of the South West Wedding Awards Best Town Venue for the second year running. The Dartmoor Lodge Hotel is nestled on the edge of Dartmoor with wonderful gardens for marquee weddings yet caters all year round with an array of indoor beamed rooms, which are spacious and cosy, making them perfect if you and your guests plan to dance the night away.
The team at the venue works closely with its guests to provide catering and event services, meaning you can have everything planned quickly and easily.
- Dartmoor location
- Marquees optional
- Civil Ceremonies
- Complete packages available
- Dog friendly
- £-££
Type of Wedding: City
Located a stone’s throw from Exeter city centre Reed Hall provides a classical touch to any wedding. High ceilings, winding staircase and sunken gardens you wouldn’t believe it sits in the grounds of the world-renowned Exeter University. An exclusive use venue to suit the budget conscious. Whilst it doesn’t have its own bedrooms, they have access to over 400 student rooms in vacation periods or the venue can work closely with the city hotels to ensure everyone is catered for.
- Italianate Villa
- Central location
- Exclusive use venue
- Civil Ceremonies
- £-££
Wherever your chosen venue, make sure you ask the right questions, we’ve provided you a list to help a little along the way…
Who will actually be there on the day? Is there an in-house wedding coordinator? If there is a coordinator, will they be there for the duration of the reception?
Do you have a one wedding per day policy?
Is the venue available for exclusive use?
If so, is there a minimum amount of guests that have to book accommodation for exclusivity?
How flexible are your packages?
Are there any changes planned to the building before the wedding (renovations, painting etc)?
Which rooms are licensed for ceremonies?
Is the ceremony to take place in the same room as the reception?
What is the changeover plan for converting from ceremony to reception?
Are there any alternative (or outdoor) locations for non-legal ceremonies?
Are we allowed to have confetti?
Is a complimentary menu and wine tasting included? How many people can attend?
How much wine/champagne/tea & coffee is included per person?
Wine choices – what are the wine choices and what are the upgrade costs?
Do you charge a corkage fee?
Is the champagne toast complimentary?
Are there any additional charges for bar staff or waiting staff?
What time is the meal served?
Do you cater for special dietary requirements? Coeliacs? Vegetarians?
Is there an option for dinner the night before or a BBQ the day after?
Is there a late-night food option, what time is it served?
Can we serve signature cocktails?
What crockery/linen/cutlery is provided as part of the package?
What type of tables do you have (shape, size, top table)? Are there different options?
Is any décor/stationery provided (menus, centrepieces, red carpet, flowers, cake stand)? Are there alternatives available?
If you want to set up and decorate the venue the day before the wedding, can we gain access, and at what time?
Can we hang things on the wall or from the ceilings?
Do we need to bring in a contractor to hang decor or lights?
Where does the band set up? Where is the dancefloor/how big is it/does anything have to be moved to create the dancefloor?
Does the wedding venue already own a sound system with adequate speakers or will that need to be rented?
Will the band be able to set up beforehand or does it have to be during changeover?
Do you have microphones in the venue for the speeches?
Can I hook an iPod or laptop up to your sound system?
Is there a late bar? How late will the bar be open?
Is there a charge for a bar extension?
What time do guests have to leave the venue?
What is the capacity for evening/afters guests?
Is the bridal suite included in the price? Are complimentary rooms provided for the parents or any of the weddingparty?
What accommodation does the venue offer, will there be discounted rates for guests at the wedding?
Are there reliable taxi companies in the area?
When is the checkout time?
Can we block book rooms for guests? If so, how long can they be held for?
What facilities are available for entertaining children?
Is there a lift/facilities/access for elderly guests or those with a disability?
Is there enough parking for my guests and is it free?
Is there somewhere secure to store wedding gifts?
Is there a payment schedule? What kind of deposits are required?
What’s the cancellation policy? What costs are incurred if the numbers on the day differ to planned numbers?
Are discounts/packages dependent on certain numbers of guests booking accommodation?
Are there special reductions for off-peak (e.g. Monday - Thursday or January to March?)
Is there a service fee included?
Are there any additional fees or charges we need to be aware of?
