Planning your wedding in Devon

I should start this post with a brief introduction. I am writing it to highlight some of the best wedding venues in Devon that I have worked at. I’ve also created this post to pay gratitude to the people behind these places. More often than not the experience of a wedding can get sidelined to the pretty, the trends and the aesthetic. I can say this because my entire career, on the surface level, is built around the aesthetic. For me it is not really about that. Dig into the images and you’ll see a common thread of connection, energy and ultimately the humanity of coming together to celebrate love. Yes I indulgently enjoy framing things beautifully and using the light to create artistic wedding photographs but the heart of what I do is about the people and their stories. So this piece is about the places I love to work and the people behind those places. It is about those venues who care deeply about providing something beautiful and considered. It is about the experience provided; because if you are enjoying every moment of your wedding day then it translates by the bucketful into the imagery I can create.

If you want to explore more weddings at these venues then some of the images click through to blog posts or featured pages, have fun finding my random links.

Hotel Endsleigh

An exquisite hotel on the edge of Dartmoor, set in 100 acres of fairytale gardens, woodlands, follies and grottos created by Humphry Repton on the border between Devon and Cornwall. One of the Polizzi Collection hotels, it is utterly charming. I have been lucky enough to shoot here for years and get to know the people that make this place so very special. It is welcoming and homely. The decor is timeless, quirky and quintessentially British in style. The wallpaper alone is worth a visit.

So why do I love this venue so much? From a photographic leaning, it provides texture and light that is easy to play with. The rooms and grounds are so diverse and change so delightfully with the seasons that no two weddings ever look or feel the same. There are multiple options for ceremony spaces. From a magical grotto covered in shells, to the parterre, to one of the many beautiful indoor rooms. I have photographed ceremonies held in no less than six different spaces all with their own unique charm. With multiple options for the wedding breakfast too it really does offer variety. Speaking of wedding breakfasts, I cannot sign off on this one until I mention the cuisine, wine pairings and the cocktails; simply divine. It is quietly elegant and timeless.

The staff who work here have done so for years, some decades like managers Adam & Richard and that says a lot in hospitality. I know them well and they all bring their expertise to the table. They are the gentle outliers who shape the day to seem effortless but my gosh does a lot go on under the surface. It is truly a bespoke experience if you choose to get married here. It is a rare gem of a place that makes sure your wedding is the perfect fit for you.

Gara Rock

A boutique luxury hotel that is nestled into the cliffs near Salcombe in South Devon. It has some standout features that make it a  unique choice for your wedding. The secret suite is a beautiful space with incredible light from floor to ceiling windows and provides both a brilliant space for preparations or a smaller intimate ceremony. It feels cosy and private with stylish touches that add great colour, structure and texture to images.

The main ceremony space has a similar vibe with views out over the sea and coastline providing a stunning backdrop to both the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. The wedding coordinator Simone will ensure you have the smoothest of planning experiences and runs the day like clockwork. She is warm and efficient but you’ll barely notice her such is her discretion.

Hayne Devon

Where do I start with my waxing lyrical of Hayne and Mila & Tim, who alongside their family are the beating heart of this idyllic hidden gem. It is the archetype of a homespun wedding, a place where nature thrives and hums. It sings from the ground upwards from all the love poured into the soil. A place of abundance and beauty that needs so little decorating because it is so bloody pretty already.

If you love colour and flowers, bees buzzing and dancing under the light of the moon, a campfire and a shepherds hut then this place is your dream wedding venue come true. It is literally bursting with creativity, music and life.  Mila creates the most beautiful of natural local florals and Tim plays in the band (if you want them to). They don’t do a huge number of weddings because they pour so much of themselves into creating an unforgettable experience for each of their couples. If you do manage to bag a date just know you are in for the best day of your lives so far.

Uphill Farm

Another venue that is so special not only because it is beautiful but because of who has created it. Charlotte & Toph have a place that is so genuinely cared for.  This very care carries through to their couples and everyone who sets foot in their secret garden.  They are so welcoming and open hearted. Charlotte is a firecracker, enthusiastic and energetic and oh so organised.

The food is some of the most delicious I have ever eaten at a wedding and I can tell you in the past twenty years I have eaten a lot of amazing wedding food, it really is made with love. The pizzas will knock your socks off. Great for soaking up those afternoon drinks on the lawn.

It has real garden party vibes with little areas to find some privacy too, great places for stories to start. There is a playful yet elegant energy to the place and a wonderful way to start a marriage.

Pynes House

With it’s unmistakeable iconic tree lined driveway this house on the outskirts of Exeter will leave a lasting impression. The team here consisting of Geoff & Heather, Kate & Jon have lovingly restored this incredible building. It is literally immaculate and provides a great mix of historic charm but also enough of a blank canvas for you to put your own stamp on it.

I haven’t worked here nearly as often as I would like to but am always blown away by the light in the bridal suite and the ceremony room. The spaces are so large, airy and bright that clean images are easy. One thing that makes summer weddings difficult to photograph is lots of greenery because the light from the high sun bounces back up with a green tint from the grass and can cause difficult colour casts. Now hear me out on this one as I totally love an outdoorsy green wedding but having neutral coloured gravel areas really opens up options for clean skin tones and shadows being filled with reflected neutral coloured light in full sun.

This is where Pynes shines because the greenery is balanced with so much gravel. Yep I’m a complete dork when it comes to light. It makes me good at my job so I’ll take it. It might be tricky for your heels but you’ll thank the gravel gods when your colours look bang on in your photographs. I think I’ll stop using the word gravel now else the AI bots will think I’m a landscape gardener.

Kingston Estate

A venue that never disappoints. I can see why this venue is so popular. Light filled rooms, dedicated spaces for every wish. Perfect backlighting. Gravel areas that bounces light into the shadows… (ok I’ll stop with that now) The underground club for the after party, a clear roof marquee allowing for golden hour to stream in during your speeches. The walled garden that makes for a perfectly lit ceremony or the option of a cosy barn wedding complete with chandeliers. The dream kitchen. A yurt for the welcome drinks in a completely separate area. A clock tower. Accommodation everywhere. You get the picture, a venue that has it all and some.

Jodie, the wedding coordinator, runs weddings in her sleep. She is so proficient and experienced that you are in safe hands no matter what hiccups may arise (which BTW you’ll never know about because it’ll be sorted before you even know about it.)

Let’s talk angles. Kingston works so well photographically because the angles of the building and the spaces play into my love of dreamy backlighting. The natural light flooding the rooms where you get ready mean picture perfect portraits. Tastefully decorated to add warmth and interest. Space to create images with breathing room.

The way the wedding flows through the spaces means variety in your imagery and options for different weather conditions. If it is a full sun day then the steps at the front entrance provide much needed shade to avoid squinting during your group photos. Plus it’s away from the crowds so no need to move people away from the canapés for group shots to take place. Basically the spaces at this venue just mean ease for logistics which means a better experience for everyone. It just works.

Middle Coombe Farm

So long a favourite place of mine that I can vividly remember the first wedding I shot here. I was blown away by the procession to the Oak Tree ceremony, the sovereignty of the place steeped in natural wonder. It was exactly a week before my own wedding and one I shall never forget (Genna & Ollie you beauties!).

Angela is the custodian of this magical place deep in the Devon countryside. She is a beautiful soul and brings a wealth of experience to weddings. Hands on and helpful with her sing-song Irish accent she is a charming and down to earth host. You can easily see why it is such a unique and special venue.

Acres of woodland both deciduous and evergreen provide calm and connection. For lovers of nature and those with more alternative leanings it is a place to promise forever with the spirit of nature as your witness. A real home from home with thatched accommodation and a cider barn for the party, there is space to be creative with your plans here. From pagan and mead mixing ceremonies to goth & punk parties anything goes in this space that is accepting of all. It is for the barefoot wanderers and star gazers. Everyone is welcome here.

Coombe Trenchard

A wildly beautiful Edwardian Estate and a family home in the mid Devon countryside. This wedding venue boasts some of the most incredibly varied landscaping and a lovingly restored exquisite house brimming with character and comfort. I love that every time I visit I make really diverse images because of the variety. There are multiple options for the ceremony but my favourite spot is under the clock tower when the wisteria is in full bloom. The gardens bloom all year round and peacocks roam the terraces and lawns. There is woodland and a mix of manicured and wild areas. The Italian Terrace is like a timeless fairytale. When the sun starts to dip it is transformed into a playground for dreamy images.

Sarah is an exceptional host and shares her home so lovingly with her couples and their families. Alongside her husband they are always on hand to help out, serve in the bijou peacock bar or help out with decor and florals. She makes beautiful breakfasts and is the bringer of tea or a much needed needle and thread.

The jewel in the crown is a secret botanical haven; the coachhouse with it’s clear roof is like an indoor garden courtyard that will send any plant lover a bit giddy (my experience). Plus all that natural light makes the wedding breakfast look and feel like an outside feast. It is luxurious and warm whatever the weather.

Eclectic and historic Coombe Trenchard is truly unique. To see more weddings I have shot at Coombe Trenchard here are Ariel & Brett, Rachel & Dale, Pegs & Will and Emily & Bob.

The Horn of Plenty

A welcoming country house hotel in the Tamar Valley where I always feel right at home. Shirna and her team have the perfect approach and they will make your stay and wedding impeccable. Bringing her calm and collected energy, Shirna will help you breeze through your day.

Unusually I have only photographed here out of season, during the colder months. This is no problem at all as the hotel is so cosy and the festive weddings I have shot here are lodged firmly in my heart space. The winter light falling on the front of the house is breathtaking. This flows in through the front windows giving an edge to both the bridal prep rooms and the ceremony room. It is the ultimate in relaxed and unfussy luxury.

Wonwood Barton

Built around a central roundhouse there is no other venue quite like this in Devon or dare I say it the UK. Surrounded by nature with a truly rustic feel there is always a smell of woodsmoke and apples. The enclosed courtyard area is spacious enough for festival food trucks and live bands yet keeps it intimate and everyone in togetherness. From a photographic perspective the textures of this venue sing and feel like a hug.

The team are welcoming and fun, a proper family business where everyone mucks in and cracks on. It’s proximity to Dartmoor means a quick trip off site can result in some spectacular views. If you don’t want to leave the party then there is no need to venture away as the orchard and wilder areas provide more than enough interest for beautiful imagery. Cosy outdoorsy vibes.

Lewtrenchard

This one has kind of snuck into the mix for me because I have only shot here once BUT oh my did it leave an impression.

You can probably tell by now that I have a specific taste involving classic styling and an appreciation for period architecture. In addition to this I love a spot of pattern and detailing with pops of colour. Just look at this building and the courtyard where you can be married surrounded by everyone you love. It is enclosed and private but bloody beautiful to boot. The balance between intimacy and grandeur hits the mark here. And you must know by now I have a thing for great wallpaper and warm tones. This venue has it in spades.

Cockington Court

When the registry office looks this good why would you not want to get married here? For no fuss weddings or just the legal bit it really is a wonderful spot. Grounds that go on seemingly endlessly, a walled rose garden, coffee afterwards and some portraits in a beautifully it wood panelled space? Yes please! Near to other amazing garden and coastal locations for couple portraits it is such a good call for something simple and sweet.

All Saints, Dunterton Church

For my final instalment on this very lengthy post is a wild card church that really shone. A small and almost hidden church that is unique in the quality of light inside. This church has no electricity connected and that my friends makes it a wonder to photograph in. When you have a beautiful space filled only with natural light and candlelight something incredible happens. So many churches have difficult lighting that can mean opposing colours, flickering, changing from pink to green from frame to frame, yellow and orange tungsten glows in conflict with natural light which then appears blue, it does nothing for skin tones my loves. So when you happen upon a beautiful church flooded with glorious light it feels like a game changer. Look at those tones.

So to finalise I am of the ilk of one good thing. Quality over quantity. Paring things back to basics. Good food, good light and above all good people. And the venues I have listed all nail these things. Enjoy planning your wedding in Devon, but enjoy the day even more!

If you want more tips on planning your wedding or photography in Devon here are some helpful links.

Planning your Wedding Photography

Making sustainable choices when planning your wedding