From the traditional to the unique there is a wedding venue to suit all tastes, FRANCESCA KENLEY finds out a bit more about what’s available for your big day in the West Country with top tips from real brides.
Boutique
Fistral Hotel & Spa, Cornwall
01637 852221 fistralbeachhotel.co.uk
Style of venue? Stylish Beachside modern hotel with luxury spa.
Location? The popular surfing beach of Fistral in Newquay
Can it be hired exclusively? Yes - it has 72 rooms
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? 180
Is the bridal suite included in the package? Yes the best rooms are used for the wedding nights and these are decorated to a very high standard and most have free standing baths. The Fistral Suite has Jacuzzi bath in front of the balcony doors. The wedding couple can upgrade to this at an extra cost.
Most unique feature? Spectacular views
Pennard House, Somerset
01749 860700
Style of venue? Pennard House is a beautiful, family-owned Georgian Manor House set in secluded gardens and surrounded by meadows, woodlands and cider orchards. They offer a variety of unique options allowing couples the flexibility to tailor make their own wedding day and ensuring their entire day can be hosted in one exquisite location with no need for guests to drive from place to place. Pennard has
beautiful room in the house which is licensed for civil ceremonies and there is also a picturesque 14th century village church a short walk across the lawn. The large south facing lawn complete with rose gardens and Victorian lake provide the perfect setting for a unique champagne drinks reception and photo opportunity.
Location? Pennard House is located in a small village setting surrounded by acres of Somerset countryside.
Can it be hired exclusively? Yes, Pennard House is exclusively hired for the day. Their aim to make the bride and groom feel like Pennard House is their home for the weekend.
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes, they have a registered civil ceremony room in the house and next year they will have a licensed pagoda in the gardens for outdoor ceremonies. There is also a village church within walking distance.
What is your maximum capacity for
wedding receptions? They can accommodate up to 120 people for the wedding breakfast and up to 150 for the evening event.
Is the bridal suite included in the package? Accommodation in the beautiful Blue Room bridal suite is included for the bride and groom on the night of the wedding, The large bright room has views over the croquet lawn and Victorian spring-fed swimming pool.
Most unique feature? The beautifully renovated 18c Coach House is the most unique feature of the weddings at Pennard House. The Coach House is set over two floors and beautifully finished. There is an intimate dining area upstairs and downstairs a bar, dance floor and seating booths within the former stable stalls. The Coach house has a fully fitted kitchen, toilets and inbuilt sound, heating and lighting system
Fun
Living Coasts, Devon
0844 474 3366
Style of venue? Living Coasts - Their Room with a View is the perfect setting for your special ceremony.
Take your wedding vows against the vista of Torbay, sip champagne on your private terrace with panoramic views, then head down to the cove for your memorable wedding photographs.
Location? Coastal venue, offering panoramic views of the bay.
Contemporary/modern facilities with easy access to the attraction. Complete disabled access.
Can it be hired exclusively? Exclusive venue hire is possible, please speak to functions manager as timings will come into consideration.
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? Depending on room choice they can offer a 90 person capacity.
Is the bridal suite included in the package? There is no accommodation at the venue
Most unique feature? Photographs with the penguins, panoramic views of the bay.
The Grand Pier, Somerset
01934 620238
Style of venue? The unique venue itself and the setting Location? Being both on the seaside and next to the town you have the best of both worlds
Can it be hired exclusively? No
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? 300
Is the bridal suite included in the package? Yes
Most unique feature? You will be marrying half a mile out to sea.
Traditional
Boringdon Hall, Plymouth
01752 344455
Style of venue? Boringdon Hall is a grand Elizabethan Manor House on the edge of Dartmoor National Park with imposing stone towers, secret archways and curious arrow slits that hint at the hotel’s rich history.
Location? Rural location, situated in Plympton, Plymouth within easy reach of the city centre, Dartmoor National Park and transport links.
Can it be hired exclusively? Yes, and this is very popluar as guests are able to make full use of The Great Hall which really captures the heritage of this grand and luxurious building. They offer all 40 bedrooms including The Royal Suite, four- poster bedrooms, executive suite and courtyard double bedroom to guests using the hotel exclusively as well as full use of all function suites for dining and entertainment.
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes, in The Parker Suite for an indoor wedding and The Gazebo and courtyard gardens for an outdoor wedding.
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? 120 can be seated for a Wedding Breakfast in The Elizabethan Suite and 180 guests for an evening reception with musical entertainment. If guest numbers are more they can accommodate events in a marquee on The Boringdon Lawn in front of the hotel with views across the valley of Plympton.
Is the bridal suite included in the package? The four-poster bridal suites are complementary as part of all wedding packages but brides and grooms can upgrade to enjoy the luxury of The Royal Suite, set upon three levels for a small charge which includes a secluded balcony and large Jacuzzi.
Most unique feature? There are very few buildings in the local area with such outstanding architecture which has been preserved and renovated so beautifully as Boringdon Hall.
St Audries Park, Somerset
01984 633633
Style of venue? Manor House
Location? Set in a countryside location at the foot of the Quantock Hills, within 100 acres of Deer Parkland with sea and costal views.
Can it be hired exclusively? Yes
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? 130 day guests and up to 250 for the evening party.
Is the bridal suite included in the package? 32 beautiful bedrooms and cottages available, wonderful sea views from the bridal suite.
Most unique feature? Stunning Fairytale Manor House with a Magnificent Victorian Orangery used for Civil Ceremonies. Two or Three day Wedding packages available.
New
Woolhanger, Devon
01598 763000
Style of venue? 1890s Octagonal Music Room within the grounds of the Manor House.
Location? Countryside (Exmoor)
Can it be hired exclusively? Yes
Can a civil ceremony be held here? Yes
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? Sit down 120
Is the bridal suite included in the package? Accommodation is available separately. Best features are the stunning Music Room with stained glass windows and outdoor spaces with stunning views of Exmoor.
Most unique feature? A large working organ
Almonry Barn, Somerset
01458 252846
Style of venue? Elegant and rustic barn
Location? Rural - the barn overlooks an abbey, orchard, fields and stream.
Can it be hired exclusively? Yes
Can a civil ceremony be held at the venue? Yes
What is your maximum capacity for wedding receptions? 100 guests
Is the bridal suite included in the package? No, they have a local accommodation list though.
Most unique feature? The barn is believed to be the oldest wedding barn in England – it’s around 900 years old and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
