Unique Wedding Venues in South Devon

Choosing where to tie the knot is never an easy decision to make, so we’ve put this list together to give you a bit of a helping hand. Everyone wants their wedding to be unique and a day to remember, so why not consider booking yourself an unusual wedding venue in South Devon? Whether you want to be off the beaten track and in the middle of idyllic countryside or sitting beside the beach with all your loved ones, there’s plenty of options in the region to choose from. Read on to discover just some of the unique wedding venues in South Devon.  

Dartmoor Zoo, Sparkwell, nr Plymouth 

If you and your partner are animal lovers, why not look at booking your wedding at Dartmoor Zoo. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Dartmoor, their beautiful ceremony room creates a perfectly intimate atmosphere and seats up to 50 guests. If you’re looking to have a slightly larger wedding, their light and spacious Jaguar Restaurant is used for winter weddings, and in the summer, ceremonies are held in a marquee in the heart of the zoo, surrounded by luscious greenery and their animal residents! The venue hire includes admission tickets to keep your guest entertained all day and why not seize the opportunity to book an animal experience after the ceremony to get wedding photos like no other! Catering wise, you can look forward to a three-course meal, a buffet or even a BBQ, Dartmoor Zoo can accommodate any of your desires.  

Powderham Castle, Kenton, nr Exeter 

Have you ever dreamed of tying the knot at a castle? Resting next to the Exe Estuary and surrounded by 200 acres of deer park, Powderham Castle offer exclusive hire of their venue for your special day. They have four fantastic options to choose from: the magical woodland garden with a Gothic Pavilion, the beautiful Belvedere with unbeatable views of the estuary, the charming and rustic Old Riding School and, of course, the show stopping 600-year-old castle. For your wedding breakfast, they work with some of the county’s best chefs and suppliers, and their bar can be tailored to you and your guests. Whether you’re hoping for a beautiful but simple wedding ceremony or looking to go all out with your reception, Powderham Castle can provide the perfect wedding for you. 

Old Forde House, Newton Abbot 

Situated in Newton Abbot, just outside of the town centre, Old Forde House is a beautiful stately home and could be the perfect venue for your special day. Steeped in centuries of history and romance, this beautiful historic house will make any wedding a truly memorable experience. The main part of Old Forde House is licensed as an approved venue, giving exclusive use to you and your guests. There are four rooms available in which to hold your wedding ceremony, each one with different features to offer and decorated with flowers. Step outside to take your wedding photos against the beautiful building as a backdrop and enjoy the wonderful greenery that surrounds the estate. You can even exchange your vows outside if you’re feeling adventurous! 

Palace Theatre, Paignton 

Get married in the spotlight and recite your heartfelt vows on centre stage at Palace Theatre. If you have a flare for the dramatic, why not follow in the footsteps of thousands of actors and thespians who have shared the stage at this wonderful venue. The Palace Theatre are licensed for wedding ceremonies as well as wedding receptions and venue booking options can include the hire of the entire theatre, the auditorium, dressing rooms and bar. They can accommodate up to 380 guests in their seated auditorium, or for a smaller wedding party, more intimate spaces are available. Their on-site catering team will provide delicious and tantalising meals during your reception and are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements.  

Burgh Island Hotel, Bigbury-on-Sea 

What about having your wedding on a small tidal island? Does that sound unique enough for you? Burgh Island Hotel is a high-end, boutique hotel that can be accessed at low tide by a small strip of sand, or via sea tractor at high tide, from Bigbury-On-Sea. Or, if you’re after the ultimate wedding experience, why not arrive via helicopter as they boast their own landing pad! This beautiful Art-Deco hotel makes for a wonderfully unique wedding venue and their friendly staff will certainly make it a day to remember. Step outside after your ceremony to get some incredible wedding photos; the glistening sea and golden sand will make the perfect backdrop to any photos! You can even treat your bridesmaids to a post or pre-wedding pamper with their in-house spa therapist for that extra dose of luxury.  

Ever After, Lower Grenofen, nr Tavistock 

What if you want to be married, but don’t want the fanfare of a big wedding? Well, Ever After might be just the venue for you. Located at Lower Grenofen on Dartmoor near Tavistock, Ever After are the experts in eloping. They offer incredibly beautiful and exclusive ‘micro-wedding’ packages for couples who want a laid-back wedding either alone, or up to 6 guests (10 in the warmer months). They take care of absolutely everything, from accommodation, photography, flowers, styling, champagne, wedding breakfast and cake, for your peace of mind. 

Yurtcamp, Liverton nr Newton Abbot 

Sitting on the outskirts of Dartmoor National Park, Yurtcamp provides a special setting for your wedding ceremony and reception. They offer ceremonies in their stunning thatched pavilion, and wedding breakfasts in their barn beautifully decorated with fairy lights, bunting and plants. You can also book their giant tipi tent for outdoor entertainment and live music in the evening. Guests can stay the whole weekend in their luxurious yurts and on site there’s also farm animal pens, a games field, zip line and a woodland adventure course!  

The Pilgrim of Brixham, Brixham 

Perhaps one of the most unique wedding reception venues in the country, the Pilgrim of Brixham is a late 19th century sailing trawler which is usually moored at the harbour of Brixham. Whether you’re looking for a nautical experience, or simply just want an unusual place to hold your wedding reception, this glorious and historic fishing boat might be perfect for you! You can even hire the boat to take you to your honeymoon location if it’s on the Scilly Isles, Channel Islands or the South of France. 

ANRÁN, Ashburton 

ANRÁN is not your typical wedding venue. This inexplicably special location offers a 17th century courtyard of barns and a country manor house to welcome your guests, a beautiful and remarkable glass house filled with exotic plants for your wedding breakfast, or a large outdoor marquee lit up with hundreds of twinkling lights and floating candles at dusk. They provide you with all their options to help you tailor-make your wedding the most special day of your life.  

Cuckoo Down Farm, Ottery St Mary 

If a DIY wedding set in the great outdoors is your kind of thing, Cuckoo Down Farm might be the venue for you – it’s a true oasis for a special celebration. You’ll have exclusive hire of the entire farm which includes glamping-style accommodation, the use of the three-acre woodland and additional festival-style camping for other guests. The ceremony will be held outdoors in a lovely oak and bluebell wood, and with the option of a DIY wedding, you can ensure that everything is exactly as you want.  

Are you getting married in South Devon this year? We’d love to see your wedding photos so feel free to tag us using @VisitSouthDevon or use the hashtag #VisitSouthDevon on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. We may even feature you on our feed!