RURAL TREASURES

From rustic barns to modern spaces flanked by wooded valleys and rural panoramas, throw your dream wedding in a charm-packed setting in the Devon countryside

Harefield Barn

Located amidst rolling hills and wildflower meadows, Harefield Barn offers the beauty and tranquillity of a country wedding with the convenience of being just a 10-minute drive from Exeter. A light, airy and versatile backdrop for a personalitypacked wedding, the rural gem has a full ceremonies license with the Clock House making a dreamlike option for al fresco vows – and no less than five churches within a short drive. An extended hire period also gives you plenty of time to prepare for the big day. Characterful features such as exposed beams and a wood-burning stove meet a blank canvas aesthetic, lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows framing vistas across the ever-changing landscape. Relax with your guests in the cosy bar, steal away to the surrounding cornfields for photos against a golden sunset, and dance the night away on the terrace beneath a starlit sky. harefieldbarn.co.uk

Total capacity: 200 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: No

Dog-friendly: Yes

Badgers Holt

Hidden in the heart of Dartmoor, Badgers Holt is ideally located for couples seeking a relaxed and wildly romantic wedding. The River Dart meanders through the grounds of the former fishing lodge, which houses a series of versatile, rustic spaces for celebrations, all perfect for styling with your own unique twist. Take your vows in the blank canvas Garden Room or Banquet Fireside Room – complete with a roaring wood burner – or even in the garden bandstand on the water’s edge. Venture onto the ancient Tor-dotted moorland for dramatic photos and together-time before returning for festoon lit celebrations and firepit gatherings on the riverbank and sleeping beneath the stars in a Lotus Belle Tent or cosy apartment. badgersholtweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 100

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: Yes

Dog-friendly: Yes

The Great Barn

This breathtaking setting lives up to its name both in scale and wow factor. Tucked away in an incredibly beautiful corner of Devon amidst 120 acres of Friesian-filled fields and thatched cottages, The Great Barn combines the magnificent 15th century Great Barn itself, the charming West Barn - a perfect break-out space for wet-weather drinks and children’s entertainment - glorious gardens and elegant cottage accommodation for up to 30. Complete with exclusive-use hire, you can relax with your guests in complete seclusion in this idyllic private estate. Marry beneath the dramatic vaulted ceiling of the barn or the picture-perfect St John the Baptist church on the doorstep. For spine-tingling romance, enter the secret walled garden through the ancient arched gate and exchange vows beneath the arbour amidst a carnival of roses and lavender. thegreatbarndevon.co.uk

Total capacity: 250 ceremony, 198 wedding breakfast

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 30

Dog-friendly: Yes

Upton Barn & Walled Garden

Comprising a cluster of lovingly restored traditional buildings and a walled garden, this exclusive-use venue offers a private, picturesque and peaceful setting in rural Cullompton. Savour the stylish spa-like delights of The Paddock during your wedding morning. Marry in the atmospheric Cider Barn, a restored traditional cob barn with oak trusses and floor-to-ceiling windows, or glide down the lavender-lined aisle of the walled garden and exchange vows beneath the handcrafted oak arbour. Stylishly blending rustic character with modern accents, the Stable Barn is a stunning space for receptions for up to 156, with warm timbers, striking lighting and glorious paddock views, while the Press Bar is the place to stop for signature cocktails by the wood-burner. Don’t forget to head outdoors at nightfall when a carnival of festoon lights and firepits add to the magic of this stellar spot.

uptonbarn.com

Total capacity: 156 day

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 8

Dog-friendly: No

The Oak Barn

Fall for the rural dream at The Oak Barn, where three converted historic barns and an ancient cob Devon farmhouse sit amidst acres of quintessentially English countryside. We’re talking meadows dotted with haybales, undulating hills and a beautiful country church right next door. The stunning medieval-style barn is a blank canvas with traditional oak cruck trusses, which is ideal for going to town on the décor. Then there’s the Acorn Barn, a thatched 18th century barn, for intimate ceremonies and accommodation. The Linhay, a converted Edwardian dairy, offers further accommodation as well as a beautifully equipped space for the bridal preparations. And the gardens beg for al fresco celebrations around the firepit, beneath leafy trees and skies speckled with stars. theoakbarn.co.uk

Total capacity: 90 day, up to 125 evening

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 28-29

Dog-friendly: No

Holwell Farmhouse

Set amidst 65 acres of Devon farmland close to Exmoor National Park, Holwell Farmhouse is a beautifully restored Grade II listed retreat. The historic meadows are roamed by ewes, horses and a farm cat all year round, and during the winter months, the farm is home to 40 wild red deer. Offering rural escapism and romance in equal measure, it is a dream venue for nature-loving couples. Blending historic features with modern comforts, the farmhouse accommodates between 11 and 16 guests in bedrooms with en suite facilities. Picturesque and versatile, the farmhouse lends itself to an intimate event, while large-scale receptions take place in a marquee complete with countryside panoramas and glamping-style accommodation. holwellfarmhouse.co.uk

Total capacity: 180

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 16 plus 10 tents

Dog-friendly: Yes

Nestled amidst leafy orchards and rolling meadows, Harefield Barn offers modern and light-filled celebration spaces with sweeping views across the picturesque Devon countryside.

Venue Harefield Barn harefieldbarn.co.uk

Photography Mimosa Photography mimosaphotography.uk

Styling

Elisabeth Shell Events elisabethshellevents.com

Flowers Amanda Winsor Flower Studio winsorflowerstudio.co.uk

Wooladon Estate

Situated on the Devon and Cornwall border, where the banks of the River Tamar and River Lyd meet 500 acres of enchanting woodland, lakes and rolling meadows, the setting of Wooladon Estate could not be more picturesque. The private estate offers a five-star country residence, together with a cluster of beautiful buildings, to host a wedding steeped in wild romance. From vows in the garden or country ceremony room to festivities in the garden suite and photographs against the lake, the willow tree and woodland, expect seclusion, versatile celebration spaces and breathtaking views at every turn. The luxurious Georgian house lies at its heart with its romantic bridal suite, while a cluster of barn conversion cottages add to the accommodation options, some with private gardens, hot tubs and valley views. With catering being a speciality, you can look forward to a bespoke menu using the freshest produce grown and sourced from the estate. wooladonestate.co.uk

Total capacity: 120

Civil ceremonies licence: Yes

Guest accommodation: for 34

Dog-friendly: Yes

Deer Farm Tipi Weddings

Located 25 minutes from Exeter and 15 minutes from Tiverton, East Dunster Farm is as picturesque as it is private. Set on the hillside of the family-run deer farm, a trio of spectacular off-white Nordic tipis makes a blank canvas setting for bespoke wedding celebrations with views across miles of rolling hills. The tipis come fully furnished complete with a handcrafted wooden bar; bedecked in festoon lighting, fairy lights and a lantern lit walkway, you’re assured amagical ambience as night falls. Luxury accommodation with large, light living spaces, private gardens and hot tubs for 16 people on-site (or more for an additional cost) is included in the hire, along with optional camping. Surrounded by green hills and grazing deer and stags, imagine soaking up the romance of your brilliantly personal tipi wedding in this tucked-away corner of Devon. Heaven. deerfarmtipiweddings.co.uk

Total capacity: 150

Civil ceremonies licence: In application

Guest accommodation: for 40 plus space for camping

Dog-friendly: Yes

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