POWDERHAM CASTLE, KENTON, DEVON This magical castle is an exclusive-use wedding venue surrounded by 200 acres of Deer Park that’s home to more than 600 fallow deer. The exquisite interiors include an impressive staircase and the two enchanting open-air ceremony garden buildings, surrounded by the Powderham woodlands, are licensed for ceremonies, providing beautiful contrast to the grandeur of the state rooms inside. Ceremonies and receptions take place in a choice of areas around the estate with The State Dining Room, home to an impressive open fire, perfect for ceremonies of up to 80 guests, or a banquet for 60. The Libraries are best suited to the reception, with large windows overlooking Deer Park and the Rose Terrace but also seat 70 guests for the ceremony or 90 for dinner. The Music Room is the largest suite accommodating up to 120 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with the spectacular dome creating a romantic setting for the first dance. The Rose Terrace is an ideal option for a summer ceremony or an outdoor champagne reception. There’s also The American Garden, a wooded glade of exotic trees from the USA surrounding a hidden garden pavilion providing an idyllic setting for a ceremony or drinks reception. The Belvedere is an iconic landmark providing far-reaching views across the estate and estuary. The tower offers a unique ceremony setting while the Belvedere garden can house a marquee for a reception of up to 90 guests. Finally, The Riding School is a charming, rustic-inspired space perfect for couples wanting a barn wedding. The adjacent garden offers outdoor seating and lawn games and is situated a stone’s throw from the lake. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01626 890 243, www.powderham.co.uk www.facebook.com/powderhamcastle ♥ We love... that for those wishing to make a weekend of their wedding, Powderham Castle offers a unique variety of accommodation. The Honeymoon Suite enjoys views across the Deer Park and Exe Estuary and there’s accommodation for up to 16 guests. THE BARNSTAPLE HOTEL, DEVON This contemporary hotel offers a welcoming feel with modern styling throughout. The idyllic setting makes it the perfect place for any wedding celebration with the quaint exterior of the property forming a picturesque backdrop for big-day photographs. The hotel is based around a pretty courtyard flanked with flowerbeds, encircled by the hotel’s exterior, pool-view rooms and outdoor pool. The courtyard is adjacent to the two stylish function suites and both spaces can be transformed to suit each couple’s vision. The Ashford Suite, with its private bar, air conditioning and abundance of natural light is perfect for a small ceremony and sit-down wedding breakfast of up to 40 people while the Arlington Suite is best suited to larger affairs accommodating up to 250 loved ones for a ceremony and dinner. It’s home to a dancefloor and opens on to the manicured lawn, perfect for summer soirées. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01271 376 221, https://barnstaplehotel.co.uk/weddings ♥ We love... that newlyweds are offered the Bray Suite complimentary on the night of the wedding. THE ROYAL HOTEL, BIDEFORD, DEVON The elegant interior of this hotel provides a historic backdrop, infused with Regency charm, home to 17th-century character from the oak panelling, ornate plasterwork ceilings and even a newly discovered coat of arms. The striking building, with its presence on the Bideford Bridge, offers far-flung views across the town and excellent photo opportunities, as do the manicured private gardens and access to the old railway adjacent to the hotel. Ceremonies and receptions take place in the Kingsley Room for up to 30 guests and in the Regency Restaurant for up to 120 loved ones. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01237 472 005, https://royalbideford.co.uk/weddings ♥ We love... that as part of the wedding package, the couple is gifted a luxurious stay in the Kingsley Room with complimentary breakfast. Wedding guests can enjoy accommodation on the evening of the wedding from as little as £50 per person, per night and there’s 15% off weddings booked to take place on a Sunday to Thursday plus a 10% discount for weddings booked on a Friday. Photography of Powderham Castle courtesy of www.alextozeweddings.co.uk 25 THEMED VENUES
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