A Guide to Getting Married in the South West of England: 23 Fabulous Venues

The South West of England is home to some of the most scenic countryside, impressive coastlines and historic towns and cities in the country, making it a popular choice for weddings.

Whether you’re looking for a coastal wedding venue, a barn in the countryside, somewhere a little rustic or something totally different, there is so much on offer in the South West.

Cornwall

In the far west of England is beautiful Cornwall – home to sandy beaches, dramatic coastline, pretty fishing villages and unspoilt beauty. If it’s a wedding by the coast you want, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Lusty Glaze Beach – Cornwall

Lusty Glaze is a truly special seaside venue, ideal for couples wanting a relaxed and stylish beach wedding.

Located on the beautiful North Coast, close to Newquay, the venue has its own private beach and incredible panoramic views of the ocean.

Say your vows on the ‘Top Deck’ which overlooks the beach, before heading to the beach lounge, which has comfy sofas, giant cushions and a soft, sandy floor!

Lust Glaze works just as well for a laid back summer wedding as a cosy winter wedding sat around the wood burner.

Hotel Tresanton – Cornwall

Hotel Tresanton is located in the south of Cornwall in the pretty village of St Mawes, where a cluster of waterfront houses have been transformed into a casual but elegant venue.

The hotel offers total flexibility, allowing you to design a wedding package that suits you – whether that’s an intimate celebration for two or a full weekend of celebrations with exclusive use of the venue.

The cinema and bar lounge are both licensed for ceremonies, allowing you to say your vows before heading out for champagne and canapés overlooking the sea.

St Ives Harbour – Cornwall

St Ives Harbour Hotel is an award-winning hotel, in the popular harbour town in the North of Cornwall – ideal for couples looking for a venue with overnight accommodation.

The hotel is perfectly positioned – high above Porthminster beach – for a summery beach wedding.

We think the gorgeous terrace would make a great setting for a champagne reception as the sun sets!

Karma St Martins – Cornwall

The Isles of Scilly lie beyond the south west tip of Cornwall and consist of pretty heathland, surrounded by soft sand beaches. Karma St Martin’s is the only hotel on the island and is a relaxed beach-side venue, with panoramic views of the crystal clear water.

There are three possible settings for a licensed ceremony within the hotel, whilst outside the landscaped gardens with subtropical plants are the ideal spot for a drinks reception.

As well as being a truly idyllic location for your wedding, Karma St Martins has beautifully decorated rooms, perfect for a relaxing nights sleep before and after the big day!

Devon

Much like its next door neighbour Cornwall, Devon also has beautiful beaches and stunning countryside, with the added benefit of being a little closer to London and the north of England for travelling guests.

Tunnels Beaches – Devon

There are plenty of beachside venues in the West Country but there’s something truly unique about Tunnels Beaches, because access is gained – as you may have guessed by the name – by hand-carved tunnels.

When you get married at Tunnels Beaches, you can choose to say your vows in the pretty thatched gazebo nestled against the cliffside, inside one of the function rooms or in the tunnels themselves!

After your ceremony, treat guests to drinks on the roof-top terrace, followed by an informal but delicious barbecue. You and your guests can take in the views of the secluded bay and dramatic cliffs.

READ MORE: Beach Wedding Ideas

Kingston Estate Totnes – Devon

The Kingston Estate neat Totnes is a fabulous wedding venue for an epic celebration with friends and family. The estate is available for exclusuive hire and can accommodate up to 200 guests inside and an unlimited number outside.

The secluded location and large grounds can easily accommodate a large tipi or marquee – we think this venue would be epic for a festival wedding, with accommodation for 60 on-site.

The venue even has its own vaulted nightclub, allowing you to continue the celebrations long into the night.

Deer Park Country House Hotel – Devon

If you’re planning a traditional English country wedding in stylish surroundings – the Deer Park Country House Hotel offers just that. If the 17th Century Georgian house isn’t gorgeous enough, it also comes with with 80 acres of wonderful gardens.

Inside, the house is full of style and charm, with a Drawing Room, Dining Room and Conservatory all available for your celebrations. We really love the look of the brand new orangery and super sweet luxury thatched tree house.

Summer brides can say ‘I do’ in the vintage summerhouse, perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

Dorset

Just along from Devon is Dorset, which sits on the English Channel and is home to rural areas as well as more thriving parts like Bournemouth.

The Italian Villa – Dorset

If you’re dreaming of an Italian wedding but you’re not sure about a wedding abroad – The Italian Villa brings a little bit of Italy to Dorset!

This venue could rival those in Italy itself with authentic Italian architecture, Italian gardens and even an Italian-inspired menu.

You can say your vows on the top floor of the building in front of a large balcony that overlooks the gardens and fountain.

You may feel like you’ve been transported to the Tuscan hills but in reality the villa is in Poole, a short distance from the fashionable area of sandbanks and close to sandy beaches – perfect if you want some wedding pictures by the sea.

Lamer Tree Gardens – Dorset

Lamer Tree Gardens is a super stylish venue with bags of character, ideal for a quintessentially English wedding.

Located on the Wiltshire/Dorset boarder in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the venue comes with exclusive use of 11 acres of Victorian pleasure gardens with gorgeous lawns, pretty buildings and endless photo opportunities.

There are two settings available for an outdoor ceremony, as well as three inside and in the week they offer a Secret Wedding Gardens package, for a small wedding with up to 30 guests.

Beach Weddings Bournemouth – Dorset

We just love the idea of a relaxed wedding on the beach with Beach Weddings Bournemouth. West Cliff beach is available for exclusive use for ceremonies by the sea, laid back wedding breakfasts and fun parties as the sun sets over the horizon.

You can say your vows underneath driftwood, sign the marriage certificate in the sweet little ivory beach hut, before heading out onto the soft sand for a drinks reception.

Wedding breakfasts and evening receptions are held in one of the marquees overlooking the surf!

Somerset

Somerset is north of Dorset and has rolling hills and stunning rural venues, but is also home to the gorgeous city of Bath, with some beautiful city venues too.

Bath’s Historic Venues – Somerset

If you’re planning a romantic city wedding, what could be better than getting married in one of Bath’s Historic Venues?

You can marry at the world famous Roman Baths, saying your vows by the water at sunset, followed by a champagne reception by torchlight – how romantic!

The Assembly Rooms is an elegant and grand venue dating back to the 18th century. The setting for many of Jane Austen’s novels, the assembly rooms has grand architecture and dazzling chandeliers.

Just across the road from the Roman Baths is the Guildhall, a Grade I listed Georgian building. There’s a registry office in the Guildhall so you can have your ceremony there, followed by a reception in the impressive Banqueting Room.

The Victoria Art Gallery is one for the art lovers! You can have a civil ceremony and drinks reception within the upper gallery, full of paintings and sculptures, or in the lower gallery exhibition space.

Quantock Lakes – Somerset

Quantock Lakes is a beautiful wedding venue in the heart of the Somerset countryside. The modern barn wedding venue is full of rustic touches, including wooden beams, exposed brick and a walk-in inglenook fireplace.

The real selling point of this venue is the stunning surroundings – you’ll arrive via a tree-lined driveway and the stunning Quantock Hills will provide the most gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos.

Hestercombe – Somerset

Hestercombe is a wonderfully rural wedding venue, with so many options available, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The pretty Orangery or super chic Grand Temple are perfect for a small ceremony or in the summer you could opt for an outdoor service.

Bampfylde Hall can accommodate up to 150 for a ceremony and evening reception.

If you’re planning a wedding in Somerset, make sure you check out more of our favourite Somerset wedding venues.

Bristol

If you’re looking at wedding venues in Bristol you’re going be spoiled for choice – there are so many fabulous and unique venues in the vibrant city.

The M Shed Gallery – Bristol

There’s nothing that says ‘cool couple’ quite like an industrial-style wedding – if you agree, you may just love the M Shed Gallery.

Located on the city’s harbour-side, you can make a grand entrance by boat or if you’re feeling really brave you can be air-lifted in by crane!

We love the idea of taking your guests on a steam train ride along the water front before giving them a private viewing of the museum’s galleries.

If this is the sort of venue you love, make sure you see more warehouse wedding venues.

Arnos Vale – Bristol

If you have your heart set on a woodland wedding venue, then you have to see the amazing facilities on offer a Arnos Vale.

Is there anything more special than making your entrance to the sound of the birds singing, before saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the sounds of the forest, whilst guests watch on from rustic benches?

You could be forgiven for thinking that the buildings at a woodland venue could be a bit basic but that is certainly not the case here. Both the Anglican Chapel and Spielman Centre are incredible buildings, perfect for an indoor ceremony if there is rain.

Leigh Court – Bristol

Leigh Court is a magnificent grade II listed mansion, sat in 25 acres of spectacular parkland.

This venue has a distinctive 19th century style; outside is built in the traditional Bath stone and inside you’ll find a Greek revival style.

The most impressive feature of this venue is the romantic double staircase, which doesn’t just give beautifully symmetrical pictures but also gives the bride the opportunity to make an amazing entrance.

Wiltshire

Unlike much of the South West, Wiltshire is an inland county with no coastline – but don’t let that put you off. Wiltshire has lots to offer, including some fabulous wedding venues.

Wagons and Fire – Wiltshire

Wagons and Fire is an eco-friendly venue, ideal for couples who love the environment. This alternative wedding venue is located on a working family farm in Pewsey Vale.

When couples get married at Wagons and Fire, they get exclusive access from Thursday through to Sunday, allowing you to stretch your celebrations across the weekend. We love the idea of getting the wedding party together the day before the wedding with a gathering by the lake making dinner in the pizza oven.

Hire of the venue gives you access to a vintage marquee or tipi, a large fire pit and handmade wagons which serve as overnight accommodation and guests can also bring their own caravans and campers.

Winkworth Farm – Wiltshire

The Cotswolds is home to some of the prettiest scenery, ideal for a country wedding. Winkworth Farm is a 17th century stone barn near the quant market town of Malmesbury.

The charming venue can be exclusively yours for your wedding day so you can have a truly private and personal celebration with your friends and family.

The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, with a range of spaces available including the Threshing Barn, which can accommodate up to 200 guests, and the Cotswold Stone Roundhouse, which is hidden in the pretty sunken gardens.

As well as all that Winkworth Farm is another eco-friendly venue, for couples who love the environment!

Old Wardour Castle – Wiltshire

A fairy tale wedding wouldn’t be complete without a magical venue, and what could be more special than getting married in your very own castle?

Old Wardour Castle is a 14th Century home that was damaged during the Civil War. The remaining ruined walls, gothic stairways and old arched doorways create the most amazing atmosphere.

In 1773 the Lakeside Pavilion was built for entertaining, with amazing stain glass windows and lovely views across the lake.

Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is another pretty county, home to part of the Cotswold Hills, the River Severn and the Forest of Dean. If you’re hoping for something a little less rural for your wedding day, then you can consider the City of Gloucestershire and the towns of Cheltenham, Cirencester and Stroud.

No 38 The Park – Gloucestershire

We simply adore the idea of an elegant wedding at No 38 The Park. The Georgian townhouse in Cheltenham is available for exclusive use, which includes 13 rooms, a large sitting room, private dining room and a luxury kitchen which opens out onto a courtyard.

Having your wedding here is a bit like having your very own boutique hotel. The gorgeous interiors and contemporary furniture make it ideal for an understated celebration for the coolest couples. You can host a dinner for up to 70 guests, including party feasts and sharing platters, made using the finest local produce.

The bedrooms are every bit as stylish as the communal areas – each one has been individually designed with lovely touches like Egyptian cotton bedding and luxury toiletries.

Stone Barn – Gloucestershire

If you’re looking for a Gloucestershire venue with old fashioned, romantic elegance then Stone Barn in the Cotswolds could be the one for you.

You can say your vows in the rustic stone barn or if you’re planning a summer celebration, you can say your vows outside with the stunning Cotswold Hills as your backdrop.

READ MORE: Rustic Wedding Venues

The Dutch Barns are the perfect setting for your reception, with corrugated iron giving an industrial edge to the country style venue.

Gloucester Blackfriars Priory – Gloucestershire

Gloucester Blackfriars Priory is a wedding venue that really offers the wow factor.

The 13th Century medieval priory has been beautifully renovated, making the most of original features including exposed brick walls, high ceilings and the scissor-braced roof.

As well as offering an impressive, historic wedding venue for your big day, the Priory also has exceptional service with a range of packages available, catering for up to 200 guests.

If you still haven’t decided on a venue, make sure you see our guide on things to consider when choosing a wedding venue!