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About

On Hitched.co.uk since 2021

Last update: February 2024

Tucked away on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Deer's Leap Retreat is a country wedding setting situated between South Molton, North Devon and Dulverton, Somerset. Surrounded by farmland, this idyllic location seems made for relaxing, rustic weddings. The team has a soft spot for personal and bespoke celebrations and helping couples bring their most creative visions to fruition. Set amid the rolling hills of Devonshire, this exclusive venue is fully licensed to hold any style of wedding and civil ceremony

Facilities and Capacity

Enveloped in nature and a relaxing ambience, Deer's Leep Retreat invites couples to enjoy the wedding weekend of their dreams. The property offers a refreshing variety of settings that can host an array of wedding sizes and themes. The handcrafted, lakeside gazebo is an unmissable location for those who seek to immerse themselves in the elements. The spacious outdoor setting provides ample space for various event set-ups, including enough space for a hired marquee. Each space has the lighting and seating needed to craft the ideal atmosphere. For weekend escapes and destination weddings, to-be-weds enjoy a 4-night stay in Hartford Cottage, our bridal suite, equipped with a private hot tub. The Farmhouse provides 2-3 nights of accommodation for 19 - 21 adult guests + 3 children and 4 infants across 9 distinctive bedrooms. Glamping tents are an additional hiring option for your guests, providing luxury camping facilities for 10+

Services Offered

Deer's Leap Retreat offers Hybrid DIY wedding packages for up to 150 guests. Included in every package is:

Staff, to oversee the smooth running of your wedding, refrigeration for all wines and champagne, all glassware, large stretch canopy, catering kitchen and beautiful stone barn with a cosy bar. To-be-weds can avail themselves of the team's extensive expertise and an array of caterers, florists, further accommodation and other service providers on their recommended suppliers lists. Devoted to bespoke nuptials, the team is on hand and ready to help couples as much or as little as they want. Flexibility is key to this venue, with options for self-catering, bringing in outside culinary teams, using our in-house BBQ and Pizza Oven services and even flexible payment plans so couples can spread the cost of their wedding at no extra cost. A selection of accessories and decorative items are also freely available, including lighting, oil lanterns, patio heaters, fire pits, outdoor furniture and more.

  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

Venue type:

In the country
Unusual weddings
Historic
Marquees and tents
Woodland and festival
Barn
Outdoor license
Tipis and yurts
Unique weddings

Ceremony options:

Fire ceremony
Civil ceremony licence

Dining options:

Seated meal facilities
Private catering allowed
Alcohol licence
Buffet meal facilities

Evening entertainment:

Marquee available
Dance floor
Entertainment licence
Live band facilities
Evening reception facilities
DJ facilities
Outdoor fireworks permitted

Overnight accommodation:

Overnight accommodation for wedding couple
Overnight accommodation for guests

Venue staff assistance:

Wedding coordinator

Venue leisure facilities:

Hairdresser
Health suite
Beautician

Other features:

Exclusive use
Accessible facilities
Car parking
Confetti permitted
Changing room for wedding guests
Pet-friendly
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Reviews for Deer's Leap Retreat

5.0 out of 5 rating
Hitched Wedding Awards 2024 Winner
5.0 out of 5 rating
17 reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of the service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value for money
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
Martin
Martin T. Sent on 30/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A fantastic experience

Deers Leap is a lovely venue. It's nestled peacefully in the Devon countryside and is very tranquil. By booking with them, you have exclusive use of the venue and accomodation, which was perfect for us.

The cottage sleeps around 20 guests, so we were able to accommodate our close friends and family. There is also a separate bridal cottage for the couple, which was lovely. It was nice to be next door to our friends and family, but still have our own space when we wanted it. There are 2 hot tubs in the main cottage and one in the bridal cottage, which is a lovely way to spend an evening.

There is an option to either get married outside or inside. Even if the weather isn't great, everyone would be undercover outside thanks to the stretch canopy which covers the guest seating, so it's unlikely you will need to move inside unless you really want to. The barn building is also very nice with a rustic feel, and has absolutely everything you need for around 100 guests.

The biggest complement I can give about Deers Leap is the owner Heather and her family. She made us feel welcome from the very first time we visited the venue and she offers such a personal touch, something that you won't get at bigger, corporate venues. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was very accommodating with any requests and dealt with changing of dates (due to covid) without any fuss or additional costs. She would offer help and assistance with all aspects of the planning, which was hugely valuable to us. She even invited us down prior to the wedding to stay for a couple of nights to do some planning, which was a lovely gesture.

Finally, it's a really nice touch that Heather and her family welcomes all couples married at the venue down each year for a 'Couple's weekend' where accomodation, food and drink is provided. Again, this is an incredible touch and something that you wouldn't get anywhere else. It shows just how much Heather and her family take care of everyone who chooses their venue.

I would highly recommend Deers Leap Retreat as a venue
Abbie
Abbie M. Sent on 09/10/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Deers Leap Retreat

The team & surroundings at Deers Leap Retreat are second to none!!
The most beautiful venue and the most accommodating, thoughtful and friendly team, we honestly could not have wished for anything more.
Lauren
Lauren Sent on 10/09/2023
5 out of 5 rating

A dream wedding!

We had our wedding here a month ago and couldn’t have been more pleased with how the whole weekend went. Deer’s Leap is a hidden gem - surrounded by beautiful countryside, with its own lake and charming accommodation. This truly is the perfect wedding venue. The fact that all of your family and friends can stay on site for the whole weekend, really makes it special for everyone. Heather, James and their team are amazing at helping you prepare for one of the biggest days of your lives, and will go above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day. We couldn’t thank them enough.
Sophie
Sophie N. Sent on 20/07/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Don't hesitate!

Absolutely incredible! Our wedding day was perfect! The rooms are so comfortable and clean, and the hot tubs a big bonus! Beautiful venue, amazingly well maintained and Heather was amazing from inquiry, to booking to the actual day. She kept things running and helped every step of the way so we didnt have to worry about anything. We had a perfect wedding day and I'd absolutely recommend this stunning venue to anyone!
Amy
Amy J. Sent on 02/06/2023
4.6 out of 5 rating

Flexible and friendly

Deer's Leap was the only local wedding venue that offered so much flexibility. The teams open and honest approach was invaluable in the lead up to our wedding.
Abi
Abi Sent on 11/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Abi & Owen

We got married at Deer's Leap in May 2022 and the whole weekend couldn't have been more perfect! Heather, her family and team couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating! They ensured the day went seamlessly and we loved sharing our day with them all! The venue is stunning and the fact that we had the farmhouse and yurts as well meant that so many of our family and friends could enjoy the whole weekend with us! We 100% recommend Deer's Leap if you want a relaxed, beautiful and utterly amazing wedding day!
Mandy
Mandy W. Sent on 24/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Mr & Mrs Wells

the most beautiful venue by day and when the sun goes down and the lights come on its like fairytale to make any bride feel like a true princess. Heather and her team and family go above and beyond to help in every way and are with you every step. To be able to have your close ones with you to celebrate for 3 days makes even more memories, and to be able to have everything just the way you dream of is the icing on the cake..
Jess
Jess P. Sent on 03/11/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The best day of our lives!

What can we say, we couldn't have asked for more from Deer's Leap Retreat. It was just perfect. We wanted a relaxed, rustic wedding that allowed our friends and family to feel at home and really have a great time and this is what happened. Heather and James, and their team, worked tirelessly to help us create the best day. We were given guidance throughout the process meaning we never felt lost or overwhelmed. The long weekend, Friday-Monday for our onsite guests and Thursday-Monday for us, meant that we had a great bring-and-share gathering the night before our wedding and a relaxed BBQ with our nearest and dearest on the Sunday after, absolute bliss! So many of our guests told us that it was the best wedding they had ever been to, which was such a lovely thing to hear. Our wedding day was filled with love, joy and fun! Thank you so much, Heather and James, for what was truly the best day of our lives!
G
Gemma T. Sent on 05/04/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The best wedding venue EVER

We got married at Deers leap retreat in may 2022. The hosts are the most wonderful helpful and kind people you will ever meet. They can’t do enough to make your stay special. The venue is absolutely gorgeous. As a bride they made me feel relaxed when I have a habit of getting very stressed out. The accommodation was spotless and sleeping arrangements very flexible so our son’s friends could have a few drinks and sleep in the lounge area. You can even take your dog with you! There have been many weddings since ours but everyone keeps telling us ours was the best wedding they’ve ever been to. Our friends want us to do it all again! The ceremony was by the lake and the scenery was absolutely beautiful then we had drinks and a graze table on the patio area with live music. We had our wedding meal in the barn and we were able to set the tables however we wanted them then we had a disco until the early hours. The following day we had a big clear up and then had a bbq in the garden. This place is magical!
A
Amber L. Sent on 25/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect, dreams come true 💕

From the moment we arrived at Deer’s Leap Retreat we knew it was where we would get married. It is the most perfect venue and Heather is incredible. Her support and dedication to each couple is remarkable and not something you get elsewhere. You are seen and heard and she will ensure that your day is exactly as you wish it to be.
The venue is beautiful, calm and as our guests said, it has a certain vibe where you are just relaxed and happy for every minute you are there.
K
Kiryn H. Sent on 23/08/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The most beautiful venue and the best team

Deer's Leap Retreat is the perfect outdoor venue! The location and setting ticked every box for our Hobbit meets Midsummer Night's Dream wedding, and then some - it was beyond magical.

We were able to hold our ceremony by the lake, enjoying the great outdoors but with the clever touches like the inbuilt microphone and speakers system meaning all of our guests could hear our vows.

We had lunch and drinks on the gorgeous and spacious patio, and enjoyed lawn games on the tennis court. The barn provided ample room for our 80 guests for dinner, and is such a lovely rustic space which hardly needs any extra decoration as it's so beautiful as it is! The bar area is really comfortable, with a well-stocked bar and tea/coffee station. We ended the night with the most incredible fireworks by the lake, followed by drinks and dancing until the wee hours in the barn.

We really enjoyed having the venue from Thursday to Monday and all of our guests who stayed on site found their accommodation really comfortable. It was such a bonus to be able to spend so much time around the wedding day itself at the venue. We stayed in the separate bridal cottage and loved having the space to ourselves to spend a few precious moments together amidst a busy weekend.

What really sets Deer's Leap Retreat apart though is the team, a well-oiled machine which is brilliantly led by Heather and James. All of the staff who we met on site were a delight to have around, and Heather and James are true experts in the industry - they have thought of absolutely everything, and were lifesavers many times throughout the planning process. Over the weekend itself they could not have been more helpful, making sure everything ran smoothly and taking a lot of work off our shoulders. More than anything, they are the most lovely people - you get a real sense that they love what they do, and they genuinely do care about their couples.

Our wedding at Deer's Leap Retreat was, in a word, perfect. If you are lucky enough to have the chance to celebrate there, jump at it!
A
Andrew Sent on 08/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Relaxed perfection

Everything we wanted from our wedding the team at deers leap helped us to achieve. Nothing was too much but equally Heather guided us with the benefit of her experience and we made changes that enhanced our day. All our guests love the venue and the laid back feel of our event - everything was perfect
L
Lauren Sent on 26/05/2020
5 out of 5 rating

The most amazing venue!

We selected Deers Leap for our wedding as it had the relaxed individual kind of feel we wanted to be able to create our dream wedding rather than having everything chosen for us. The venue itself for the ceremony and reception was beautiful and the added bonus of so much accommodation meant we could make a real weekend of it with lots of family coming from further afield. We had lots of positive feedback from family staying in the Bell tents and we made good use of the hot tubs!

Heather, James and the team went out of their way to assist with any requests and to make the day run smoothly so thank you!
A
Anna Sent on 22/05/2020
5 out of 5 rating

The best weekend ever

We had the best weekend ever at Deers Leap celebrating our wedding and spending a bit of extra time together with our loved ones. We had a small wedding, we wanted quality time with our family and best friends along with our wedding. Heather and James had tailored the wedding package to include catering and for nearly all of us to stay for the whole weekend - including our dog and our then 2 year old son. Nothing was too much trouble and it was so much more than a wedding. There was no rushing off after the ceremony somewhere else for the reception, there was no fortune spent on decorations as we were outside and the landscape there will outdo the best decorations. There was a lot of care from them to make our day perfect, there was an awful lot of help and ideas from them, along with friendliness, generousness, and they did everything with so much attention that it was an absolute joy to deal with them and even better to be there. People at our wedding made an amazing life time memory that day and we consider Deers Leap as one of the happiest places we have ever been where we also gained some friends.
If you are looking for a beautiful countryside venue without the added "poshness" that they overcharge for, a place with pure love and care for what they do and if you appreciate the beautiful outdoors, then look no further because you won't find anywhere better.
N
Nicola Sent on 22/05/2020
5 out of 5 rating

The best wedding venue EVER

We were so lucky to find Deers Leap Retreat. After months of searching for the perfect weekend wedding spot that we could afford we finally found this little gem. We had some key criteria on our list and Deers leap catered for all of our needs:

- weekend venue
- bring your own booze with no charge
- no curfews
- Laid back atmosphere
- bring your own catering
- a team that will do absolutely anything for you
- only wedding on site/ whole site just for your guests
- all your bridal party can stay onsite
- one price with no hidden extras/ add ins

The team at Deers leap really make this the perfect venue. Not only is the sight just beautiful! You can get married by a beautiful lake with pontoon lightning and even have a fireworks display all finished off by champers in the three hot tubs! Heather and the Gang will help sort out anything including building a flower archway, hiding our surprise mariachi band, letting us stay from Thursday - Monday, giving out left over wine free to our guests, giving free lifts home to our tipsy guests, and organising last minute speeches with cake at the lakeside gazebo! No ask is too big and heather will make sure you have your dream wedding.
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Hitched Wedding Awards 2024 Winner

Deer's Leap Retreat Real Weddings

Sophie & Cato
12 photos · 08/07/2023

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Map

Deer's Leap Farm EX36 3NZ South Molton (Devon)
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