Exeter: Weddings in the Heart of Devon

Bickleigh Castle An elegant country house hotel with stunning views over the River Exe. The Bickleigh can accommodate up to 120 guests for a wedding ceremony and reception. The main house dates to the 15th century, although there are parts of the estate which date back to Norman times and even earlier. An enchanting location to host a wedding, the castle boasts a number of locations licenced for civil ceremonies.

The Chapel was converted during Norman times from a 6th century meeting house and gives any celebration a truly magical feel. The grounds alongside the river are a perfect spot for an outdoor ceremony during spring or summer, while the Bar and Orangery, converted from the Victorian stables, are ideal for an outdoor feeling wedding when the weather doesn't agree. For more formal weddings, the Banqueting Hall, converted from an 18th century barn is a wonderfully versatile canvas for your chosen décor and the Great Hall lends an air of mediaeval opulence to the proceedings.

St Nicholas Priory A former Benedictine priory dating back to the 11th century, St Nicholas Priory is a unique and atmospheric venue. Steeped in history and claiming to be Exeter oldest standing building, the Priory is truly charming and furnished throughout in the manner of the Elizabethan townhouse it became after the monasteries were dissolved. The priory can accommodate up to 100 guests for a wedding ceremony and reception.

With multiple choices of space to hold your wedding in a true fairy-tale venue, the main hall has the original bare stone walls and high vaulted ceilings. There is also a gorgeous sheltered garden.

Double Locks Sat right on the historic Exeter Ship Canal at the site of the first pound locks built in Britain, Double Locks is a charming establishment amdist the gorgeous parkland of the lower Exe valley. Built at the start of the 18th century, Double Locks is a genuine British pub with gorgeous views and huge beer garden with a marquee for weddings for up to 150 people.

For smaller weddings, the “Bills Room” (so called because it is where the billiards table used to sit) is perfect for weddings of up to 35 people.

Exeter Guildhall A historic Grade I listed building in the heart of Exeter, the Guildhall is a popular choice for weddings. The Guildhall can accommodate up to 80 guests for a wedding ceremony and reception.

Built in mediaeval times, the Guildhall has been the centre of Exeter's local government for hundreds of years. The elaborate and simply stunning frontage built onto the existing structure in the late 16th century. The Guildhall's Great Hall is awash with history, featuring stunning works of art, intricately carved wooden panelling, and high vaulted ceilings. There is also the option of the Jury Room for smaller weddings with a maximum capacity is 35.

Reed Hall A beautiful 19th-century Grade II listed mansion set in landscaped gardens amidst the University of Exeter ground, Reed Hall is an elegant and stylish venue. Reed Hall can accommodate up to 100 guests for a wedding ceremony in the Woodridge Room and has a capacity for 140 to dine.

Licenced for civil ceremonies and hidden away within enchanting gardens. The Woodridge Room features gorgeous plaster mouldings across the high ceilings, and huge windows looking out across the enchanting gardens.

Powderham Castle Stately home of the Earl of Devon, this stunning 14th-century castle is a truly unique and memorable venue. Having hosted some of the biggest names in music over the past twenty years, including Radio One’s Big Weekend, Powderham Castle has the facilities to accommodate your wedding with ease. With accommodation available within the castle itself, Powderham is perfect for those who really want a fairy-tale wedding.

With a range of locations across the Castle and grounds for weddings, there is definitely something here for you. From the Gothic pavilion in the Woodland Garden to the elegant State Dining room, there's plenty of choice. One of the most desirable locations is the gorgeous Belvedere Tower, constructed in the 18th century, it offers jaw-dropping views across the Exe estuary.

The Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel A large and thoroughly modern hotel with a variety of function rooms, the Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel is a popular choice for weddings. Situated in the heart of the city, at the site of the southern gate in the old city wall, the Southgate offers two locations for weddings; the Lounge Terrace with capacity for up to 50 people, or the Seymour Suite which can accommodate 150.

For those planning a wedding at the Mercure Exeter Southgate, they do offer an experienced in-house wedding planner who will help you make the most of their excellent facilities. The hotel includes a spa and an absolutely gorgeous bridal suite.

Sandy Park Events Centre A purpose-built events centre with stunning views of Sandy Park Rugby Stadium, the Events Centre is a flexible and award-winning venue for memorable weddings. Complete with on-site catering the centre houses a number of rooms ideal for weddings of any size, and the modern styling can be accented to any theme you care to choose.

With a brand new state-of-the-art hotel as part of the complex, offering stunning views down the Exe estuary, Sandy Park is the ideal location for a wedding even if you’re not a fan of rugby. The centre can accommodate up to 350 guests for a wedding ceremony and up to 400 for the reception.

Winslade Manor Located just outside the city, Winslade Manor is a sumptuous neo-classical 19th century manor house set within 86 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. With a range of spaces available for weddings, Winslade Manor can accommodate any size celebration, from elopements to up to 250 guests in the The Forge function room.

The manor boasts an impressive in-house catering team and is renowned for its first class dining experience. The combination of contemporary facilities with Georgian style and elegance makes Winslade Manor the perfect setting for memorable weddings. There’s even a church on the grounds.