Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 26)

BICKLEIGH CASTLE, TIVERTON, DEVON This English historical landmark is situated next to the River Exe that winds through this quaint village and close to the 18 th -century working watermill at Bickleigh Mill. The estate combines its tranquil river setting with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and can be hired exclusively for a day or a weekend celebration. The pretty courtyard takes centre stage dotted with charming thatched cottages accommodating up to 40 guests in 17 individually decorated rooms. The bridal suite – a charming Tudor room with a four-poster bed – is located inside the castle itself. Ceremonies take place in a variety of places including in the Saxon chapel for up to 100 guests with space for an extra 25 loved ones gathered in the gallery on the mezzanine level above, and outside on the lawn under the romantic gazebo with the sound of the river running by. The Great Hall is also licensed for ceremonies for up to 120 people and 70 guests can be seated here for the wedding breakfast, or there’s the barn-inspired Wedding Breakfast Room with its tall vaulted beams, five-star menus and close proximity to the original Victorian stables which is now a bar serving the famous Bickleigh Castle-branded wine and gin which is a must-try! Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01884 855 363, https://bickleighcastle.com ❤ We love… that couples can request whichever flag they wish to fly from the top of the castle for the duration of their day and the spectacular firework displays that can be arranged. CADHAY, OTTERY ST MARY, DEVON This magnificent Tudor manor house located in the rural Devon countryside is situated just outside Ottery St Mary, an attractive parish town on the River Otter, and just six miles from the sea at Sidmouth. It dates back to the 16 th Century exuding the grandeur of centuries past through its beautifully restored features and contemporary comforts. It’s built around a central courtyard, ideal for big-day photographs with its four statues of Tudor monarchs, and inside there’s an elegant dining room, three main stylish reception rooms which have kept the feel of a private house, and a total of 12 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms comfortably sleeping up to 22 loved ones. Newlyweds can choose to sleep in a traditional four-poster bed or a more contemporary version hand-crafted by Cadhay’s owner. The cosy attic rooms also provide an alternative, comfortable option. The gardens feature ancient medieval fishponds and beautiful English herbaceous borders. The house is approached along a grand lime tree-lined avenue and on the east side, looks out over lawns. Ceremonies take place in a choice of three different rooms inside the manor house suited to intimate celebrations of up to 40 loved ones. Larger parties can gather in the Old Apple Store, Granary or the Bothy, located adjacent to the stunning water gardens. The Old Apple Store is a traditional red-brick barn licensed for up to 110 guests for a ceremony and featuring a slate terrace for guests to mingle. The Bothy, also licensed for 110 people, is situated in an intimate part of the water garden next to the medieval stew ponds with guests sitting under the weeping birch tree surrounded by floral borders. The Granary – a light and airy ceremony room featuring a bespoke ceremony table made by owner Rupert Thistlethway – is suited to ceremonies for up to 80 loved ones and is the ideal wet-weather plan. Very small gatherings of up to 22 guests can enjoy a wedding breakfast in the Georgian dining room in the house while larger parties of up to 80 loved ones will love the facilities in the Old Apple Store. Even larger parties can be hosted in a hired marquee erected on the front lawn overlooking the house. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01404 813 511, https://cadhay.org.uk ❤ We love… that the head gardener will aim to grow some blooms in time for the wedding to complement the theme if the couple advises them of the colours at the start of the year. These can be used in flower arrangements inside the house to greet guests. Photography of Cadhay courtesy of Jim Laws. 18