Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - September/October 2020 (Issue 27)

UPTON BARN & WALLED GARDEN, CULLOMPTON, DEVON This exclusive-use venue is positioned in the beautiful Devon countryside allowing for panoramic views of the Blackdown Hills and surrounding areas. It’s ideal for couples searching for privacy in a quiet, rural setting yet still easily accessible and offering a bespoke service. The property is unlike many other barn venues because it marries contemporary and traditional architecture and is accessible for everyone, with gently sloping inclines and step-free access. The Walled Garden, with its neatly manicured lawns, fragrant f lower beds and hand-crafted oak arbour at the end of a lavender- l ined aisle, provides a stunning ceremony backdrop for up to 156 l oved ones and is also ideal for al fresco drinks and canapés, and g arden games. The grounds beyond offer the opportunity to capture p icture-perfect photographs by the fountain in the lake, the horses in t he paddocks, and against the incredible countryside views at sunset. The Cider Barn, with its polished concrete floor and oak trusses, provides a beautiful indoor space for ceremonies of up to 156 guests, a great indoor option depending on the weather. The fully glazed gable end allows for uninterrupted views of the Walled Garden and the romantic fairylights decorating it creates a stunning setting for the first dance. The Stable Barn is the newest space, designed with warm timber panelling, stylish bespoke lighting and a floor-to-ceiling window that floods the room with light. When set-up for a wedding breakfast, it can seat up to 156 guests and has a bar for evening receptions of up to 200 loved ones. The Press Bar, with its cosy wood-burning stove, comfortable seating and bar serves a wide selection of artisanal beverages while The Tack Room is a quiet space away from the excitement of the wedding for couples to steal a moment together. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 07795 271 194, www.thegrainstoreweddings.co.uk ❤ We love… the neutral layout and style, allowing couples to add their personal touches. The list of recommended local wedding suppliers that the venue provides can help with these. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01884 38302, www.uptonbarn.com ❤ We love… the firepits that guests can use to toast marshmallows over. The romantic lighting throughout really adds to the magical feel of the venue, whatever the season. The lighting in the Walled Garden adds a glow to the arbour and the pathway during the evening. THE GRAIN STORE, KINGSBRIDGE, DEVON This new venue is set on the site of a traditional farm, offering complete privacy and accessed via a tree-lined drive. After sitting empty for years, the barn has been lovingly transformed and able to hold up to 200 wedding guests. It boasts a dancefloor, stylish bar, cartwheel chandeliers, soft up-lighting, silk parachutes draped from the ceiling and fairylights scattered throughout, creating a magical, romantic ambience. It also offers coastal sea views across Start Bay. Hire includes exclusive use from Friday to Monday plus accommodation in the luxurious farmhouse, a five-star, seven- bedroom retreat that sleeps up to fourteen wedding guests. Ceremonies take place inside The Grain Store itself for up to 200 guests seated, or a blessing can be held in the tranquil gardens adjoining the farmhouse bordered by old stone walls and offering a south-facing stone terrace with steps leading down into the garden. There’s also the option of having a ceremony in the idyllic field located close to the beach, again for up to 200 loved ones. Receptions can take place in a marquee in this field, with the capacity varying depending on the choice of the marquee. Alternatively, The Grain Store can be used for reception of up to 200 loved ones. https://www .alextozeweddings.co.uk; htt p://www.athinglikethatphotography.com; https://www .ta rastattonphotography.com MIDDLE COOMBE FARM, TIVERTON, DEVON This Grade II listed thatched farmhouse is set in the heart of the rolling Devonshire countryside. Nestled in a private valley, it’s surrounded by more than 400 acres of woodland, unspoilt meadows and pretty gardens perfect for big-day photographs. There’s a converted barn on-site boasting original features that can sleep up to 20 loved ones, and guests can use the private solar-heated swimming pool and hot tub. Ceremonies, the wedding breakfast and evening reception take place in the traditional cider barn, home to the original cider press, for up to 100 guests and the Drawing Room inside the farmhouse is suitable for more intimate gatherings and elopement weddings. There’s also an outdoor ceremony site set in the heart of the woodland against the backdrop of an ancient oak tree for hand-fasting ceremonies and blessings with the woodland glade brimming with bluebells in spring acting as the aisle. Picnics can be arranged here and there’s also the option of a luxury marquee overlooking the meadow during the summer months. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01884 821 176, www.coombefarmwoods.co.uk ❤ We love… the private glamping hut nestled in the meadow, perfect for newlyweds. THEMED VENUES 25