I DREAMED a dream Fabulous fairytale-inspired settings HIGHER HOLCOMBE, OTTERY ST MARY, DEVON This enchanting venue is set in 30 acres of pasture that’s gradually being transformed into woodland glades and wildflower meadows. The spacious modern farmhouse accommodates the main wedding party while other guests can stay in the Lotus Belle glamping tents and cute shepherd’s huts with all accommodation included in the venue hire. From the orchard, there’s a bridge over the brook that leads to the sandstone terrace located in front of the wooden Old Dairy party barn nestled in the heart of the site. This is a beautifully renovated old milking parlour boasting a rustic neutral colour palette for couples to decorate as they wish and south-facing views of the Devonshire countryside across the length of one wall. The handmade wooden trestle tables can seat up to 80 loved ones on benches or chairs and at dusk, the ambience lighting adds a special touch. Ceremonies take place outside in The Willow ‘cathedral’ - a specially planted area that features three outdoor ‘chapels’ at the end of the walkway aisle for up to 80 guests. There’s also a stretch tent in the ‘posh paddock’ for outdoor ceremonies (if the weather is unpredictable) or a drinks reception, plus there’s a firepit for use when the sun goes down. The Silver Birch ‘church’ is an avenue of silver birch trees providing shade for al fresco ceremonies of up to 60 guests with a secluded, romantic feel and this space also lends itself to an outdoor picnic as an alternative to the wedding breakfast. Receptions take place in The Old Dairy barn which is the main reception area for up to 80 people. The farmhouse Mediterranean courtyard can be used for pre-wedding dinners and morning-after brunch. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 07740 978 408, www.higherholcombe.co.uk ♥ We love... the quirky, self-contained Hobbit House honeymoon suite nestled deep in the heart of the grounds. Guests can enjoy glamping in the Lotus Belle tents and shepherd’s huts. There’s also room for up to 10 people to stay inside the farmhouse. THE BEDFORD HOTEL, TAVISTOCK, DEVON This beautifully restored hotel stands pride of place in the heart of this pretty market town where the hotel’s grand façade is a local landmark. The property oozes charm and style and offers a range of stunning spaces for every type of wedding. The historic Woburn Room, with its original intricate ceiling and panelled walls, provides the perfect backdrop for a ceremony, whilst the contemporary Gallery 26, an architect-designed space with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the room with natural light and with a backdrop of the hotel’s original stone walls is the ideal area for the wedding breakfast and evening celebration. For something more intimate, the oak-panelled Tavistock Room with its feature fireplace is a cosy and sophisticated setting for a small gathering or a private dinner. There’s also the pretty front garden and the spacious Walled Garden which provide picture-perfect settings for a drinks reception on a summer’s day. Ceremony licence? Yes Contact: 01822 613221, www.bedford-hotel.co.uk ♥ We love... the complimentary tasting and bridal suite for the wedding couple. Photography of interior of Old Dairy barn courtesy of www.veritywestcottphotography.com and exterior courtesy of Dan Prettejohn Photography of The Bedford Hotel courtesy of https://maggie-mccall.pixels.com THEMED VENUES 21
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