Now that you’re engaged, you’re SO ready to walk down the aisle … but where? Deciding on the right wedding venue is such a big decision, as you want somewhere gorgeous that suits your vibe, can cater to everything you need and can fit into your budget. Luckily, we have such an incredible amount of amazing wedding venues in South West England to choose from, so there really is something to suit everyone. 

I’ve had the pleasure of shooting plenty of weddings in our area, so I’ve seen firsthand what venues are just perfect in every way for weddings — and I can’t wait to tell you all about them!

One thing I will state upfront — please book your venue as far in advance as you can! Many venues can get booked out more than a year in advance and I don’t want you to miss out on your dream wedding spot, so this should be one of the first things you book during your wedding planning. 

Drumroll please … here are the seven most beautiful, memorable and unique wedding venues in South West England! They’re not only incredible for you and your guests, but they’re also all ideal for photography, giving those OMG wedding photos!

1. Treseren

Treseren is so dreamy!! I get so excited each time I’m invited to shoot here and it truly is one of the best wedding venues in the South West for smaller weddings. This historic Newquay country home, of the Georgian period, looks like something out of a fairy tale, with pristine gardens, grand magnolias and secluded lawns that are perfect for an outdoor reception or a beautiful, breezy afternoon cocktail hour. 

You and your guests can also dine under the stars, toast marshmallows in the venue’s fire pits or just relax in the orchards — there’s even a play area for little ones! If you’re after the best outdoor wedding venues in the South West, I think you’d absolutely love a Treseren wedding! It’s just fab for small groups and feels so private, romantic and elegant like you’ve stepped into your own secret world. 

2. Pennsylvania Castle 

Not only can you get married in an ACTUAL castle, but this one has total Mamma Mia vibes! It’s got to be Pennsylvania Castle, in Portland, Dorset, if you’re after beach wedding venues in the South West that are also grand and historic. 

It’s one of the top castle wedding venues in the South West, a lush event venue that’s available for private hire — think gorgeous stonework, rounded towers and grand windows, all of which makes for killer photography backdrops!

And speaking of scenery, the castle overlooks the incredible Church Ope Cove, a sparkling and secluded turquoise beach that looks more like it should be in Greece, not England! Between the castle itself and the stunning beach landscapes, your wedding photos here will have plenty of variety and style. 

A Pennsylvania Castle wedding is also awesome if you’re planning a destination wedding, since the property has some unbelievably luxurious rentals on the property — clifftops, completely gorgeous and architecturally unique villas, along with a few private lodge options. 

3. Rockbeare Manor 

Exeter’s Rockbeare Manor is just gorgeous! This grand Regency home dates back to around 1760 and would be completely in place in a Downton Abbey episode. The home is elegant and cool in all white, with towering columns, a wrought iron balcony and stylish gardens. A Rockbeare Manor wedding will seriously impress your guests. 

The interior is equally impressive, with a luxurious drawing room, complete with vaulted ceilings (and sparkling chandeliers, of course!) where you and your bridal party can get ready. There’s also a sophisticated ballroom, with cream interiors and handcrafted plasterwork, floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood floors, if you fancy an indoor ceremony or plenty of places for an outdoor ceremony. 

Your Rockbeare Manor wedding photography is going to seriously impress! The manor is just spilling over with natural light, all of the interior design is impeccably selected, and the lush gardens truly shine in spring and autumn, giving us plenty of photography locations, rain or shine.

4. Pentillie Castle 

Cornwall’s Pentillie Castle has just the most amazing grounds! This amazing castle dates back to 1698 and sits along the banks of the River Tamar. But like a fine wine, Pentillie has only gotten better with time!

The ancient gardens and orchards are spectacular for both an outdoor reception and for photography. The Old Tennis Lawn is an immaculate garden space that works perfectly for large weddings, but my absolute favourite has to be Lime Avenue! 

This magical path through the forest is lined with tall lime trees, covered in ivy, and is dense, green and truly special — a secret garden come to life. It’s such a magical and intimate part of the forest. While I am not saying faeries are or aren’t real, if they were, you’d definitely find them here at Lime Avenue!

The interior is just as special, as it’s been decorated beautifully in a traditional country home style. Pentilie has 11 guestrooms, along with a big farmhouse kitchen, solar heated pool and games room, so it’s a lot of fun for a Cornwall destination wedding too! 

5. Bickleigh Castle

A Bickleigh Castle wedding is going to deliver those OMG vibes! This quintessential 14th-century English castle is not only an ideal venue for both your ceremony and reception, but it’s also a B&B, so super convenient for you and your guests to stay the night. 

The Great Hall is an ideal space for indoor ceremonies of up to 120 guests, but there are also immaculate gardens throughout the property if you prefer an outdoor ceremony. The venue is privately owned and specialises in weddings, with an uber-talented team to help you plan every detail of your beautiful day. 

Oh, and the photos! Bickleigh Castle photography is so dreamy and romantic — not only is there a small, ancient chapel on site (it dates back to the 6th century!) but also lots of other iconic English countryside landscapes, including thatched cottages, a cute stone bridge and beautiful interior decor. The grounds cover 65 acres, so we’ll have plenty of room to spread out and find incredible photo locations. 

6. Cornish Tipi

Cornish Tipi is one of my top forest wedding venues in the South West — a serene and relaxing glamping-style destination with a gorgeous valley full of rich vegetation, along with a sparkling lake. Staying in tipis is so much fun and this is actually the UK’s first tipi campsite, completely built with sustainability first and foremost. 

A wedding here is so unique and ideal for bohemian, free-spirited couples who want to get married immersed in nature. They specialise in weddings here and can help you create any sort of wedding package, whether you want a Celtic harpist as you walk down the aisle or are keen to sample some incredible local caterers, nothing is too difficult at Cornish Tipi.

Cornish Tipi weddings are authentic, fun and memorable, especially if you’re after something totally unique and non-traditional. Plus, there are plenty of fun things for your guests to do as a weekend away including rowing, hiking or just enjoying a cider by an outdoor firepit, admiring the sunset … bliss! 

7. Froginwell Vineyard

A vineyard wedding? Yes, please! Not only does the incredible Froginwell Vineyard have the cutest name, but they also create their own yummy cider. It’s one of the most gorgeous barn venues, set in East Devon.

The venue is rustic but still chic and elegant, with a stunning and oversized barn where you can dance the night away, and even say your vows, under incredibly tall oak beams, surrounded by beautifully exposed brick and arched windows. 

There are also plenty of relaxed outdoor seating areas where guests can pull up a log by the fire, relax in oversized lawn chairs or just stroll through the lovely vineyards. It’s also really fun that Froginwell has space for outdoor games, which is a huge relief to parents, and the venue can hook you up with lots of local suppliers for your catering, florals and more. 

I love that nothing about Froginwell is pretentious, but it’s still completely charming and inviting for both larger and smaller weddings. 

As a local South West England wedding photographer, I can wholeheartedly recommend all of the venues above for their incredible amenities, inviting spaces and wonderful hospitality. But even better, I’ve seen the beaming smiles of joy on the faces of my couples as they celebrate in such beautiful venues, super happy and confident that they picked the ideal spot for their wedding!

If you’re still locking down your wedding venues in South West England and have any questions about how your space might work for your wedding photographer, let’s talk! I’d completely love to help you decide on which venue will bring your wedding photography dreams to life!