By Tina Roberts, TR Special Ceremonies
One of the greatest joys of working with a wedding celebrant in Plymouth is the freedom it gives you over where you get married. Unlike a registry office wedding, a celebrant ceremony is not tied to a licensed venue meaning the South West of England, with its extraordinary coastline, moorland, countryside and historic buildings, becomes your wedding venue.
In this guide I have pulled together some of my favourite venues across Plymouth and Devon. Each one lends itself beautifully to a celebrant ceremony. Whether you are dreaming of a coastal clifftop, a Devon barn or something unique, there is something here for every couple.
Before diving in, it is worth understanding what makes a celebrant ceremony different when it comes to venue. Because I am not a licensed officiant in the legal sense, your ceremony does not need to take place in a licensed venue. This opens up a much wider range of possibilities private gardens, beaches, woodlands, boats, rooftops and more are all on the table.
You will still need to complete the legal side of your marriage at a registry office. This can be done before or after your ceremony. Most couples find it a simple, low-key appointment that takes no more than 20 minutes.
With that freedom in mind, here are my top picks.
Overlooking Barn Pool Beach and Plymouth Sound, The Orangery at Mount Edgcumbe is one of the most beautiful settings for a ceremony anywhere in the South West. This 18th century building with its neo-classical architecture and formal gardens is a genuinely special space light filled, elegant and surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in Plymouth.
Furthermore, as a celebrant ceremony you have the freedom to use the gardens. This opens up wonderful options for outdoor vows with the sea as your backdrop.
A luxury five-star Tudor estate set on the edge of Dartmoor, Boringdon Hall has bags of character and history. The grounds are stunning. The estate offers real grandeur without feeling stiff or formal. In short, it is the kind of venue where a personal, heartfelt ceremony comes into its own.
For something less conventional, Plymouth Hoe itself makes a truly memorable backdrop. The open green space overlooks Plymouth Sound, with views across to Cornwall. It feels completely of this place. A relaxed outdoor ceremony here is something guests genuinely do not forget.
Just 13 miles from Plymouth near Ivybridge, Shilstone House is a Georgian manor set in beautiful grounds with a marquee that looks wonderful dressed for a wedding. The gardens offer lovely spots for a relaxed outdoor ceremony before guests move inside.
One of Devon’s most celebrated barn venues, Upton Barn combines rustic warmth with real elegance. The Walled Garden in particular is a stunning ceremony space intimate, enclosed and full of character. The Cider Barn alongside it has incredible natural light, which makes for beautiful ceremony photos whatever the time of year.
Just over the border into Cornwall but less than an hour from Plymouth, Trevenna is a secluded collection of beautifully restored barns surrounded by Cornish countryside. It has a wonderfully intimate feel The kind of venue where you immediately feel at ease. For couples who want something a little different from the traditional Devon barn, this is well worth considering.
Unlike almost any other venue in the region, ANRAN is an estate offering an extraordinary variety of spaces including a glass house, a lakeside marquee and a 300-year-old oak tree beneath which you could say your vows. For couples who want something genuinely unique and unforgettable, it is hard to look past.
For the adventurous couple, Dartmoor itself is a breathtaking setting. A ceremony in the open moorland is one of those experiences that stays with a couple forever. Dartmoor’s ancient landscape stretches out in every direction. I have worked with couples at moorland locations and the atmosphere is always truly special.
When choosing a venue, here are a few things worth thinking about:
It is also worth mentioning that one of the most popular choices for a celebrant ceremony is simply a private home or garden. There is something truly special about getting married somewhere that means something to you personally and for many couples, that is their own home, a family member’s garden, or a favourite place that holds a special memory.
As your wedding celebrant in Plymouth, I am happy to come wherever feels right for you.
If you are planning a wedding in Plymouth, Devon or Cornwall and would like to discuss how a celebrant ceremony could work at your chosen venue, I would love to hear from you. Initial consultations are completely free and there is no obligation.
📞 07711 940390 ✉ tina@trspecialceremonies.com