Celebrating the love you have for your new husband or wife with those closest to you, is what weddings are all about. And what’s better than saying your ‘I Do’s’ in a stunning location?
We think the spectacular riverside setting and surrounding Devonshire countryside of Dartmouth makes it one of the most magical places to share that love and enjoy your wedding day.
Your dream wedding ceremony
From historical buildings and cosy hotels to beachside cafés, there are a number of places both within town and a short drive away that are licensed to hold civil ceremonies. So whether you want everything under one roof or want to say your vows in a different setting to your reception, Dartmouth gives you that option. Here’s a list of everywhere in and near Dartmouth that can host your marriage ceremony.
The full wedding package
For an ultra hassle free wedding there are a number of venues in and around Dartmouth that offer the full wedding package, letting you enjoy your ceremony, reception and spend the night all in one place.
Enjoy views of the Boat Float and the River Dart with a wedding at The Royal Castle Hotel. You can choose from three beautiful rooms which are licensed to hold civil ceremonies accommodating between 2 and 90 of your nearest and dearest. Then afterward the ‘I Do’s’ enjoy a traditional sit down meal or something a little different with your bespoke wedding breakfast. After the partying you and your guests can relax in one of the 24 individually decorated bedrooms.
Surrounded by rolling countryside and just outside of Dartmouth town is the Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. With two fantastic suites available with sun terraces and views over the stunning course, the in house chefs will be able to produce a sumptuous menu for you and your guests to enjoy. After all the celebrations have finished you and your guest can spend the night in one of the 35 en-suite hotel rooms.
The wedding and the party
If you’re looking to say your ‘I Do’s’ and celebrate the special occasion in the same great location, before whisking your new husband or wife off to start your honeymoon, the town of Dartmouth has some perfect venues where you can get married and host your reception.
In the heart of historic Dartmouth, situated just minutes from the riverfront, you’ll find the 19th century Dartmouth Guildhall. Wedding ceremonies are conducted in the Council Chambers, with a number of other rooms available for small gatherings and large parties, as well as the fantastic kitchen facilities, this is the perfect setting for both your ceremony and wedding reception.
Ash Tree Farm, Ash Rescue Centre is a beautiful and unique wedding venue a short drive from Dartmouth. The site houses secret gardens and ponds and vows are said at The Blessing Hut surrounded by wildflower meadows. After dark the venue is transformed into a magical space with twinkling lights and candle lit paths. Money raised from weddings is donated directly to the charity and helps support the herd of retired rescue horses.
Ever dreamed of getting married by the sea? At Venus Café at Blackpool Sands you can, located next to the beach you can enjoy spectacular sea views and locally sourced food and drink with the sound of waves in the background. Ceremonies for up to 88 people are held within the café but blessings can be held on the beach.
Just the important bit
With views overlooking the River Dart you can celebrate your love in the beautiful Georgian house that was once Agatha Christie’s holiday home. The light and airy Dining Room of Greenway House provides an intimate venue for your wedding ceremony surrounded by up to 28 of your nearest and dearest. After the formalities, you can enjoy pictures, sparkling wine and canapés in the garden, before heading off to enjoy your wedding breakfast and party elsewhere.
If you’d like your wedding service to be religious and you have a connection to Dartmouth, there are many churches in the town which can accommodate you. Among Dartmouth’s many churches you’ll find a Methodist/United Reformed Church, Catholic Church and C of E Church. Getting married under the beautiful architecture of these impressive buildings and with a religious service, is sure to help create a truly memorable day.
Once you’ve said your vows it’s time to celebrate and enjoy your wedding breakfast, in the below section we’ve listed some suggestions for great places to head for your wedding reception.
Your perfect wedding reception
You’ve had the ceremony and said your vows, now it’s time for the wedding breakfast and the celebrations to begin. There are a number of places in Dartmouth where you can hold your reception and wedding breakfast and enjoy the company of your wedding guests after the formalities.
Just meters from the town’s historic Bayards Cove, sits Bayards Cove Inn. This intimate town house hotel can cater for weddings of up to 50 people. With fresh local food, beautiful décor and welcoming staff it’s perfect for a hassle-free wedding reception. Bayards Cove Inn also offers 7 stylishly appointed bedrooms, so you don’t have to go far after the partying has finished.
The Flavel Arts Centre in Dartmouth is located a stone’s throw from the Boat Float and Royal Avenue Gardens. This modern venue has a relaxed atmosphere with room for up to 100 guests seated and 220 unseated, with room decorations, large round tables and chairs as well as onsite caters the Flavel provides a great reception venue.
Taylor’s Restaurant is located on the Inner Harbour and has stunning views of the Boat Float and the river beyond. The relaxed lighting and sparkling chandeliers create an intimate dining experience for parties of up to 32.
Whilst The George & Dragon is a more informal setting for your celebrations, sitting a short walk from the town centre and river, the pub offers set menu options for larger parties.
Located in the picturesque village of Stoke Fleming, just outside Dartmouth, Radius 7 offers bespoke wedding catering for your big day, with everything on offer from canapés, sharing platters, ram and hog roasts to fine dining and sit down meals; they can help you can create your perfect wedding day menu.
Stay the Night
After all that parting and eating and drinking the day away you’ll need somewhere amazing to spend the night as a newly married couple.
On the banks of the River Dart with stunning estuary views is the stylish and luxurious Dart Marina Hotel and Spa. With river facing deluxe rooms with a balcony, junior suites and comfortable self catering apartments, it’s the perfect bit of luxury for your wedding night.
Relax in the stress-free setting with the great tasting freshly cooked food of Café Alf Resco. They offer a number of beautifully decorated rooms with stunning river views either above the café or a short walk away in the picturesque Above Town.
A short drive from Dartmouth in the village of Stoke Fleming is the family run Stoke Lodge Hotel, located on the South West Coast Path the hotel offers a range of en-suite rooms and an à la carte restaurant as well as an indoor swimming pool, croquet lawn and terrace with sea views.
Throughout the town and in the surrounding countryside you’ll find a whole host of fantastic accommodation, from farm house B&B’s to self catering coastal cottages, all of which would be perfect for spending your first night as newlyweds after hosting your wedding in Dartmouth.
Relax on your Honeymoon
You don’t have to hold your ceremony in Dartmouth to have this beautiful location included in your wedding celebrations. With great restaurants and cafés serving top notch local food and drink, an abundance of countryside and coastline to explore, luxury hotels, cosy self catering cottages and apartments as well as fascinating attractions, this pretty coastal town is perfect for a staycation honeymoon.
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