Small Wedding Venues in Devon: Our Top Picks
Whether you're planning a special day with just the two or you, or you want to celebrate with 40 of your loved ones, cut down your guest list without missing out on style with 9 of the best small wedding venues in Devon
If the thought of hosting over 100 guests on your wedding day brings you out in a cold sweat, having a smaller, more intimate celebration (aka a micro wedding!) is probably on your radar. Shrinking down your guest list will not only allow you to spend quality time with each and every person on the big day, it will likely let your budget stretch further.
When it comes to picking your wedding venue it's important to opt for a space that'll cater for smaller numbers - you don't want to have lots of empty areas and nothing to fill them with! Thankfully, there are a whole host of small wedding venues that'll feel cosy and romantic, without being cramped.
One of our top spots for celebrations with just your closest loved ones is Devon thanks to its beautiful beaches, lush countryside and quaint villages. From tranquil coastal hotels and historic halls, to rustic barns and even a treehouse, we've gathered the very best small wedding venues in Devon that are intimate wedding day approved.
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1. Glazebrook House – South Brent
Best For: Up to 72 guests
Glazebrook House is a unique wedding venue that has space to accommodate up to 72 of your friends and family for a cosy celebration.
Boasting an Alice in Wonderland theme throughout, this luxurious boutique hotel is a treasure trove of delightful décor that'll make for some one-of-a-kind photo backdrops. We particularly love the unusual china plate decorated dining room!
As the night draws to a close the fun doesn't stop there as each of the 8 bedrooms available are charming and quirky. From the decadent Mad Hatter room to the stylish Caterpillar room your stay at Glazebrook House is sure to be a memorable one.
2. Deer's Leap Retreat – South Molton
Best For: Up to 13 guests
You don't have to have a large guest list in order to have an unforgettable wedding day - Deer's Leap Retreat nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park offers a micro wedding package that comes complete with all the trimmings.
We're talking beautiful blooms, festoon lighting, a lake lit up with floating lanterns and even a spectacular firework display to end the night.
There's three gorgeous themes to choose from, so whether you're dreaming of a natural boho feel, a chic neutral vibe or a lush green oasis, Deer's Leep Retreat can accommodate.
3. The Lamb Inn at Sandford – Exeter
Best For: Up to 40 guests
If you're planning an intimate celebration there's nothing quite like a charming countryside pub to host your special day from, and The Lamb Inn at Sandford is up there with the best.
The inn is set in the picturesque village of Sandford and as you make your way down cobbled Tudor streets towards this wedding venue, you'll already feel at home.
The pub has two function rooms; the Dowrich Room which can accommodate up to 40 guests for a wedding breakfast or the Tap Room which can host up to 18 people.
Once inside, you and your guests will be welcomed by quaint interiors, open fires and rustic beams - perfect for a winter wedding.
4. Gara Rock – Salcombe
Best For: Up to 14 guests
Devon is home to spectacular coastlines and Gara Rock is a tranquil wedding venue that allows you to make the most of this stunning setting on your big day.
Whether you're getting hitched with up to 14 guests or it'll be just the two of you, enjoy your private wedding away from the main hotel on a secret clifftop.
Your first night together as newlyweds will be spent in their secret suite which boasts floor to ceiling windows so you can sip Champagne while watching the sunset over the sea. If that's not luxury, we don't know what is!
5. Watersmeet Hotel – Ilfracombe
Best For: Up to 60 guests
Another gorgeous small wedding venue with spectacular sea views is the Watersmeet Hotel located on North Devon's coastline.
The hotel overlooks Combesgate Beach and even has its own private steps down to the sandy shore, so after you've said 'I do' we know where we'd be heading.
If the scenery isn't enough, Watersmeet also has an array of luxury facilities for you and up to 60 guests to use.
There's the award-winning two-AA rosette restaurant, the indoor and outdoor pool and the spa which you can unwind in before the big day.
READ MORE: 45 of the Best Relaxed Wedding Breakfast Songs
6. Totnes Guildhall – Totnes
Best For: Up to 60 guests
If you choose to marry at Totnes Guildhall you'll be getting hitched in a wedding venue that's steeped in 1000 years of rich history.
The original priory building dates back to 1088 and the Guildhall was built in 1553 making for an impressive backdrop on the special day.
Your ceremony can take place outside in the loggia, the Main Chamber or in the Council Chamber where Oliver Cromwell once sat.
Following this, enjoy a few drinks while exploring the venue's old prison cells and taking in the magnificent interiors such as the grand 16th century staircase.
7. St Nicholas Priory – Exeter
Best For: Up to 40 guests
St Nicholas Priory is another historical wedding venue that will be the perfect fit for a smaller guest list of up to 40 people. Originally used as a monastery for monks, the Grade I listed building is a recognised heritage site so you can guarantee impressive architecture.
The event spaces are spread across two floors providing a cosy yet spacious setting for your ceremony and reception, featuring arched wooden doorways, stone staircases and stained glass windows.
You'll have complete privacy on the big day with the whole place to yourself. There's even a beautiful outdoor space which you can escape to for a few special moments alone or for wonderful wedding photographs.
8. Bickley Mill Inn – Newton Abbot
Best For: Up to 50 guests
Despite having the space to host weddings of up to 150 guests, Bickley Mill Inn is the ideal place for a smaller guest list too, offering lots of packages to accommodate more intimate celebrations.
We love the idea of the Winter Package available for up to 50 guests - you'll feel so relaxed celebrating with friends and family by the log fires.
Formerly a 13th century flour mill, the stream remains so you can enjoy the sounds of tranquil trickling water during the day.
Plus, with 13 en-suite bedrooms at the inn, you and your guests will have a luxurious place to rest your heads at the end of the night.
9. Fox & Hounds Country Hotel and Treetops Treehouse – Chulmleigh
Best For: Up to 10 guests
Although the Fox & Hounds Country Hotel can host weddings of up to 200 guests, it's their intimate weddings held in the Treetops Treehouse that have really caught our eye.
You and your partner can exchange your vows at new heights, surrounded by up to 10 of your loved ones and amongst a breathtaking canopy of trees.
Whether you choose to hold the whole wedding on site or just the reception, look forward to a luxury overnight stay as the Treetop comes fully fitted with a kitchen, a lounge with log burner and a master suite with a stunning copper bath.
There are 6 acres of grounds complete with two picturesque lakes so when you and your guests are not taking to the trees they'll be lots more to explore.
Didn't find quite what you're looking for? Well, we have 57 more small wedding venues to explore that are sure to take your fancy.
