Weddings in Salcombe, Devon, offer the chance to get married in one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Serene bays of golden sand edged by towering cliffs are topped with wildflower-strewn heathland from Salcombe’s Area of Outstanding beauty.
The combination of coast and valley makes it possible to have a wedding in the country set against a stunning coastal backdrop, where a hideaway bay is always just minutes away from your Salcombe wedding venue.
The views here are said to be some of the best in the region with the celebrated South West Coast Path running along much of Salcombe’s perimeter. Indeed, each of the top Salcombe wedding venues included in this article delivers staggering coastal vistas for you and your loved ones to enjoy throughout your wedding day.
The best Salcombe wedding venues include sensational barns, country houses, hotels and waterfront settings. Always set against a tranquil backdrop of rural Devon, each wedding venue delivers a unique experience and almost all are beachfront locations.
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Wedding in Salcombe, Devon
A warmer climate than the rest of the UK plus beautiful sandy beaches, café culture and endless watersports give Salcombe weddings a Mediterranean feel.
Located at the end of Salcombe Estuary, the picturesque location sits close to the Cornwall border. Putting Dartmoor and The Tamar Valley as well as Exeter, Torquay and Dartmouth within easy reach, Salcombe is a great location from which to explore the region.
Valleys and waterways scattered with pretty rural villages make Salcombe a favourite spot for long walks along the coast. When you want to get active there are tons of things to do. Salcombe attracts visitors of all ages so it has something for everyone.
27 of my favourite images from a wedding in Salcombe
Planning your wedding day in Salcombe
Salcombe Harbour, Fore Street and Island Street are favourite places for those who want to take a leisurely stroll through Salcombe town, ice cream or freshly-made fudge in hand.
Museums and historic sites, such as Salcombe Maritime Museum, are plentiful whilst unique independent shops, art galleries and eateries offer lots to keep you busy.
There are many farm attractions in Salcombe providing fun for all ages, such as the East Soar Farm Experience. For the grown-ups, Salcombe Distilling Co. offers gin-tasting as well as the chance to discover how gin is made.
Overbeck’s is Salcombe’s famous sub-tropical gardens. Owned by the National Trust, head to Overbeck’s for glorious views across the landscape as you sample a cream tea whilst surrounded by orange and lemon trees.
To experience Salcombe’s superior waters, take a boat cruise or a yacht ride or try kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding. The estuary is both a Marine Site of Specific Interest and a Marine Nature Reserve so you can look forward to spotting lots of interesting wildlife along the way.
For beaches, you are spoilt for choice. Top Salcombe beaches include South Sands, Portlemouth, Soar Mill Cove, North Sands and Hope Cove.
Wedding boat trip in Salcombe
Water is such a big feature of this region that Salcombe weddings often incorporate boat trips into the wedding day. I’m a local Cornwall and Devon wedding photographer and I’ve been a Salcombe wedding photographer many times.
Lots of couples choose to include a boat trip along the estuary in their itinerary. For many, like Sophie and Dan, the boat cruise is scheduled for after the ceremony. For others, arrival by boat is the only way to kick things off in style.
A boat trip along the estuary is a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding in Salcombe and enjoy your surroundings. Some couples use it as a moment for themselves to relish together, others like xxx and xxx bring the bridal party along for the fun.
Wedding boat trips in Salcombe are a popular way to explore the estuary so if you want to bring more guests along for the ride, it’s easy to arrange.
Paul created our wedding video which is just perfect! He captured the day even better than we could have ever hoped for, from getting ready to being on the boat he was great to have around and felt part of the wedding party yet professional! We would highly recommend Paul for your wedding videography. Thank you so much again!!!
Sophie & Dan
Where to get married in Salcombe?
Here’s a useful list of the top 8 wedding venues in Salcombe you won’t want to miss. From beach wedding venues to barn wedding venues and luxury country houses, here are all the best Salcombe wedding venues in South Devon.
Top Salcombe Wedding Venues, Devon
Wed beside the estuary at historic Cliff House Trust where the golden sands of Portlemouth Beach welcome you as you open the front door. With the beach just a footstep away, you and your guests can enjoy a sensational coastal backdrop to your wedding from morning to night.
I’ve been a Cliff House wedding photographer a number of times. It’s a brilliant beach wedding venue with awesome views and an intimate feel because all the wedding spaces are inside the house.
The Cliff House Trust includes both wedding ceremony and reception spaces. There are two options for the ceremony with room for up to 150 seated guests. If you need more space you can even have a marquee erected on the terrace.
From the house’s large terrace, you and your guests will enjoy beautiful coastal vistas all day. And of course, there’s plenty of time to get down onto the sand for some fun as well as stunning wedding photography. Why not take a trip across the estuary like xx and xx after you’ve exchanged your vows? You could even arrive at Cliff House by boat if you wish.
For a romantic waterside hotel wedding venue, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel sits just above the estuary. Exchange your vows with the estuary and Portlemouth Beach as your backdrop. Lush Devon woodland behind and tranquil waters in front make this a picturesque setting.
Floor to ceiling windows, a terrace and waterfront balconies ensure you and your loved ones will drink in the changing views from morning till night. Accompanied by Salcombe Harbour Spa Hotel’s superb facilities, you’re guaranteed a wedding to remember.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel, Salcombe
Tucked out of sight, in a valley on the outskirts of Salcombe, Soar Mill Cove Hotel is a tranquil hotel wedding venue.
With the coast just a short drive away, Soar Mill Cove Hotel’s chauffeur is on hand to take you to one of the quiet bays nearby for your wedding photos. From this beautiful hotel, sensational views across the valley and out to sea will help to make your wedding day extra special.
Shilstone, Modbury
If you want elegance in picturesque rural surroundings, head to Georgian Shilstone House. 500 acres of grounds deliver glorious views for as far as the eye can see. Inside and out, Shilstone House offers a fantastic range of wedding spaces, making it one of Devon’s best country house wedding venues.
The Grain Store, Kingsbridge
Just 15 minutes from Salcombe, The Grain Store is a new barn wedding venue that’s proved an instant hit. Located beside the beach, with beautiful gardens and gorgeous wedding spaces, The Grain Store has quickly become a top Salcombe barn wedding venue.
Port Waterhouse
For a unique Salcombe wedding venue, Port Waterhouse is a boat house wedding space on the banks of the estuary. Tucked out of sight, on the water’s edge, Port Waterhouse provides a tranquil setting for a relaxed wedding by the estuary. You can even arrive by boat if you wish!
The Barn at South Milton
If you want a beautiful barn wedding done the Salcombe way, The Barn at South Milton will be perfect for you. The Barn at South Milton’s gorgeous rustic setting is located on a clifftop overlooking the sea. Superb facilities and room for up to 150 guests seated make this a sought-after Devon wedding venue.
Weddings at Gara Rock hotel are set against a staggering backdrop of rocky clifftop carpeted in green. With views out to sea ahead and a divine bay below, Gara Rock is a stunning, super-luxe spa hotel wedding venue, you and your loved ones are guaranteed to adore.
Local to the area, I’m a highly experienced Salcombe wedding photographer many times. Whether you want to get married at Salcombe or a wedding in Cornwall, call me on: 07854 172143 or send a message and let’s talk about what you have in mind for your wedding.
Salcombe wedding photographer enquiry
If you would like to enquire about a Salcombe wedding photographer and the services I offer please feel free to get in touch. Tell me as many details as possible, I love hearing all about what people have planned for their big day, and also the finer details… how you met and a bit about you both.
