Shilstone is fully licensed, providing fantastic opportunities for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. With beautiful grounds and captivating scenery, Shilstone is the idyllic backdrop for your unrivalled wedding experience in Devon.
From the months of April to October, Shilstone offers a wedding day journey from the East to the West of our entirely exclusive Estate, and our latest blog is going to share with you the detail of a typical Shilstone wedding day.
Getting Ready Onsite
First, we have Whitmore Barn, which can cater for up to 16 guests across 3 double bedrooms, stylish ‘a la mode’ Bridal Suite and our incredible double bunk bedroom (a real favourite with children and big kids alike)! A further 8 guests can stay in our stunning hand-crafted Shepherd’s Huts.
A former field barn, home to cattle, Whitmore Barn has quirky room names, including White Park, Devon Ruby and Dexter! Our Shepherd’s Huts too, have a theme, named after local sheep breeds, Dartmoor, Exmoor Horn and Devon Longwool! As a countryside wedding venue in Devon, we’ve really no excuse not to draw on our local heritage for inspiration!
We also have Meadow Barn, nestled in the valley of Shilstone and located on an ancient farm holding, Croppins Coombe. Meadow Barn is able to accommodate a further 12 guests, across 3 double bedrooms, 2 day beds and a generous Bridal Suite, complete with lit vanity station and floor to ceiling antique mirror.
Our rooms at Meadow Barn are named after wildflowers, which can be found on the Shilstone Estate, Bee Orchid, Wild Strawberry, Cow Parsley and Cornflower.
Together, Whitmore and Meadow Barn can accommodate a total of 36 guests.
There are also a number of quality guest houses, hotels and B&B’s within close proximity of the Shilstone Estate.
Meadow Barn. Photograph Courtesy of Josh Gooding Photography.
Arriving for your Wedding Day
Our dedicated team of Event Managers and Hospitality Staff will be on hand from the moment the first guests arrive, ensuring everyone parks safely, knows where they are going, and for those having an onsite Ceremony, we have our little, Pre-Ceremony Bar offering a select choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The arrival is often when we start to sense a couple’s personal taste for their Devon wedding. From organising a convoy of VW’s, to a double-decker bus and British classics.
Photograph Courtesy of Emma Barrow Photography.
Photograph Courtesy of Clare Kinchin Photography.
Onsite Ceremony
For outdoor Ceremonies, we have our beautifully secluded East Garden, in which the East façade of our Georgian Manor House offers an iconic, architecturally stunning backdrop.
Photograph Courtesy of Emma Barrow Photography.
Photograph Courtesy of Clare Kinchin Photography and Floristry by Hollyhocks Florist.
Confetti Line Up
After heading through the tunnel of petals, as the newlyweds, you will be first to enter our Georgian Manor House, which is home to our Drinks and Canapé Reception.
Head to the end of our award-winning Grand Passage and collect your first drink! Your wonderful friends and family will follow behind.
Photograph Courtesy of Yeti Photography.
Photograph Courtesy of Freckle Photography.
Drinks and Canapé Reception
With our comprehensive Drinks Packages, you and your guests will be able to enjoy, on an unlimited basis, a Shilstone cocktail, prosecco and sparkling elderflower.
Lasting for one and a half hours, the Drinks and Canapé Reception is the perfect opportunity for couple and group photos, capturing you and your loved ones against the backdrop of your exclusive, countryside wedding venue in Devon.
Photograph Courtesy of Clare Kinchin Photography.
Walkthrough to our Walled Garden, Marquee and your Wedding Breakfast
In our Marquee, we host the Wedding Breakfast, speeches and evening party. With all the necessary equipment included as part of your Shilstone package, you can create a round or banquet style layout for our unique Marquee space.
Our in-house Kitchen Team take care of all the catering at Shilstone, and we can guarantee no guest will go hungry! Do feel free to take a look at our Menus. Our LED backlit, oak-panelled bar is stocked with a huge range of beverages, including a premium gin and rum offering, so no one will go thirsty either!
Photograph Courtesy of Clare Kinchin Photography. DIY Floristry.
Shilstone by Night
In the meantime, you may have evening guests start to arrive, and the Shilstone Team will ensure the Marquee space is all in order for dancing the night away!
You will then cut your cake, and whilst you have a captive audience, smoothly move into your first dance! It’s then over to you, friends and family to show us your best moves!
If you wish to offer Evening Food, this is usually served at 9:30 pm, last orders are called at 11:45 pm and carriages are at midnight.
Photograph Courtesy of Nova Wedding Photography.
We hope this article has been both enjoyable and informative. If you require further information, please give one of our dedicated team a call on 01548 830 888 or fill out a contact form here to get the ball rolling for your dream day!
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