Set in around 1,200 acres of South Devon countryside near Totnes, Dartington Estate combines medieval buildings, historic gardens, woodland, open parkland, places to eat and stay, and a thriving programme of arts and culture. At its heart is the medieval Great Hall and the Grade II listed gardens.
It’s a spectacular setting for a wedding – and the venue has a surprisingly wide choice of places to say your vows.
From a medieval Great Hall to a summerhouse
The Great Hall dates from the 14th century and is probably Dartington’s most recognisable wedding space. With its huge timber-beamed ceiling, leaded windows and stone fireplace, it has plenty of history without feeling like a museum. It can accommodate up to 220 guests.
But that’s only one option.
For smaller weddings there’s the Michael Young Room, with large windows overlooking the historic courtyard, while the Summerhouse is designed for tiny, intimate ceremonies of up to eight people.
The Playhouse offers another small and unusual option, tucked into the gardens, while larger outdoor ceremonies can take place at The Temple or beneath the beautiful Loggia, surrounded by gardens and greenery.
That variety is one of the things that makes Dartington so interesting. You can have a grand historic wedding, a relaxed outdoor ceremony or something much smaller and more intimate – all within the same estate.
Dani and Adam’s woodland wedding at The Glade
Dani and Adam chose The Glade, a woodland venue in Dartington’s North Woods, and it was a wonderful example of what this area can offer. Down a winding country path, they set up a bespoke wedding area in the woods, far away from any prying eyes. Their guests sat on benches under a canopy, were served drinks from a woodland bar and could snuggle up with blankets in ‘the nest’ – a unique beehive like structure.
More than just a wedding venue
One of the advantages of choosing Dartington is that your guests don’t simply arrive for a ceremony and then disappear home.
There is accommodation on the estate, places to eat and drink, gardens to explore and plenty of countryside around it. Dartington describes itself as a year-round destination for heritage, culture, hospitality and events – so it can work particularly well if you want your wedding to feel like a whole weekend rather than a single day.
And being near Totnes puts you within easy reach of some of South Devon’s loveliest countryside and coastline.
