With 2,000 years of Roman history, an iconic cathedral in the city centre and incredible outdoor spaces like the Jurassic Coast and Dartmoor National Park close by, Exeter really is a lovely part of the country. Whether you’re inside the city or somewhere outside exploring the county of Devon, Exeter offers a unique mix of medieval architecture and modern amenities, with the River Exe, Roman walls and recognisable skyline creating a picture-perfect backdrop against which to base your wedding day.
According to our 2025 Wedding Report, 13% of all UK weddings take place in Exeter and the wider South West region. More than two thirds (67%) of locals stay in the area for their big day, which costs an average of £21,921. This is over £1,000 more than couples pay on average across the country, but the fact that so many weddings take place in and around the city is testament to just how much there is to offer – and spending that little bit more can be absolutely worth it. That being said, with so much choice in Exeter, you can have a truly magical and memorable wedding day whatever you’re looking for, and within all kinds of budgets.
Whether you want a countryside celebration, an all-in-one city-centre hotel bash or a beach party nearby, Exeter is a brilliant base for your special day.
Weddings in Exeter tend to be stylish yet down-to-earth, with a strong connection to the surrounding countryside. Many couples lean towards rustic, boho and nature-inspired themes, incorporating things like wildflower bouquets, flowing lace or chiffon dresses, and warm, earthy colour palettes.
Eco-conscious celebrations are also on the rise in the area. From seasonal, locally sourced menus to upcycled decor and secondhand bridalwear, sustainability is playing a bigger role in how Exeter couples plan their big day. Many choose to work with Devon-based florists, caterers and cake makers to keep things low-impact as well as ensuring they’re supporting local businesses.
Outdoor ceremonies are especially popular in the spring and summer months, with venues in and around Exeter offering everything from pristine gardens to wildflower meadows and rolling hills. There’s a big trend for al fresco dining and relaxed, festival-style receptions complete with tipi tents, live music, food trucks and firepits under the stars. And because Devon’s stunning coastline is just a short drive away, many couples build in pre-wedding beach days or post-wedding brunches by the sea to extend the celebration. And not to mention a trip to the beach with the photographer to capture some truly wonderful photographs for the wedding album.
Exeter’s wedding venues cover everything from Georgian townhouses and historic sites to elegant hotels and rural spots hidden away in the countryside.
There are some breathtaking historical locations around Exeter, and some of them make for a stunning place for you and your other half to exchange your vows and celebrate that local history. And could there really be anywhere quite as grandiose and luxurious as a castle? You could consider Powderham Castle, Bovey Castle and Bickleigh Castle, which are three absolutely next-level wedding venues around Exeter that will leave your guests feeling truly stunned. Or if you’d prefer a manor house or stately home for those same luxurious and elegant vibes, you can do just that. Take a look at Great Fulford Estate, Pynes House, Rockbeare Manor and The Leaping Trout to see the sorts of locations you can find around the city.
Devon is known for its countryside, like the truly fabulous Dartmoor National Park. That’s why Exeter makes for such a great wedding location if you’re hoping to feature the countryside in your big day, by having an open-air ceremony or reception. Venues like Bracken Tor House, Connaught Gardens and Bicton Park and Botanical Gardens do a great job of highlighting the beauty of Exeter’s outdoor spaces.
Fancy a wedding venue that’s a bit different? Exeter and the surrounding area have some super unique, interesting and fun venues that make sure neither you nor your guests will forget your wedding day any time soon. Tuckers Hall is over 550 years old and allows you to tie the knot at a venue which played a major role in the city’s trade and manufacturing past. Exeter Castle doesn’t have that typical castle aesthetic, but it’s considered a massive hidden secret with three gorgeously grand interior spaces. Or there’s Kents Cavern, which gives you the option to get married in one of five incredible caves.
While the South West is one of the UK’s pricier wedding destinations, there’s still plenty of choice when it comes to lower-cost wedding venues in Exeter. There’s a great selection of affordable wedding venues around the city, including Devon Hotel, Queen's Court Hotel, Royal Beacon Hotel, Humber Barn and Double Locks.
The average cost of a wedding venue in Exeter is £6,755, which again is higher than the overall UK average of £5,945. However, this is just an average figure, after all, so there are plenty of venues around the area that are more than suitable for smaller budgets, as well as plenty if you’re looking for something extravagant and lavish.
As Exeter and the rest of the South West are one of the UK’s most popular wedding destinations, it’s common for many venues to be booked up around 18 months in advance. Some of the more popular venues, or dates during the summer or at the weekend, can have waits of more than two years. That means, if you know you’d like to get married on a particular date, you need to get in there quickly.
Flexibility is your friend here. If you’re open to a winter date, or even a midweek wedding, this can not only open you up to securing your ideal venue with around a six-month wait, but also make it more than likely that you’ll pay a reduced rate.
As with most of the UK, Exeter’s weather can be unpredictable, but as it’s in the South West, it’s often a little brighter and drier than some northern regions. That makes Exeter a solid choice for a wedding destination during various times of the year.
Spring (March – May) is when the city and its surroundings become lush and green, with average highs of 11°C to 16°C (52°F to 61°F). Spring is ideal for countryside weddings and garden ceremonies at venues such as Escot House Wedding Venue and Brickhouse Vineyard, which also have indoor space in case the weather takes a turn.
Summer (June – August) is the warmest and busiest time of year around Exeter, with highs of around 19°C to 22°C (66°F to 72°F) and lots of tourists in the area. But, this time of year is perfect for outdoor drinks receptions or marquee weddings, like those offered by Yurtcamp Devon and Lady Margaret's Medieval Hall.
Autumn (September – November) is a quieter time for weddings, but no less beautiful, and a little quieter as the summer crowds die down. Autumnal tones and cooler weather make for stunning photos, and with highs of 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F), there’s still time to have indoor and outdoor elements. It’s a great time to get married at a manor or mansion that has outdoor space, like Reed Hall or Kennaway House.
Winter (December – February) brings festive vibes thanks to frequent grey skies and frosty mornings. Indoor venues like The Hall Exeter and Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel can create a cosy, magical atmosphere even if it’s chilly outside, as the temperature will often drop close to freezing.
Exeter might be in the South West, more than 170 miles from London, but it’s still well connected, making it a great spot for locals and those travelling into the area.
By train, Exeter St David’s station offers direct services to London Paddington (around 2.5 hours), Bristol and Birmingham, while Exeter Central provides easy access to city venues.
Depending on where you’re travelling from, the drive to Exeter can be long, but it’s actually pretty convenient, as the M5 and A30 connect Exeter to the rest of the South West and beyond.
Exeter Airport (EXT) also offers flights to a small range of UK and European destinations, which is handy if you have guests coming from afar or want to avoid the long drive from the north.
As for places to stay, as Devon is such a huge draw for tourists, neither you nor your guests will have much trouble finding somewhere to stay (unless you happen to book a last-minute venue during the height of summer). Another brilliant wedding venue choice is a hotel, where you can have an all-in-one celebration from ceremony through to reception, then head on upstairs at the end of the night without having to worry about the logistics. Hotels around Exeter that are also wonderful wedding venues in their own right include Exeter Court Hotel, Queen's Court Hotel, Grange Court Hotel, Sidmouth Harbour Hotel and Mill End Hotel.
The availability of having a fireworks display or outdoor activities at your wedding in Exeter will depend on the venue and local regulations. Some venues may allow fireworks displays and outdoor activities, while others may have strict policies in place that prohibit them. It's important to check with the venue before booking to understand their policies and any restrictions they may have. Some venues may have specific rules about the use of fireworks and outdoor activities, such as noise and safety regulations.
The availability of parking options for guests at your wedding in Exeter will depend on the venue you choose. Some venues may have on-site parking, while others may have limited parking or none at all. It's important to check with the venue before booking to understand their parking policies and to ensure that there will be adequate parking for your guests. Some venues may have a large carpark or garage, while at others you may have to rely on street parking.
