Description
Discover Connaught Gardens: A Stunning Wedding Venue on the Jurassic Coast
If you’re dreaming of a wedding with breathtaking sea views and a touch of historic charm, Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth, Devon, is a perfect choice. Perched on a beautiful clifftop overlooking the English Channel, this venue offers a romantic, open-air setting right on England’s iconic Jurassic Coast. Established in 1820, the gardens blend rich history with natural beauty, featuring well-preserved stone walls that add a rustic, timeless feel to your special day.
Ceremony Spaces Tailored to Your Wedding Size and Style
Connaught Gardens offers four unique outdoor ceremony locations, each designed to create unforgettable moments no matter the size of your celebration:
- The Lawn and Bandstand: Ideal for larger weddings with 100+ guests. Say “I do” on the charming bandstand while your guests enjoy the spacious lawn.
- The Sunken Gardens: A vibrant, colorful spot perfect for weddings of up to 100 guests, surrounded by lush blooms.
- The Extended Gardens: A more intimate area suited for up to 50 guests, offering a cozy and private atmosphere.
- Jacob’s Ladder: For smaller, intimate ceremonies of up to 25 guests, this spot features rustic stone walls and stunning ocean views.
Exclusive Venue Hire and Expert Support
Connaught Gardens specializes in “Ceremony Only” bookings, giving you exclusive use of your chosen garden space. Your package includes:
- Private access for setup, decoration, and your ceremony
- Time for a cocktail hour and photography session right after your vows
- Support from two experienced team members who coordinate with your suppliers and registrars, and assist with setup and clearing
To keep your wedding feeling truly special and intimate, the venue limits the number of ceremonies each year. Plus, if your furry friends are part of your family, you’ll be happy to know Connaught Gardens is pet-friendly.
While the venue currently focuses on ceremonies, there have been conversations about hosting receptions in the bandstand gardens or marquee spaces. However, local council guidelines currently support ceremonies only.
Experience
Overview of Connaught Gardens
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Reviews (3)
- JJosie and Andrew18/01/2023Incredible from Start to FinishIncredible from Start to FinishThe experience of planning our ceremony at Connaught Gardens was incredible from start to finish. Kate and Caitlin were quick to respond and answer any questions we had. Everything was set out when they arrived including extra touches of the flowers wrapped round the banisters on the stairs. Kate and Caitlin were so smiley and lovely, we can’t thank them enough for making the day run so smoothly. The experience of planning our ceremony at Connaught Gardens was incredible from start to finish. Kate and Caitlin were quick to respond and answer any questions we had. Everything was set out when they arrived including extra touches of the flowers wrapped round the banisters on the stairs. Kate and Caitlin were so smiley and lovely, we can’t thank them enough for making the day run so smoothly.
- SSarah and Mark18/01/2023A Dream Come TrueA Dream Come TrueIt was a dream come true getting married in Connaught Gardens and I honestly would not have changed on single thing, it was just so perfect and magical. It was just perfect and just makes me emotional thinking about it. I would love to do it all over again.It was a dream come true getting married in Connaught Gardens and I honestly would not have changed on single thing, it was just so perfect and magical. It was just perfect and just makes me emotional thinking about it. I would love to do it all over again.
- JJulie and Steve18/01/2023You Made our Day MagicalYou Made our Day MagicalWe can’t honestly thank you and Alan enough. We had the best day ever of our lives and we will always be extremely grateful to you all. You made our day magical and emotional. The memories will last a lifetime.” We can’t honestly thank you and Alan enough. We had the best day ever of our lives and we will always be extremely grateful to you all. You made our day magical and emotional. The memories will last a lifetime.”
Location & Contact Details for Connaught Gardens
Where is Connaught Gardens located?
Connaught Gardens is located in Sidmouth, Devon, England, with the postal code EX10 8RU. It is perched on a beautiful clifftop overlooking the English Channel along the iconic Jurassic Coast.
What makes Connaught Gardens a unique wedding venue?
Connaught Gardens offers breathtaking sea views, historic charm from its establishment in 1820, and well-preserved stone walls that provide a rustic and timeless feel. The open-air setting on England's Jurassic Coast creates a romantic and memorable backdrop for your wedding ceremony.
What ceremony spaces does Connaught Gardens offer for weddings?
Connaught Gardens provides four unique outdoor ceremony locations tailored to your wedding size and style:
- The Lawn and Bandstand: Suitable for larger weddings with over 100 guests.
- The Sunken Gardens: Ideal for up to 100 guests, surrounded by colorful blooms.
- The Extended Gardens: Perfect for intimate weddings of up to 50 guests.
- Jacob’s Ladder: Best for small ceremonies of up to 25 guests with stunning ocean views and rustic stone walls.
Can I hire Connaught Gardens exclusively for my wedding ceremony?
Yes. Connaught Gardens specializes in "Ceremony Only" bookings, which grant you exclusive use of your chosen garden space for your wedding ceremony.
What services are included in the ceremony-only package at Connaught Gardens?
The ceremony-only package includes:
- Private access for setup, decoration, and the ceremony itself
- Time allocated for a cocktail hour and photography session immediately after the vows
- Support from two experienced team members who coordinate with your suppliers and registrars, and assist with setup and clearing.
Are pets allowed at Connaught Gardens weddings?
Yes, Connaught Gardens is a pet-friendly venue, so you can include your furry friends as part of your special day.
Does Connaught Gardens host wedding receptions?
Currently, Connaught Gardens focuses solely on wedding ceremonies due to local council guidelines. While discussions have taken place about hosting receptions in the bandstand gardens or marquee spaces, these are not offered at this time.
How many wedding ceremonies does Connaught Gardens host each year?
To maintain an intimate and special atmosphere, Connaught Gardens limits the number of ceremonies held each year.
Is there assistance available to coordinate vendors and registrars at Connaught Gardens?
Yes, the venue provides support from two experienced team members who assist with coordination between your suppliers and registrars, as well as help with setup and clearing on your wedding day.
