Situated on the southern edge of Exmoor in North Devon, Castle Hill offers history, enchantment and breathtakingly beautiful scenery in equal measure, making for an incredibly romantic place to marry. The magnificent Palladian house, which is today home to the 15th generation of the Fortescue family, sits amidst 50 acres of historic parkland, where the glorious gardens are dotted with mystical follies, temples and rivers snaking their paths through woodland cloaked with wild flowers.
A gentle just-married stroll through the gardens will take you past a carnival of seasonal blooms, where magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas grow in abundance alongside daffodils, bluebells and carpets of Devon primroses in spring. Whatever the season, tranquil walkways lead to an array of spectacular landscapes which make for remarkable photographic backdrops as well as idyllic spots to spend some cherished together-time on your wedding day.
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While its picturesque grounds make Castle Hill an awe-inspiring wedding venue, its choice of settings to marry make it quite exceptional. Such is its scope, couples can choose from an indoor or outdoor ceremony and an intimate or large-scale celebration, whether it's a grand manor house wedding or relaxed festivities in the woods.
In the finely appointed mansion house, choose from the cosy charm of the Library for ceremonies with up to 20 guests or the elegance of the Red Room, which can host up to 80 for a ceremony and 50 for a seated wedding breakfast. The West Wing is a wow-worthy spot for ceremonies and celebrations with up to 150 guests in attendance. A marquee reception overlooking the West Lawn is equally impressive, with its 18th century fountain and vistas across the valley to the Triumphal Arch.
The newly restored 18th century Holwell Temple is lit at night and a spectacular sight on the edge of the woods; offering a relaxed and rustic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions, it's an enchanting option for couples dreaming of a woodland wedding. Then there's Satyr's Temple, which is nestled in the woodland gardens next to the river ' a perfect spot for a small celebration.
With a focus on first-class food, the team at Castle Hill work with local caterers renowned for their service and fine flavours, so whether you'd like a hearty hog roast, an afternoon tea, a sumptuous selection of canapés or a three-course feast, good food will be a certain ingredient of your day.
And, once the celebrations wind down, you'll be able to retire to the bridal suite for the night. Wake to breakfast served amidst grandeur and rolling parkland views the next day ' taking in the majestic terraces, the acres of green and idyllic woodland, you'll feel you're living out your very own romantic novel.
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