Best of British

We’ve located the top venues for four different styles of wedding from a festival-themed weekend to a smart London do Happy Valley, Norfolk

Cornish Tipi Weddings, Cornwall

Just inland from Port Isaac, this hidden Cornish valley makes a wonderful wedding location. Couples can choose from three very different spots in which to hold their ceremony—the canvas-and-willow pavilion, the woodland or down by the lake. The Grand Lodge makes a fine focal point for postceremony drinks and canapés, after which it’s up to the marquee meadow for the reception. The venue can host between two and 200 people and the weddings team works closely with every couple to bring their dream day to life. After the celebrations are over the tipis are ideal for friends and family who want to stay overnight—there is certainly no shortage of accommodation (01208 880781; www.cornishtipiweddings.co.uk).

Festival vibes

Set in a glorious corner of East Anglia, Happy Valley has developed a reputation over the years for magical woodland weddings. With nearly 10 acres of outdoor space and two rustic barns for indoor options, the venue can cater for anything from a two-person elopement all the way up to 250 guests, with 80 people able to sleep overnight in the quirky accommodation, which features a mix of bell tents, shepherd’s huts and luxe glamping cabins. The wedding packages span three days and two nights, so everyone comes away feeling as if they have had a marvellous holiday (01485 600719; www.happyvalleynorfolk.co.uk).

Hayne, Devon

Located in a tranquil spot between Exmoor and Dartmoor this privately owned Jacobean farmstead has a beautiful threshing barn, a newly renovated long barn and a walled garden as options for ceremonies indoors and out. Musicians by trade, the owners can provide top-class entertainment and organise everything from fine dining to a barbecue on the lawn—they even grow their own wedding flowers. Overnight accommodation includes the Long Barn, the Log Cabin, Shepherd’s Hut, Mongolian Yurt and a number of bell tents. Summer weddings can accommodate up to 200 guests with 100 staying overnight for a big festival wedding; winter weddings are smaller to keep everyone cosy (01363 82515; www.haynedevon.co.uk).