by Terry Squires
Top Devon Wedding Venue
Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)
Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) is an approved premises for Civil Wedding/Partnership Ceremonies and is probably the most popular venue for civil ceremony in Devon and maybe even in the South West of England. Its uniqueness has made the building a regular feature on TV and in national wedding magazines and was voted as one of the top three wedding venues in Devon at the 2008 Westcountry Wedding Awards. Its magical, fairy-tale presence makes it the number one choice for the smaller, more intimate ceremony and the location gives you that exclusivity that few other outside venues can offer. The rural setting offers stunning views across the lovely Devonshire countryside and beyond.
The ground floor, Lawrence Room, dominated by Major-General Stringer Lawrence’s statue, resembles a chapel with its period doors, windows and flagstone floor. Ceremonies can take place here if numbers exceed what the fire regulations allow above ground floor level or if there are guests who may find the spiral staircase to the miniature Ballroom on the first floor difficult to manage. We have in fact sourced the West Country Private Ambulance Service who can provide a safe chair facility to negotiate the spiral staircase for any disabled/elderly guests. The capacity in the Lawrence Room is 65 but the majority of people will require to stand during any ceremony here. This room is normally used for guests congregating before taking their positions for a ceremony upstairs and is also used where a champagne/drinks reception is required. It has access directly out onto the lawn at the back of the castle and has disabled access from the drive.
Up the spiral staircase to the first floor we come to the Ballroom
(where King George III was once entertained). This must be one
of the most sought after ceremony rooms in Devon if not in
England. It is bright and airy with a high ceiling, a chandelier,
large gothic windows all around the room and baroque plaster-work. The beautiful original Indian mahogany panelled flooring is a fine example of the precision workmanship of classical 18th century
carpentry. This is, by far, the favourite choice for most marrying couples with views from the windows to distract even the most attentive of brides! Fire regulations restrict the number of people we can have in this room which can seat quite comfortably up to 50 guests. With Bride and Groom, Registrars, photographer, musicians etc. the maximum people must not exceed 55. If numbers are proving a problem a further 10 people can be accommodated downstairs in the Lawrence Room while the ceremony is in progress. A video link between the two rooms, available in house at a modest cost, would allow these guests to watch the proceedings as they happen and keep them involved.
After the ceremony, champagne and canapés can be served in the Lawrence Room while your photographer takes full advantage of the many photo opportunities offered by the building and its surroundings. Guests are welcome to wander the grounds or may be happy just to chat on the lawn adjacent to the Belvedere with its outstanding 360º vista out to Exeter, Dartmoor and the Exe estuary. Ofcourse, the best views are to be had from the roof terrace, access to which is included in the hire charge.
Regrettably, we are unable to host receptions at the belvedere but there are some excellent reception venues, most with accommodation within the locality where you and your guests will be well cared for. Please see sponsored links above and below.
HIRE CHARGES (inclusive of VAT) are :-
Saturdays (min 3 hour period) from May to September (inclusive):- £750 for dates in 2010 and 2011. (Extra hours £75 per hour)
Fridays (min 3 hour period) from May to September (inclusive):- £675 for dates in 2010 and 2011. (Extra hours £75 per hour)
Any other days (min 3 hour period):- £625 for dates in 2010 and 2011. (Extra hours £75 per hour)
Two sessions are available running from 10am until 1pm and from 2pm until 5pm. We can be a bit more flexible with hire times on weekdays, and Fridays and Saturdays between October and March so feel free to discuss your requirements with us. At least an hour within the hire period needs to be allocated for setting up and for guests arriving so please time your ceremony accordingly. We do recommend ceremony times of 11am and 3pm as Registrars have some formalities to attend to immediately before the ceremony which might restrict the available time you have for photographs and celebration drinks afterwards. Access for florists needs to be arranged within the hire period or by arrangement please.
Click on our Civil Ceremony Availability Chart to see what dates and sessions are currently available.
Use of our tables and chairs is included in our prices and our staff will set up the ceremony room for you.
A non-refundable deposit of £200.00 inclusive of VAT is required to secure any booking.
The Registrars’ attendance fees are not included in our charges but can be obtained from Devon Register Office, Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PQ telephone no. 0845 155 1002 and you will need to check the Registrars’ availability once you have decided on the date and timing of your ceremony.
BOOKING PROCEDURES - click on this link to submit a booking enquiry, make a provisional booking, make a secure online payment or to progress an existing booking.
A CHAMPAGNE/DRINKS RECEPTION is available at a cost of £2.20 per head (min £50) to cover the services of waitresses and the hire of glasses, tables and linen with you supplying what refreshments you wish us to serve to your guests. If canapés, nibbles or a finger buffet to complement the Champagne/Drinks Reception is required, we have dedicated suppliers who have designed a range of menus for you to choose from. Please note, no food other than that provided by our caterers will be allowed on the premises. Contact our wedding co-ordinator for further information on this service. To book a Drinks/Catering reception, complete and submit the online Drinks and Catering Order form. Your preferred caterer needs to be booked well in advance to ensure their availability.
There is a strict no smoking policy within the building and lit candles are not allowed.
Car parking is in our designated on-site car park whilst limited parking for the disabled and wedding cars is available along the edges of the upper drive.
Viewings please on our Public Open Days which are Sundays and Bank Holidays between February and October from 1.30pm until 5.30pm or by appointment with our Wedding Co-ordinator (see contact details below).
Contacts:
Booking Enquiries - Ian Turner on Tel/Fax: 01392 833668 or Email
Wedding Co-ordinator - Mrs Jo Turner on Tel: 01647 252455 Fax: 01647 253188 or Email: nickwilldoit@aol.com
Post Code: EX6 7QY
Ordnance Survey ref: SX875 861
We are pleased to be one of the recommended Devon Wedding Venues on www.gettingmarriedindevon.com the one stop web-site for your wedding in Devon.
Sponsor Links:-
by PK Photography
by PK Photography
by PK Photography
by PK Photography
by Quay Studios
by Quay Studios
by World of Interiors
by Evanda Hill
by Keith Morris Photography
Ballroom
Lawrence Room
Arrive in style by vintage car or horse and carriage. Really impress with a helicopter landing or departure. For an unforgettable experience why not treat your guests to a vintage bus ride or lay on a coach to transport them to and from the ceremony venue.