Weekend Wedding Ideas in Devon and Cornwall: Everything You Need to Know
So you're thinking about a weekend wedding. You've been to one, or you've seen them all over Instagram, and you're wondering whether it could work for you. We've been helping couples plan tipi weddings across Devon and Cornwall since 2007 and weekend weddings are one of the things we love most. Here's everything you need to know.
What is a weekend wedding?
A weekend wedding is exactly what it sounds like, instead of fitting everything into one day, you spread the celebration across a full weekend. A welcome drinks or relaxed dinner on the Friday evening, the wedding itself on the Saturday, and a chilled Sunday before everyone heads home.
Some couples go further and bring in bell tents or a camping area so guests can stay on site the whole weekend. When that happens, the whole thing starts to feel less like a wedding and more like a private festival with your favourite people.
Why are couples choosing weekend weddings over a one day wedding?
The number one thing couples tell us after their wedding day is that it went too fast. Months of planning and it's over before you've properly taken it in.
A weekend wedding fixes that. The Saturday is still the main event, the ceremony, the dancing, the big moments, but with two days of relaxed time with the people who matter most. The Friday evening where the excitement starts to build. The Sunday morning where everyone is still in the same place, glowing from the night before, not quite ready to leave.
Why is a tent or marquee the perfect venue for a weekend wedding?
A tent or marquee on private land gives you something a hotel or barn almost never can, the freedom to use the space across the whole weekend without a clock running against you.
No checkout times. No coordinator asking you to wrap up. No corkage fees. The tents goes up on the Thursday or Friday and comes down on the Monday. The weekend is completely yours.
If you have land available, a family farm, a field, a large garden, you can set up a camping area or bring in bell tents for guests who want to stay on site. When guests don't have to worry about driving or finding somewhere to sleep, everything relaxes. The Friday evening feels a different pace.
Where is the best place to have a weekend wedding in Devon or Cornwall?
Private land is the best option for a weekend wedding because you're not tied to anyone else's schedule or rules. A family farm, a field with a view, a large garden, anywhere that means something to you and has enough space for a tipi, stretch tent or marquee and your guests.
Devon and Cornwall are two of the best counties in the UK for this. Guests who travel down from further afield get a proper mini break out of it. The landscape is genuinely beautiful. And there's enough to do on the Sunday — a beach, a walk, a good pub lunch, that leaving doesn't feel like a rush.
How much does a weekend wedding in Devon cost?
A weekend wedding doesn't necessarily cost more than a one-day wedding, it depends on how you plan it. The tent hire covers the full weekend as standard. Where costs can increase is in catering across multiple days and any accommodation or camping setup for guests.
That said, many couples find the cost per guest works out similarly to a traditional venue once you factor in how much more everyone gets out of the weekend. We're always happy to talk through what's realistic for your numbers and budget.
What do you need to organise for a weekend wedding on private land?
Beyond the tent or marquee, a weekend wedding on private land typically needs:
Power. A generator to run lighting, catering, and the bar across the whole weekend.
Toilets. Luxury toilet trailer hire for the duration.
Catering. Friday evening, Saturday wedding breakfast and evening food, Sunday brunch. You choose your caterers, you're not tied to anyone's preferred supplier list.
Accommodation. Whether that's bell tents on site, nearby air b&b, or a local hotel for guests who want one. We can point you in the right direction for all of it.
How far in advance should you book a weekend wedding in Devon?
As early as possible. Summer weekends in Devon and Cornwall book up fast, typically 12 to 18 months ahead. If you have a date in mind, give us a call and we'll tell you straight away whether it's available.
Ready to start planning?
If a weekend wedding in Devon and Cornwall, sounds like the right fit for you, we'd love to help you plan it.
01271 851160 | info@world-inspired.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have a tent or marquee up for a full weekend in Devon? Yes. We typically install on the Thursday or Friday before the wedding and collect on the Monday. The full weekend is yours.
Can guests camp on site at a weekend tent wedding? Yes, if the land allows for it. Many couples bring in bell tents for guests who want to stay on site. We can recommend good bell tent hire companies across Devon and Cornwall.
Do we need planning permission for a weekend wedding on private land? For a temporary structure used for a short-term event, you generally don't. We can advise on your specific situation when you get in touch.
What's included in your hire for a weekend wedding? Delivery, installation, collection, flooring.
Tables, benches, a dance floor, festoon lighting, and additional décor are available to add.
