SHILSTONE HOUSE | DEVON WEDDING VENUE

Having heard about this hidden gem for many years, last summer I was absolutely delighted when, after watching me capture friends Beth and Josh’s wedding, Joanna and Chris got in touch about their up and coming nuptials.

Falling in love with the venue in a heart-beat, it was a joy to photograph their beautiful big day. And even though it rained nearly all day long, the gorgeous space and stunning interiors still gave us plenty of options to create some magical wedding photographs at Shilstone House.

Over to Hollie, to tell you more…

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS:

Shilstone House is a stunning restored Georgian Manor House and cherished family home, surrounded by breath-taking views in the rural Devon countryside. Shilstone first opened its doors to weddings in 2012 and is now one of the most popular and sort after wedding venues in the South Hams. Shilstone prides itself on offering an impeccable service, tailoring weddings to create personal and exclusive events for all our wonderful, unique, brides and grooms.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE WORLD OF WEDDINGS?

Shilstone is such a beautiful, stunning venue that we wanted to share it with everyone! It is a pleasure to be able to show all our guests the amazing transformation through renovation and share the fascinating history of the site, some of which remain from Domesday!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR VENUE VIBE?

Shilstone offers a traditional and classical style of venue, with a twist of modern and an understanding of contemporary needs, which creates a natural yet formal vibe. Sophisticated yet sympathetic. Understated glamour with modest beauty.

WHAT AREA OF THE COUNTRY DO YOU COVER?

We are based in South West.

HOW MUCH SHOULD BRIDES/GROOMS BUDGET FOR THEIR

WEDDING VENUE?

We think that bride & grooms need to budget around £10,000 to £15,000

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD BRIDES/GROOMS BOOK THEIR WEDDING VENUE?

To guarantee your chosen date we Ideally suggest 12 months.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION YOU GET ASKED....

AND THE ANSWER?!

Do you have accommodation on-site?

Yes! We have two barn conversions allowing up to 36 guests to stay.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL REQUEST YOU HAVE RECEIVED?

Can we have a full-size taxidermy bear in the house wearing a top hat and bow tie?

WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR 2020/2021?

Here at Shilstone 2020 and 2021 are already going to be incredibly busy years. We are looking forward to simple elegant designs and stripped back functional decoration in keeping with the modern, ethical vibe we have begun witnessing this year, simple, rustic and neutral.

IF YOU COULD WORK ON ANYONES WEDDING WHOSE WOULD IT BE?

Sigrid, because we think she would be refreshingly unique.

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO GET MARRIED OUTSIDE?

June, the flowers here in the gardens and borders are stunning!

FREE BAR, OR NOT FREE BAR? AND HOW DO YOU CONTROL IT?

Either a paid bar with guests paying their own way with cash or card, or couples running a tab for the evening to create a free bar for all their guests.

WHAT SHOULD THE PRIORITIES BE, BUDGET WISE, FOR A COUPLE, IN YOUR OPINION?

Venue! Once the location is determined everything else falls into place! When a couple can visualise their day with all their friends and family around them, the rest is easy!

WEEKEND OR WEEKDAY WEDDING? AND WHY?

Weekdays are incredibly good value for money but require guests to take time off work. With family and friends often travelling a long distance to be together, weekends are often a more relaxed and popular choice. We are finding, however, that Friday is becoming our most popular day of the week, with guests only needing to take one day of leave to ensure a lovely, long weekend!

WHAT SHOULD COUPLES LOOK FOR IN A WEDDING VENUE?

Efficient, warm, welcoming and friendly yet calm service and staff. Stunning views with perfect backdrops for photos. Beautiful surroundings that you can picture yourselves relaxing in accompanied by loved ones. The freedom to make the day your own, to be able to choose your favourite food and drink. A magical place that makes you tingle with excitement and anticipation. Somewhere that caters for all eventualities!

SHOULD A COUPLE BOOK A WEDDING PLANNER? AND WHY?

Shilstone provides the perfect mix of planning and coordination to help you prepare and organise your day in the finest of detail. Our team will gently guide you through the whole process so that you reach your wedding day calm, confident and stress-free.

BEST WEDDING PLANNERS YOU KNOW? AND WHY?

The best wedding planners are those that listen to the bride and groom! Help and guide being the keywords, not dictate or railroad!

HOW WOULD YOU SUGGEST COUPLES FIND THE BEST

WEDDING SUPPLIERS?

Any good venue will attract good wedding suppliers. Working together to advertise each other creates a mutually beneficial relationship that can only enhance performance from both sides. The best wedding venues will also be friends with the best wedding suppliers!

WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST A COUPLE LOOK FOR IN A

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

As well as having a wedding photographer that you trust and makes you feel relaxed is paramount. Someone who also knows the venue will know all the best locations for photos throughout the day. Understanding the space and light as well as the couple's needs will make the perfect mix for stunning photos.

DOES RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY MEAN GOOD LUCK?

Not that we are aware of? However, having over 50 umbrellas means that if the rain does fall, everyone will be lucky enough to stay dry!!

WHY DO PEOPLE THROW CONFETTI, AND SHOULD YOU?

Throwing confetti bestows prosperity and fertility on the newly married couple! Only natural, environmentally friendly flowers and petals should be used to maintain a safe, clean environment.