Cornish weddings – all you need to know in St Ives and Cornwall
Over the years Cornwall, and especially St Ives, has become an increasingly popular destination for couples and their loved ones to travel to and celebrate their wedding. As a result, there has been a rise in all things wedding developing in Cornwall, from wild Cornish flower companies, to converted Cornish barns and talented hair stylists, all hoping to provide the most excellent service for the couple to be married.
Here we hope to give you just a small insight into all the astounding resources St Ives and Cornwall have to offer.
Locations
There’s an abundance of beautiful hotels in Cornwall that offer excellent wedding packages, and these are so popular amongst many. However… there are so many elegant and unique settings available for your big day that just can’t be ignored if you’re looking for the full Cornish experience. So, here we have just a few of some of the incredible alternatives available to you, from high-rise castles to white sand beaches!
Many of you who have visited St Ives will have passed the extensive grounds of Tregenna Castle on your drive into the town.
Originally a private home for a wealthy Cornish man, Tregenna Castle has now become an exciting hub for all things wedding! It is especially popular with those wishing to host a larger number of guests, as they have the ability to cater for parties with their large capacity both indoors and out (which is also great with our unpredictable weather!).
A huge attraction for Tregenna Castle is its exquisite backdrop, a panoramic view of the St Ives coastline. A view that has completed many special days at Tregenna Castle.
Contact:
– 01736 795254
– hotel@tregenna-castle.co.uk
The Island Chapel (also known as St Nicholas’ Chapel) is a spot many of you may be familiar with if you have stayed with us in any of our properties near Porthmeor Beach.
Its striking location overlooks the pristine beaches of St Ives and this endearing little chapel is believed to have stood there since the 15thcentury. The Chapel is steeped in Cornish history, it has varied from a base to see smugglers attempting to come to shore, to storing armoury in the First World War, and now it is an idyllic wedding location on the edge of the Cornish Coast. A very sweet additional service that can also be offered is the arranging of Cornish cream teas for you and your guests, post – ceremony!
Contact:
– 01736 797840
– enquiries@stives-tc.gov.uk
Flower Arch at Porthgwidden – Photograph by Mark Noall Photography
This is no ordinary Café. If being in St Ives and close to the sea, is part of your wedding criteria then this place ticks both boxes!
Porthgwidden Beach Café is situated almost right on the beach and it is now able to host wedding receptions and humanist blessings on its terrace, with undisturbed views of Porthgwidden Beach.
Following the ceremony, you are able to walk right out onto the beach to enjoy drinks and canapés (weather permitting!) and then you and your guests can head back up to the café to enjoy an evening of delicious food and dancing.
Contact:
– 01736 796791
– www.porthgwiddencafe.co.uk
If you are looking for something with oodles of Cornish charm but on a smaller scale, we must draw your attention to Chypraze Farm in Morvah. It is quite rightly described as ‘where the sky meets the sea’. The wedding venue on this farm is a rustic barn, converted into a fairy-tale like setting, with views of both Cornish sea and land.
A truly special addition to this location is the private bridal path. The path leads you and your guests down from the barn to Portheras Cove, allowing you and all your guests to experience the best of what Cornwall has to offer in the way of natural beauty – although you may need your walking legs on!
Contact:
– 01736 788312
– chyprazefarm@gmail.com
August wedding at Chypraze Wedding Barn
The Eden Project – Mediterranean Biome
We just had to add the Eden Project in here due to its uniqueness!
Known internationally for its genius work and beauty, the Eden Project now offers itself as a wedding venue too. With sustainable and locally sourced food, a Mediterranean Biome as your back drop, and if the groom is feeling brave – arrival by zipwire! We definitely recommend you check out their website.
Contact:
– 01726 811911
– www.edenproject.com
Arriving in Style (and on time!)
Choosing the right location is just one of the many important decisions being made when planning your wedding and getting there is just as important!
Whether it’s by horse and carriage, vintage car, or a coach to transport your guests, we hope that these suggestions can point you in the right direction to help find something perfect for you.
Roaring 30s Automobiles are a wedding car hire company based in Cornwall, offering vintage 1930s style wedding transport ‘recreating the days of the Great Gatsby’.
Their Beauford and Asquith motor cars have been hand built to reflect an age of elegance, which many would find very suiting to their weddings in Cornwall.
Not only are you guaranteed an impeccable car and service to the wedding, you will be transported with a chauffeur dressed in a classic Edwardian driver’s uniform, and if you wish, all whilst being served a crisp, cool, glass of champagne.
Contact:
– 01503 262 069
–www.roaring30.co.uk/contact-us/
Roaring 30s Wedding Car
Feel like arriving in a horse drawn carriage could help complete your day?
D.D Jones & Sons are committed to making your day feel that little bit extra special and take great pride in the appearances of the horses, carriages, Coachman and Groom.
You are also invited to go and visit the yard to view the horses, carriages and to discuss any individual requirements to make sure the day goes just how you wish it to!
Bill and Bob, the two cart horses, are sure to win your hearts over with ‘the patience of saints and strength of elephants’!
Contact:
– 01209 716611
– www.cornishcountrycarriages.com
Not only do you need to arrive on time, but it will be a huge stress relief to know your guests are being safely transported too and from your wedding destination as well.
King Harry Coaches are a family run company based in Falmouth and they offer a range of individually named coaches with their own unique touch.
They are able to transport up to 45 guests, and they take pride in decorating the coaches with flowers and ribbons to co-ordinate with your wedding day!
Contact:
– 0136 318 868
– www.kingharrycoaches.com
Food, Drink and Flowers
We wish we had enough words to tell you about all the incredible options we have available here in Cornwall, we are truly spoilt with our local produce. From artisanal Cornish ice cream, to bouquets of flowers handpicked from a farm on the Zennor coast.
So, here we are going to give you just a few ideas of some of the delights you can source for your own wedding party…
A particular Cornish ice cream van that has caught our attention at wedding parties is…‘Mr B’s Retro Ice Cream Van’.
If this is sort of thing you think you and your guests would enjoy (especially in the summer!), you could find yourself queuing up in front of a 1970’s classic Mk1 Transit Ice Cream van for an ‘award winning artisan Ice Cream’. Not only would you be able to enjoy a range of flavours and a great service, there is also a great option for personalised wafers with the happy couple’s name printed on!
Contact:
– 01736 755808
– www.mrbsicecream.co.uk
Mr B’s Ice Cream Van and Personalised Wafer
White Radish are an independent Cornish wedding catering provider, priding themselves on their use of quality produce, including some from their very own farm. Not only are they able to cater for all you and your guests dining needs they also specialise in stunning homemade wedding cakes. Their inspired and flexible approach means they’re able to cater for an ‘elegant and refined’ do, to a ‘bohemian style wedding’, with delicious food, beautiful presentation and outstanding service being their utmost priority.
Contact:
– 01736 732711
– info@whiteradishevents.co.uk
Classic Victoria Sponge Cake with Buttercream and Strawberry & Champagne Jam – Made by White Radish
Pengellys Cornish Bar
The only thing to perfectly compliment your locally sourced catering, and to fuel some unruly dancing in true Cornish style, is the right bar!
Pengelly’s Cornish Bar is a ‘premium bar service for any occasion’ specialising in some of the finest locally sourced beers, wines and spirits.
Offering a flexible service, Pengellys cover all aspects of your bar needs for your wedding, so there is no need to worry about a licence or the dreaded clean up – they’ve got you covered…now if that doesn’t make sipping on a ‘Cornish Sunlight’ sound any more delightful, I’m not sure what will!
Contact:
– 07811154439
– connor@mobilebarcornwall.co.uk
To continue our theme of all things local, Zennor Wild Flower offer a tailored service of home grown and handpicked wedding flowers.
Zennor Wild grow their own flowers on their family farm and strive to use as much local foliage as possible to produce their natural and wild looking bouquets.
Whether you’re looking for a seasonal flower crown, or whole venue entwined with flower arches, Zennor wild can offer an assortment, especially grown for your wedding day. How’s that for a service?!
Contact:
– https://www.zennorwild.com/contact
‘Summer Bridesmaids’ by Zennor Wild – Photograph by Clare Kinchin Photography
Hair, Makeup and Spa Days
Wedding Hair by Harriet Searle
Harriet Searle is a bridal and updo stylist based in South West Cornwall.
Harriet works endlessly with her clients to create styles that are ‘effortlessly beautiful’ for what will be ‘the happiest day of your life’.
She is committed to providing the best service for the wedding party, and this means she often finds herself going above and beyond supporting her clients with all they need, from fastening dresses to entertaining the little ones!
The aim of LJP bridal services are to ensure you ‘look and feel beautiful’ in a chosen style that is ‘unique and perfect’ for you.
Having worked on over one hundred brides, you are sure to be in experienced hands.
You also have the opportunity with LJP bridal services to have a trial hair and makeup run, giving you the comfort that your look has been completely planned ahead of the magical day.
Contact Via:
– 07393306053
– laura_janeprisk@hotmail.co.uk
Hair by LJP Bridal Stylist
Because things are always better together…
St Michaels Spa,in Falmouth, offers a luxurious couples Spa Day. Included in this is an ‘indulgent glass of fizz’ alongside a delicious 2-course lunch. Following this, there is three-hour access to their spa facilities, and you will then be invited to the luxury couple’s room where you will both receive a tailored full body massage!
St Ives Harbour Spa also offer a relaxing day for two. This includes a 55-minute spa treatment per person, as well as full use of their spa facilities.
Following this you have the choice enjoying a decadent lunch, or afternoon tea, with beautiful views across the St Ives Bay.
Contact:
St Michaels Spa – 01326 369711
Harbour Spa – 01736 795221
Licensed Venues, Churches and Registry Offices
Of course, we do not expect everyone to want to be able to feel the sea spray on their face for the entirety of their wedding day or fight the never-ending battle with sand on your smart shoes, so here are just a few handy links and bits of information if you’re looking for a just as beautiful and just as Cornish wedding but with a slightly different style (or a combination of both!)
St Ives Guildhall has a licence to hold both your wedding and reception, and they cater excellently for both. If you chose to wed or hold your party here, their large concert hall can be transformed into a ‘beautiful space’ for you and your guests. An added bonus is all the beaches, harbour and piers (great photo spots!) are just a matter of minutes away.
Contact:
– 01736 797840
–www.stivesguildhall.co.uk
The Parish Church of St Ia sits just a stone’s throw away from the St Ives Harbour front and has a beautiful traditionally decorated interior. The church is welcoming and willing to work with and help those who wish to marry in St Ives, even if you do not live here. The best way to have your individual needs met and questions answered is to contact Fr Nicholas Widdows, and let the planning commence!
Contact:
– 01736 449382
– nickwiddows@hotmail.com
Zennor Church is estimated to be up to a thousand years old and for centuries it has been used as a timeless Cornish wedding venue. Situated on ancient land in the rugged Zennor landscape, this church is a unique venue for a traditional Cornish wedding. Contact Revd. Elizabeth Foot to commence the plans for your wedding.
Contact:
– 01736 741488
– guenolesenara@hotmail.co.uk
Penzance registration office is situated in St Johns Hall, built in 1897 from granite from the nearby quarry in Lamorna . The office is able to host a Classic Cornish Ceremony or a Simple Cornish ceremony for you and your partner. The simple being just that, you and your partner and two witnesses, which makes for a lovely intimate ceremony. We’d suggest checking out their website to help you choose which service is best for you (there are also some great Cornish phrases they provide if you felt like using some for your wedding!)
Contact:
– 0300 1234 181
– ceramonies@registration.cornwall.gov.uk
So there we have it...
Just a few ideas and little bit of local knowledge that we hope can begin to point you in the right direction for planning your big day!
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, or due to be visiting for a wedding, head over to our ‘staying with us’ section to see what we have to offer and check out our great holiday homes in and around St Ives. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help with your planning!