Getting Married on Dartmoor - The Complete Guide by a Devon Wedding Photographer

If you are dreaming of a wedding surrounded by untamed landscapes, rolling hills, and centuries of history, Dartmoor in Devon offers one of the most magical settings in the UK. With its granite tors, windswept moorland, and hidden woodland glades, it is a breathtaking place to say “I do” and as a Devon wedding photographer, I can tell you it photographs beautifully in every season.

In this ultimate guide, I will share why Dartmoor is such a special choice for your big day, highlight some of the area’s most stunning wedding venues, and reveal the best nearby spots for unforgettable wedding photographs.

Why Choose Dartmoor for Your Devon Wedding?

Dartmoor is a place where nature sets the stage. Whether you want a grand country house wedding, a rustic barn celebration, or an adventurous elopement on a tor at sunrise, Dartmoor delivers atmosphere in abundance. The ever-changing light, from soft morning mist to glowing golden hour, gives your wedding photographs an otherworldly quality.

Its mix of historic towns, charming villages, and wide-open wilderness means you can enjoy a varied backdrop, from cobbled streets to panoramic moorland. With so many venues to choose from, you will find something to match your style perfectly.

Top Dartmoor Wedding Venues and Photography Highlights

Here are some of Dartmoor’s most beautiful wedding venues, along with ideas for stunning nearby photography locations to make your wedding gallery unforgettable.

Bovey Castle

Bovey Castle in the heart of Dartmoor is the epitome of luxury, set in 275 acres of pristine countryside. The terrace and gardens provide a regal backdrop, while the grand interiors are perfect for classic portraits.

Best photo spots nearby: Hound Tor for dramatic vistas, Becky Falls for woodland romance, Haytor Rocks for windswept drama, and the tranquil River Bovey for intimate moments.

Yarner House

A historic manor surrounded by ancient woodland, Yarner House is full of character and privacy. Exclusive use means your wedding feels truly personal.

Best photo spots nearby: Becky Falls for magical forest images, Trendlebere Down for sweeping moor views, and the pretty village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor for quaint cottages and church architecture.

Colehayes Park

Colehayes Park is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion with its own lake and acres of grounds. Perfect for weekend weddings with on-site accommodation, it offers space and freedom to design your day your way.

Best photo spots nearby: Haytor for rugged landscapes, Bovey Tracey for charming stone bridges, and Emsworthy Mire in spring for a carpet of bluebells.

The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock

This historic market town hotel offers elegance, beautiful gardens, and easy access to Dartmoor. Its central location means variety is just steps away.

Best photo spots nearby: Tavistock Viaduct for dramatic views, The Meadows along the River Tavy for greenery, and Merrivale for ancient stone circles and moorland romance.

Princetown Community Centre

A blank canvas venue in the heart of Dartmoor, Princetown Community Centre gives you the freedom to make your wedding completely unique.

Best photo spots nearby: South Hessary Tor within walking distance, Foggintor Quarry for rugged beauty, and Great Mis Tor for epic, windswept portraits.

Hayne Devon

An artistic, bohemian venue with gorgeous gardens and a relaxed feel, Hayne is ideal for couples wanting something creative and personal.

Best photo spots nearby: Steps Bridge for riverside romance, Fingle Bridge for woodland walks, and Cranbrook Castle for panoramic Teign Valley views.

Brentor Church (Church of St Michael de Rupe)

Perched high on a rocky tor, Brentor Church is one of Devon’s most dramatic ceremony locations. The views stretch for miles across Dartmoor.

Best photo spots nearby: Cox Tor for rugged landscapes, Lydford Gorge for waterfalls, and Mary Tavy for peaceful countryside scenes.

Holne Park House

A grand country house with landscaped gardens and riverside lawns, Holne Park House is perfect for couples who love a mix of traditional grandeur and nature.

Best photo spots nearby: Holne Bridge and the River Dart for intimate portraits, Hembury Woods for seasonal colour, and Venford Reservoir for striking moorland backdrops.

Two Bridges Hotel Set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, the Two Bridges Hotel offers riverside romance and wild moorland beauty in equal measure. With cosy interiors, open fires, and views across the River Dart, it’s perfect for couples wanting a warm, rustic-luxe feel. Recent refurbishments have brought a fresh touch to its heritage charm, making it an inviting and elegant choice year-round.

Best photo spots nearby: The riverbank just outside the hotel is perfect for dreamy portraits, while nearby Wistman's Wood offers an otherworldly, moss-draped setting. For sweeping moorland views, head up to Crockern Tor or Bellever Forest. Lewtrenchard Manor

Tucked away in a secluded Dartmoor valley, Lewtrenchard Manor is a romantic Jacobean house full of historic charm. With its wood-panelled interiors, mullioned windows, and new tasteful refurbishments throughout, it blends timeless elegance with modern comfort—ideal for couples seeking an atmospheric and luxurious setting.

Best photo spots nearby: The Manor’s own walled gardens and woodland walks offer stunning backdrops, while Lydford Gorge adds a touch of drama with its waterfalls. Brentor Church, just a short drive away, provides iconic views across the moor.

Elopements and Outdoor Weddings on Dartmoor

Dartmoor is also an exceptional choice for elopements and outdoor ceremonies. Imagine saying your vows on Haytor at sunrise, by the River Dart under dappled light, or on the open moor with only the wind and skylarks as witnesses.

As a Devon wedding photographer, I help couples choose the best spots for their portraits based on the season, light, and weather, making sure your images are as magical as the moment itself.

Tips for Planning Your Dartmoor Wedding

• Plan for the weather. Dartmoor’s weather changes quickly, so have a plan B for outdoor ceremonies.

• Use golden hour. Time your couple portraits for the evening light to capture Dartmoor at its most breathtaking.

• Book early. Popular venues and summer dates can fill up 1–2 years ahead.

• Hire local suppliers. Florists, caterers, and stylists from Devon know how to work with the moor’s quirks and beauty.

Your Dartmoor Wedding, Your Story

From the luxury of Bovey Castle to the wild magic of Brentor Church, Dartmoor offers endless possibilities for your Devon wedding. Each location brings its own beauty, and together with the moor’s natural drama, it creates an unforgettable canvas for your love story.

If you are looking for a Devon wedding photographer who knows Dartmoor’s light, landscapes, and hidden gems, I would love to hear from you. Let’s create timeless, emotive images that you will treasure for a lifetime.