If you’re on the hunt for your dream wedding venue in Devon, Deer Park Country House is a name you’ll want to remember. As a local wedding celebrant, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working at Deer Park Country House many times over the years, and it never fails to impress me. It also happens to be just down the road from where I live, which makes it not only a stunning place to work, but a wonderfully convenient one too. No travelling fee for my clients! It’s just another reason to love Deer Park! The team are also massive supporters of celebrant led weddings.
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Where it is and a bit of its history
Deer Park Country House is a Grade II listed building, tucked away within the charming parish of Buckerell, near Honiton in East Devon. The estate boasts approximately 80 acres of exclusive-use grounds and house, ensuring complete privacy and a fabulous intimate setting for the most romantic wedding day.
The house has hosted many eloquent families during its colourful history. In the early 1700’s a wealthy landowner, Nicholas Fry, inherited the property from his uncle. It is believed that the current property was created by Nicholas after remodelling an older residence. Sadly, he passed away just 7 years after becoming the owner. Nicholas’ son, Henry, inherited the property from him, but was the last of the Fry family to reside there.
Following his death in 1772, Deer Park passed from one wealthy family to the next for over two centuries, until 1947, when it was bought and turned into a hotel. After being a hotel for many decades, it now operates as a luxury wedding and events venue, specialising in exclusive use.
When you have Deer Park all to yourself, you can truly sink into the peace and beauty of the grounds and the country house. Wander from the elegant drawing room to the vintage-inspired restaurant, the sunlit conservatory, and the charming orangery, all yours to enjoy without interruption.
Photo Credit: Tara Statton Photography
A venue that makes everything perfect
Deer Park is an outstanding wedding venue for good reason. The setting is breathtakingly beautiful, offering that rare combination of elegance and ease. It feels truly special without ever being overly formal or stuffy. There’s a relaxed, “shabby chic” charm to the place that makes couples fall in love with it and makes guests feel instantly at home.
From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense that everything has been thoughtfully considered, but nothing feels forced. That easy atmosphere is one of the many reasons I enjoy working at Deer Park so much.
As it’s an exclusive use wedding venue it means that you can have Deer Park for longer than just your wedding day, too. So if you would like to make a weekend of it, then it’s yours.
The amazingly helpful and friendly team will cater to your every need and there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied; lawn games, croquet, guided walks, clay shooting, archery, falconry, and fly-fishing. I have spoken to many grooms over the years who have really enjoyed filling the long wait before the ceremony with a bit of competitive clay pigeon shooting with their ushers.
Photo credit: Tara Statton Photography
Deer Park accommodation
This delightful elegant wedding venue is perfect for families and friends travelling to celebrate your special day with you. 32 beautifully designed bedrooms welcome you along with two stylish self-catering houses—perfect for hosting everyone in comfort.
And for something a little magical, the Bridal Suite takes the form of a fairytale treehouse, tucked amongst ancient oaks, (it can just be seen in the image above) complete with a log burner, a roll-top bath, and a wrap-around balcony that feels like it was made just for you.
Photo Credit: Paige Grace Photography
Stunning wedding ceremony spaces inside and out
Now, of course, as a wedding celebrant, I’m always on the lookout for ceremony spaces that feel both beautiful and personal. Deer Park ticks both of these boxes. I’ve had the honour of leading countless ceremonies here, from outdoor vows under the summer house to indoor celebrations filled with character and charm.
The grounds are immaculately kept, perfect for outdoor ceremonies, drinks receptions, and unforgettable wedding photos. The setting at the summer house never fails to be a special place, so romantic, but it smells amazing too when the flowers are out. And the wisteria tunnel leading to the summer house? Absolutely jaw-dropping when in bloom.
This year Deer Park had begun holding ceremonies in their beautiful walled garden. Last month I was lucky to officiate my first ceremony in the dappled shade provided by the apple trees. Could this trump the summer house as an outdoor space? The staff tell me it’s becoming as popular. In my opinion it is a different vibe but equally special; it has a real mediterranean atmosphere and energy and very definitely worth considering. Simply you could not go wrong with either.
If the weather is unkind, the house lends itself to gorgeous wedding ceremonies, with rooms overlooking the estate. Lit candles and floral embellishments ensure the setting is very romantic for you to exchange your vows. Of course, if you choose to have a celebrant-led wedding, these vows can be personalised to reflect not just your love story, but the setting too.
So, whether you’re planning for blue skies or need a beautiful Plan B indoors, Deer Park offers flexibility and style in equal measure. I’m sure my images speak for themselves! These are just two of the indoor options available.
a team that truly are a dream
One of the things that really sets Deer Park Country House apart is the incredible team behind it. I’ve worked closely with them not only for weddings, but also for personal events. Indeed, I chose Deer Park for my own 60th birthday party I have to say, every experience has been seamless.
They’re calm, professional, and brilliantly organised, but always warm and approachable too. They have that rare ability to be present and supportive without ever being intrusive. This creates such a positive atmosphere for everyone involved. Nothing is too much trouble for them. As someone who often works behind the scenes as well as front and centre, I can tell you that makes all the difference.
Food to Remember
Weddings at Deer Park are as delicious as they are beautiful. The food here is unforgettable, fresh, flavourful, and lovingly prepared, with much of it grown right on site in their very own walled garden. They like to use local suppliers for produce they do not create in-house, which is perfect for those of you who are conscious of your carbon footprint. Whether they are catering for 190 guests in the beautiful orangery that overlooks the Italian Garden, or a smaller party in one of the many other spaces available, your taste buds will be tantalized.
The food at my own celebration was mouth-wateringly delicious, and I can highly recommend it. It’s just another detail that shows how much care and pride the team at Deer Park puts into every event, especially weddings.
Deer Park – My final thoughts
This spectacular house continues to be one of my favourite venues to work at and not just because it’s practically on my doorstep (although that certainly helps!). It just gets everything so right.
It’s stylish but never stiff, professional but never impersonal. It’s a place where you feel genuinely cared for. Whether you’re the couple, a guest, or even someone lucky enough to be part of the team helping to bring the day to life.
So if you’re considering Deer Park Country House for your wedding, I wholeheartedly recommend it. (Here’s a link to their website for full details.) And if you’re looking for a celebrant who knows the venue inside out and won’t charge you a travel fee to get there, I’d love to chat. (Please click the link to contact me.)
