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Devon

Axminster

River Cottage HQ

(12)

Price: £450.00 – £5,745.00

Guests: 100

Description

Tucked amid rolling Devon hills, in Axminster, our farm is one of the most unique & popular wedding venues in the South West. Licensed for weddings, River Cottage HQ is a fantastic setting for your ceremony & wedding, close to the Jurassic Coastline. Our 65 acre organic farm is tucked amongst rolling hills on the Dorset & Devon border. River Cottage HQ is yours exclusively for the day. You can say ‘I do’ in front of your nearest and dearest in the famous farmhouse, amongst the sweet peas in the walled garden or in the beautifully restored Threshing barn if you intend to invite a crowd. Guests are welcome to wander the smallholding at their leisure; relax in our yurt, serve welcome drinks out in the walled garden, and dance the night away in our beautiful barn! The River Cottage kitchen team are renowned for cooking up wonderful celebratory dinners, featuring the very best local produce. No wedding menu is the same, with couples getting the opportunity to meet with one of our talented chefs to design their menu from scratch. After a sumptuous meal it will be time to dance the night away before retiring to our recently renovated farmhouse for a well earned rest overnight in our stunning master bedroom. Included in all wedding packages is bed and breakfast for up to six people across three stunning bedrooms. Our traditional threshing barn has a maximum capacity of 70 guests. During the Summer months we are able to accommodate a further 30 guests on our decking under a canvas marquee which adjoins on to the Threshing Barn. For larger parties we can hire in marquees; a supplement will apply and is priced by requirement.

Message from the team

Name of Wedding Contact: Laura

Our experienced and friendly team at River Cottage will help you achieve the wedding you've always wished for! I am here every step of the way from helping with planning to making sure the day goes smoothly! Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions and we're always happy to show you around the farm.

Experience

Year Business Was Established

1999

No. of Weddings Hosted

More than 50

Public Liability Insurance

Yes

No. of People In Team

Overview of River Cottage HQ

Wedding Venue Type

Barn / Farm

Wedding Venue Capacity

Dining Capacity

100

Reception Capacity

120

Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Sound system available

Wedding license

Dancefloor available

Confetti permitted

Wedding Venue Details

Landscaped gardens

Exclusive use

Open Flame Permitted

Marquee permitted

Bridal Changing Facilities

Disabled access

Grade I/II Listed Building

On-site parking

Outdoor Reception Space

In-house wedding coordinator

Wedding Catering

Corkage Charge for Own Alcohol

In-House Wine List

In-house catering

Alcohol license

Pricing for River Cottage HQ

Wedding Venue Hire Only

£450.00 – £5,745.00

Show details

The venue hire price gives you exclusive use of the entire site for the day from midday-midnight and includes all furniture, tableware, jam jars of flowers from the garden, use of our handmade bunting and tractor transfers for your guests.

Hide details

In-house Catering (price per head)

£55.00 – £65.00

Show details

Reviews (12)

(12)

L
Lisa & Bradley
27/06/2016
The food was out of this worldThe food was out of this world
When Lisa and I were looking for a venue to celebrate our wedding, we realised there was not another place on the planet that we would rather go than River Cottage. Lydia, Andy and the team did an incredible job in spoiling all 70 of our guests. The food was out of this world. Our recommendation to anyone thinking about RC as an option for their event is not make any specific requests for food etc, put yourselves in the hands of team, you are guaranteed to have an incredible event. For anyone who is serious about food, wants to have a great celebration, in an atmosphere that’s relaxed yet stunning, with a team that will make you feel like superstars, we cannot recommend RC highly enough.When Lisa and I were looking for a venue to celebrate our wedding, we realised there was not another place on the planet that we would rather go than River Cottage. Lydia, Andy and the team did an incredible job in spoiling all 70 of our guests. The food was out of this world. Our recommendation to anyone thinking about RC as an option for their event is not make any specific requests for food etc, put yourselves in the hands of team, you are guaranteed to have an incredible event. For anyone who is serious about food, wants to have a great celebration, in an atmosphere that’s relaxed yet stunning, with a team that will make you feel like superstars, we cannot recommend RC highly enough.
K
Katie and James
27/06/2016
Perfect dayPerfect day
“We had our wedding reception at River Cottage and it couldn’t have been a more perfect location to celebrate our marriage. The whole venue is just fab and we particularly liked that the use of the whole area (farmhouse, yurt, barn) was included (including Laura!). It was such a relaxed atmosphere and exactly how we wanted our venue to feel. The food was absolutely incredible and the attention to detail is second to none. Our guests along with us, were blown away by the flavours and presentation. We stayed in the farmhouse and had brunch with 18 friends the following day-this made the whole experience feel longer and we once again indulged in an incredible selection of food. If you love food and want a venue which offers absolutely everything with no hassle, we would highly recommend River Cottage."“We had our wedding reception at River Cottage and it couldn’t have been a more perfect location to celebrate our marriage. The whole venue is just fab and we particularly liked that the use of the whole area (farmhouse, yurt, barn) was included (including Laura!). It was such a relaxed atmosphere and exactly how we wanted our venue to feel. The food was absolutely incredible and the attention to detail is second to none. Our guests along with us, were blown away by the flavours and presentation. We stayed in the farmhouse and had brunch with 18 friends the following day-this made the whole experience feel longer and we once again indulged in an incredible selection of food. If you love food and want a venue which offers absolutely everything with no hassle, we would highly recommend River Cottage."
H
Heather and Mike
27/06/2016
The location, staff and food were fantastic.The location, staff and food were fantastic.
We have always both loved River Cottage, we knew the location, staff and food would all be fantastic. We visited River Cottage a couple of months before the wedding to plan the menu. Gelf, the head chef, told us what would be in season in June and we went with his recommendations with a couple of requests of our own. As it was River Cottage we had to have something a bit unusual so asked if we could have some squirrel as one of the canapes. They made up a squirrel pate – a lot of the guests were a bit taken aback but most enjoyed them with some asking for seconds. The starter consisted of a seasonal salad with asparagus, shaved goats cheese and a variety of edible flowers. The main course was lamb cooked three different ways served with roast potatoes cooked in lamb fat and new potatoes in a herb dressing. The dessert was elderflower panacotta with rhubarb served different ways. The whole meal was absolutely fantastic & all the guests were very excited by the menu. Everything for the meal either came direct from River Cottage or from Trill Farm next door, it was very important to us that all the ingredients were sourced locally.We have always both loved River Cottage, we knew the location, staff and food would all be fantastic. We visited River Cottage a couple of months before the wedding to plan the menu. Gelf, the head chef, told us what would be in season in June and we went with his recommendations with a couple of requests of our own. As it was River Cottage we had to have something a bit unusual so asked if we could have some squirrel as one of the canapes. They made up a squirrel pate – a lot of the guests were a bit taken aback but most enjoyed them with some asking for seconds. The starter consisted of a seasonal salad with asparagus, shaved goats cheese and a variety of edible flowers. The main course was lamb cooked three different ways served with roast potatoes cooked in lamb fat and new potatoes in a herb dressing. The dessert was elderflower panacotta with rhubarb served different ways. The whole meal was absolutely fantastic & all the guests were very excited by the menu. Everything for the meal either came direct from River Cottage or from Trill Farm next door, it was very important to us that all the ingredients were sourced locally.
S
Shirley & Thornton
27/06/2016
A very special venueA very special venue
Really can't thank you and the River Cottage team enough for making our day so special. You made everything as easy and relaxing as possible taking the pressure away from us so we could really enjoy the day. From the moment it started with the ceremony in the beautiful garden it was a truly magical day and we both enjoyed every minute. What can I say about Gelf, except that all our guests summed it up as 'the best meal they'd ever tasted.' It was a great menu. For me vegetarian food reached new heights and I know he converted a few meat eaters to the idea of not having meat as often or just having it on the side. We loved seeing the process too from fresh picked veg from the garden to the excellent service on good hot plates. Then surprise from the guests that a 'sugar free' dessert could taste so good! The evening changeover went very smoothly while we relaxed in the yurt. The barn was great for the band and lots of guests enjoyed dancing. The pizza was delicious and great idea to do your own. This is where the idea of hiring the whole venue makes the day work so well. Different spaces to suit everyone and our guests ranged from a newborn baby to an eighty year old. Again guests have thanked us for choosing such a lovely venue. Each space was decorated and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and warmth of the fires. To sum up we would certainly recommend River Cottage as a very special venue to hold your wedding. We were a very happy bride and groom thanks to Lydia, Gelf and team.Really can't thank you and the River Cottage team enough for making our day so special. You made everything as easy and relaxing as possible taking the pressure away from us so we could really enjoy the day. From the moment it started with the ceremony in the beautiful garden it was a truly magical day and we both enjoyed every minute. What can I say about Gelf, except that all our guests summed it up as 'the best meal they'd ever tasted.' It was a great menu. For me vegetarian food reached new heights and I know he converted a few meat eaters to the idea of not having meat as often or just having it on the side. We loved seeing the process too from fresh picked veg from the garden to the excellent service on good hot plates. Then surprise from the guests that a 'sugar free' dessert could taste so good! The evening changeover went very smoothly while we relaxed in the yurt. The barn was great for the band and lots of guests enjoyed dancing. The pizza was delicious and great idea to do your own. This is where the idea of hiring the whole venue makes the day work so well. Different spaces to suit everyone and our guests ranged from a newborn baby to an eighty year old. Again guests have thanked us for choosing such a lovely venue. Each space was decorated and we really enjoyed the atmosphere and warmth of the fires. To sum up we would certainly recommend River Cottage as a very special venue to hold your wedding. We were a very happy bride and groom thanks to Lydia, Gelf and team.
T
Tom and Rachel
27/06/2016
It exceeded our (already very high!) expectations It exceeded our (already very high!) expectations
We had SUCH a fantastic day on Saturday - it exceeded our (already very high!) expectations in every way. We've had quite a lot of people say it was the best wedding they've ever been to. All of our family and friends thought the venue and food were stunning. 'Best food I've ever had' has also been something we've heard a few times. We're still getting excitable texts and emails from our guests, raving about everything from the canapés to the view of the valley to how lovely the River Cottage staff were. On that last point, we need to say a massive, massive, massive thank you to you and everyone at RC. Thank you all so much for all of your excellent preparation and hard work on the day. You all went over and above what could reasonably be expected of you. It was all of your hard work and dedication that made it such a wonderful day that we'll remember forever. We're not sure how you managed to be so effortlessly relaxed and informal while also pulling out all the stops - if you could bottle your magic and send it to us so we can use it in our jobs, that'd be great. We had SUCH a fantastic day on Saturday - it exceeded our (already very high!) expectations in every way. We've had quite a lot of people say it was the best wedding they've ever been to. All of our family and friends thought the venue and food were stunning. 'Best food I've ever had' has also been something we've heard a few times. We're still getting excitable texts and emails from our guests, raving about everything from the canapés to the view of the valley to how lovely the River Cottage staff were. On that last point, we need to say a massive, massive, massive thank you to you and everyone at RC. Thank you all so much for all of your excellent preparation and hard work on the day. You all went over and above what could reasonably be expected of you. It was all of your hard work and dedication that made it such a wonderful day that we'll remember forever. We're not sure how you managed to be so effortlessly relaxed and informal while also pulling out all the stops - if you could bottle your magic and send it to us so we can use it in our jobs, that'd be great.
L
Louise and Ben
27/06/2016
You made the whole experience really special!You made the whole experience really special!
We had a truly amazing day, it all went perfectly. Thank you so much for all of your help and to everyone involved, for making our day so fantastic. So many of our guests commented on how relaxed the whole wedding was, how beautiful the venue is and last but definitely not least how incredible the good was. From the very first time we contacted the weddings team at river cottage, we have been made to feel so welcome and at ease with everything, making for an easy, relaxed wedding. We had a truly amazing day, it all went perfectly. Thank you so much for all of your help and to everyone involved, for making our day so fantastic. So many of our guests commented on how relaxed the whole wedding was, how beautiful the venue is and last but definitely not least how incredible the good was. From the very first time we contacted the weddings team at river cottage, we have been made to feel so welcome and at ease with everything, making for an easy, relaxed wedding.
T
Tom and Keren
27/06/2016
We had a truly amazing day, it all went perfectly.We had a truly amazing day, it all went perfectly.
We had a truly amazing day, it all went perfectly. Thank you so much for all of your help and to everyone involved, for making our day so fantastic. So many of our guests commented on how relaxed the whole wedding was, how beautiful the venue is and last but definitely not least how incredible the good was. From the very first time we contacted the weddings team at river cottage, we have been made to feel so welcome and at ease with everything, making for an easy, relaxed wedding. We had a truly amazing day, it all went perfectly. Thank you so much for all of your help and to everyone involved, for making our day so fantastic. So many of our guests commented on how relaxed the whole wedding was, how beautiful the venue is and last but definitely not least how incredible the good was. From the very first time we contacted the weddings team at river cottage, we have been made to feel so welcome and at ease with everything, making for an easy, relaxed wedding.
A
Alice and Henry
27/06/2016
Nothing was too much troubleNothing was too much trouble
It absolutely was everything we could have hoped for and more! The River Cottage staff were not there and there all at the same time and I think that is a sign of totally relaxing and streamlined customer experience. Nothing was too much trouble, every detail was thought of and everyone had everything they needed before they knew they needed it. Thanks so much for all the flexibility re the weather and everything else! The food was AMAZING and everyone said that they would be talking about it for years to come. We had a couple of very critical successful restaurateurs as guests, so some tough people to please! It absolutely was everything we could have hoped for and more! The River Cottage staff were not there and there all at the same time and I think that is a sign of totally relaxing and streamlined customer experience. Nothing was too much trouble, every detail was thought of and everyone had everything they needed before they knew they needed it. Thanks so much for all the flexibility re the weather and everything else! The food was AMAZING and everyone said that they would be talking about it for years to come. We had a couple of very critical successful restaurateurs as guests, so some tough people to please!
R
Rachael and Victoria
27/06/2016
Wonderful dayWonderful day
"We can't thank the River Cottage team enough for helping to create such a wonderful day. It really couldn't have gone better. All of our guests had a fabulous time. We had so many compliments on how well organised the day was and that was really down to the whole River Cottage team." "We can't thank the River Cottage team enough for helping to create such a wonderful day. It really couldn't have gone better. All of our guests had a fabulous time. We had so many compliments on how well organised the day was and that was really down to the whole River Cottage team."
S
Sian and Rich
27/06/2016
Character, Professionalism and FlexibilityCharacter, Professionalism and Flexibility
A huge thank-you to the entire team at River Cottage for their part in making our wedding hands-down the best day of our lives! River Cottage has found the perfect blend of Character, Professionalism and Flexibility. The experience was all about freedom of choice, this was our big day and the RC team went to enormous efforts to make sure that we had the run of the place in every sense. As a location, the grounds of River Cottage have charm and the intimacy by the boat load, the Great British countryside at its best. Rounding the tractor track the farmhouse grounds are revealed and we immediately fell in love with the tranquillity, the “Secret Garden” feel and the piglets! As important as the venue, are the people that work there. The staff, were always friendly and attentive, happy to show anyone interested the workings of the kitchen and farm in general. We cannot thank them enough for their hard work and smiles in the face of such a rowdy bunch! Our first point of contact Lydia was fantastic. Friendly and efficient, she took a huge amount of the weight off our shoulders in the preparation stages, always going the extra mile to make the day perfect and a calm presence during the final preparations when overeager family members go a bit nutty. The Head Chef, Gelf, was a wealth of knowledge for the menu, giving us a free reign, suggesting the best ingredients for the season. The end result was superb, every plate cooked and presented to perfection. The ever-present relaxed and rustic atmosphere, giving the dinner and speeches an intimate feels despite there being nearly 100 guests. An unforgettable day, Thank you all!A huge thank-you to the entire team at River Cottage for their part in making our wedding hands-down the best day of our lives! River Cottage has found the perfect blend of Character, Professionalism and Flexibility. The experience was all about freedom of choice, this was our big day and the RC team went to enormous efforts to make sure that we had the run of the place in every sense. As a location, the grounds of River Cottage have charm and the intimacy by the boat load, the Great British countryside at its best. Rounding the tractor track the farmhouse grounds are revealed and we immediately fell in love with the tranquillity, the “Secret Garden” feel and the piglets! As important as the venue, are the people that work there. The staff, were always friendly and attentive, happy to show anyone interested the workings of the kitchen and farm in general. We cannot thank them enough for their hard work and smiles in the face of such a rowdy bunch! Our first point of contact Lydia was fantastic. Friendly and efficient, she took a huge amount of the weight off our shoulders in the preparation stages, always going the extra mile to make the day perfect and a calm presence during the final preparations when overeager family members go a bit nutty. The Head Chef, Gelf, was a wealth of knowledge for the menu, giving us a free reign, suggesting the best ingredients for the season. The end result was superb, every plate cooked and presented to perfection. The ever-present relaxed and rustic atmosphere, giving the dinner and speeches an intimate feels despite there being nearly 100 guests. An unforgettable day, Thank you all!

Location & Contact Details for River Cottage HQ

Website

Phone

Wedding Venue Address

Trinity Hill Road, Axminster, Devon, EX13 8TB, England, United Kingdom

Nearest Town

Axminster

Nearest Train Station

Axminster - Southwest Trains

Nearest Airport

Exeter International Airport

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FAQs

Find out a bit more from our FAQs

Describe the best wedding that happened at your venue?

Every wedding is unique but one of the best weddings ended in a group salsa dancing lesson in the barn!

What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?

You should always stay true to the vision that you have in mind for your wedding and what suits your personality the most! You can't please everyone and it's really important that you enjoy your special day as well as your guests.

What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?

The best man brewed a special wedding beer which was given to every guest as a wedding favour - and enjoyed in the evening!

Describe your venue in 5 adjectives.

Rustic, unique, foodie, personal, special.

Where’s the best photo spot at your venue?

As you come down the farm track to the farm, there are incredible views overlooking the valley. We also have a beautiful field behind our main barn and the sun sets just behind the hill. You can't have a wedding at River Cottage without one of these two iconic photos.

Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at your venue?

What’s your favourite canapé?

Scotch eggs are a winner!

What’s your favourite midnight treat?

Wood fired pizzas from our courtyard ovens- theatrical, a range of toppings and very delicious!

What is your venue's most unique feature?

There is no menu A, B or C. Wedding couples have the opportunity to meet with one of our expert chefs and design their menu from scratch using the best organic, seasonal local produce around!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

Our incredible food which comes from our passion and commitment to sustainable, organic and local produce. Our team is pretty special too!

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Wedding Venues Devon

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