The Legal Bit!

The Legal Bit – A Helpful Guide for Booking Your Ceremony

The concept of getting married means different things to different people. It could conjure images of a traditional white wedding, a hand fasting, or a quiet elopement. The beauty of the wedding industry at the moment is that being individual and personal within your celebration is encouraged; your day can fit the nature of your relationship in all of its unique glory. At the heart of these exciting choices and decisions lies the important part: the legal bit. We feel it’s of utmost importance to advise happy couples exactly what they need to do to ensure smooth sailing into wedded bliss, and thought an update on the blog (to be enjoyed with a cup of tea) could be just the ticket. 

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Freckle Photography

In the UK, you need to adhere to the following criteria to get hitched:

• Be over 16 years of age (permission from parents or guardians needed if under 18)
• Free to marry or form a civil partnership (single, divorced, widowed)
• Not closely related

Those boxes ticked, you then need to decide where it is you wish to do the deed. Choose a civil service in a licensed location or if wanting a religious aspect, a church wedding. Both involve giving notice, and require thought as to how you would like your union to be celebrated. Coombe Trenchard offers the best of both worlds; we have 12 separate licenced areas in which you can choose a registrar to legally marry you, but we are also within walking distance of the beautiful Church of St Peter on the neighbouring Lewtrenchard estate. For further information on marrying within a church, see this page on religious ceremonies. 

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Freckle Photography

Most of our couples choose to marry within our home and grounds and we have to stress that the venue cannot be involved with organising the registrar’s attendance or its associated legalities. We strongly advise that once you have booked your date with ourselves, that you contact Devon Registrars to make a provisional booking and pay a £50.00 deposit. This can save disappointment and timeline concerns as the ceremony slots are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and we have known disappointed couples who have had to hold their ceremony much earlier or later that they had planned. You can find out more about the cost involved here.

Once this has been booked with Devon Registrars, you will need to book an appointment to give notice at your local registry office at least 28 days before you intend to tie the knot. Once the year countdown mark has passed, you can attend an appointment and its best to do this as soon as you can. You will need to take proof of your name, age and nationality (your best bet is a passport or birth certificate) and proof of address (driving licence, council tax or recent utility bill). You will each need to pay a £35.00 registry fee to give notice.  If you have been divorced or widowed you will also need to take a decree absolute or a death certificate to prove your freedom to marry once more. The appointment is fairly straightforward and your notice to marry will be publicly displayed for 28 days, after which time the marriage may take place. 

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You will need to pay the final balance of your registrar fees at least 12 weeks before your ceremony and then get to excitedly fill out a preference form, giving information about your readings, music choices, witnesses (you will need to select two) and personalised vows if applicable. (Top Tip: Order a few marriage certificates; you’ll need them for name changes etc.). There can be no religious connotations to a service conducted by a registrar, either within the readings or song choices. 

Then, when the Big Day arrives two registrars will attend Coombe Trenchard. In the half hour before your ceremony they will conduct separate interviews with each of you to confirm you are who you say you are and go over what is about to happen. These lovely people will then have the pleasure of conducting your ceremony, pronouncing you legally wed and handing over your marriage certificates. What a feeling!

Freckle Photography

If the restrictions of a ceremony conducted by a registrar don’t feel suited to the celebration you are planning, we highly recommend the use of Cornish Celebrants to create a bespoke and unique service for you. The legal service can take place at a Registry office on the same or a different day, and you are then free to celebrate within any area of Coombe Trenchard, using your own meaningful words and traditions. 

You can find our more by contacting the Devon Registration Service, browsing the government requirements and printing this handy guide.  

Happy Planning!

Tales from the other side -

 A Coombe Trenchard Bride’s Top Ten Tips:

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Am I basking in the glow, or still completely exhausted? This is the question I am still asking myself one month into married life. It feels the same but different; marriage is comforting presence in an otherwise familiar sea of work, Sunday food shopping and Netflix decisions. Relief is palpable; the18 months of my life spent considering, communicating, dreaming and pinterest-ing were utterly and totally worth it. Possessed of a certain surreal, dreamlike quality, our wedding day went exceptionally well; sunshine, happy smiles and our favourite people investing and involving themselves in a day that meant so much to so many.  With such a momentous build up, it is a strange sensation when the day is actually happening, but also when it has happened.  That constant stream of wedding thoughts in your head cease and allow contemplation and fresh ideas to burst in, the future suddenly opens up like the first green buds in Spring. 

In my new capacity as Wedding Co-ordinator at Coombe Trenchard, I have the honour of assisting and supporting our 2017 Brides and Grooms as they take this same journey. Wonderfully, our venue is incapable of holding the same celebration twice; it is possessed with too many unique spaces, has too much room for interpretation and allows its beauty to be channelled in so many glorious ways.  My excitement at being involved as others create their ‘Best Day Ever’ is huge, my passion and true love of everything that weddings represent ensures that this responsibility feels safe and well placed amongst my positivity and enthusiasm.  

Images by the phenomenally lovely ray of sunshine Emma @ Freckle Photography. 

It seems fitting as I transition from Bride to Wedding Co-ordinator to reflect on my own experience and attempt to support those within the whirlwind and joy of planning their Big Day. So, here are the top ten tips from the new Mrs Colwill:

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• Invest emotionally in Coombe Trenchard. This may seem obvious, but I almost see Coombe Trenchard as a being. Arranging meetings with Sarah, visits with Parents and seeing Facebook and Twitter posts gave me such warm feelings. I do believe this magnificent home is imbedded with its own character and arriving the night before the wedding felt like greeting an old friend. I highly recommended booking tastings, trials and cups of tea in the lead up to your big day; it feels like you are sharing your loved ones and memories with a place that holds a very special place in your heart. 
• Use your time wisely. I remember the see-saw effect of wedding planning well. You go through hugely productive flurries, before focusing on normal life for a short time. Do try to book in a weekend a month or an evening a week to keep up to date though. I felt very organised but still found the fortnight beforehand hugely stressful. You do not want to be handcrafting signage or frantically buying bridesmaid’s presents in grand build up. Make lists, involve friends and family and enjoy the time spent on your day in a measured and thought out way. Discuss the day in detail with Sarah and myself and give due thought to exactly how you want the day to flow and feel from the outset. 

• Know when to stop. This goes for the immediate lead up and the overall planning. We all know that there is no limit to how much money, time and obsessive pinteresting can be spent on your wedding, but you do have to attempt to keep a level of perspective. Make it your dream day, go for what feels right and works for the two of you, but not at a cost to your happiness, stress levels or future financial prospects. I can hold my hands up and say there are a few projects that I didn’t have the strength to complete as the wedding loomed closer and they did not have any bearing on just how incredible the day was. As I ate chocolate with my Bridesmaids the night before, feeling a mixture of excitement and pinch-me nervous bubbles, I let go of the mental to-do list and concerns over stopwatches (!). Keep the balance between creating a magical day and holding onto your sanity!

• Feel present with no pressure. There are no rules as to how you should feel on your wedding day. It is hugely overwhelming, all kinds of wonderful and every person processes and deals with that differently. In the morning I attempted a few calm moments of breathing, then put on some music and danced around the Bridal Suite in a haze of pure, unfiltered excitement. During the speeches though, I became completely overwhelmed and unable to cry, think or form words. Dreams coming true can do that to a person. Ten minutes of walking the grounds with my new husband remedied that and I could continue enjoying every second of a day that whizzes past in smiling faces and squeezy hugs. Vow to stay present, feel the moments and the love coming your way and let the day take you with it. 
• Go on honeymoon straight away. I’m a planner, someone who copes with stress and pressure well and was lucky enough to have a wedding day that exceeded my own expectations, but I was not prepared for the wave of exhaustion that the aftermath brings. It’s happy, elated tiredness that requires you to fall asleep whilst looking at your friends pictures from the day for the thousandth time, but its best done on a beach in a bubble of joy with your new husband. 
• Use Coombe Trenchard’s Spaces to their full potential. So much wow-factor is contained within this magnificent venue. Sarah is incredible at seeing ways to use a space she knows and cares for. We used the minstrel’s gallery for speeches, it was fantastic. These spaces are yours to optimise, celebrate and fill with love: talk to us about how best to use them.

• Stick to your guns and be brave. Others input and expectations can cause issues as you plan a day that carries a lot of weight to it. The road was not without bumps, differences of opinion and lacklustre comments but I’m extraordinarily glad we stuck to our guns and did it our way. Choosing to celebrate your love on your own terms and deciding how much tradition to include is personal and decisions that should be made me you and your partner alone.  
• Understand how much the day means to your family and friends.  I found that our family and friends respected and revelled in our unique take on wedding celebrations. On that day your union and happiness takes precedent in your wonderful loved ones lives. It’s an incredibly special and moving feeling to feel that positivity and unbridled joy being aimed at you and your day. Remember it, treasure it and make time to talk to everyone after the wedding, you’ll be surprised at how much your family will want to discuss such a momentous occasion. 
• Bask in the Bridal Suite of dreams! That bed, that bathroom. A cocoon of grandeur and peace, I still feel emotional just thinking about the time spent within that beautiful part of Coombe Trenchard. 

• Use this new found brain space to plan wonderful things to look forward to once you are wife; after all, this is just the beginning of happy ever after. 

            Emily xx

August blog from Nikki, our 'Real Bride' Wedding Blogger

So it’s now August … how did that happen!! After a fun few months entertaining lots of friends and family who wanted to see our new house and of course doing lots of decorating, it has recently just occurred to me that we really need to get back to thinking about things for the wedding!

Of course all the big stuff is booked so now it’s a case of fine tuning how we want the day to run and look. Making sure we hire anything in to help make the wedding look as we want it to for starters … we’ve had lots of ideas as to how we wanted the various areas of the wedding to look, how we wanted drinks and food to be served and some fun bits and pieces for our guests … so I’ve hired in a few more bits and pieces of furniture from the lovely Ginny at Virginias Vintage Hire.

Vintage vespa scooters from Virginias Vintage hire

Although many brides and grooms don’t look at doing their timeline for the day until much nearer the time we felt it was also right to pencil in a chat with Sarah at Coombe Trenchard to discuss all our plans and check we were on the right track. So late last month we went for another quick visit. So glad we did as the gardens were looking beautiful … and Ant had only ever seen it in the depths of winter so it was lovely for him to see it again too. Sarah, as usual, was incredibly helpful … flagging up things that hadn’t occurred to us and really discussing what our plans would be if there was bad weather. We’d already been working on a timeline for the ideal day but decided we definitely needed a further ‘wet weather’ timeline for all our suppliers so everyone was 100% what was happening.

The last time I wrote a blog post we were just contemplating having our engagement photo shoot with our wedding photographer Clare Kinchin.  We decided, because we love Dartmoor so much, to head off up to Haytor in the end. I was disappointed first thing in the morning as we woke to very stormy skies and miserable weather … but in the end, despite getting a bit windswept and almost losing my hat on several occasions, the weather was perfect as the skies made for the most dramatic pictures. Clare bought along some sheep skulls, to carry on our animal skull motif from our Save the Date Cards, and we just absolutely love the photos!  I would highly recommend an engagement shoot to anyone else getting married – even if it’s just a few weeks before the wedding – as it really helps you relax with your photographer, get used to being posed and allow your photographer to get a feel for how you photograph best as well.

Hopefully in my next update our invitations (currently designing those!) will have gone out and we’ll have started receiving our RSVPs … exciting!

Nikki x

Snap Happy

Snap Happy –

 Our Top Twelve Tips for Getting the Most from Your Wedding Photography

Evolve Photography

1. Style

Spend time browsing a range of Photographer's websites, specifically their portfolios. Professional photographers will have their own unique style and you should look for a method that compliments your intended vibe for the day. Natural, reportage style snaps will go well with a relaxed wedding but you may look for more a more formal tone if your wedding is expected to be a smart affair. See our list of recommended photographers at the end of this blog post for Coombe Trenchard approved snappers.

Freckle Photography

2. Substance

Your photographer will be an active part of the best day of your life; spending time with your favourite people, being present as you get ready and sharing in a very personal celebration. It's important that their personality and energy is a good fit for you and your partner. Photographers tend to have 'About Me' sections on their websites so that you can decide if your values feel in linewith theirs. Arrange a meeting or phone conversation if possible. We can vouch for the work ethic, talent and likability of our recommended photographers. 

Luna Photography

3. Budget

Photography is a costly part of any wedding process, but one that is worth the investment. Fantastic images that you can look back on for the rest of your lives are priceless, something worth remembering when deciding on your budget. Half days can sometimes be available, depending on your requirements. Go for the very best photographer you can afford, you won’t regret it. 

4. Images

Ensure that you are clear on how you will receive the finished images, whether in digital format or as printed hard copies. Think about how you want to use your images and whether it’s important to you to own digital copies (e.g. if you want to make into a canvas or use for thank you cards). Having the full rights to print, copy and share your images can sometimes be a preferable option. 

5. Booking

We know from working with our list of recommend photographers that their diaries fill up remarkably quickly. Securing your venue(s) and a photographer should be at the top of your list of priorities when starting the wedding planning process; their availability may affect other key decisions and your planning time frame. Compare packages, possible travel expenses and ensure you have answers to all of your questions before signing a contract.

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Eclection Photography

Eclection photography

Eclection Photography

Fizz Photography

6. Engagement Shoots

A relatively new trend, these shoots can happen any time pre-nuptials and are a great way for you to meet your photographer and learn to relax in front of the lens before the big day. Many photographers include these shoots within their price and this can be another treasured wedding planning memory (with beautiful images) to keep forever. Choosing an opposing season to your wedding day for your shoot ensures a lovely selection of professional images of you and your partner. We are happy to host your Engagement Shoot here at Coombe Trenchard; it’s a great way for your photographer to get to know our home and gardens (if they don’t already).

7. Communication

Usually you will receive a form from your Photographer in the lead up to your wedding asking for a list of required group shots (if any) and preferred locations. Try not to have more than ten group shots as this can take up a lot of precious time. Communicate any 'must have' shots that you have your heart set on and be as concise as possible. Inform your Photographer of any potential family conflicts or issues so that they can behave sensitively. We HIGHLY recommend that your photographer has visited Coombe Trenchard before the big day, and welcome visits from all of your suppliers to ensure a smooth and well thought out wedding day. There are so many beautiful, hidden secret spots dotted around Coombe Trenchard and our recommendedphotographers have all gained valuable experience of finding the best angles and using the best equipment to get the absolute most from our unique venue. 

8. A Helping Hand

When the day finally arrives, introduce your Photographer to key members of you party and decide who can be their point of contact if necessary. Ensure they have detailed location information to save any delay in arrival. Giving ushers/best men a list of group shots and asking them to ensure those people are ready and waiting can ensure maximum efficiency for both your Photographer and your guests. Make sure your photographer is fed and watered- dips in energy aren’tgood for anyone! After hosting many weddings we have a few insider tips that we can discuss with you and your photographer – firstly that a whole group shot is best done straight from your confetti shot (if you are having one).

9. Timings 

If possible, be fully ready at least half an hour before heading to your ceremony; this will give your photographer time to capture some shots of you and your family/bridesmaids in our stunning bridal suite. If you adore those beautiful, golden light shots on wedding blogs or are determined to get a sunset beach picture then do your homework. It's no use asking the caterer to serve starters at Golden Hour or missing the sunset whilst giggling through the speeches. If in doubt speak to your photographer but think about where you need to be and when to use the most of the light and your surroundings.

10. Strike a Pose

Keep your head up and enjoy every second. Let the camera blend in to the background and focus on your partner and excited loved ones. Make sure to hold your bouquet low and rest your elbows on your hips. Genuine emotion makes for a much nicer picture than an awkwardly posed one. Trust the direction that yourPhotographer gives you, they are the expert on capturing the perfectly framed shot. If you're very nervous about posing in group or couple shots, practice in a mirror beforehand and think happy, confident thoughts!

11. Editing Requests

Be honest with your Photographer and let them know if there’s a certain shadow or blemish that you would like edited out, they will be happy to discuss their editing process with you and work out a solution.

12. Enjoy, Share and Credit

Upon receiving your finished photographs make sure to credit and tag your Photographer when sharing them on social media. Its great exposure for your Photographer and ensures the maximum amount of people get to enjoy your happy, married face!

Thankfully, we've done most of the work for you. Our recommended photographers have all worked at Coombe Trenchard previously and know how to get the very best from our beautiful home. Take a browse at their websites (links below) and feel free to contact Coombe Trenchard if you need any further recommendations or advice. 

• Freckle Photography - A truly wonderful soul, Emma is a hugely talented Photographer whose pictures take our breath away. 

• Lucy Wallace Photography – Lucy is passionate, friendly and takes natural, spontaneously beautiful pictures. 

• Eclection Photography  - Heather is a creative genius who ensures each couples unique character shines through in her pictures.

• Elizabeth Armitage Photography  - An experienced and award-winning Photographer, Elizabeth is inspired by love and lets that shine through in all of her work.

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• Luna Weddings - Anna & Mike have a fantastic reputation and create stunning, atmospheric images from weddings all around the world.

• Evolve Photography – Natural wedding photography that celebrates the beautiful environment of your big day.

"Run Away With Me........"

Elopement weddings at Coombe Trenchard

To me, elopements instantly conjure the notion of wild, Romeo & Juliet style romance. To share an experience so intimate and so specifically for the two of you, whether in secret or not, has always held an enchanting fascination. These days, 'elopement' is the colloquial term given to weddings of a very small nature, either just the happy couple or a few close friends or family members also in attendance. These ceremonies carry the same legal requirements and standing as a traditional day, just on a much smaller and more intimate scale.

Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, Coombe Trenchard is a newly discovered Arts & Crafts gem that has been lovingly restored in recent years. Privately owned, full of original features and more than a little sprinkling of mystery, we feel our home is the perfect setting to fulfil your wildest elopement dreams.

In stark contrast to planning a traditional wedding, elopements can be arranged and performed with minimal fuss, stress and cost. Coombe Trenchard prides itself on not conforming to traditional wedding packages and so encourages you to make your day as unique as you are. We have twelve licensed locations dotted around our house and grounds and work closely with a number of trusted suppliers to ensure your celebration runs smoothly, whatever the size. Stay in our luxurious Bridal Suite, complete with roll top bath, and truly relax in your own wedding bubble. We also grow flowers in our cutting garden and bake delicious treats in our country kitchen; ensuring no air miles and the most authentic Devonshire experience to remember for years to come.

With the average cost of a wedding in the UK now at a whopping £20,500, couples are increasingly looking for cheaper, more unique options to personalise their day. You may choose to have an elopement then a laid back party at a different time or simply skip the planning, saving, legwork and debates by heading off to become hitched in the simplest and most secluded way. Age old family pressures can cause tension, along with loved ones expectations that can vary greatly from your own. Guest list dramas can be avoided and decisions can be made to simply suit you and your other half when choosing to strip your wedding back to its purest form: two people becoming committed for life.

Dartmoor is know for its rugged beauty, desolate vistas and ancient woodland. In the summer months plan a lazy picnic, splash in the streams and enjoy total, warm tranquillity. When the nights draw in and autumn raises its beautiful rusty head its time to gather around our fireplace with a glass of mulled wine after a blustery welly walk. Elopements can be easily arranged at any time of the year, especially if you are planning a week day celebration. Coombe Trenchard can provide accommodation for up to nine guests, so if you are bringing a smattering of guests you could enjoy the wonders of this unique part of the world in your own country home. Well behaved canine companions are also welcome, although sadly cannot acts as witnesses!

If this relaxed and cost effective way of getting hitched appeals to you and your partner, here's a handy check list to assist you in planning an elopement.

Coombe Trenchard's Elopement Check List

The Legal Bit – Elopements still have the same legal requirements as larger weddings; you will need to contact your local Registrar's office to book your ceremony and give Notice of Marriage. You can find all of the relevant information by following this link to the governments website.

Photographer – No matter the size of your wedding, you will always want photos of your Big Day to look back on and show loved ones. We have a list of recommended photographers here at Coombe Trenchard that you can peruse by clicking here.

Witnesses – You will need two witnesses to legally marry. If you are inviting a small amount of guests you will need to select two to perform this duty, if it's just you and your partner you may wish to ask the photographer or ourselves at Coombe Trenchard.

Announcement – Decide who you will tell (if anyone) beforehand and how you will be announcing your special news afterwards.

Inspiration – We are long time fans of Love My Dress, a wonderful bridal blog which features beautiful elopements. You may wish to take a peek through their elopement archives for a dash of inspiration.

Contact Coombe Trenchard on 01566 783179 or via sarah@coombetrenchard.co.uk for more information and a chat, we would love to hear your ideas!