If you're searching for one of the best small wedding venues in Cornwall, The Cornish Place offers the perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Specialising in small wedding ceremonies and elopement weddings, we provide a seamless, stress-free experience in one of the UK’s most breathtaking locations.

A Cornwall elopement is all about romance, simplicity, and making your day truly special. With its stunning coastline, verdant countryside, and relaxed atmosphere, Cornwall is the ideal place to exchange vows. Whether you're looking for all-inclusive intimate wedding packages or a more bespoke approach, we offer a range of elopement packages tailored to your vision.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect when you book your elopement wedding in Cornwall, from the first steps of planning to your unforgettable wedding day.

Elopement weddings at The Cornish Place

Aerial photo of The Cornish Place by Thomas Frost Photography

At The Cornish Place, you can enjoy an intimate countryside retreat, surrounded by peaceful farmland. Our venue is designed for small weddings, offering accommodation for up to 16 guests, so you can stay and marry in the same place. Our luxury holiday cottages, wood-fired hot tubs, and beautiful outdoor spaces create a magical setting for your elopement ceremony. Plus, with pet-friendly and family-friendly facilities, your loved ones – furry friends included – can be part of your special day.

We also take the stress out of planning by working with trusted local suppliers, from florists and caterers to musicians and photographers. Our Cornwall elopement packages are designed to make your wedding effortless, whether you choose a simple, private ceremony or a small wedding with close family and friends.

Cornwall elopement: what to expect

We know that the beauty of an elopement wedding is keeping things stress-free. That’s why we help couples plan their entire stay, typically three nights, covering everything from food – whether dining at the venue or elsewhere – to exploring the best of the area.

With over 15 years in the wedding industry, Andi ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, so you can focus on enjoying the moment whilst you’re here.

Step 1: Elopement or micro-wedding

The first thing we’ll discuss is whether you're planning an elopement or a micro-wedding. Whilst both are intimate wedding options, they offer different experiences.

Just the two of us, photo by Olivia Rossi.

An elopement is a truly private affair, typically just for the couple or with a maximum of six guests, all staying together in the same cottage. On the other hand, a micro-wedding allows for a slightly larger gathering, with exclusive access to all cottages on-site, accommodating up to sixteen guests.

If you're looking for something larger again, we can host up to 20 guests and explore additional accommodation options to ensure everyone has a comfortable stay.

A typical Exclusive Use wedding at The Cornish Place. Photo by Arianna Fenton.

Step 2: All-inclusive or bespoke package

We know that one of the biggest appeals of an elopement wedding is the freedom to design a day that truly reflects you as a couple – without the pressure of tradition or expectations. That’s why our intimate weddings are entirely bespoke, with Andi taking on the role of wedding planner to ensure every detail is just right.

Whether you envision an “unweddingy” wedding, with a relaxed ceremony followed by a meal at a cozy local pub or restaurant, or you prefer a more traditional small wedding ceremony complete with florists, photographers, catering, and professional hair and makeup, we can make it happen. With our flexible elopement packages, you have the freedom to create a day that’s as laid-back or as polished as you like, all set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall. Shortly after booking, we will arrange a videocall with Andi to go through all the detail of what you want from your stay.

Step 3: Choose the perfect date

Once you've settled on the size of your small wedding, it's time to choose a date. The Cornish Place hosts intimate weddings year-round, with each season offering its own benefits.

Spring – A truly magical time for a Cornwall elopement, with blossoms in full bloom and bluebells carpeting the woodland opposite, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your elopement ceremony.

Summer – Enjoy long, golden evenings, warm weather, and stunning photo opportunities in fields filled with wildflowers and tall grasses. Perfect for a romantic elopement wedding.

Autumn – Our favourite season in Cornwall! The landscape transforms with rich autumnal hues, and the abundance of wildlife adds to the charm of a cozy, nature-filled small wedding ceremony.

Winter – Dreaming of a winter Cornwall elopement? Our greenhouse provides a stunning setting for intimate, all-weather ceremonies, whilst misty woodland backdrops create beautiful wedding photos.

Magical fairylights in the Woodshed in December.

Step 4: Decide on your ceremony and location

The Cornish Place is a licensed wedding venue, meaning legal weddings are conducted by Cornwall’s registrar team. Whilst there is no religious element to the ceremony, the registrars are happy to make the experience as personal as possible, with options like a knot-tying ceremony to add a unique touch.

The Woodshed is the perfect licensed wedding venue for intimate rustic weddings. Photo by Katie Goff.

Licensed ceremony spaces at The Cornish Place include the rustic Woodshed, the contemporary Piggery in the Courtyard, the Field Shelter and lots of beautiful outdoor spaces. The choice is yours!

If you prefer a celebrant-led ceremony, such as handfasting, we are more than happy to facilitate this. However, these ceremonies are not legally binding. If you choose this route, we can assist you in arranging the legal formalities separately at a registry office or here as a separate ceremony, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Sara Price officiating a handfasting ceremony. Photo by Verity Westcott Photography.

Step 5: Choose your catering

Jade from Naughty Nonnas setting up a feast, photo Lyra and Moth.

Once your elopement plans start taking shape, we’ll arrange a video call to walk through supplier options and help you craft your perfect catering experience.

For a seamless, stress-free wedding, The Cornish Place offers a list of trusted, high-quality caterers to choose from. However, we’re also happy to work with you to create a bespoke dining experience – whether that’s a casual BBQ, a relaxed pizza night, or an elegant four-course meal. We can also arrange catering for the rest of your stay, including an arrival menu, a wedding day breakfast, or anything else you might need.

Looking for the perfect wedding cake? We can help with that too! Andi previously ran a wedding cake business in London, so she can assist with sourcing, setup, and decoration, ensuring your cake is as beautiful as the rest of your day.

Step 6: Hair and makeup

Georgie and Ione working together on bridal prep!

If you'd like a professional touch for your wedding day, we have a selection of trusted local hair and makeup artists to choose from. Whether you need just hair, just makeup, or both, we can help find the perfect stylist to suit your style and preferences. Speak with Andi to explore your options and book a beauty professional who will make you feel your best on the big day.

Step 7: Decide on florals

Flowers by 3 Acre Blooms, photo by Lyra and Moth

Flowers play a key role in creating the perfect atmosphere for your Cornwall elopement, and Andi is here to help you find the right fit. Whether you prefer pre-arranged bouquets from a local florist or the charm of handpicking your own blooms from nearby flower farms, we can guide you through the options. We encourage eco-friendly, plastic-free choices to keep your wedding as sustainable as possible. For an extra personal touch, you're welcome to cut ivy from our hedgerows or pick flowers sensibly from our land.

Andi moving flowers by Wild Rose from the ceremony to the celebration, image Thomas Frost.

Whatever you choose, we can assist with repurposing your flowers, moving arrangements from your ceremony to your celebration meal. If you'd like a lasting keepsake, we can also connect you with a local artist who can press your bouquet into a unique piece of art, preserving your wedding flowers for years to come.

Step 8: Choose your music

Music sets the tone for your intimate wedding, and we’re here to help you create the perfect soundtrack for your Cornwall elopement. We have strong connections with local musicians, and for the cozy, romantic feel of an elopement ceremony, acoustic music tends to be the best fit over amplified sound. Whether you envision a live guitarist, a folk duo, or a violinist, we can help you find the right match.

Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own instruments to make your ceremony even more personal. If you’d rather curate your own playlist, each cottage is equipped with a Bluetooth speaker, which can be used during the ceremony and celebration. For something slightly different, silent discos are also possible. However, as long as festivities wrap up before midnight, noise levels shouldn’t be an issue.

Step 9: Organise your decorations

We believe that small, thoughtful touches can transform your intimate wedding venue into something truly magical. To help you create a beautifully styled Cornwall elopement, we offer a collection of candlesticks, bud vases, and hessian bunting that couples are welcome to borrow. If you're looking for something more elaborate, we can also recommend trusted decoration hire companies to bring your vision to life.

Simple bud vases and candlesticks in the Piggery, photo by Olivia Rossi.

We can also assist with stationery, with our list of high-quality Cornish stationery suppliers. This includes both stationery on the day and wedding invitations.

Our only request is to keep single-use plastic to a minimum, ensuring your special day is as sustainable as it is beautiful. This includes only using flower petal confetti.

Step 10: Choose a photographer

Capture the magic of your Cornwall elopement with stunning wedding photos. No matter the season, The Cornish Place offers breathtaking backdrops, from mystical woodland settings to golden fields of long grass.

Tom Frost in action, photo by The Springles.

We have a list of recommended photographers who know our venue inside out and can make the most of the natural light and scenery. Most couples find that a half-day photography package is plenty to capture the key moments of their small wedding ceremony.

If you have your own photographer in mind, you're more than welcome to bring them along. However, we recommend they visit beforehand to familiarise themselves with the venue and scout the best spots for those perfect shots.

Step 11: Organise additional activities

Cornwall isn’t just a stunning elopement location – it’s a place worth exploring. From golden beaches and fiery sunsets on the north coast to the quiet creeks and hidden coves of the south, there’s plenty to discover.

During your three-day stay, we can help plan special activities, whether it’s a romantic coastal walk, a private boat trip, or a relaxed gathering at a local pub. We’ll also assist with organising food, transport, and anything else you might need during your stay.

Step 12: Make the final touches

One month before your wedding, we’ll schedule a final video call to refine your timeline and confirm all supplier details. This is your opportunity to make any last-minute adjustments, ensuring everything is exactly as you envision.

From there, you can relax and focus on the excitement of your upcoming intimate wedding – we'll take care of the rest!

What to expect on the day

Every elopement or small wedding is unique, but here’s an outline of how your day might unfold:

Arrival – We encourage guests to arrive after 4pm the evening before, with the couple arriving a few hours earlier to unwind.

Getting ready – If you’ve booked hair and makeup, the schedule will depend on your stylist. Typically, one half of the couple prepares in their cottage, whilst the other gets ready with guests. We recommend that everyone is ready at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Registrars – Arriving 45 minutes before the ceremony, the registrars will meet the couple separately to go over the process.

Collecting the bride – Once everyone is seated, we’ll cue the arrival music and escort the bride to begin the ceremony.

Ceremony – Whilst flexible, we recommend starting after 1 pm to allow a relaxed morning. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes, but we encourage readings or personal touches to make it special.

Confetti & champagne – Celebrate with a joyful confetti toss, photos and a glass of bubbly.

Tree planting – Every couple plants a tree at The Cornish Place – a unique memory and a perfect photo opportunity.

Food – Catering usually begins around four hours after the ceremony, but we tailor timings to suit you.

Evening celebrations – The Paddock Bar can be open for cocktails, local wines, and beers, or you’re welcome to bring your own (no corkage fee).

Honeymoons at The Cornish Place

Cornwall is a stunning honeymoon destination, and we’d love to help you plan your perfect mini-moon. Many couples choose to extend their stay for a few extra days after their guests have departed, soaking up the beauty of this peaceful corner of Cornwall. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your first moments as a married couple – just the two of you, surrounded by nature, relaxation, and romance.

Get in touch

If a romantic, stress-free elopement or intimate wedding sounds perfect for you, reach out to Andi to discuss your plans and start bringing your dream day to life.

Elopement weddings at The Cornish Place: What to expect

Elopement weddings at The Cornish Place