Wedding Photographer at Tawstock Court, Devon

Tawstock Court, Tawstock, Barnstaple EX31 3HY

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Tawstock Court, Devon

Tawstock Court is a Devon wedding venue that is full of character, but it still gives couples plenty of freedom to make the day feel like their own. Set just outside Barnstaple, it has the charm of a historic country house, but the weddings themselves can feel completely different depending on the couple.

I’ve seen it work beautifully for relaxed outdoor ceremonies, colourful celebrations, more traditional weddings and so much more.

What I particularly love from a Devon wedding photography point of view is the variety. You have the house itself, the Fountain Terrace, lawns, countryside views, historic interiors and gorgeous backdrops aplenty.

We can create a beautiful gallery without having to disappear away from your guests.

It is the epitome of a North Devon wedding. There are views across the surrounding countryside, lots of lovely greenery and enough indoor and outdoor space that the photography can adapt as the day and weather changes.

Tawstock Court offers five indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces and accommodation for up to 45 guests, so couples can keep much more of the celebration in one place.

For me, the best part is seeing how differently every couple uses it. The venue provides the backdrop, but once your flowers, styling, family and friends arrive, it takes on a completely different personality. And that is very exciting!

My Experience Here

Tawstock Court holds an incredibly special place in my heart. It was my very first teaching job here in Devon, the summer after we got married and moved from the midlands. It was a former private school and is steeped in history. What began as my first taste of Devonshire schooling, I have developed relationships that mean so much to me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing countless beautiful celebrations here, creating so many wonderful memories along the way.

I’m incredibly lucky to call owners Laura and Jake friends, whose warmth, generosity and genuine passion for Tawstock Court shine through in everything they do. They are two of the most welcoming and hardworking people I know and working alongside them feels less like work and more like spending time with lifelong friends.

From the grandeur and history of the house to the beautiful grounds, quiet corners and ever changing Devon light, Tawstock Court offers an extraordinary setting for photography. Every wedding feels completely individual and after so many years here, I know the venue intimately, from the places that catch the most beautiful light to those fleeting, quieter moments that can so easily be missed.

For me, Tawstock Court isn’t simply somewhere I photograph weddings. It’s part of my story in Devon and I feel incredibly proud to have captured so many unforgettable chapters of other people’s stories here

Visit Tawstock Court website

Best Locations For Wedding Photos at Tawstock Court, Devon

A few of my favourite spots around Tawstock Court for relaxed, natural wedding photos.

fountain terrace at tawstock court

The Fountain Terrace

This is one of the most wonderful outdoor ceremony locations. It gives you the house, countryside and open skies, so your loved ones are gathered somewhere that works beautifully for your photographs immediately after the wedding. The Fountain Terrace is a hugely popular choice amongst couples who book Tawstock Court for their wedding. 

The Lawns

This is the perfect spot for relaxed guests photographs and unplanned moments after the ceremony. Plus, you’ll find plenty of room for group photographs without having to squeeze everybody into one place. 

The House

The architecture offers an alternative backdrop to the outdoor space. Doorways, stonework and more historic parts of the estate can add some serious romance to your wedding album. The house is also home to an array of gorgeous reception areas and interiors, so even if it rains, you’ll have tonnes of gorgeous backdrops for your wedding album.

The Golden Hour

Make the most of the wider grounds and countryside views, especially during golden hour. I love nothing more than making use of the grounds at Tawstock Court as the evening light changes. 

Seasonal Photography at Tawstock Court

Spring

Spring works beautifully at Tawstock Court as the grounds start to come back to life. Think fresh greenery and soft spring light – a photographer’s dream! This is a great time to make use of the estate and its grounds. 

Summer

Summer at Tawstock Court is the best opportunity to make use of the lawns, terrace and outdoor ceremony spaces. The longer evenings also mean there is less pressure to take every couple portrait immediately after the ceremony. You can enjoy drinks and mingling with your guests before heading back outside later when the light softens. 

Autumn

The historic house and surrounding countryside lend themselves perfectly to an autumn wedding in North Devon. The changing colours can add warmth and depth to your wedding photographs, while the interiors mean there are still plenty of options if the weather becomes less predictable. 

Winter

This is when the house itself really comes into its own. Historic rooms, cosy fireplaces, evening light, the warm glow of candles – it all offers a totally different (but equally gorgeous) feel from a summer wedding. Tawstock Court really is a North Devon wedding venue that works across the seasons. 

“If I could recommend one place for portraits it’s the little bench at the top of the hill looking back at the place you just got married in.”

Top Tips for Couples

  • Leave room in your timeline for wedding photographs so it doesn’t feel rushed
  • Have a wet-weather plan – but don’t panic about the rain the house is so beautiful we can stay inside all day if we need.
  • Consider your ceremony time – for an outdoor ceremony, the position of the sun can make a big difference.
  • Make time for evening light if you can you’ll get a different style of couple portraits.

Local Knowledge

Tawstock Court is close to Barnstaple, which makes it a fun idea for your friends and family to turn your wedding into a memorable North Devon weekend.

Accommodation near Tawstock Court

The venue can accommodate up to 45 guests, while Barnstaple also has a selection of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation, including:

  • Hollamoor Farm in Tawstock
  • The Barnstaple Hotel
  • Holiday cottages around Tawstock and Barnstaple

Travelling to Tawstock Court

Tawstock Court is in the village of Tawstock, just outside Barnstaple, at EX31 3HY.

  • Nearest major town: Barnstaple
  • Rail: Barnstaple railway station
  • Road: Guests coming from further afield will generally approach North Devon via the A361 North Devon Link Road before heading towards Barnstaple and Tawstock.
  • Airport: Exeter Airport is the most practical regional airport for many guests flying into Devon.
  • For weddings with a lot of guests arriving by train or staying in different accommodation, I would suggest arranging taxis in advance rather than relying on last-minute availability.
B-Line Taxis
First Tai Barnstaple

Tawstock Court FAQs

A few of the things couples ask me most before booking – from where I travel to what you’ll receive after the day.

Yes many times! Tawstock Court is one of the Devon venues I have photographed regularly, so I already know the flow of a wedding day there and the different areas we can use for photographs.

Do not panic at all. Tawstock Court has both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, as well as plenty of character inside the house. I will always have a wet-weather plan in mind and we can make decisions around the conditions on the day rather than letting the forecast take over the wedding.

There is no single “best” season, they’re all beautiful in their own ways. Summer gives you long evenings and outdoor ceremonies, autumn changes the colours around the grounds, while winter puts more emphasis on the house and interiors. The right choice depends much more on how you want the wedding to feel.

I would normally rather take you away for a couple of short periods than disappear with you for an hour. Tawstock Court works particularly well for this because there are wonderful photography locations close to the main celebration.

Tawstock Court is well placed for exploring North Devon, with the Tarka Trail and Barnstaple Pannier Market nearby. Further afield, guests can visit North Devon’s beaches, Exmoor National Park and popular coastal towns and villages including Clovelly, Instow, Appledore, Ilfracombe and Croyde. There are also plenty of scenic walks in the area, with Codden Hill a local favourite for its far-reaching views towards Lundy Island.

Full of colour.
Full of joy.
Full of life.

If you’re looking for a Devon wedding photographer who will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, care about your people and capture your day with warmth, colour and energy I would love to hear about your plans.

Whether you are planning a wedding with the coastline as your backdrop, ready to have a celebration in the countryside or something entirely your own, I’d love to know what plans that are entirely you and heartfelt.

Fill out the form in as much detail as you can, I just can’t wait to hear what you’re planning!

    (I send a text to make sure you receive my email. Sometimes I end up in the junk!! How rude)