Weddings at Senara
Gwithian, Cornwall, UK
Take a moment to imagine this: a welcome party hosted in an amphitheatre inspired by the Minack, hand-written vows in Lost Gardens of Heligan-esque grounds, and musicians playing “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” on pedal steel and tambourine whilst barefoot guests twirl beneath watermelon skies. This luxury elopement venue on North Cornwall’s untamed coast is made for bohèmes and untraditionalists with a wild love story all of their own.
Introduction
Herb cocktails are shaken beneath festoon lights and the younglings on the guest list dash about playing hide and seek in this happy surf home-turned-boho wedding venue on the Cornish coast. It's all style, all substance. Made for bijou gatherings for up to 40 guests, whether it's a church ceremony in the nearby ancient parish of St Gothian, a humanist ceremony amongst the wild pampas or a bewitching blessing as a lavender-infused bonfire dances in the kadai, this is a venue for barefoot brides. With sweet nothings shared, it’ll be time for a knees-up of free-spirited proportions: bring in a taco truck, light up the garden with a thousand candles, and go hand-in-hand over the dunes to make a core memory of the festivities from afar.
Inside
With walls sheathed in birch ply and ceilings strung with rara jute pendants, Senara is an interior pick 'n' mix of Scandi-meets-seaside textures, where hand-carved surfboards sit alongside enormous bowl bathtubs. Take to the seaward balcony — wrapped in fluffy bathrobes — to feast on saffron buns whilst the dog supervises the florists making their arrangements in the garden below. And in the days to follow, wrapped in a post-nuptial fog, have the most treasured members of the wedding party make themselves at home: think easy spa weekenders, afternoons spent swapping cross-legged stories on the flumping sofa, and evenings grouped in the open-plan kitchen, stirring up gorgonzola risotto and toasting into the wee hours.
Outside
If your idea of the perfect wedding weekend is as much about serenity as sundowner gatherings, Senara is the venue for you. Whether it’s just the two of you in the hot tub at sundown or sharing wild cocktails with the entire guest list, intimate elopement venues are all about soulful outdoor experiences; think walking to the beach with flasks of cocoa at dusk, bringing a yogi in for a workshop on the deck, and never missing out on a spot on nature’s grassy dancefloor. While wedding mornings pass in a fizz of Champagne, curated playlists, and the placing of bowties on excitable pups, evenings are for garden games, starlit banquet tables laid with carafes of wine, and sunset photoshoots against a wildflower backdrop.
The Facts
- CapacityUp to 40 wedding guests
- SleepsUp to 12 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are six bedrooms at this luxury wedding venue, split between the house and annexe, most of which are en suite or have a dedicated family bathroom.
View bedrooms - FeaturesOutdoor heated swimming pool (May - September), hot tub, sauna, gym, outdoor kitchen, yoga deck
- PetsTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Each pet is charged at £60 per week or part thereof - Arrivals and departuresArrival Time: 4pmDeparture Time: 10am
- PracticalitiesThis venue is not licensed; couples can have a humanist ceremony on-site or an off-site church ceremony followed by a celebration at the venue. Senara is available for weddings between May to October and can accommodate 40 people. It is possible to have a marquee in the garden, which can be privately sourced via our recommended suppliers (a brochure will be sent to you on enquiry). The venue is booked on a dry-hire basis. Catering vans are permitted. Live bands are permitted; music must quieten at 11pm and cease by 11:30pm, with carriages at midnight. The main house and swimming pool facilities must be locked during wedding celebrations. A three night minimum stay is required.
- Homestay includesGuests staying in the house will receive a luxury welcome hamper of local produce (including Rodda´s dairies, baked goods, chocolates, and chutneys), luxury bed linen and towels, The Bearded Farmers toiletries, children´s toys, candles, and logs and kindling to get you started.House book - your property and destination guideDiscover more
- Private cateringSeeking a celebratory dinner or fully catered escape? Our recommended caterers will work with you to create personalised menus for your stay. Details are shared through our house book on confirming your booking.
- RetreatsFrom surf lessons to dawn yoga and adrenalin-fuelled adventures, we work with the most inspirational of experts to ensure a truly tailored stay. On confirmation of booking, these details will be shared within your house book.
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Gwithian
A favourite among surf-types and water folk, Gwithian is a laidback coastal community known for its trademark blue butterfly-studded duneland. Despite a sprinkling of cream tea spots to sweeten the salty deal, this is one of Cornwall’s wildest golden stretches.
Getting there
- On the Map The luxury elopement wedding venue is located just one mile inland from Gwithian's golden beaches, on the north coast of Cornwall near St Ives.
- By Car Senara is around twenty minutes from St Ives, forty minutes from the Lizard Peninsula, three hours from Bristol, and five hours from London by car.
- By Train Camborne is ten minutes away by car, and forty minutes by public transport and foot. There are regular trains from London Paddington with a journey time of four-and-a-half hours with GWR.
- By Air Newquay Airport is fifty minutes away, Exeter Airport is two hours away, and Bristol Airport is around three hours away by car.
From the owner
“From the coastal gardens to the magical setting, Senara is such an idyllic setting for an elopement wedding. From sunrise walks on the beach to sundowners shared with those closest, it´s such a great place to set the scene for pre and post- wedding celebrations.”
When we designed Senara as our family home, our aim was for it to be very much a place where friends and family could gather, where we'd celebrate birthdays, the start of summer.. we don't need much of an excuse to throw a party!
With this in mind, we created spaces that would lend themselves to such get-togethers; a large lawn - perfect for a marquee, a fire pit area, and lots of beautiful planting. We took inspiration from the Minack Theatre and the Lost Gardens of Heligan as there is something so romantic about these iconic sites. Against a backdrop of Cornish and Mediterranean plants and local granite, and the sauna and hot tub are strategically placed to give a beautiful perspective of the garden from a secluded spot.
Inside, our aim was to create open plan, sociable spaces. The walls showcase a myriad of local artists; wall-to-wall glass frames the landscapes, and exposed wood cabinetry mimics the sugared sands where the sea meets the land just over the hedges.
Our ambition was to create an idyllic Cornish elopement destination for bohemian couples, where there’s something for everyone. From the hot tub, pool, and sauna facilities to the panoramic sea-views and breathtaking sunsets over St Ives Bay and Godrevy. We hope that you and your guests sink into blissful Cornwall life, and that Senara becomes an unforgettable place in your family history.
The Kirk Family
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Gwithian with an insider’s perspective.
To Do
Gwithian Beach
Three miles of golden sands stretching from Godrevey to Hayle, Gwithian offers plenty of space for sprawling out, exploration in rock pools and a reliable surf break throughout the year.
To Eat
Porthminster Beach Cafe, St Ives
Locally sourced seafood, herbs and vegetables grown in the cafe´s own garden and sweeping views of St Ives´ famous Porthminster Beach; there´s very good reason this is one of the town´s most popular lunch spots.
To See
Rogue Theatre, Tehidy Woods
An outdoor, immersive theatre experience in the woods above Portreath beach with afternoon matinees for families and more grownup adaptations at night. Themes change to reflect the seasons; be sure to check the website.
To Do
South West Coast Path
Whether heading north to St Agnes or south to Zennor, this section of the South West Coast Path promises hidden coves, cosy inns, steep ascents and heather-covered cliffs as far as the eye can see.
Press
Below are a selection of features in which Unique Homestays has appeared. If you would like to feature the property in an editorial capacity, please contact the marketing team on +44 (0)1637 882014.
complete an image bank request
25 of the best autumn getaways
The Times
November 2024Good manors
Condé Nast Traveller
November 2024Ways to improve your life—from our experts
The Times
October 2024The UK´s most relaxing riverside stays
The Times
October 2024At one with nature
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024Healing waters
Condé Nast Traveller
September 202425 of the UK´s best lakeside stays
The Times
September 2024Highland fling
25 Beautiful Homes
September 2024
Collections > Surf Retreats > UK > Cornwall > Gwithian > Weddings at Senara
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Disclaimer: These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate, are set as a guideline so should not be relied upon as a statement of fact. The photographs show aspects of the property at the time they were taken and it should not be assumed that the property remains precisely as displayed. If there are points of particular importance that need clarifying before you book, please contact us.
