Weddings at Gwendolyn
Perranporth, Cornwall, UK
There are some locations that we only ever expect to see on the silver screen, and then there’s Gwendolyn. With a thatched roof that feigns to keep a lid on the joy within, wise ivory chimneys that preside over garden love scenes, and casement windows that look out to the sea at Perranporth, this is perhaps the most poetic luxury elopement wedding venue in all of Cornwall.
Introduction
Let them have their grandiose weddings. Lovers with their hearts set on a humbler affair will be smitten with Gwendolyn, a caricatured Cornish cottage made for "Shakespeare meets Sarah Jessica Parker" micro-weddings. Think luxury coastal elopement, where the guest list is capped at twenty, hounds in bow ties gallivant around the garden, and the wedding portraits are drenched in golden hour light on Perranporth Beach. Couples can have a chic humanist ceremony in the cottage garden or opt for a religious ceremony in Rose Methodist Church or St Michael Mission Church, both under two miles away, before an evening of custom celebrations; from a bohemian disco beneath the pergola’s string lights to a glamorous candlelit banquet by the pond.
Inside
An artistic take on the intimate, and bursting with soft elegance, couples who choose to make their forever promises at Gwendolyn will have the cottage all to themselves (and up to four guests) for a minimum of three nights. Behind the dragonfly doorknocker and blushed hydrangea guard posts, you’ll find marshmallow sofas, beaded chandeliers, pointed arch doors, and split brick terracotta floors that beckon barefooted gatherers around the farmhouse table. On the wedding eve, gather in the snug to wax nostalgic, pouring from a carafe of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and feasting on Cornish gouda and local wildflower honey. Then, fill the clawfoot with bubbles and tumble into the four-poster whensoever you are inclined to sleep.
Outside
With timber-framing slaked in sage grey Farrow & Ball, string bulbs that throw dappled light upon the midday dancers, and tanalised timber beams bringing warmth in bushels, there’s joy to be had outside. After the rice has been thrown, the wedding party can assemble on the lawn to sip Apple-y Ever After Martinis and feast on a privately-catered wedding breakfast of truffle risotto and Sicilian ricotta cake. Wrapped in the merry din of a string quartet or the soft flutter of an acoustic guitar, moonstruck newlyweds can have their first dance as the sky turns from apricot to indigo and sparklers bounce off the glass-like pond. The next day, take a lovers’ jaunt to Perranporth Beach for whimsical wedding photos with a touch of Malibu appeal.
The Facts
- CapacityUp to 20 wedding guests
- SleepsUp to 6 guests
- Bedrooms and bathroomsThere are three bedrooms at this luxury elopement wedding venue; one with a super king-size bed (and en suite shower room), one with a king-size bed, and one zip-and-link which can be made up as a king-size bed or twin beds. The latter two rooms share use of the family bathroom, which contains a clawfoot bath, and separate ground floor shower room.
View bedrooms - FeaturesHot tub, al fresco barbecue area
- 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
- PracticalitiesThe property is not licensed; couples can have a humanist ceremony on-site or an off-site church ceremony followed by a celebration at the venue. It is possible to have a stretch tent above, or marquee on, the decking: both 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, and caterers can make use of Gwendolyn’s farmhouse kitchen. The outside table can seat ten, while the kitchen table seats six. Music must be turned down at 11pm and off by 11:30pm, with carriages at midnight. There is one ground floor toilet accessible to day guests, and space for up to six cars on-site. Due to the historic nature of the cottage, ceilings and doorways are low in some of the main living spaces. It is advised that children under eight should refrain from using the loft snug, as access is via a steep wooden ladder. A three-night minimum stay is required.
- Homestay includesGuests staying in the property will receive a luxury welcome hamper of Cornish produce, with use of bathrobes, scented candles, luxury linens, 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 adrenaline-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.
- Eco-friendlyElectric car charging point available
- Other informationProperty terms and conditionsFrequently asked questionsView floor plan
Prices & Availability
Perranporth
Golden beaches, natural pools, and surf breaks that conjure images of SoCal, Perranporth happens where lively village and cool coastal living combine; an idyllic spot for a luxury elopement by the sea.
Getting there
- On the Map This luxury elopement wedding destination is located down a short public byway lane just a thirty-minute walk from Perranporth Beach in north Cornwall.
- By Car From London, take the M4 towards Bath, the M5 South, and then the A30 to Cornwall, before following the directions provided to the venue.
- By Train The nearest train station is in Newquay, less than a fifteen-minute drive away. There are more frequent services from London to Bodmin and Truro which are approximately thirty and twenty minutes away respectively.
- By Air Newquay Airport is a twenty-five minutes away, and Exeter Airport can be reached in one-and-a-half hours.
From the owner
“With endless coastal views and unassuming charm, Gwendolyn exudes a timeless appeal. A beautiful venue for an intimate elopement wedding, it´s every bit as tranquil as it is chic.”
Gwendolyn is a cottage with a personality all of its own. It is such a characterful venue; from its thatched roof to its incredible position overlooking Perranporth Beach.
The setting is the perfect fusion of coast and country, and our aim was to create a place that celebrated the unique location. All the design choices were made with relaxation in mind, from the tonal hues and cosy blankets to the oil paintings and interesting books that line the shelves.
Perched high above the village overlooking the beach beyond, the setting of the cottage is magical. You can walk to the sea within thirty minutes, and there are a wealth of lovely pubs and restaurants to be enjoyed in the surrounding villages too.
Gwendolyn is a great option for couples seeking an intimate wedding; up to twenty guests can attend, and there's room for six people (and three dogs!) to stay in the cottage. We love to picnic on the lawn in summer, but the deck is the perfect place for an alfresco supper; the sunsets from here are nothing short of extraordinary.
The Stanleys
Owner recommendations
Live like a local, discovering the best hidden gem restaurants, walks and attractions during your holiday in Perranporth with an insider’s perspective.
To Eat
Rojanos, Padstow
Paul Ainsworth´s Rojano´s in the Square serves rustic Italian and Mediterranean influenced dishes in the heart of Padstow. Open 7 days a week, from 10am to late, whether you are looking for lunch, dinner or something in between.
To Eat
Champan’s Butchers, Perranporth
Your local family-run butchers, The Champmans will be able to provide all the trimmings for a home-cooked barbecue feast. Call ahead to make arrangements for your special event; from succulent roasting joints to hog roasts
To Do
The Camel Trail
Take in the beautiful views on the Camel Trail, a cycle path that runs between Wadebridge and Padstow. Perfect for a leisurely bike ride on the level, you can stop at Camel Valley en route to stock up on Cornish Brut for the big day.
To See
Cornish Wine Tours
Cornish Wine Tours offer unique trips to visit the best vineyards in Cornwall. From Camel Valley to Trevibban Mill, and from Knightor Winery to Bosue Vineyard, continue the celebrations and make it your group Sunday activity.
Guest Testimonials
Read reviews on TrustPilot and Google
Wow, what an amazing chocolate box cottage, Gwendolyn is just stunning. Our holiday was simply perfect and we´ve made memories that will stay with us for a very long time. Thank you.
There are beautiful walks from the cottage to beaches through the glorious open countryside. The cottage has a comforting feel and I loved listening to the rain lay gently on the picturesque thatched roof. The cottage has far-reaching views over Perranporth to the sea, with amazing technicolour sunsets you never want to end. Sitting in the hot tub at sunset makes Gwendolyn a truly magical place with treats for everybody.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Gwendolyn with us, we have had the most amazing time. We would love to come back and will definitely be recommending! Gwendolyn, you have everything and more.
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.
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The UK´s cosiest boltholes for Christmas (The Times)
The Times
December 2024Natural beauty
25 Beautiful Homes
December 202425 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 2024
Exclusive-use Wedding Venues > UK > Cornwall > Perranporth > Weddings at Gwendolyn
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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.
