Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle)

This much sought after civil weddings and short breaks holiday venue in Devon is perched high on Haldon Hill and stands in 5 acres of woodland in the heart of the lovely Devonshire countryside some 6 miles from the cathedral city of Exeter. From its vantage-point, panoramic views extending to Dartmoor, Exmoor, the South Hams, the River Exe valley and its estuary can be seen. On a really clear day, the Isles of Purbeck and Portland Bill in Dorset are visible and some say even Wales.

Haldon Belvedere, also known as Lawrence Castle, is a Grade II listed triangular tower, originally built in 1788 by Sir Robert Palk as the centre piece to his vast estates and dedicated to the memory of Major-General Stringer Lawrence the founder of the Indian army.

Devon Historic Buildings Trust renovated the tower in 1994 and is ensuring its future by opening it to the public and providing an unique and very popular venue for Civil Ceremonies, corporate functions and meetings.

Weddings

Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) is an approved premises for Civil Wedding/Partnership Ceremonies and is probably the most popular venue for civil ceremony in Devon and maybe even in the South West of England.

Its uniqueness has made the building a regular feature on TV and in national wedding magazines and was voted as one of the top three wedding venues in Devon at the 2008 Westcountry Wedding Awards. Its magical, fairy-tale presence makes it the number one choice for the smaller, more intimate ceremony and the location gives you that exclusivity that few other outside venues can offer. The rural setting offers stunning views across the lovely Devonshire countryside and beyond.

Lawrence Room

Located on the ground floor, the Lawrence Room, dominated by Major-General Stringer Lawrence’s statue, resembles a chapel with its period doors, windows and flagstone floor. Ceremonies can take place here if there is a large number of guests. The capacity in the Lawrence Room is 65 but the majority of people will require to stand during any ceremony here. This room is normally used for guests congregating before taking their positions for a ceremony upstairs and is also used where a champagne/drinks reception is required. It has access directly out onto the lawn at the back of the castle and has disabled access from the drive. A video link enables guests to view a Ballroom ceremony from this room.

The Ballroom

This room, where King George III was once entertained, must be one of the most sought after ceremony rooms in Devon if not in England. It is bright and airy with a high ceiling, a chandelier, large gothic windows all around the room and baroque plaster-work. The beautiful original Indian mahogany panelled flooring is a fine example of the precision workmanship of classical 18th century carpentry. This is, by far, the favourite choice for most marrying couples with views from the windows to distract even the most attentive of brides! The maximum number of people must not exceed 55 but 10 additional guests can view the ceremony by video link from the Lawrence Room. The acoustics in the Ballroom are ideal for such instruments as the harp. Vocalists excel here or you can even have a piper greet your guests from the battlements.

Please contact us now to make an appointment with our Wedding Co-ordinator.