Devon Couple win dream wedding

A couple from Teignmouth will be able to get married for free after visiting Exeter’s newest wedding venue.

Claire Geisler and her future husband Ben Miles, 31, won the ceremony and reception at the newly opened Larkbeare House, just off Topsham road.

“I was absolutely shocked,” said Claire, 28. “I never ever win anything. We went to have a look because we were already planning to use Larkbeare House but now we’ll have a drinks reception there too, which is fantastic, and get it for free. We want it to be in Teignmouth too, so we’ll then head to the Yacht Club for the evening.”

Claire answered three questions correctly to make it into the prize draw – the old English meaning of the word ‘bride’, why wedding rings are traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand and the name of the main ceremony room at Larkbeare House.

A wedding fair at Saturday’s launch gave people the chance to see the venue for themselves, which is now available for full and part day hire, marriage and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, offering grand rooms and extensive grounds next to the River Exe.

Saturday’s event saw live music from Flowerpower, wedding workshops, first dance classes, demonstrations, goody bags and free tasters from a range of wedding suppliers including Splendid Tents and Tipis, Just Propped Up dressing up photo booth, Devon Norse catering and Clair Makes Cakes.

Cllr Rachel Lyons, The Lord Mayor of Exeter, officially opened the event.

She said: “I’m delighted to officially open Larkbeare House as a wonderful venue for marriages, civil partnerships and naming ceremonies. The sun shone, the grounds – all the way down to the river – looked beautiful and the house itself was fantastic.”

Larkbeare House is available for full-day use for ceremonies and wedding receptions, three hours for ceremonies and drinks receptions, or for the marriage/civil partnership ceremony alone.
Options include large ground floor rooms and a marquee on the lawn, accommodating from small groups up to 200 guests.