All you need to know about weddings at Polhawn Fort
Wedding Guide
From example itineraries to seating plans, our wedding guide details everything you need to know. Simply download and save the PDF guides below and for anything else, our team are on hand to help.
FAQs
We hire the Fort out for a weekend from Friday 4.00pm to Monday 10.00am, or mid-week from Monday 4.00pm to Friday 10.00am. We also hire it out for split mid-weeks from Monday 4.00pm to Wednesday 10.00am, or Wednesday 4.00pm to Friday 10.00am.
Who looks after us on the day?
A member of our team is on site throughout your wedding day. They'll meet your suppliers, check setups against the schedule we've agreed with you, and keep the day running on time. You won't need to manage any of that yourself, and there's no extra charge - it's included in your hire.
How much help will we get with planning?
As much as you need. Once your date is confirmed, James and Kyran are your contacts for everything. Call or email as often as you like and we'll come back to you within 24 hours. We've been hosting weddings since 1995, so there are very few questions we haven't already answered.
Do we need to hire a wedding planner?
Most of our couples don't. If you'd like a planner for the extra detail - styling, budgets, guest management - we're happy to recommend one whoe knows the Fort well.
How do we choose our suppliers?
We work with a handpicked list of caterers, florists, photographers, bands and bar teams across Cornwall and Devon: they have worked here before and know the building, the access and the timings. Start with our Supplier list. You're welcome to bring your own suppliers instead at not extra cost, and plenty of couples do, and some friends and family collaborate!
We've never planned a wedding before. Is Polhawn too much work?
No. Exclusive use means you choose your own suppliers, but you're not doing it alone. We'll tell you what to book and when, go through your running order with you before the day, and be there throughout. Call us on 01752 822864 and we'll walk you through it.
How many people can stay at the Fort?
Exclusive hire includes 8 bedrooms sleeping 18 in proper beds - 5 ensuite doubles, 1 ensuite family room and 2 singles sharing a shower room. We can add up to 8 further places on request using sofa beds and fold-out singles, though in practice most couples find that 16 is pleanty. There's a good range of self-catering , hotels and B&Bs nearby for anyone else.
How long do we get the Fort for?
We've been more or less fully booked for the last 20 years and rarely have an empty weekend. This means that if you want to visit, it will need to be on one of our changeover days, which are Mondays and Fridays, with visiting hours between 1pm and finishing at 3:50pm.
After booking you are welcome to come as often as you wish and to meet suppliers at the Fort, though please bear in mind that our main task during these times is showing round new and potential customers.
When can we visit the Fort and how many times?
No, the Fort is not damp or cold. There is a powerful central heating system with thermostatically controlled radiators throughout the Fort. The Fort is in effect like an enormous storage heater – when the stone all around you is warm it will stay like that for hours and takes days to fully cool down.
We will ensure the Fort is warm when you arrive. In the summer, the Fort can be thought of as like a cave and stays cool whatever the weather.
Is the Fort cold?
There are ramps from the end of the car park down to the back door of the Fort which can be used for wheelchair access.
Once guests are in the main area, almost everything is on one level including several ensuite bathrooms which can be made available as you choose. These are not specifically fitted out for disabled guests, but are generally quite suitable.
The gardens are down a flight of three steps from the main area and we provide a wheelchair ramp down these. There are two further steps at the entrance to the garden, which can be accessed by ramp.
We advise viewing the space to ensure it meets the needs of any disabled guests.
Is the Fort accessible?
No, the Fort is a non-smoking building and smoking is not permitted in any areas.
Is smoking allowed?
Yes, there is plenty of accommodation nearby including self-catering, hotels and B&Bs.
Is there additional accommodation nearby?
- Napoleonic hall
- 8 bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 24 people (3 ensuite double rooms, 3 ensuite family rooms and 2 single rooms sharing a shower room)
- Kitchen
- Guest toilets
- Tennis court
- Roof terrace
- Gardens and
- Private pathway to the semi secluded beach!
- Sauna
- To make your stay that little bit easier the Fort also includes the following:
- Tables and chairs for 100 people
- Cutlery and crockery for 100 people
- Glassware for 100 people (including champagne, 6oz wine, 8oz wine and half pint glasses)
- Kitchen equipment (including ice machine, coffee machine, dishwasher, plate warmer, cooking utensils & pots)
- Wine cooler
- Bed linen and towels for up to 24 people
- 3 highchairs and 2 travel cots
- Tea & coffee facilities in all bedrooms
- Washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board
- White drapes and fairy lights decorating the Napoleonic Hall
- Sky TV & wifi
What does hire include?
Are there any extras on top of the tariff?
You can choose your type of entertainment from live bands to DJs, flowers from the most exotic to none at all. We have had fancy dress weddings (lots of men in tights and friar tuck!). If you are unsure just ask, it may be allowed.
How much freedom will we have?
How many people can attend?
Alternatively, if you would prefer a paid bar we can provide details of suppliers to run this for you.
Do you charge corkage?
It is important to make sure that the insurance knows that you have the fort for a weekend or mid-week not just for one day, we ask that you take out the insurance as soon as you book the fort. We also insist on £2,000,000 public liability cover.
Do we need insurance?
All we ask is that you clean up any mess that is left in the gardens and be considerate to the surrounding livestock in the area.
Can we bring pets?
We have cleaners who will thoroughly clean Polhawn Fort between bookings and change the beds ready for the next guests.
