A breathtaking backdrop for your wow-factor wedding in Cornwall
Weddings
There’s nowhere more memorable for a wedding than Polhawn Fort. The historical Fort overlooking Cornwall’s dramatic coastline provides a truly unique setting throughout the seasons.
Available for exclusive hire midweek or over the weekend, our venue’s indoor and outdoor spaces are all yours for the entire time that you are here with us.
We offer complete freedom to create a wedding that's personal to you, with our experienced in-house team beside you the whole day. You choose the suppliers and the style. We'll tell you what to book and when, go through your running order before the day, and be here throughout it.
On a summer’s day, there is nowhere more romantic to say your vows than our Summerhouse. Positioned cliffside between the Fort and the ocean with far-reaching views of the Cornwall coastline, our Summerhouse & Lawns are fully licensed for outdoor wedding ceremonies.
Once the formalities are finished, our manicured lawns overlooking the secluded Cornish cove offer ample space for outdoor marquee receptions and dining al fresco. Our recommended suppliers know the Fort inside out and will be happy to arrange a site visit to talk through the plans for your wedding and suggest the most suitable options.
100
Seated
Capacity
Summerhouse + Lawn
For indoor weddings, The Fort offers two inviting spaces for your special day. Larger parties can be hosted in the Grand Napoleonic Hall seating up to 100 guests, while our Ocean Room is ideal for small, intimate weddings of up to 30 guests.
The warm, earthy tones of the Fort’s natural Cornish stone provides a blank canvas for your special event. Style the space with elaborate floral displays or keep it understated and let the Fort’s natural beauty become the backdrop to your bespoke Cornwall wedding.
100
Seated
100
Standing
Capacities
The Fort’s Halls
Perfect for pre or post wedding ceremony gatherings, The Terrace is a stretch-tent space on the roof of the Fort. Decorated with fairy lights and surrounded by lush vegetation, it’s the ideal place to relax and reminisce.
Due to our coastal location and occasional strong winds, there may be times when The Terrace is unavailable. Guests will be notified 24 hours before your event should adverse weather conditions affect the use of the space.
75, 64 and 80 guests
Seated Options for
100
Standing
Capacities
The Terrace
While here, we invite you to do as much or as little as you like. Soak up the Cornish sun by day and star gaze by night. Go wild swimming in the ocean or enjoy a soothing soundbath by the bay. Take a leisurely hike along the South-West coastal path toward the ancient Rame Head, or meander through the Grade One gardens at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. There’s more than enough to fill a few days here and you’ll find the very best of Cornwall within easy reach.
Local activities
Available for stays midweek or over the weekend, Polhawn Fort comfortably sleeps 16 guests within the exclusive hire agreement. Need extra beds? Let us know as we can often accommodate an additional eight guests on request.
Stay Here
A family owned and managed venue, our approach is friendly and hands-on. Exclusive use doesn't mean going it alone - from the moment you book, James & Kyran are on hand for every question, and our recommended suppliers already know the Fort inside out. We keep rules to a minimum, and stay close so you're never guessing. James has been at the Fort since 2002 and Kyran since 2012. Between them they've helped bring many weddings to life, so there's very little they haven't seen before.
Planning your day
Built in 1867, originally as a deterrent to Napoleon III, Polhawn Fort was designed with strength, security and longevity in mind. The threat of a hostile landing on Whitsand Bay was over before the build was complete, so the Fort has never seen battle. Since then, the building has been reimagined as a private home, guest house, hotel and wedding venue.
The History
Why Polhawn
Seasonal, locally-sourced produce and superb service come as standard. No matter the style of event, you can be certain that you and your guests will enjoy a celebratory feast that matches the fabulous Cornish setting.
Our in-house team are on hand to talk you through the options available, the menus, seating configurations and a guide on costs. If you have your own preferred caterer in mind, that’s no problem either. We welcome you to choose the suppliers that best suit your wedding style.
When it comes to food at Polhawn Fort, the choice is fully yours. Whether you have five courses of fine dining or an informal al fresco BBQ in mind, you’ll be in complete control of the catering you choose for your wedding.
We work with a handpicked collection of Cornwall & Devon's best caterers who, between them, can deliver every type of cuisine. Innovative menus to accommodate vegans, vegetarians, children and those with specific dietary needs are available, all cooked with the same passion and panache.
Food at the Fort
Once supper has been served, it’s time for the evening after party. The Fort has a full alcohol and entertainment licence, allowing you to choose the suppliers that best suit your style of occasion.
Stock up your own bar with specially selected spirits, beers, ales and wines to serve to guests free of charge, without incurring any corkage fees. Alternatively, bring in a bar supplier to run a paid bar fully stocked with your tipples of choice.
Dance the night away to the sounds of your preferred DJ or live band, or ask us for details of our favourite entertainment suppliers.
The After Party
A wedding is a celebration of you, and we want you to experience it in a unique way that's personal. Being family-owned means we make our own rules, and we've kept them to a bare minimum.
That freedom works because you're not alone at Polhawn Fort. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll tell you what's involved, who to book, and when. Whatever the vision, we'll connect you with the people who can make it happen.
Your Wedding
Your Way!
Your Celebrant Registrar can enable special bespoke rituals within your legal ceremony: here are some. The Registrar will work with you to create a ceremony that celebrates your individuality whilst also being legal and official.
The Knot
The tying of the fisherman’s knot is a beautiful traditional ritual. Otherwise known as the lover’s knot, the fisherman’s knot is one of the strongest knots there is. The knot becomes stronger under pressure which signifies the enduring love and commitment you have for each other.
Ring Warming
A ring warming ceremony can be a lovely way for your family and friends to be part of your wedding. The wedding rings are passed from guest to guest, and held for a few seconds so everyone can imbue the rings with love and good wishes for your life together.
The Stop-The-Clock Moment
The Stop-the-Clock moment is designed to create a pause: a breath, a moment of stillness, symbolism, and connection. You need a special clock or timepiece. At the moment the vows are spoken or the rings are exchanged, someone stops the clock, with a few words to describe what is happening. After the ceremony, the clock becomes your special keepsake.
Sand Blending
Sand blending involves pouring different coloured sands into one vessel. This represents the joining of individuals into one inseparable unit. Children can also be included, symbolising joining together as a family.
Did you know, you can now book the date and time of your legal marriage ceremony online when you make your booking with Polhawn Fort? This makes planning your special day even easier, allowing you to secure your preferred ceremony date and time from the very beginning.
Built with 8-feet deep, granite walls, The Fort is designed to weather all seasons. Winter weddings here bring a new vibe, where cosy comfort and log fires become the order of the day. The wild coastal storms and pared-back nature are enjoyed from within.
Between the snow and rain, Cornwall’s micro-climate provides plenty of sunshine year-round for brisk walks along the beach and outdoor photo opportunities.
Polhawn Fort is available for exclusive weddings throughout the year and offers seasonal reductions. Get in touch for details of our winter rates.
Winter Weddings
Beth & Gregg
"We had our wedding at Polhawn Fort in May and it was simply the best! When we viewed Polhawn Fort 2 years ago it took our breath away, it was the first venue we viewed and we booked in that day, absolutely stunning. All our guests were wowed too and kept saying to us we’ve won the wedding of the year by our venue alone! On top of that, James and the team were extremely helpful and went above and beyond with any query we had, and always got back to us so quickly!"
"The most beautiful wedding venue in the world ever."
Rhiannon & Travis
"I can't even put into words how incredible our wedding was there! It was like a dream come true and still can't believe it was for our special day. The team were so kind and helpful from the run up to the wedding with any silly little questions I had to helping us on the day and everything on the wedding day! Cannot thank you and recommend you enough! The whole place is just out of this world and I wish we could come and stay for an annual visit. Absolute perfection!"
"It was all absolutely perfect!"
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