Deer’s Leap

Deer's Leap is a family-run wedding venue at West Anstey, in the hills above South Molton on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park. It has a stone barn, a lakeside gazebo, a farmhouse, cottages and a small glamping village, all set in open countryside, and it is built around relaxed wedding weekends rather than a single day.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

The venue hosts only one wedding a weekend, so the whole place is yours. You can bring your own caterer and your own drinks, add family recipes or a homemade dessert, and have friends help with the set-up while staying on site. It is a strong fit for couples who want a personal, hands-on celebration with their people around them for several days.

Ceremonies

Ceremonies take place in a wooden gazebo by the lake, handmade from trees on the estate and licensed for civil ceremonies. The lake and the wide views over the fields make a calm backdrop, and the barn is close by when it is time to move on to the meal.

Receptions and food

The stone barn seats around 100 for a wedding breakfast and holds up to 150 in the evening. It has a large wood burner for cooler months and room for a band and dancing. Outside, a terrace above the lake has fire pits, sofas and heaters, and some couples dine there in good weather. Larger weddings can add a marquee beside the barn. You can use any caterer, with a dedicated space for them to work, a farmhouse kitchen for self-catering, and an area for food vans. The bar is stocked, but you can also bring your own drinks with no corkage, and staff will chill and serve them.

Staying

Hartford Cottage, a one-bedroom bridal suite with a private hot tub, is included for the couple for four nights. The Farmhouse sleeps 19 across nine rooms, with a garden, two hot tubs and a sauna. There is also the Hayloft Cottage and five bell tents, each with a king-size bed and its own cabin with kitchen and shower.

Getting there and the area

The venue lies between South Molton and Dulverton, with Exmoor on the doorstep. Tiverton Parkway is the nearest mainline station, and the North Devon coast is within an hour's drive.

Good to know

• Only one wedding is held each weekend.
• Bring your own drinks with no corkage charge.
• Couples can choose any caterer.