Southgate, Mercure Exeter

The Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel stands on Southernhay East, a few minutes on foot from Exeter Cathedral and the old city wall. It is licensed for civil ceremonies, so you can marry, eat, dance and stay in one place, with 156 bedrooms upstairs for you and your guests.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

A large hotel takes the logistics off your hands. The events team runs the ceremony, the meal and the rooms, so there is one point of contact from start to finish. GLW recommends it for couples who want a straightforward, central wedding without hiring in caterers, furniture or accommodation separately.

Ceremonies

Civil ceremonies take place in the orangery, a light room with floor-to-ceiling windows, for up to around 100 guests. If you prefer a celebrant or humanist ceremony, a blessing can be held on the private terrace. Couples who marry elsewhere can book the hotel for the reception alone.

Receptions and food

The reception room opens onto its own private terrace, which works well for arrival drinks and canapés in summer. Seated meals suit groups from about 10 to 120, and the hotel caters in-house.

• Menus range from formal dining to a barbecue or hog roast.
• Vegan menus can be arranged.
• An in-house toastmaster is available.

Staying

The hotel has 156 bedrooms, including double, twin and family rooms, executive suites and a honeymoon suite. Seven bedrooms are accessible. Guests can use the swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and the Gate House Restaurant serves contemporary British food made with local meat and seafood.

Getting there and the area

Southernhay East is on the edge of the city centre, close to the Princesshay shops, the cathedral green and the quayside. Exeter Central and Exeter St Davids stations are both within reach, and the M5 is a short drive away. The hotel has its own car park, with charges for parking.

Good to know

• Licensed for civil ceremonies on site.
• Reception-only bookings are possible.
• On-site leisure club with a pool.