Why you should elope to Cornwall
Weddings
From the world-class beaches and dramatic coastlines to the rugged moorlands and picturesque woodlands, Cornwall is a great place to run away to for a romantic break with your partner. With so much choice to suit every couple, it is unsurprising that so many people elope to Cornwall every year.
In this guide, we take a look at why Cornwall is a great place to elope to and reveal some of the best places in the county you can visit on a romantic escape.
There is beauty everywhere in Cornwall and that is why so many people run away to the county to get wed in secret or to enjoy a romantic getaway. Here we take you through some of the reasons why the Duchy is a great place to visit.
Debs Alexander, who runs her own wedding photography site, told us why she thinks Cornwall is such a popular place to escape to on a holiday.
“It truly doesn't matter the weather, or the time of year, it is always beautiful and is a place that evokes every one of your senses and creates the most beautiful memories for your day or stay. The sound of the early morning fishing harbours. Dips in a warm, or ice-cold sea. Delicious food and drink (and some of the best baristas in the country for coffee!). Stunning views, whether it is from the top of a cliff looking across the coast or from the top of Rough Tor looking across the moors. There is always somewhere new to explore, a delicious meal to be had or a story to be heard.”
Clare, the photographer behind the Clare Kinchin Photography site, told us that she loves taking shots of couples who have come to Cornwall for a small wedding or an elopement.
“Cornwall is my favourite place in the world and photographing elopements and small weddings is such a joy and a privilege. Just because a wedding is small or just the two of you doesn’t mean it's any less special or personal. I find my couples are so relaxed after their ceremony, there are no strict timelines or fussing guests and family, you get to do what you want when you want. I like to take my couples out into nature to really capture the beauty of Cornwall, we have endless beaches and countryside which makes it the perfect county for an elopement. You can do anything on your day.”
Cornwall is full of amazing locations that you can enjoy and here we take you through some of the top destinations that you can elope to in the county.
It doesn’t matter when you are planning to elope to Cornwall, Falmouth is a town that you can visit any time of the year. What makes the seaside town such a popular place to escape to is the fact it is one of the leading cultural and festival destinations in the UK as it combines its rich maritime heritage with modern creativity.
There is so much you can do during a visit to Falmouth, but one of the jewels in its crown is Gyllyngvase beach, which boasts golden sand and an inviting sea. The beach has been awarded Blue Flag status, has great amenities such as an award-winning café and is just across from our St Michaels Resort.
Falmouth is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic escape as there is so much that couples can do on top of exploring the local beaches. If you want to learn about the maritime heritage the town is famous for, you can head to the National Maritime Museum, you can go on wildlife cruises, enjoy watersport activities such as Stand-Up Paddleboarding or can just wander through the mix of independent retailers and big-name brands on the high street.
Located not too far away from Falmouth is Portscatho on the Roseland peninsula and this quaint fishing village is a great place to visit for a day out during a break in Cornwall.
There are lots of stunning sandy beaches close-by to Portscatho that are safe for swimming in and in the village centre there are several shops, galleries, gift shops and a pub.
There are also some great coastal walks you can enjoy and going for a walk along the cliffs is something that Debs Alexander highly recommends.
“A walk from Portscatho to the Hidden Hut Cafe for a delicious lunch on the beach, tucked in by the rocks of Porthcurnick Beach, or sharing stories with new friends on the wooden benches of the cafe.”
If you are looking for a romantic trip in Cornwall, then St Nectan’s Glen near Tintagel has all the ingredients for love and romance. During a visit here you’ll be able to walk amongst ivy-clad trees, beside a river before you reach a roaring waterfall.
This secret hideaway has been voted an area of outstanding natural beauty, appointed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare specimens of plants, and is considered to be one of the UK’s most spiritual sites.
With its array of walking trails and large outdoor spaces, St Nectan’s Glen is the perfect place to head to if you are looking for a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Another location that you can elope to in Cornwall is Gweek, a pretty little village that is the perfect place to stop off as you explore the Lizard Peninsula.
There is a dog-friendly pub serving great food, so if you are staying in one of our dog-friendly rooms at St Michaels Resort, then Gweek is a great place to stop off for some lunch as your four-legged friend will be welcome. The village is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and there are lots of walks you can enjoy in the area.
The most popular attraction in Gweek and one of Cornwall’s most iconic is the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, which is located beside the Helford Estuary. It is a fascinating place to visit, with the aim to rescue and release seals back into the wild, although there are some resident seals who are unable to be released back into the wild.
The seal sanctuary now also has otters, penguins and paddock animals that you can see as well as a nice woodland walk that you can enjoy.
Debs Alexander agrees that Gweek and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary are two great locations to visit. She adds: “A meander through the villages and lanes around Gweek, lunch in the pub and a visit to the Seal Sanctuary to see the impressive work done by our local seal rescue is a must.”
READ MORE: A 48-hour Cornish Adventure
You and your loved one should pack yourself a picnic and a bottle of bubbly and head to the legendary Minack Theatre to enjoy one of their stunning outdoor performances.
The theatre is carved into the cliff and has stunning panoramic views of the beautiful Porthcurno bay. There aren’t many things more romantic than sitting with your loved one with a blanket wrapped around you both, the stars twinkling above whilst enjoying a performance of passion and romance.
Although most of the performances take place during the summer months, you can still take a look around the theatre and gardens, but it is recommended that you book in advance. There are also lots of coastal trails you can enjoy near the theatre, and we’d recommend giving yourself time to walk along one of the routes.
These are just some of the locations that you can elope to in Cornwall and with one of our wellness breaks you can ensure that your breakaway will be a relaxing and refreshing one. For articles like this, check out the blog section of our website.