Weddings

DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS, WE ARE NOW ONLY TAKING BOOKINGS FOR 2021 & BEYOND.   THE EARLIEST WE BELIEVE ANY WEDDINGS, LARGE PARTIES OR FUNCTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED IS APRIL 2021.

With its spectacular sea views across the entire length of the beach and delicious, locally sourced food and drink, our cafés at Blackpool Sands and Bigbury on Sea offer a truly memorable venue for your special WEDDING BREAKFAST.

Ceremonies are, at present, only possible at Venus at Blackpool Sands.  Here are just some of the most frequent questions we are asked regarding the civil marriage and partnership ceremonies we offer here at Venus.

To arrange a viewing, set a date or to simply find out more, please do not hesitate to email our events manager Suzanne on email functions@venuscompany.co.uk.

Can we get married on the beach?

No, but as near as possible! Legally all ceremonies must be held in an approved structure. Our café at Blackpool Sands is a registered approved building for civil marriage or partnership ceremonies. The maximum capacity for ceremonies is 88 people. However, we are able to hold blessings on the beach.

Are all dates available for a wedding at The Venus Café, Blackpool Sands?

The Venus Company can only accommodate a limited number of weddings per year. We do not normally hold functions at the peak times of Easter, July, August and Bank Holiday weekends but will accept evening bookings in the summer months. The reason is to protect the quality of your wedding, during the day & school and bank holidays the beach is very busy!

Where is the closest registry office, and what should we do if we want to get married at The Venus Café?

Our local Registry Office is Follaton House in Totnes. You will need to book directly with the local Registration Office to secure a date for your marriage ceremony or civil partnership.

What is the capacity of The Venus Café for the wedding breakfast?

The capacity in the Blackpool Sands café is 66, however, we can accommodate up to 88 people if using the deck. For this, the bespoke deck cover must be in place, which has an additional charge.  This covers the cost of erecting and dismantling the cover. Final numbers must be confirmed 28 days prior to the event.

The capacity at Bigbury on Sea is 70 with additional outdoor seating.

What options do you have if we have more than 100 guests?

For larger parties, we can organise a marquee erected in the main field adjacent to the beach, from which you can still enjoy amazing views of Blackpool Sands. For non-exclusive use of the main field there is a fee of £3,000. We also offer exclusive use of the beach to make your day even more special, this is charged at £25,000. For the exclusivity (which means all other operations at Blackpool Sands are closed) you have full use of the whole beach. You will, of course, then need to add the cost of the marquee, the kitchen, food and drink plus any other expenses e.g. crockery, glassware etc.

Can I choose my own catering company if I have a marquee wedding breakfast and reception?

The Venus Company is the only catering company permitted to cater at Blackpool Sands and Bigbury on Sea.

What type of food do you offer for the wedding breakfast?

We offer a wide range of menus from a grill to a sit down three-course meal. All of these options are informal - you are after all at the beach! You can find samples of our different menus here: Hog roast, 3 course meal, 3 course vegan meal and drinks here. The minimum spend for food on the day is £1,500 excluding VAT.

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, as long as we know well in advance we can cater for most dietary needs. We have developed outstanding VEGAN menus and can offer gluten free food but please be aware that our kitchens handle gluten and animal products.

Are you fully licensed to serve alcohol?

The Venus Cafés are fully licensed. A bar will be available during your wedding breakfast and evening reception, serving a fantastic selection of local wines, bottled drinks, ale and lager, until 11.30pm. We do not offer corkage. Drinks and wines must be chosen from our drinks list which you can find here.

Is it possible to apply for a license extension later than midnight?

Yes, we are able to apply for a late night license until 1.30am. This needs to be arranged at least two months in advance of the event, at a cost of £250.

Can we decorate the venue how we like?

Of course, we want your wedding day to be perfect, so we are happy for you to come in before and decorate the venue. We do not, however, allow anything hung from the ceiling or screwed / nailed to the walls. We also want to ensure that the environmental impact on the beach is kept to an absolute minimum, so there are some decorations that we do not allow including: use of aerial fireworks, any fires or fire pits on the beach or in the car parks, use of Chinese lanterns and the use of balloons in any outdoor area or space. These restrictions are to ensure that our flora and fauna are protected as much as possible. One of the reasons you choose the beach is for the view, we think this is stunning in its own right.

Do we need to pay a deposit?

Yes, a non-refundable deposit of £500 is required to secure your booking. Payment of the remaining balance is then paid at 60 and 30 days. Final numbers of menu choices need to be provided to The Venus Company 28 days before the big day.

How much does a wedding at Blackpool Sands cost?

We are unable to provide an exact cost without speaking with you first. However, the basic costs are: to hire the venue during the day £1,500, with deck cover an additional £750 + VAT. From 7pm there is no venue charge between September and the end of June unless you require the deck cover, which costs £750 + VAT.  The venue charge during July & August will vary according to the timings and duration of the function but will start at £1,000 + vat.   Food and drink costs are in addition to these venue hire charges.

A venue fee of £3,000 applies for all marquee weddings at Blackpool Sands plus the cost of hiring the marquee, food and drink, a field kitchen, crockery and cutlery etc. This venue fee provides you with the use of the main field, parking for your guests (non-exclusive) and the beach toilets.

All our listed prices include staffing but exclude VAT.

How much does a marquee cost?

The cost of hiring a marquee works out normally between £50 - £80 per person, this cost includes the marquee, heating, lighting, flooring, catering tent, tables and chairs. There is a venue fee for all marquee weddings at Blackpool Sands and you will also need to pay for the field kitchen, china, glassware, etc. The cost of the kitchen, china, cutlery and glassware will all depend on the menu chosen. There will also be the additional cost of the food and drink.