Devon Marriage Proposal Locations

Planning a marriage proposal in Devon? Here are Devon’s 18 most romantic places to pop the question.

With epic beaches, windswept mountains and postcard-pretty thatched villages, Devon is full of romantic marriage proposal locations. Here’s our pick of the 18 best places in Devon to get engaged. By Suzy Bennett, Moorland View Cottage, Devon.

Devon holiday cottage Moorland View makes a romantic destination for a marriage proposal

1. A chocolate-box holiday cottage

Could there be a more romantic place to propose than in front of a roaring fire in a thatched Devon holiday cottage? Moorland View is an idyllic holiday cottage for couples in the pretty thatched village of North Bovey, in Dartmoor National Park. With its crackling log fire, huge bath for two, epic views and a romantic rose garden, it’s had dozens of marriage proposals - and a 100% ‘yes’ rate!

2. Sharpham vineyard, Totnes

With views of the River Dart and Capability Brown-designed hillsides, the award-winning Sharpham vineyard in South Devon is just made for marriage proposals. Perched above the meandering River Dart, it is one of the UK's best-known winemakers. You can wander at will through the vine-covered slopes to find the perfect proposal location, then repair to the romantic cafe for a celebratory glass of bubbly. The most romantic way to get there is by hiring your own private picnic boat up the River Dart.

3. The River Dart, Holne

For an alternative Devon marriage proposal idea, pop the question at this local beauty spot after a bracing dip in the river. There’s a romantic swimming and picnic spot with a high corner pool, a deep, tranquil lower corner pool for serious swimmers; and a cliff for daredevil jumpers. It can get busy on a hot day as families gather to picnic on the common, and parking can be a problem - get there early for a space, or walk the half-mile from the car park at New Bridge.

4. Grade-1 listed gardens, Tavistock

A wildly romantic verdantly-gardened Eden between Dartmoor and Exmoor, these Grade-1 listed gardens have shell houses, grottos and hidden glades for a romantic tête-à-tête. Once she’s said yes - and how could she resist in such a setting? - head inside to celebrate with a champagne cream tea.

Brent Tor

5. A 12th century hilltop church

The ruggedly romantic landscape of Dartmoor offers an abundance of places to propose for outdoor lovers. One of the most romantic places on Dartmoor is the tiny parish church of The Church of St Michel de Rupe, sitting atop Brent Tor, which has spectacular views of Dartmoor.

6. A mystical dwarf-oak forest

If you love mysticism, Wistman’s Wood is the best location in Devon for a marriage proposal. A vestige of the prehistoric dwarf oak trees that used to cover Dartmoor, it’s straight out of Lord of the Rings. The moss-covered, boulder-strewn woodland floor is dotted with stunted oaks furred with mosses and lichen. The easy one-hour walk starts from the Two Bridges Hotel, near Princetown.

7. Your own sandy cove

Elendor Cove

Proposing on the beach is an oldie but a goodie. It’s hard to choose from the array of beauties on the south coast, but Mill Bay, a quick ferry ride across the water from Salcombe, tops our list for being warmed by the sun all day. In the summer, it gets busy, so take an Ordnance Survey map to walk to quieter coves further up the coast, or hire a tender boat from town. North east along the coast from Salcombe, nestled below wooded cliffs, is Blackpool Sands, a mile-long, privately owned sweep of shingle. By day, swimmers can practise their dives from a floating dock; at sunset, the café serves beach BBQs. Beware, it attracts families in their droves during the school holidays.

8. A Dartmoor gorge

Taking in a fairy-tale castle, oak-lined gorge, ancient stone bridge and traditional pub, this two-hour walk along the Teign River is pure romance - especially in autumn when the colours are extraordinary. Hunter’s Path runs higher up the valley, while Fisherman’s Path traces the spectacular wooded riverbank path, where kingfishers and woodpeckers dart between shaded pools, and trout, salmon and otters frolic in deep, clear waters. The small rocky beaches are perfect places for picnics and toe-dipping. Look out for glimpses of Prestonbury Castle Iron Age hill fort on the other side of the valley. At the bottom of the gorge is the age-old Fingle bridge, which has recessed buttresses for packhorses to pass. Behind it is Fingle Bridge Inn, which serves a mean cream tea and has a pretty terrace overlooking the river. In spring, the woodlands here are carpeted with bluebells and daffodils.

Hot air ballooning over Dartmoor

9. Hot air balloon flight

Another romantic idea for a Devon marriage proposal is to take a hot air balloon flight at dawn or dusk over epic Dartmoor scenery. Local company Aerosauraus runs private champagne flights across Dartmoor or along Devon’s south coast.

10. The South West Coastal Path

Britain’s longest footpath traces the north and south coasts of Devon, offering easy access to wild and windswept cliffs, secluded sandy coves and tiny hamlets. The three-hour walk from Bolt Tail, near Hope Cove, to Bolt Head, near Salcombe, is our favourite, offering views of romantic beaches and jagged headlands.

11. A private island

This tiny private island off Bigbury-on-Sea houses an Art Deco hotel and a weather-beaten smugglers inn dating from 1336. If you want some privacy when you pop the question, head inland to find the perfect spot. Getting there is all part of the fun. Perched on the tiny, tidal outcrop of Burgh Island, surrounded by sandy beaches and choppy seas, it’s cut off from the mainland twice a day so you’ll need to consult a tide table when planning your visit. When the seas have parted, it’s a short walk across the spit. When the waters start coming in, a high-sided ‘sea tractor’ ferries passengers across.

12. A private picnic boat on the River Dart

For a Devon marriage proposal idea that’s bound to guarantee a ‘yes!’, hire a private Picnic Boat up the beautiful River Dart, stopping off in little bays to go crabbing and at Sharpham Vineyard.

13. A stately home

This Devon marriage proposal location is for culture vultures, The National Trust property of Saltram House may look familiar: it was used as the Dashwood’s’ pad in Ang Lee’s film of Sense and Sensibility. The grand Georgian façade has a Robert Adam interior with original Chippendale furniture, Wedgwood China and portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

14. A waterfall

One of the most romantic locations for a Devon wedding proposal is Lydford Gorge, nestled in the north-western reaches of Dartmoor. Owned by the National Trust, the oak tree lined gorge is the deepest in the South West, stretching 1.5 miles from Lydford Village. A fairly strenuous, three and a half mile round walk, high above the gorge, brings you past the spectacular 30 metre White Lady Waterfall which cascades majestically into the chasm below. Following the route around, you will descend into the gorge and return via a low path beside the River Lyd which carves a tumbling course through the steep-sided valley. Towards the end, the trail rises slowly up to the Devil's Cauldron where a metal grid is the only thing separating you from the ferocious whirlpool below. If you want to be sure to have the romantic location for yourself, the best time to visit is shortly after it opens in the morning.

15. Watching the sunset

What could be more romantic than walking hand in hand across the pristine sands of a tranquil bay while the last light of the day ebbs away beyond the horizon? West-facing Croyde Bay in North Devon is perfect for observing one of the most awe-inspiring sunsets in the South West. The beautiful swathe of sand is stunning during the day and becomes illuminated by a warm, golden light as the sun melts into the sea at nightfall. Backed by sand dunes and framed by dramatic cliffs it's a great opportunity to crack out the camera and take a few photos which wouldn't look out of place in an exotic honeymoon brochure.

16. Stargazing

Hound Tor

With clear, dark nights, Dartmoor is a fantastic place to view the night sky and propose to your loved one. Grab a picnic rug from the cottage, a torch, blanket and bottle of wine and head to the top of Hound Tor, one of the most romantic easily accessible places to stargaze on Dartmoor.

17. A rose garden

Set within wonderful woodlands, RHS Rosemoor is a highly ornamental garden with shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs. Originally created by Lady Anne Berry, the gardens still have original features including the woodland garden and woodland banks, as well as a huge variety of ornamental woodland trees and shrubs including Collingwood Ingram cherry introductions. There is also the beautiful Queen Mother Rose Garden containing a marvellous collection of hybrid tea and floribunda roses, and a maze of pathways which gradually leads to the side of the valley with views overlooking Rosemoor House.

18. The River Dart

Crime novelist Agatha Christie is said to have described Greenway, which was her holiday home, as ‘the loveliest place in the world’. It’s a delight to discover the walled garden, boathouse, vinery and historic interiors. Literary fans will be in their element, as the author set three of her novels here, relaxed with friends and played croquet within the grounds. Follow the romantic woodland that leads down the hillside towards to the shimmering Dart estuary for a stolen moment together.