Autumn is one of the most magical times to get married at Ash Barton Estate. The gardens turn golden, the meadow takes on a soft, mellow glow, and the crisp Devon air brings with it a sense of romance and intimacy. For couples who love warm colours, cosy textures, and the beauty of the changing seasons, autumn offers a stunning backdrop for your DIY wedding weekend.

Here’s how to make the most of an autumn celebration at Ash Barton: Everything from seasonal styling to practical planning tips.

Step 1: Choosing Your Ceremony Spot

One of the joys of a DIY weekend at Ash Barton is being able to choose exactly where you say “I do.” In autumn, that can mean embracing the outdoors or creating a cosy indoor setting.

Under the Old Oak Tree: In early autumn, the leaves are still turning, making the oak tree a spectacular natural canopy. Line the aisle with pumpkins, lanterns, or baskets of apples for a seasonal touch.

The Courtyard: With its sheltered stone walls, the courtyard holds onto warmth later in the season and makes for beautiful golden-hour photos.

The Barn or Chapel: Perfect for when the chill sets in. Add candlelight, trailing foliage, and rich seasonal florals for an intimate feel.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonal Styling and Colour Palettes

Autumn weddings shine when you lean into the season’s natural beauty. At Ash Barton, the surrounding countryside is your colour wheel: deep reds, burnt orange, golden yellow, forest green, and rich burgundy. Here are a couple of things you should think about adding to your wedding mood board…

Florals: Dahlias, chrysanthemums, marigolds, amaranthus, and foraged foliage.

Accents: Copper candlesticks, amber glassware, brass cutlery.

Textures: Velvet ribbons, woven table runners, and layers of candlelight.

Details: Mini gourds, pomegranates, figs, and dried seed heads woven into tablescapes.

 

Step 3: Think About Embracing Autumn Light

Autumn light is soft, golden, and fleeting, which makes planning around it essential. Remember to plan the flow of your day keeping the following in mind:

Ceremony Timing: Aim for early afternoon so you can capture golden hour in your wedding photos.

Photo Opportunities: The meadow, the oak tree, and the lake all look incredible in autumn’s glow.

Lighting: Use fairy lights, festoon bulbs, and lanterns to keep the atmosphere magical as the evening draws in.

Step 4: Figure Out What You Want Your Guests to Experience

We’re talking about Autumn in the UK. Then we’re also very close to the coast. So while it’s a gorgeous time of year, it’s wise to consider if there is anything you should or could arrange for your guests. These cooler temperatures make it easy to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Here are some ways to keep the chill from being ‘too much’...

Outdoor Warmth: Fire pits in the courtyard, hot drink stations (think mulled cider or spiced hot chocolate).

Cosy Touches: Baskets of blankets, faux fur throws over chairs, and covered walkways if rain is likely.

Seasonal Menus: Roasted root vegetables, game pies, squash soup, and hearty sharing platters.

Step 5: Make the Most of Your Weekend

Autumn weddings at Ash Barton often have a slower, more relaxed pace, which is perfect for a full weekend celebration. If you’re coming for the weekend - not mid-week - here is a nice daily outline that may suit your celebrations:

Friday Night: Welcome dinner in the barn with seasonal food and acoustic music.

Saturday Morning: Autumn walks through the estate to shake off the nerves. Start your wedding day in a nice, relaxed state.

Sunday Brunch: Warm pastries, apple compote, and fresh coffee before farewells.

Step 6: Plan for the Weather (and Love It Anyway)

Devon in autumn can be sunny and crisp, or it can be blustery and dramatic. The beauty of Ash Barton is that you don’t have to choose one plan and hope for the best - you can pivot.

Planned to have an outdoor ceremony? You can move into the barn or chapel in under an hour if the weather turns.

Want photos by the oak tree? Keep a stack of umbrellas at hand and you’ll see that the rich colours still shine in a bit of rain. It’ll be beautiful!

Summer merges seamlessly into autumn in Devon, and it’s hard to tell the difference. Many a November day still looks like Summer, but dark a bit earlier, which is great for Fireworks.

Your Autumn, Your Wedding, Your Way

An autumn wedding at Ash Barton isn’t just about the colours or the food, it’s about the feeling. The golden light, the crackle of the fire, the scent of spice in the air, the way your guests linger a little longer because it’s just too cosy to leave.
With the estate as your backdrop, you can build a weekend that celebrates everything you love about the season, and everything that makes your story unique.

Thinking of an autumn date? Come and see the estate when the leaves are turning. It might just be the moment you fall in love all over again. Explore Ash Barton Estate

– Simon