Same Sex Wedding at Tree Top Escape, Devon

Choosing an Intimate Same Sex Wedding

For Chev and Ais, their wedding day was never about numbers or tradition. They wanted something calm, meaningful, and true to who they are – a celebration rooted in love, nature, and the people (and dog) closest to them. An intimate wedding allowed them to strip away pressure and expectation, creating a peaceful, family-centred day where connection mattered more than scale.

Many couples choose this style of celebration because it’s also easier to budget for. Tree Top Escape offers a range of wedding packages under £2000, designed to keep things simple, meaningful and stress-free.

Just as important was finding a venue that fully embraced their same-sex marriage, welcomed their beloved rescue dog Ticia, and supported their values – including vegan catering and a low-waste approach.

Finding “The One”: Why Tree Top Escape

When Chev and Ais discovered Tree Top Escape, they knew instantly it was right. Set high among the trees in the North Devon countryside, it offered the serenity, privacy and connection to nature they were searching for.

Tree Top Escape welcomed their same sex wedding without hesitation, encouraged Ticia to be part of the day at their dog-friendly venue, and provided a peaceful woodland setting that felt like a sanctuary. The alpacas were an unexpected bonus – sealing the deal entirely.

Though their families were initially surprised by the rural location, one step onto the estate was all it took to understand why this hidden treetop haven felt so special.

Planning With Peace of Mind

Chev describes herself as wonderfully organised and a little anxious – arriving armed with lists, spreadsheets and even a whiteboard checklist. But from the very first conversation with Nicola, the planning process became calm, supportive and genuinely enjoyable.

Every question was answered, a detailed wedding-day programme was created, and guidance was offered on everything from colour choices to vegan afternoon tea. What could have felt overwhelming became smooth, joyful and deeply personal.

A Wedding Day Bathed in Autumn Light

The day began with a soft pink sunrise across the balcony – a breathtaking start to a day they would never forget. While getting ready, Nicola brought their toddler niece in for a flower-girl rehearsal, which she loved so much she later asked for “more flowers” during the ceremony itself.

Before walking to the Nest, Ticia was fitted with a collar camera – officially promoted to Best Dog, ring bearer and videographer. The gentle walk along the raised walkway set a peaceful, unhurried tone.

As Chev and Ais entered the Nest, nerves melted away after a moment of accidental laughter when Chev gently tripped over their niece – instantly relaxing everyone present.

Standing beneath a flower-filled arch, golden autumn sunshine pouring through open balcony doors, birdsong drifting through the trees, the couple paused to take it all in. Loved ones had travelled far to be there, and the moment felt still, warm and utterly magical. Meanwhile, Ticia was busy filming the trees rather than the humans.

Hand-Fasting, Alpacas & Vegan Afternoon Tea

After the ceremony, boots replaced heels for a walk to the lake, where Chev’s mum led a heartfelt hand-fasting on the jetty. Surrounded by calm water and autumn light, family members tied ribbons of love and blessing into the cord – a beautiful continuation of their vows.

Next came a joyful alpaca visit. While politely enjoying snacks, the alpacas made it clear that guests were not welcome in their field – a moment that produced one of the couple’s favourite photographs.

Back in the Nest, a beautifully prepared vegan afternoon tea awaited. Speeches flowed, champagne was spilled, and the celebration settled into a relaxed, laughter-filled afternoon. As dusk fell, first dances took place on the Meadow Room decking, fairy lights twinkling as the sky darkened – the perfect backdrop for routines they had practised for six months.

Personal Touches From the Heart

Every detail reflected Chev and Ais’ values. Chev wore a second-hand dress from Jackson’s Bridal Boutique, supporting animal rescue and reducing waste. Framed photographs honoured loved ones who couldn’t be there, and Chev carried her late father’s favourite hat down the aisle – passed to her by her niece and twin sister in a deeply emotional moment.

Their wedding was entirely vegan and low-waste, something Tree Top Escape supported with ease. And of course, seeing the day through Ticia’s eyes via her collar camera added a uniquely joyful and mindful perspective.

The Moment They’ll Never Forget

Both brides describe stepping into the Nest, standing beneath the arch with the balcony doors open, surrounded by trees, sunshine, birdsong and family, as the moment their hearts truly swelled.

“It was genuinely magical,” they said – and it truly was.

All of the suppliers featured in this wedding are part of our carefully chosen and trusted team. You can explore our full list of recommended intimate wedding suppliers, each selected for their warmth, experience and personal approach.

Supplier Love

Photography: Becca Roundhill Photography
Hair & Makeup: Sam Roulstone & Samantha Short
Styling: Marcia Shapland, Event Stylist
Catering: Graze & S’more
Cake: The North Devon Baker

Advice for Future Couples

Take Tupperware – a generous vegan feast meant leftovers all week, including wedding cake for breakfast (highly recommended). And for anyone with a four-legged best friend:

“Put a camera on your dog’s collar.”

You may be surprised by just how beautifully they capture the world.

For more real weddings, seasonal inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments at Tree Top Escape, you’re very welcome to follow us on Facebook, where we regularly share our latest celebrations.

If you’re considering a relaxed and inclusive celebration of your own, you can find more details about same sex weddings at Tree Top Escape, including how our intimate ceremonies work and what makes our woodland venue so special. You can also explore our wedding photo gallery to see more intimate celebrations at Tree Top Escape.