The Donkey Sanctuary

A truly unique wedding venue in Sidmouth, Devon, we can offer you a wedding like no other. Our picturesque Sanctuary, situated on the Jurassic Coast, offers rustic barn weddings in an idyllic location set in 260 acres of glorious rolling countryside with hundreds of resident donkeys who will certainly make your special day one to remember. The Donkey Sanctuary was also thrilled to receive a national award for Ethical Wedding Venue of the Year in 2015.
The Stables, where a small group of donkeys live together in peace and harmony invite you, and your guests, to enter their rustic world and hold your wedding ceremony in their barn. We transform the barn with country chic decorations to create a wedding venue like no other. We offer full or half barn weddings, and can accommodate up to 70 guests.
Not only are The Stables a stunning location for your wedding ceremony, but also a fantastic setting for photographs too. The grounds within the Sanctuary offer extensive photograph opportunities including gardens, woodland, the main house and even a life-size bronze donkey. Where else can you have photos taken with your donkey bridesmaids? We will ensure that your wedding album will be jam-packed with unique and beautiful pictures from your unforgettable day! The Donkey Sanctuary also has stunning views out to sea, which create a perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs.
By choosing to have your wedding at The Donkey Sanctuary, not only will you be selecting a spectacular and unique location that is sure to make your day truly special, but you will also contribute to the work of the charity; helping donkeys and mules around the world and the people who depend upon them.
“It was a five star wedding,” says Lauren, who with sweetheart Peter were the first couple to marry at the Sanctuary, in June 2013. “The stable was just beautifully presented and all the little details made the day so much more than we expected. I could not have been happier.”
Faye, who married John in April 2014 says “The team could not do enough to make us feel welcome. We feel blessed to have had such a unique setting for our wedding. Our guests were in such awe about our choice of venue and the donkeys did us proud and were so well-behaved! We are so pleased that with our wedding we were able to support a charity close to our hearts.”
The Donkey Sanctuary must be one of the most unusual wedding venues in the world and the perfect choice for those looking for a truly memorable day for themselves and their guests. To really get a feel for just how special The Donkey Sanctuary is, and to see for yourself how it could be the perfect venue for your wedding, please telephone 01395 578222 or email weddings@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk and arrange to come and meet one of our wedding coordinators who will be delighted to show you around and create a bespoke quote for your wedding day.