Escot House closes wedding chapter

After more than three decades of hosting countless ‘I Do’s’, the historic Escot House near Ottery St Mary is set to conclude its tenure as a beloved wedding venue in July 2025.

Known for its picturesque backdrop, intimate charm, and memorable celebrations, Escot has been a cornerstone for couples seeking a unique venue for their special day. 

The Kennaway family, owners of the estate, have decided to pivot their focus toward other burgeoning event opportunities.

Lucy Kennaway shared, “We’ve experienced a rise in bookings for corporate events such as team building days, seminars, networking sessions, and workshops, as well as for sporting and music events. We’re also holding more family celebrations, including anniversaries, engagement and retirement parties, and memorials. Weddings, while rewarding, require a lot of work, and we felt the time was right to make this change.”

Escot’s journey as a wedding venue began in 1994 with a personal request and flourished into a reputable location, becoming one of the first private venues in East Devon to obtain a Civil Wedding License in 1996.

From rustic elegance to quirky themes like Day of the Dead and even horseback arrivals, the estate has seen it all. Each year, Escot intentionally limited its bookings to 25 weddings to ensure each couple received a personalized experience. 

Memories abound, from weathering the infamous 2018 Beast from the East with creative catering solutions to navigating the challenges of COVID-19 with outdoor ceremonies and socially distanced seating. Weddings at Escot have always been marked by resilience, creativity, and heartfelt joy.

Escot House will continue to be a hub for celebrations, albeit with a different focus. For those still dreaming of an Escot wedding, availability remains until the final cut-off date of July 31, 2025.

Lucy encourages last-minute planners, “If there’s a couple out there who decide at Christmas they want an Escot wedding, there’s just about time to fit them in!”

While the chapter on weddings closes, the Kennaway family remains committed to the vibrant future of Escot as a venue for corporate and family events, music, and sports gatherings. A fitting evolution for an estate that has always celebrated life in all its forms.