How to get married in St. Ives

A bride and groom walk down a path toward the ocean on a cloudy day, surrounded by tall grass and rocky shore.

How to get married in St. Ives

Charlotte and John’s wedding was a lesson in how to get married in St. Ives. They totally did it their way….and it was AMAZING!

John has a strong link to Cornwall and together they spend a lot of time down by the sea on holidays in their amazing self-converted camper van, so it was only fitting that they headed down from Derbyshire to get married at the iconic Barnoon Chapel overlooking Porthmeor Beach in St. Ives.

About Barnoon Chapel

Barnoon Chapel is one of those hidden gems in St Ives that feels made for weddings. A modest but striking 19th-century chapel perched on the hill above Porthmeor Beach, offering sweeping views over the town and coastline. Originally built for the Methodist congregation, it reflects the deep religious and cultural heritage of Cornwall, where chapels were central to community life. Perched on the hill above Porthmeor Beach, it has the most incredible backdrop for wedding photos – sweeping views over the town, the sea and that endless Cornish sky. It’s simple, full of character and completely unique, with a charm that fits perfectly with the laid-back, creative vibe of St Ives. And when the light shifts across the bay, it honestly feels like you’re standing in the middle of a painting.

A group of people gathers outside a small stone church by the sea, surrounded by gravestones under a partly cloudy sky.

Charlotte + John

So, back to this epic pair of humans! I first met them at a wedding photography show here in Derbyshire. We chatted about dogs, tattoos and everything in between – From that moment, I was sold on their idea of taking just a few family and friends down to Cornwall for their self-sufficient wedding by the beach.

They hired the super cool Trenoweth House so everyone could stay there in all the cottages for the weekend. They then headed to St Ives for their actual wedding ceremony, followed by a Local Cornish Pasty and cream tea buffet (awesome idea!!). Then back for dinner with a Sourdough Pizza truck.

>>>> Did I mention the swim??!?

Throw caution to the wind!

Not many bride and grooms would walk out of their ceremony, munch a traditional Cornish Pasty and then walk to the beach and wade into the sea for a swim, in their full wedding clothes, halfway through the day! But these two had no fear, and quite rightly so. We could have stood there, admired the view and taken a couple of photos, but no one will really remember that. They decided to do something epic and make some extra special memories by heading straight into the water for a swim! I love you guys for doing that!

Thank you for inviting me along for the ride and making me part of your wedding. I had THE BEST time!!!

The Photos

Information on getting married in St. Ives.

How to actually get married in St. Ives

Getting married in St Ives, Cornwall is all about combining that laid-back coastal vibe with some seriously breathtaking scenery. Imagine saying your vows with the sound of waves in the background, golden beaches just a short stroll away, and that famous Cornish light that makes everything feel a little more magical. It’s no wonder St Ives is such a popular spot for couples who want a relaxed, romantic wedding by the sea.

Legally, you can marry at one of the licensed venues in town – from stylish hotels overlooking the bay to quirky galleries and converted barns tucked into the Cornish countryside. There are also plenty of beautiful churches for religious ceremonies. Many couples choose to keep the legal side simple at the registry office, then celebrate with a beach-side or clifftop blessing, which gives you the freedom to shape the day however you want.

Top 5 wedding venues in St. Ives

1. Tregenna Castle

A castle by the sea with 72 acres of gardens and woodland. Indoor and outdoor spaces, plus overnight guest accommodation for a full weekend celebration. Tregenna Castle Resort

2. Carbis Bay Hotel / Carbis Bay Estate

A coastal venue with multiple ceremony options: the Wedding Hut on the beach, the Ocean Venue (glass-fronted interior facing the bay), and the Godrevy Room with panoramic sea views. Carbis Bay Estate

3. Harbour Hotel St Ives

A stylish waterfront venue. Great choice if you want your guests to feel the sea breeze and have views of the harbour. Harbour Hotels

4. The Island Blockhouse

Intimate and unique. Licensed now for legal ceremonies, with capacity for up to 25 guests. Perfect for micro-weddings or elopements with sea views. St Ives Town Council, Cornwall+1

5. St Ives Guildhall / Town Council Spaces

For couples wanting something historic and local, the Guildhall and other rooms managed by the Town Council (like the upper balcony rooms) offer charm and flexibility. St Ives Town Council, Cornwall