A Snowy January Elopement at Millbrook Estate – Stuart & Genna
Winter elopements have a magic all of their own — especially when they arrive with fresh snow, excited dogs and a couple who want their wedding day to feel calm, personal and completely them. Stuart and Genna travelled from South Wales for a dog-friendly winter elopement at Millbrook Estate, complete with a relaxed ceremony, private dining by the fire and four nights staying at Lakeview.
A Dog-Friendly Winter Wedding in Devon
Wedding date: 6th January 2026 | From: Baglan, South Wales | Photographer: Chris (North Summit)
Some wedding days are calm and quiet. Some are full of laughter and happy chaos. And some — very special ones — arrive wrapped in fresh snow, with two overexcited dogs skidding about while carrying the rings.
Stuart and Genna’s winter elopement at Millbrook Estate was very much the third. They’d originally considered getting married while skiing, but as costs crept up and plans became more complicated, one thing became very clear — they wanted their day to be about them… and their dogs.
A quick Google search for dog-friendly elopements led them to Millbrook Estate. It was the first place they found — and the only one they needed to look at.
A Calm Morning… and Then the Snow Fell ❄️
On the morning of their wedding, Stuart and Genna felt exactly how they’d hoped they would — calm, relaxed and excited. But January had one more surprise waiting. Overnight, Millbrook had been transformed by snow.
Their two dogs, Elwood and Jake, were absolutely beside themselves with excitement. Running, sliding, barking and chasing each other through the snow, they brought a joyful, slightly manic energy to the morning — and straight into the ceremony itself.
And nobody minded one bit. Even better, the dogs were wearing the ring boxes, causing a brief moment of panic… before the rings were safely delivered, tails wagging — all calmly overseen by Meg, their wedding coordinator, who took everything in her stride and helped keep the day feeling relaxed and joyful.
A Ceremony That Felt Personal, Relaxed and Romantic
Despite the snow and the canine chaos, the ceremony itself was everything Stuart and Genna had hoped for — calm, personal, romantic… and beautifully white.
The registrars instantly put them at ease, making the ceremony feel intimate and heartfelt, as though they’d known the couple for years. With Meg quietly taking care of everything behind the scenes and Chris capturing every moment, the day flowed effortlessly.
Genna wore a shorter boho dress and cowboy boots, proving that winter weddings don’t need to follow any rules — especially when snow is falling and dogs are stealing the show.
Favourite Moments (and Happy Surprises)
When asked about their favourite moments, the answer was instant: the snow, the dogs, and how completely at ease they felt.
One of the biggest surprises was the feeling of connection — that sense that everyone simply knew each other and got on well, like a big family. Nothing felt formal or awkward, and nobody was phased by excited dogs or snowy-day styling.
Staying at Lakeview: Four Nights of Pure Relaxation
Stuart and Genna stayed in Lakeview for four nights, making the most of the estate grounds and that proper ‘switched off’ feeling. What they loved most wasn’t just the accommodation — it was how at home they felt, right down to the friendly chats with the team (including David, our groundsman).
Their stay included long walks with the dogs, hot tub time, great local pubs and beaches, and making the most of the BBQ hut. On their wedding day, they also treated themselves to private dining by the fire with Justine — the perfect, cosy way to end the best kind of winter day.
Why Eloping Was the Right Choice
For Stuart and Genna, eloping wasn’t about missing out — it was about choosing what mattered most. It felt like them: relaxed, together and content, without worrying about tables, plans or what anyone else expected.
They’d absolutely recommend eloping to other couples (especially for a second marriage) and their advice to anyone feeling nervous is simple: dive deeper into it. Read the real stories, look through the reviews, and remember it’s your day — not anyone else’s.
Already Planning Their Return 💛
Perhaps the loveliest part of Stuart and Genna’s story is how easy it all felt. They planned their wedding in just 11 weeks, with Meg supporting them every step of the way — and they’ve already booked to return to Millbrook for their anniversary.
Thinking about a winter elopement in Devon? If you’re dreaming of something calm, cosy and genuinely personal (dogs very welcome), we’d love to help you plan a day that feels completely you.
Wedding Suppliers
Stuart and Genna’s winter elopement was brought together by a wonderful team of suppliers who made the day feel relaxed, personal and completely effortless:
- Photography: North Summit Photography – one of our recommended elopement wedding photographers
- Private Dining: Justine Wood
- Hair & Makeup: Bright Eye Beauty
Many couples are surprised how quickly they can organise an elopement wedding. If you’re hoping to marry sooner rather than later, take a look at our guide on how to get married quickly in the UK or browse our last minute wedding dates. With the right paperwork and a little planning, a beautiful, relaxed wedding could be much closer than you think.
