How to pick your Barn wedding venue
First venue topic had to be one of the moment popular venue searches… How to pick your Barn wedding venue.
Whilst I’m lucky lots of couples often get in touch at the very start of their wedding planning, particularly those that have been recommended to me by friends and/or met me at a wedding. They might ask what I think about certain wedding venues or check available dates before commiting. BUT most couples when they are planning their wedding the first thing they do is book a wedding venue. My advice is to chat lots and make some written plans before you even start this part which you can see on my last blog, just engaged… how to start planning a wedding. But once you have an idea of where in the country or abroad you want to get married, who you want to invite, and what time of year (as well as the dreaded budget) its time to start shortlisting your venues…
So how to pick your wedding venue? What style do you want, what time of year is it? There is no point falling in love with wisteria gardens or blossom trees in a venues gardens if you plan get married in winter. So many questions t0 ask to create your shortlist.
Because its such a big subject this first blog is all about How to pick your Barn wedding venues, next up will be Country Mansions
Barn venues
Barn venues are probably one of the most popular still, couples love to add their own DIY touches, and often they have the most amazing gardens alongside them. You style it simply, or rustic, or add a bit of luxe amongst the wood tones. Across the UK there are so many amazing barns here are just a few of my favourites…
Gaynes Park
Always a favourite, especially as Michelle got married their herself. This barn venue is a luxury wedding venue, with breathtaking gardens and a stunning orangery for you to say I do in.
Blake Hall
We shoot their several times a year and always love to see Austin and his amazing team. Blake hall photographically has the rustic barn elements as well as the gorgeous walled garden, as well as Blake Hall itself as a backdrop for photos.
Houchins
One of the friendliest venues with possible the most amazing borage fields ever! And if you miss the borage the hay fields are equally gorgeous. Its a venue with a real working farm feel on the outside but beautiful high ceilings in the barn and an outdoor marquee to say I do make it very special and unique!
Granary Estates
Across in Suffolk, st in beautiful gardens with high ceilings tht makes it light and airy in the summer is Granary Estates. This venue was perfect setting for Beth and Adam’s sophisticated wedding. I hope we get to go back again soon, see more of their beautiful day on the blog here – Granary estates wedding
The Priory Little Wymondley, Hertfordshire
Whilst its gardens arent as big as some other barn venues, this little gem is perfect for any couple who wants to create a pretty rustic wedding
South Farm
A unique venue which is a working farm that has a pretty french feel. The Farmhouse backdrop and adorable animals in the barns, and surrounded by gardens and fields, you can say I do as you look across their little lake. I loved Karen and Chris South Farm wedding, as well as top fashion photographer Gareth and his wife Kara’s wedding there a few years ago.
Cooling Castle Barns
What about a barn with a castle next door… cooling castle barns definitely have unique neighbours, making them a perfect backdrop for a relaxed rustic couple who also want a castle style photo! Louise and Brads Cooling Castle wedding was definitely relaxed but very cool
Upwaltham Barns
My last choice for this round up, one a little further afield in West Sussex, self contained courtyard between two gardens and then beautiful fields surrounding the venue. We have been fortunate enough to visit here a few times – For Rachel and Patricks Upwaltham Barns wedding they added grandeur with a Cathedral service, run by her own Uncle. Whilst Phillipa and Gordon had it all at Upwaltham barns meaning they could relax on site all day.
More wedding venues ideas on the next blog coming soon… How to pick your Country House wedding venue