From our 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020, these 10 beautiful barns offer space, character and delightful rural settings for a wedding party
Words Isabella Eckett
Barns may be delightfully rustic, but these top spots are also super-glamorous and can be dressed to impress on your wedding day. Our top ten, from the 100 Best Wedding Venues 2020, offer plenty of options to suit your style – from contemporary and bespoke light-filled spaces to charming and historic backdrops with beams, soaring ceilings and stunning grounds.
Old Brook Barn, Essex
It’s close to London, yet you will feel a million miles away at this 16th-century farm. It’s located in pretty countryside, with natural brook, weeping willow trees and decking area for an alfresco drinks reception. It remains family owned and has been lovingly restored over almost two decades – think modern with traditional charm. oldbrookbarn.co.uk
Chapel Barn, Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk
One of the most hotly anticipated openings of 2020, this exclusive-hire property is from the effortlessly chic Wilderness Reserve. Tie the knot at the traditional Suffolk long-barn and then party in the lower-level pool area. In true Wilderness style, you’ll find fabulous outdoor activities plus gorgeous accommodation. For the wedding night, there’s a hopelessly romantic one-bed ‘shack’ on a private island accessed only by rope bridge. wildernessreserve.com
Preston Court, Kent
A grown-ups’ playground, a wedding at Preston Court is unforgettable and, let’s face it, any celebration where guests get to ride a Victorian carousel and steam engine is going to be a crowd pleaser. This enchanting and quirky Kentish Barn also features a magnificent vintage mechanical organ, a jaw-dropping backdrop for those Insta-snaps. prestoncourt.co.uk
Caswell House, Oxfordshire
Caswell House is the epitome of English charm, with ancient orchard, walled gardens and manicured lawns. In summer months, you can even exchange vows in the garden under the ancient Loggia and host your wedding breakfast in the medieval Cotswolds stone barn. Crack open the bubbles with your bridesmaids and pamper ahead of the big day in the spacious and stylish Dressing Room, the former stable block. caswellhouse.co.uk
Hales Hall & The Great Barn, Norfolk
Buttercup meadows, moated gardens and sculpted topiary set the scene for romance here. At the heart of the estate is the magnificent Tudor barn (biggest brick-built barn in England!) decked out with all mod-cons. Luxury accommodation includes a converted stable block, gatehouse and the lovingly restored Hales Hall. With a fabulous 40-foot kitchen, it’s ideal for a champagne breakfast on the morning of your wedding. haleshall.com
Primrose Hill Farm, Oxfordshire
Looking for something totally unique? Get hitched at this state-of-art glass fronted barn. The former hay sheds are flooded with natural light and perfectly designed for a contemporary wedding breakfast. Guests can spill out of the barn, taking in the stunning landscape. The farmhouse, looking onto a picture-perfect pond and orchard, will sleep your nearest and dearest. primrose-hill-farm.com
Tudor Barn, Eltham, London
If you yearn for a relaxed barn wedding in the capital then look no further. This is one of the last remaining Tudor barns in all London. With stained-glass windows, exposed beams and a moated terrace, it’s something special. Your dedicated wedding planner will guide you every step of the way, to make that ‘wedmin’ a breeze. tudorbarneltham.com
The Tythe Barn, Oxfordshire
Ideal for the church and barn combo, this Oxfordshire gem centres on two 14th-century barns – The Nook (a fabulous prep space and quirky wedding suite) and The Shepherd’s Hut. Welcoming events all year round, you will find plenty of options to do something different in its gorgeous blank-canvas spaces. thetythebarn.co.uk
Millbridge Court, Surrey
At Millbridge Court you can start the day with bubbles in the oh-so-girly Loft – equipped with make-up stations and clever one-way window looking down onto the ceremony barn. Meanwhile, the groom is over in The Lodge, a whisky filled man den. At the heart of the venue are two adjoining contemporary barns with soaring ceilings. Marry outdoors under The Arbour surrounded by jasmine and lavender. Accommodation here is ultra-chic and includes a secluded cottage for newlyweds. millbridgecourt.co.uk
Merriscourt, Oxfordshire
A hilltop farm turned wedding venue with dreamy panoramic views of the Cotswolds countryside, Merriscourt has bags of character and feels like a true home away from home. Accommodation includes a large farmhouse, snuggly cottages and restored Pump House. Exchange vows in the rustic stone barn with beautiful grey-panelled walls, followed by drinks reception in the idyllic courtyard. There is even a fully stocked pub and beautiful Bentley on site. merriscourt.com
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