Why we love barn wedding venues…

Of all the stunning wedding settings and themes, it’s no surprise that barn wedding venues and rustic styling always come out on top with wed2b brides. Full of charm, character and romance, a beautiful barn is an atmospheric and relaxed choice. You can also decorate it in countless ways and, as an added bonus, you often get great countryside views thrown in, too! 

So, if you’re starting your search for great barn wedding venues then read on for our expert’s top tips, plus lots of inspiring ideas from our brilliant real brides… 

Are barn wedding venues for you?

There are a huge number of barn venues to choose from and, if the rustic look is for you, you’re guaranteed to find one you love. They range from luxurious and lovingly restored with all the facilities and decor you could need to basic, blank canvases (also called dry hire) where you’ll have to bring in everything yourself.

Polly and Jason married at Upwaltham Barns, in Sussex. The relaxed setting allowed them to personalise their day (and save money) with homemade decorations, a wedding breakfast of pie and mash and late night snacks courtesy of a pizza van. “We fell in love with it as soon as we walked in, it just felt so very us,” says Polly. “We loved its rural location and views across the South Downs. It also had chic rustic vibes and the space was great, with two flint and brick barns, a bar with beams and a roaring log fire. There was also a beautiful courtyard filled with flowers all year round and a cosy candlelit outdoor snug and fire pit.”

Barn wedding venues are great for…

• Setting an informal tone for the day 
• A dramatic countryside backdrop
• A quiet location
• The option to have an outdoor ceremony
• A budget-friendly blank canvas
• The freedom to have a relaxed, non-traditional day

However, make sure you consider…

• Access - is it easy to get to or close to major roads?
• Parking - is there plenty of parking for guests?
• Is it accessible for guests with impaired mobility?
• What indoor options are there if the weather is bad?
• Is decor included?
• Is there a preferred suppliers list?
• Do you have to pay corkage?
• Does it have a space for the bridal party to get ready?
• Does it have onsite accommodation and what kind (rooms, glamping etc)?

How much do barn venues cost?

Much like other types of venue, the cost will normally depend on number of guests, location, on-site facilities and wedding date. Barns that offer venue hire with food and drink packages or an all-inclusive option will charge similar amounts to most other wedding venues.

However, if you’re looking for something more affordable, a ‘dry hire’ barn is a great choice, although be prepared to do more of the work yourself. You generally just pay for the hire of a blank space and bring in all your own suppliers and facilities. The cost for this will also be based on how long you need the venue for. Just remember this may be a few days, as you’ll need time to set up beforehand and tidy up afterwards. 

Dream dresses for a barn wedding

Whatever you want to wear on your big day is exactly the right thing, no matter what your venue style or theme. That said, if you need a little guidance, think about the look and feel of your barn venue. Is it charming and rustic, a bit more industrial or does it have a refurbished contemporary feel?

Lightweight bohemian lace and floaty tulle are always a great match for a rustic setting. They fit the look perfectly and the ease of movement you’ll have in a boho style also suits a laidback atmosphere. If classic is more your thing, a traditional design with delicate floral lace also works beautifully with a countryside backdrop.

Alternatively, vintage-style detailing and Art Deco accessories look amazing with a more retro/DIY day, think bunting, fairy lights and jars filled with loose ‘just picked from a meadow’ blooms.

...and accessories to match

Look for pretty florals to reflect the natural setting, such as flower-covered tiaras and hair combs or lace-edged veils. If your day has a more retro feel, try a beautiful vintage-style hair comb instead. 

How to style barn wedding venues

Barn wedding venues are such a versatile choice when it comes to styling. Relaxed pretty pastels and loosely arranged flower displays are always going to be amazing, soft sage green with creams and whites gives the country look a modern edge or try hints of deep navy alongside a mix of delicate pinks for a stylish classic feel.

Nadine and Ross decorated their barn venue with rusty oranges, pinks and reds alongside arrangements of pampas grass and feathers for a beautifully bohemian look. “We married at Inkersall Grange Farm, overlooking Sherwood Forest, “ says Nadine. “It’s tucked away, surrounded by gorgeous greenery, with a garden area, an open-sided ceremony barn and three huge teepees. We had the venue the day before so we could set up ourselves. There was also a kids’ fun corner, a tattoo station, football and a VW photo booth.”

Grace and Jack chose a pastel colour theme of blues, pinks and lilacs. “The pastel colours went with the gold hints I wanted to add, which matched the gold moons and stars on our invitations,” says Grace. “The decorations included gold candelabras, jars with fairy lights and lots of personalised elements. The table favours were lottery tickets with our names on them.”

Make it seasonal

Alternatively, suit your style to the season. Try pastels to match the spring blossom, golds, deep reds and purples in winter or a mix of rich autumnal shades like Polly, who chose of a stunning burgundy for her October celebration.

For accessories, consider rustic crates, lanterns, bunting and plenty of fairy lights. A propped up wooden palette or board makes a great rustic seating plan or a way to display photos.

Although, if the homemade look isn’t for you, then pare it back and go for rows of small vases filled with single blooms, lots of foliage and a muted colour scheme, to let the character of the venue shine through.

Abbey and Jake did just that when they married in picturesque farmland in Rochford, Essex. They kept the styling very simple, with understated bunches of pretty gypsophila, foliage and olive greens. “The theme was earth colours," says Abbey. “There were wooden chandeliers decorated with greenery and my maids wore olive green dresses. I wanted it very natural, simple and boho.”

Create your own rustic romance

So, we hope we’ve helped you on your search for beautiful barn wedding venues. Don’t forget our suppliers’ pages have lots of stunning venues in your area, alongside all the suppliers you could want to make your dream day a reality. Plus, if you need help finding the right dress, speak to our brilliant bridal experts (both online and instore). Simply tell them all about the plans for your day and they can help you create the perfect look to match!

Click here for lots more ideas for barn wedding venues from our brilliant real life brides. Also, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.