Beautiful barns

We open the doors to some of the finest barn wedding venues

RACKLEY’S CHILTERN HILLS, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

This luxury wedding barn has a long history dating back more than 300 years. It has been fully restored, now benefitting from underfloor heating and air conditioning throughout, and natural light floods the airy space, especially in the glass conservatory that showcases sweeping views of the Chilterns and leads out to the sun-filled York Terrace with ample seating where guests can enjoy a cocktail reception at sunset. The south-facing wall with a floor-to-ceiling window draped in fairylights makes a stunning backdrop for couple portraits.

The seven acres of rolling grounds provide ample opportunity for garden games. A fantastic photo opportunity in the courtyard is the illuminated millstones water feature and this area also houses a colourful, manicured garden. The wildflower meadow with pathways winding down to the fields below, where nature thrives, also provides a picturesque backdrop and there’s also a pergola lit up with fairylights.

Ceremonies and receptions take place in the south-facing main barn that seats up to 120 guests under oak beams draped with festoon lighting, creating a romantic ambience. Smaller ceremonies of up to 60 loved ones can enjoy the Upstairs Gallery and micro-wedding ceremonies of up to 20 guests are best suited to the Meeting Room. There’s also an outdoor undercover option on the York Terrace for an intimate gathering of just eight people.

When a wedding is booked, the couple is offered the option of a complimentary food tasting and also a luxury goodie bag. There’s ample car parking on-site for 62 cars with an allocated registrar and disabled parking plus a ground floor disabled toilet with baby change facilities and highchairs available on request.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01494 412 515, https://rackleys.co.uk

We love... that the bridal party have exclusive use of the Bridal Room with en suite facilities for the entire day.

UFTON COURT, READING, BERKSHIRE

This 16th-century timber-framed tithe barn and Grade I listed manor house is nestled in 16 acres of manicured grounds located on the Berkshire/Hampshire border. An impressive sweeping driveway lined with ancient oak trees leads to this hidden gem and in addition to the expertly landscaped grounds, Ufton Court is home to a small valley and a traditional herb garden.

The interior of the tithe barn offers a wonderfully romantic atmosphere with the traditional oak beams decorated with ivy and fairylights. It’s a blank canvas that can be transformed to suit any wedding theme. Ceremonies and receptions take place here for 15 to 150 guests or in Archer’s Hall located opposite the barn in the courtyard which holds up to 80 loved ones. After the wedding breakfast, tea and coffee can be enjoyed in the Archer’s Hall and this space can be used again later as a quiet area for guests to relax and chat.

The Long Room in the Tudor Manor House is best suited to micro weddings and intimate gatherings of up to 50 people. These three reception rooms create a cosy and character-filled location for drinks receptions in the colder months and there are three locations for an outdoor wedding during the warmer months.

The venue offers an extensive list of recommended suppliers including a choice of six caterers, plus there’s a highly experienced wedding coordinator on hand and no corkage charge.

The stately dressing room and oak-panelled library marry old and new, retaining its original features and offering a hint of grandeur for the bridal party on the morning of the wedding.

Ceremony licence: Yes

Contact: 01189 832 099, www.uftonweddings.co.uk

We love... that all profit from weddings is gift aided to their on-site children’s charity, helping fund and support disadvantaged children and their families, raising aspirations and developing personal and behavioural skills in the great outdoors.

MONKS’ BARN, HURLEY, BERKSHIRE

Set in the riverside village of Hurley between Marlow and Henley, this 13th-century, Grade II listed medieval barn offers a special venue for ceremonies, wedding receptions and parties. It’s licensed for ceremonies, that can take place anywhere in the building, with the added option of saying ‘I do’ under the stunning archway leading to the lawn.

The Great Hall in the barn can seat up to 120 people on long tables or up to 150 at round tables for the wedding breakfast. Adjacent to the Great Hall is the Monks’ Bar and The Dance Hall which has ample room for a DJ. Guests can be received on Monks’ Barn Lawn, where there’s plenty of room for a marquee plus there’s secure overnight parking.

This versatile venue allows receptions to take place anywhere inside the building too and couples can create a bespoke day with their choice of caterer, florist and furnishings.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01628 823 501, https://hurleyriversidepark.co.uk/about-us/monks-barn rackleys.co.uk

We love... the many activities for guests staying nearby to take part in, from nature trail walks to paddle boarding and canoeing.

WINTERS TALE COUNTRY BARN, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

This stunning barn and 17th-century farmhouse are set on a hill in the middle of the North Buckinghamshire countryside surrounded by farmland. The informal country gardens have a natural beauty that enhances the tranquillity of the venue. The secret garden is ideal for big-day photographs and contains a swing, rockery and a resident robin! The barn is accessed via a driveway where guests can often spot deer, foxes, hares and other wildlife.

The Barn is a bright spacious venue featuring a high-vaulted ceiling. It’s modern in its outlook yet still retains the character of the hay barn that stood on the site a century ago. Packed full of twinkling fairylights and mood lighting throughout, the cocktail bar and lounge area on the gallery complement the large bar. An attached marquee provides extra space here for weddings if required.

The traditional-style, 19th-century hay barn features a tall roof, red tiles, black wooden cladding and large oak cart doors, with a south-facing courtyard situated between the barn and the wedding night accommodation. Festoon lighting enhances this romantic outdoor space during balmy summer evenings.

Ceremonies take place in the main Hay Barn for up to 120 guests; in the Gallery for 25 loved ones; in the Harvest Moon Barn for an intimate 25 people and in the Ember Eve Barn for just eight guests gathered. Outside, the courtyard and the marquee can both accommodate up to 100 guests while the Orchard can host up to 120 people and the Back Meadow can hold up to 180 loved ones. The special Secret Garden holds an intimate 15.

Receptions take place in the main Barn for up to 120, while buffets, hog roasts and barbecues can be enjoyed in the elegant silk-lined marquee.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01296 738 040, www.winterstalecountrybarn.co.uk

We love... that the Ember Eve Barn is included on the night of the wedding featuring a four-poster bed, and a Victorian slipper bath. It also has a balcony with panoramic views stretching across the open countryside where visitors can see the stars and stunning sunsets.

THE POST, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE

This modern wedding barn has been built to the highest specifications. Highlights include the impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed oak beams and the latest sound and lighting technology along with underfloor heating and a real log fire for cosy winter weddings.

The exterior encompasses red brick, and cedar cladding and is framed with a tiled patio which overlooks the manicured grounds. At the end of the barn is The Arch where couples can get married inside or outside. There’s also The OutPost - a fully equipped al fresco kitchen and dining space that’s perfect for late-night nibbles or an outside alternative for evening dining during the summer months.

Beautifully manicured lawns stretch from The Arch to the adjacent Snelsmore House. There’s a lower lawn with a water fountain and a beautiful pagoda, perfect for couple portraits.

Ceremonies take place in several areas including in the main Post room, an awe-inspiring space that can be transformed into each couple’s vision, for up to 150 guests. The best option outside is on the Pavillion lawn under The Arch which seats up to 150 guests. For smaller celebrations, the lower lawn with the Pagoda is perfect.

Receptions take place in the Post Room and bar with a mezzanine area in the rafters providing comfortable seating overlooking the main function space. The Post can host up to 200 guests for an evening reception.

Ceremony licence? Yes

Contact: 01635 881 800, www.thepostbarn.co.uk

We love.... that couples can enjoy the use of the bridal suite at Donnington Valley on the night of their wedding and also a menu tasting during the planning stages of their wedding. There’s also a pamper room for the bridal party to get ready on the day.