Weddings in 2020 have been demonstrating just how wonderful elopements or micro-weddings can be. Many couples who dreamed and planned for large weddings have not been disappointed when adapting to a smaller scale guest list and creating an intimate day. Discover 5 of our favourite small wedding venues across the UK to help you plan on your very own intimate rustic wedding.
Grand Launch of The Oak Barn, Kent
After three and a half years of extensive restoration, The Oak Barn opened its doors for a grand opening on the 19th January 2019.
Located in the heart of Kent’s High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Grade II listed farm has been transformed by owners, Tim and Deana Maw. The Oak Barn now features two breathtaking function barns with a magnificent high vaulted roof, floor to ceiling glass doors and glass fronted lean-to, providing couples with the opportunity to dress the buildings as they wish.
Set in over 20 acres of farmland the Oak Barn retains many original features with rustic additions made from up-cycled and reused building materials.
– Deana Maw.
The Weaving House
The Weaving house dates back to the 1607 has been lovingly refurbished to provide stylish accommodation for the bridal party, family and friends with five cottages, filled with historic character and an eclectic mix of furnishings.
To learn more about The Oak Barn, visit their website and make sure to have a look the before and after photos to truly appreciate this transformation.
Photos by Matilda Delves
9 Beautiful Rustic Wedding Venues You Have To See
Across the UK is a stunning range of rustic wedding venues, each with their own unique features and personality. As self-confessed rustic venue addicts, we’ve spent countless hours exploring and researching the most fabulous settings, which we add to our directory of rustic venues weekly.
Today, we’re sharing 9 of our most-loved rustic wedding venues, chosen for their charming rustic features and first-class service by owners, staff, and designated suppliers. Our choice based on hundreds of endorsements from brides, grooms, guests, and even suppliers.
So, get your wedding planning folder out, as we’re certain you’ll be adding a few of these stunning venues to the list.
1. Gaynes Park, Essex
A bright and beautiful venue, with a number of spaces to choose from that offers the discerning couple a different setting for each stage of the day.
What we love? In addition to the gorgeous orangery, the truly rustic space at Gaynes Park has to be ‘Gather Barn’, an outdoor space perfect for guests to ‘gather’ in the evening with a drink in hand and is also licensed for Civil Ceremonies, ideal for warm summer days.
From the mother of the bride
“My daughter got married here a week ago and I just have to leave a review. From the moment we were met by Suzanne for our ‘show around’ till the very last guest had departed on the day, the way we were treated with such professionalism and attention to every little detail was exemplary.” See the full review here.
2. ANRÁN, Devon
Our first venue to feature in our ‘‘Truly Unique Venues’’ section. There are more spaces than you can imagine and they are all so unique.
What we love? The Glasshouse venue is spectacular, we love that it was once a walled garden which has been lovingly transformed. For the after, after party, ‘The Hut’ makes one of the most unique rustic spaces we’ve seen, dating back to the second world war.
A special guests testimonial
“Such an amazing place to celebrate! Deep in the countryside, surrounded by greenery, is Anran – nestled between the rolling hills. My wife and I attended a wedding here in June and it was simply the most beautiful I’ve ever been to…” See the full review here.
3. The House Meadow, Kent
Dreaming of a rustic barn with ancient Oak Timbers? This is the perfect choice for a more intimate wedding.
What we love? Licensed for Civil Ceremonies the gazebo on the lake is a setting like no other. If being near tranquil lakes is your thing, this is the ideal place to say your vows.
From florist to bride
“As a wedding florist from the first time I decorated The House Meadow I knew I had to get married there. The venue itself is the most beautiful I have ever seen and the barn is idyllic!” See the full review here.
4. Cripps Barn, Gloucestershire
An 18th century timber and stone barn in the Cotswolds which is well-loved in the wedding industry and favoured by many brides & grooms.
What we love? The roaring open fireplace had our winter wedding imaginations going crazy. A beautiful feature for ceremonies and wedding breakfasts – what a romantic scene. We absolutely adore the fact Cripps Barn has several Feast Nights throughout the year, get yourself booked in for a sneaky peak!
Falling in love at first sight
“Cripps Barn is just the most stunning wedding venue. As soon as we walked in, I felt this surge of emotion and knew it would be where we’d get married!…” See the full review here.
5. Patricks Barn, West Sussex
A rural, rustic and relaxed gem in the heart of the Sussex countryside with onsite caterers, The Garden Chef, who (tried and tested) create fabulous bespoke menus.
What we love? During the summer months the cows and sheep kindly give up their space in ‘Patrick’s Byre’ to offer wedding parties a space to celebrate.
A rustic outdoor celebration
“Patrick’s Barn is a beautiful place to get married in! Myself and my new husband had a wonderful ceremony underneath the old oak tree on 20th May 2017, with our celebration continuing in the byre and barn itself.” See the full review here.
6. Wasing Park, Berkshire
Is it a barn, or a castle? Who cares! The place is gorgeous. A contemporary space with rustic features including vast exposed brick walls and striking beams.
What we love? Needless to say, the Castle / Barn dilemma has us fascinated, but the mind also boggles at the decorating potential available with this beautiful space.
A photographer’s delight
“Having photographed over 100 weddings at this stunning location, I can honestly say it’s one of the most outstanding venues in Berkshire.” See the full review here.
7. Curradine Barn, Worcestershire
The two charming 19th-century barns provide you with a blank canvas to decorate, just the way you’ve dreamt of, plus enjoy the luscious surrounding views of countryside and Farmhouse.
What we love? The atmospheric Granary Barn lit by gorgeous rays of sunshine breaking through the top of the barn. Such a magical touch to this stunning room.
Singers never want to leave
“What a lovely and very special place. I was invited to sing at my friends sisters wedding with my friends and I didn’t want to leave the venue” See the full review here.
8. Pimhill Barn, Shropshire
A historic Elizabethan barn, dating back to 1584 that acts as a completely blank canvas for your wedding day. The barn sits on an organic farm in the Shropshire countryside.
What we love? Rustic wood bliss. With soaring cladded walls, exposed brick work and vast beams, we adore brides that decorate this space with bursts of foliage for a charming natural vibe.
A brides fairytale experience
“We had our fairytale wedding at Pimhill Barn this weekend and., honestly, we can’t thank Ginny & Ian more. It was the most magical day!” See the full review here.
9. The Normans, York
Once a working barn, a stunning collection of four rustic barn areas connect flawlessly to create a unique and purposely designed space for exclusive wedding days.
What we love? We fell head over heels for the cow stalls with original cattle feeders. Providing guests with a charming snug to gather, chat and enjoy a drink from the bar. it’s even fully heated in winter months for a cosy space to mingle.
Even guests know this venue is perfect for you
“Attending a friend’s wedding, they couldn’t have picked a more perfect venue for their style and personality!” See the full review here.
Wedding breakfast in the Glasshouse
Our first venue to feature on the Truly Unique Venues list is the Glasshouse at ANRÁN. Located in rural Devon countryside, ANRÁN has a number of venue options, but the Glasshouse is something really special. Originally a walled garden, converted into the Glasshouse, it is home to a number of plants and trees that need a more “tropical” environment to succeed. The Glasshouse is already a magical space which can be adapted to your style and personal taste.
Day and night, the Glasshouse is a unique setting for your wedding breakfast (up to 180 people) and on-going celebrations. Decorate this space with your choice of rustic props, floral masterpieces and quirky table settings and you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable rustic wedding.
Although rustic vibes might be our style here at NRW, there’s no denying the luxurious accommodation that ANRÁN provides is absolutely stunning. Set within a country manor house, with a large conservatory together with manor and barn bedrooms designed to a clean and contemporary style, guests will be delighted by the combination. There really is no shortage of natural beauty and rustic facilities at this venue, including the courtyard, lily pond, vast lake, old oak meadow and another favorite of ours, ‘the Hut’ – ideal for the after, after party.