Wedding venue inspiration - Barns

The Compasses at Pattiswick

Hedgerows brimming with cow parsley, foxgloves and honeysuckle lead you along picturesque country lanes to this hidden gem of a wedding venue, which boasts breathtaking views across the rural landscape of North Essex. The spacious gardens with large patios look out across the countryside to mature woodland beyond – an idyllic spot to watch the sun set.

Stock Street Farm Barn, Coggeshall

This 350-year-old barn wedding venue is set in its own traditional English gardens overlooking the Blackwater Valley, Coggeshall, Essex, which are perfectly suited to outdoor ceremonies, garden games or firepits. The more adventurous may choose to hold a Pimm's-fuelled sack race in the South Gardens with the Flemish-brick farmhouse as a backdrop. Inside, the rustic L-shaped barn has a relaxing feel with beaten leather sofas, rugs, trunks, a pool table and a well-stocked bar under twinkling fairylights. Guests turn the corner into the old part of the barn with its exposed beams, stage and high-tech lighting and sound system.

Blake Hall Weddings, Ongar

Blake Hall and its glorious exclusive-use wedding barns are nestled within 60 acres of beautifully maintained gardens and parkland in Ongar, Essex. The stunning rose garden, ancient trees and formal lawns are just a short walk from the venue and provide a tranquil spot for intimate wedding photographs. The magnificent 17th-century Essex Barn, Saddlery and recently restored Hay Barn sit adjacent to one another, and the lawn and terrace in between is a great spot for drinks receptions and garden games. Inside, all the barns have been sympathetically restored to provide modern comforts without losing their original charm.

Richwill Farm, Manningtree

Richwill Farm is an exclusive wedding venue set in 13 acres of secluded countryside among fields and meadows in Manningtree, Essex. The grounds boast plenty of beautiful photo opportunities from the rose-arch entrance and enclosed courtyard to the natural pond and rustic rope swing. There are a choice of restored barns here all with original exposed beams and rustic charm alongside modern facilities. There's also a converted outdoor trailer bar available.

Cressing Temple Barns, Cressing

Nestled between Braintree and Witham are the beautiful Grade I listed Cressing Temple Barns which are a perfect wedding venue setting. Complementing the Templar-built barn is an idyllic and peaceful Tudor walled garden, which provides a perfect backdrop for photographs with its arbour, viewing platform and trickling water feature. The 13th-century barns, which were built in the Templar Knight period, are steeped in history with ancient timbers and brickwork providing a wow-factor backdrop to celebrations.

The Hare’s Field, nr Braintree

Situated on the edge of the idyllic village of Wethersfield, Nr Braintree, Essex in a local conservation area, this peaceful countryside wedding venue has vistas across the historic Wethersfield Manor Park. The farm was first recorded in the 1700s, and the main barn was restored in 2017 in soft red brick and black weatherboarding, which is traditional for North Essex. There's a lovely south-facing terrace for entertaining and a row of espaliered lime trees forming a delightful entrance to the barn.

Vaulty Manor, Maldon

With a rural location in Goldhanger near Maldon, Essex visitors arrive down a long driveway to find a stunning manor house and welcoming barn wedding venue. The tranquil setting of cornfields and pretty grounds provide endless photo-ready spots. The perfect blend of something old and something new, the venue offers a tastefully restored 17th-century barn alongside the contemporary manor house and courtyard accommodation.

The Essex Barn At The Channels Estate, Little Waltham

The thatched 17th-century Essex Barn wedding venue set in the Channels Estate, in Little Waltham, Chelmsford, Essex is a picturesque exclusive-use venue. Set among landscaped gardens with a pretty courtyard entrance, the award-winning Channels Lodge accommodation is just a stone's throw away with its 25 luxury en suite rooms. The venue is spacious and beautifully restored with modern facilities such as an al fresco bar, large heated undercover patio and fantastic music system. The in-house catering team provides the very best homemade food from locally sourced ingredients.

Houchins Wedding Venue, Coggeshall

Though situated just off the A120 near Coggeshall, Essex Houchins is hidden away and set in its own peaceful, landscaped grounds. The zinc and cedar-shingle barn is nestled in the Wedding Garden, surrounded by abundant plants and flowers. Huge glass folding double doors open on to an expansive west-facing terrace to give the feeling of bringing the outside in, and for loved ones to enjoy views over the elegant marquee and pond.

Old Brook Barn, Navestock

Discreetly positioned within the picturesque village of Navestock, Brentwood, Essex Old Brook Barn is a 17th-century barn found within 23 acres of quintessentially English countryside. Accessed via a charming timber bridge, groups can enjoy views across the meadow field, a secret garden for celebrations and a natural brook. A secluded courtyard is positioned to the front of the building and is furnished with a gazebo, rustic bar area and characterful timber furniture. Step inside the barn, and visitors find gorgeous original features, exposed beams, high ceilings and carved-wood detailing but with the benefit of modern lighting and a PA system. The Minstrel's Gallery overlooks the Main Hall and opens on to a wonderful south-facing balcony.