Photgraphy by Maxi Photography
So, you’re newly engaged—yay! If you’re picturing a wedding day filled with rustic charm, twinkling lights, and Insta-worthy backdrops, our beautiful Devon barn wedding venue might already be on your radar.
As expert wedding planners at Ashridge Great Barn, we have helped lots of couples pull off unforgettable barn weddings. They’re effortlessly cool, versatile, and romantic, but finding the perfect barn wedding venue requires some thought.
Here’s what you need to know to make your dream day a reality and find your dream wedding barn venue.
1. Location, Location, Location
Barn wedding venues often sit in picturesque countryside settings, but don’t forget to think practically. How far is the venue from your home or where most of your guests are travelling from? Does it have nearby accommodation for your crew? While a secluded barn can feel magical, ensuring your guests can get there (and back) easily will save you stress later. Here at Ashridge Great Barn we have the Old Laundry Cottage sleeping 6 and the Wood’s Barn Studio that sleeps 3. Along with camping for 20 included on the lawn (bring your own tents) or you can upgrade to our glamping option for unlimited campers. We also provide a local accommodation list showing places to stay nearby.
Photography by Amy Sampson Photography
2. Guest Capacity
Barns come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s crucial to find one that fits your guest list and vision. Are you planning a small, intimate ceremony or a full-on celebration with 200 people? Look for a venue with enough space to accommodate your plans while still feeling cozy. Bonus points if it has both indoor and outdoor areas for flexibility on the day. At Ashridge we have space for 140 seated guests and a maximum capacity of 200, we have plenty of space to spill outside.
3. Amenities and Features
Not all barns are created equal. Some come with modern amenities like heating, cooling, restrooms, and full kitchens, while others lean into a more rustic vibe. If your wedding is in the summer, check if the barn has fans or air conditioning. For winter weddings, heating is non-negotiable. A great barn will combine charm with comfort, so ask what’s included before you book.
Photography by Amy Sampson
4. Décor Potential
One of the best things about barn wedding venues is their versatility. They’re a blank canvas for any style, from boho and vintage to chic and modern. However, some barns may have restrictions on decorations like hanging installations or open flames. If you’ve got your heart set on fairy lights or floral chandeliers, make sure the venue can accommodate your vision. We have already tackled this issue at Ashridge and have many hooks in place for hanging things and we have the fairy lights up in the barn all year to give a magical twinkly vibe to your wedding (the lights can be taken down if you want to use something else).
5. Indoor or outdoor wedding
If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony or reception, does the venue have a plan B in case of rain? Many barns have beautiful indoor spaces that can double as ceremony spots, but it’s always good to confirm this upfront. Barns are fantastic in any season, but weather can be unpredictable. We always talk through the wet weather plan and will support you as much as we can in getting your dream outdoor ceremony. We have had couples bring gazebos/stretch tents to provide shelter from the showers but if the heavens really open then the barn is the perfect place to say your vows keeping everyone dry in the unpredictable Devon weather.
6. Noise Restrictions and Curfews
If your wedding playlist is heavy on party vibes, check the venue’s policies on noise and timing. Some countryside venues have early curfews due to local regulations, so make sure you can keep the celebration going as long as you want. If a cut-off time is unavoidable, you could plan an after-party elsewhere. Our curfew for amplified music at Ashridge is 1am, so you have plenty of time for dancing!
7. Catering and Vendor Options
Does the barn come with in-house catering, or can you bring your own? Some venues have preferred suppliers, while others are more flexible. Knowing this will help you plan your budget and decide on the kind of food and drink experience you want to create. For couples who love a food truck or grazing table, flexibility can be a big plus! We pride ourselves on flexibility at Ashridge and we are lucky to have lots of space so you can have your food trucks and a cocktail horsebox bar outside if you want it or you can have a bar set up inside. We thoroughly plan logistics with you and your suppliers well in advance to make sure everything runs super smoothly on the day.
Photography by: Melanie Barnfield
8. Photo Opportunities
Barn wedding venues are naturally stunning, but take a tour to scope out the best spots for your wedding photos. Look for dreamy backdrops like fields, gardens, or rustic fences that will make your photographer swoon. Ask if you’ll have exclusive access to the venue, ensuring your photos remain private and intimate. Ashridge has been called the “photographers paradise” there are endless beautiful spaces around the huge estate to take your photographs with glorious colours and interest all year round. Having exclusive access for the day means that you and your photographer will be spoilt for choice for places to go.
9. Accessibility
While barns are beautiful, some may have uneven floors, gravel pathways, or stairs that could be challenging for older guests or those with mobility needs. Check if the venue is wheelchair-friendly or has solutions for guests who might need extra help. We have made several updates to the barn to make it wheelchair friendly and we have drop off points close to where the guests need to be for those with limited mobility. We are more than happy to chat through any concerns that you may have.
10. Your Connection to the Venue
Lastly, and most importantly, how does the barn make you feel? This is the place where you’ll say your vows and celebrate with the people you love most. If it feels like “you” the moment you step inside, then you’ve likely found the one. Our rustic barn is a unique space that is perfect for weddings but don’t just take our word for it, please book in a tour and come and see our gorgeous Devon barn wedding venue for yourself!
Barn wedding venues are more than just a space—they’re the foundation of your wedding vibe. With a little planning and a lot of love, your barn wedding can be a day you and your guests will talk about forever. So go ahead, find that perfect spot, and start creating the wedding of your dreams.
Photography by: Chris Armstrong
Find out more about hosting your wedding at Ashridge Great Barn on the Wedding Packages page.
