Introduction
If you are planning a big wedding with plenty of guests and want a relaxed and laid back atmosphere while being surrounded in the beautiful countryside – you are probably considering getting married at a barn wedding venue.
Here is a brief intro to wedding barns including the benefits, things to consider, an overview of the different types, and, because I’m a wedding photographer based in York, a list of all the barn wedding venues in York (within half an hour’s drive of the city centre).
7 Reasons you should get married at a barn wedding venue
Wedding barns are becoming more and more popular for large weddings all year round – but what are some of the reasons so many people are falling in love with these rustic countryside wedding venues?
- Exclusivity
Barn wedding venues are usually in the middle of the countryside – there is no reason for members of the public to be on site. Lots of hotels or venues with restaurants will charge extra to guarantee exclusivity of the whole property for the day… but that just comes as default with a wedding barn. - Personalisation
Generally, wedding barns are big blank canvasses. You can leave them as they are for a minimalist rustic look, or decorate them in absolutely any wedding theme you wish. So – if you are a DIY bride and would feel restricted by the pre-existing decor of Country House wedding venues, a wedding barn might just be perfect for you. - Scenery
It is almost guaranteed that a wedding barn is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Most wedding barns are nestled amongst beautiful countryside views – fantastic for both posed and natural wedding photos! - Relaxed atmosphere
The high ceilings and open plan nature of a wedding barn give a very open and relaxed vibe to a wedding. If you want to avoid a stuffy, formal wedding, where everyone is stuck in one room, a wedding barn is just the job.
- On one site
As a wedding photographer, I have witnessed so many weddings where guests get lost between the ceremony and the reception – even if it’s just a couple of miles away. This adds stress, delays the timeline of the day, and even if things go well, a big chunk of wedding time is spent on travel.
With a wedding barn, you can have your ceremony, photos, and reception all on one site – simple! - Rustic charm
Whether a traditional farm building converted, or a purpose-built wedding barn – all wedding barns ooze character. They were made for weddings… unlike generic hotel conference rooms which are used for weddings on the weekend and sales conferences during the week. - Lots of space
Some wedding barns have the capacity for 400 guests! They can be huge! If you want a really big party – choose a wedding barn, you won’t need to worry about cutting people off the guest list. Plus, there is usually loads of space for parking.
How to plan a barn wedding
Lots of the wedding barns you will see advertised in luxury bridal magazines have been purpose-built by experienced members of the wedding industry, but some, often less well advertised, are simply old farm buildings converted by farming families. With this in mind, not all wedding barns will have the same facilities or rustic charm), so here is a list of things to check when researching which wedding barn if the best for you.
Things to consider when choosing your wedding barn venue
Toilets
Not all wedding barns are the same! Some really are barns on family farms that have been converted into a big space for plenty of people – toilets may not always be a given! Nowadays, most wedding barns do have fully functional toilets, but just make sure you check – no one likes a portaloo, especially after 140 people have been using it all night!
Heating
Again, this is only really an issue for old barns that have been converted. Summer weddings will probably be fine, but elderly people often get very cold, especially as the temperature drops in the evening – big open barns, if not heated well, might not be very comfortable for your granny.
Catering facilities
Some purpose-built wedding barns have state of the art catering facilities and their own bar – but others will require you to hire in catering vans – something to ask and be aware of.
Corkage fee
Exclusive, luxury wedding barns which include catering and drinks in their package will have a vary different attitude to more rustic, DIY wedding barns when it comes to providing your own alcohol. If you are thinking of bringing your own drinks to keep costs down – check if the venue allows it, and if there is a corkage fee.
Tables and chairs included
Some wedding barns may simply be a big barn that you are hiring. In this case, you might need to provide your own seating. Similarly, some more high-end barns will have their own tables and chairs and will not be too pleased if you plan to bring 200 bales of hay in for your guests to sit on!
Accommodation on site
Being out in the countryside often means there are fewer accommodation options available to your guests. this might discourage people from staying as late – which could dampen the mood of your big party. Similarly, getting ready on-site is something lots of brides like to do, this might not always be possible with remote wedding barns.
Transport for guests
If guests plan to drink they may not want to drive home – being out in the countryside makes transport a little less easy than in the city centre – consider hiring a minibus to shuttle people into York, or to a nearby hotel at various points during the night.
Is it registered
If you plan to have your wedding ceremony at the wedding barn so no one has to travel from one venue to another – make sure you check if the wedding barn is registered for legally binding ceremonies. If it isn’t, you can still have a ceremony conducted by a celebrant – but it won’t be legal, and you’ll need to arrange a legal ceremony at a registry office for another time.
DIY or all included
A few years ago a wedding in a barn was rustic and mostly DIY. But in more recent years experienced wedding businesses have discovered the potential of creating luxury wedding barn complexes specifically created for weddings. They have holiday cottages, restaurants on-site, full-time staff… they sell weddings as a full package – there is very little DIY required, or even allowed in some cases – so, if you dream of creating your own rustic hay bale wedding – don’t assume all wedding barns will be the right sort of place!
Sunset times
Although this won’t decide which venue you choose, or if you should have a barn wedding or not – thinking about the sunset times is cruicial if you are relying on natural light during your day.
This handy infographic details the golden hour and sunset times in York (because I know you’re looking for barn wedding venues in York). Outdoor wedding group portraits will be too dark (without artificial lighting) after the start of the golden hour. But – some couples portraits in the golden hour can be stunning!
Sunset times in York UK
Sunset times for barn wedding venues in York
The different types of wedding barn
The barn wedding has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It’s a simple, laid-back kind of wedding that combines rustic romance and modern comfort.
Wedding barns provide a little bit of a rustic feel with an industrial element. However, it’s important to remember that wedding barns are not all the same. Here is a brief overview of the main categories.
Purpose-built contemporary. Often called wedding barns… these have never been used to house tractors or sheep! As a result, everything has been designed with a wedding in mind. These usually have onsite accommodation and everything is organised by the venue. These may have some decor to imitate some rustic charm, but straw bale seating would not fit in here!
Converted modern farm building. These are in the countryside but don’t have so much history as a traditional farm building. This can be a bonus as they tend to be more contemporary and some added luxuries that wouldn’t fit into an old stone building. Usually, these are wooden stable blocks. More suitable for people who like the countryside… but don’t want to see any muck on their wedding day.
Renovated traditional farm buildings. These are usually stone or brick with lovely old beams and concrete or flagstone floors. Often they are offered as a wedding space, or a blank canvas, where you will have more involvement in planning and organising caterers, furniture, decoration etc. These are the wedding barns with all the authentic rustic and industrial charm and history – most often they are on working farms and a wedding barn is a secondary form of income.
List of 12 barn wedding venues in York (within 30mins)
York Barn at villa farm, Poppleton Tithe barn, Woodstock, Deighton lodge, The Normans, York Maze, White Syke Fields, Sandburn Hall, Woollas barn, Hornington Manor, Priory Barn and cottages, Barmbyfield Barns
1. York Barn at Villa Farm
York Barn – image of a wedding breakfast set-up at York barn
| Venue | York Barn at Villa Farm |
| Location | 11 minutes north of York – near Wigginton |
| Feel | Restored former stable block – rustic feel but with all the luxury facilities you would want (it’s not a working farm) this is a wedding and events venue. |
| Toilets | Luxury toilets |
| Catering facilities | Bring in your own caterers (they have recommended suppliers) – professional kitchen on site |
| DIY? | Decorate it yourself |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes (indoor and outdoor options) |
| Accommodation on site | Onsite luxury accommodation – 13 cottages sleeping 113 guests! |
| Guest capacity | 150 wedding breakfast, 220 evening |
| Transport nearby? | Close enough for a taxi to the city centre, also close enough to order takeaways to the cottages |
| Corkage | No mention of a fee, but they say they are very flexible – they have a fully stocked bar. |
| Tables and chairs | Included – choice of long rectangle tables or round trestle tables (black or white table cloths also an option)and lovely wooden chairs (Also plenty of extras such as patio heaters, cartwheels, snug seating area, an easel for the table plan, postbox) |
| Heating | Underfloor heating |
I photographed my first York Barn at Villa Farm wedding in February of 2022 – it was a wonderful wedding made even more special by falling snow! With onsite accommodation and beautiful grounds, this wedding venue is really good if you don’t want to travel on your wedding day! Have a look at my blog about a real wedding at York Barn at Villa farm here.
2. Poppleton Tithe Barn
Historic tithe barn in Poppleton
image taken from the Poppleton tithe barn website
| Venue | Poppleton Tithe barn |
| Location | 13 minutes north-west of York – Nether Poppleton |
| Feel | A historic 16th-century tithe barn – it’s a proper historic building with a charity to protect it! Only a few weddings are allowed here each year. No amplified music is allowed. Must end by 11 pm |
| Toilets | 4 toilets |
| Catering facilities | A small kitchen, probably need catering vans |
| DIY? | decorate it yourself |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | No, I don’t think so… but there is a church right next door |
| Accommodation on site | No – but there is a premier inn less than 2 miles away, and there are plenty of airbnbs in Poppleton |
| Guest capacity | No mention of max capacity |
| Transport nearby | Taxi or walk into the village, or Poppleton train station is just over 1 mile away |
| Corkage | Totally DIY – so no corkage, but also no-one to serve drinks! |
| Tables and chairs | Various tables included, 78 chairs |
| Heating | Background heating is mentioned |
Poppleton Tithe Barn is really very much like a village hall in term of booking/ organising. There are no suppliers or staff linked with the barn, you simply hire the hall and do everything yourself. There are quite a few restrictions about what is and is not allowed, so you’ll need to check with them directly.
I photographed a wedding a Poppleton Tithe Barn in June 2020. The barn is dark and cool inside, with a lovely garden outside – it’s perfect for a hot summer wedding where you want a cool place out of the sun to retreat to, but similarly, creates a lovely cosy atmosphere for winter weddings.
3. Woodstock
Outside view of Woodstock wedding barn near York
image taken from the Woodstock wedding barn website
| Venue | Woodstock |
| Location | 14 minutes north-west of York (near Shipton) |
| Feel | Modern, clean, countryside feel. Modern build stables converted to wedding venue… they say “bringing the city to the countryside”, so not a traditional rustic barn. |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Choose from their catering partners |
| DIY? | Not full control – they provide decoration… but you can add some personal touches |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | No |
| Guest capacity | 300 |
| Transport nearby | No easy public transport |
| Corkage | Probably can’t supply your own drinks – fully stocked and staffed bar provided |
| Tables and chairs | chairs and round tables with table linen |
| Heating | heated and air-conditioned |
4. Deighton Lodge
Blank canvas wedding barn at Deighton Lodge
image taken from the Deighton Lodge facebook page.
| Venue | Deighton Lodge |
| Location | 14 minutes south of York (near to Escrick) |
| Feel | Rustic and rural – traditional farm buildings converted with quirky features (milk churn urinals) and a tractor to sit on, plus exposed brick walls and bespoke rustic chandeliers |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | no mention – there is a list of recommended caterers. |
| DIY? | Yes – totally blank canvas |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes – indoor and outdoor |
| Accommodation on site | Farmhouse is included in barn hire – it has 8 en-suite bedrooms (space for 19) Plus, 1.5 miles away there is a self catered cottage which sleeps 6. |
| Guest capacity | 200 |
| Transport nearby | |
| Corkage | DIY so provide your own or hire in a bar company |
| Tables and chairs | not provided (they can recommend suppliers) |
| Heating | no mention |
5. The Normans
Ceremony space at The Normans
image from the Norman’s website, photo by https://esmemai.com/
| Venue | The Normans |
| Location | 17 minutes west of York (near to Askham Richard) |
| Feel | Stylish and stunning traditional barn converted – exposed-brick walls and a high-vaulted ceiling – absolutely amazing! |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Must use their catering partner (who will provide all Crockery, cutlery, glassware and table linen, and bar) |
| DIY? | The venue looks fantastic as it is, but you can add flowers etc if you wish |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | The Norman’s cottage (on-site) sleeps 4 adults. This is the only accommodation on site, but there are plenty of Airbnbs nearby. |
| Guest capacity | 180 |
| Transport nearby | Bilbrough Top service station on A64 is only 2 miles away, and buses run from nearby Askham Richard to York |
| Corkage | The caterers will run the bar |
| Tables and chairs | Yes – included (as well as a stage for a band, loads of fairylights). round tables are included, or long rustic tables for an extra fee. |
| Heating | Indoor – yes, and outdoor flame heaters |
6. York Maze
Wedding breakfast set-up at York Maze wedding barn
image taken from the York Maze weddings facebook page link to their website here
| Venue | York Maze (the amazing wedding company) |
| Location | 17 minutes east of York (towards Elvington) |
| Feel | Rustic feel – lots of wood – plenty of space and various barns with courtyard and terrace… plus – it’s York maze! So you can use the bouncy pillow and play area. |
| Toilets | 5 ladies, 3 mens, 4 urinals, disabled toilet and baby change facility |
| Catering facilities | Catering provided by the venue |
| DIY? | Yes – strongly encouraged to put your own stamp on |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | Onsite camping (though no showers or electric hook-up) Brinkworth Park house is only 1.5 miles away – it’s a self-catered holiday cottage sleeping 8 people. |
| Guest capacity | 150 seated |
| Transport nearby | Regular buses from York Maze into city centre |
| Corkage | Bar provided by venue |
| Tables and chairs | Pine tables and benches provided |
| Heating | Yes |
7. White Syke Fields
Industrial, rustic wedding barn near York – White Syke Fields
Image taken from White Syke Fields website
| Venue | White Syke Fields |
| Location | 18 minutes north east of York (Sand Hutton) |
| Feel | Rustic farm feel with exposed brick, concrete floor, metal girders – proper unpolished industrial feel. Choice of 2 barns, and ancient woodland. |
| Toilets | Communal toilets x2 |
| Catering facilities | No mention of facilities – they say you can hire in your own caterers |
| DIY? | Very much so |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | No |
| Guest capacity | 400 for whole site |
| Transport nearby | Regular buses to York from 10 minutes away |
| Corkage | They request you to hire their recommended bar tender |
| Tables and chairs | Round and long tables and chairs for up to 100 people, or you can provide your own |
| Heating | Not mentioned |
8. Sandburn Hall
Sandburn Hall ceremony room
| Venue | Sandburn Hall |
| Location | 19 minutes north east of York (Flaxton) |
| Feel | Not really a wedding barn – it’s an oak framed hall with views over a golf course. Oak beans and massive windows gives a very bright feel. A countryside feel with plenty of charm… but nor rustic or industrial. |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Catering all included |
| DIY? | Not really – it’s a full package sort of venue |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | Yes – Griffon Forrest Lodges are near the hall. |
| Guest capacity | 220 |
| Transport nearby | Regular Coastliner bus from A64 nearby to York |
| Corkage | All drinks are provided by the venue |
| Tables and chairs | Provided (assumed) |
| Heating | Not mentioned – but as it’s not a rustic barn, it will be heated. |
I photographed a wonderful wedding on a bright sunny day at Sandburn Hall. There is a brand new hotel next to (about a 100m walk) the barn, so guests can comfortably stay on site. The purpose-built wedding barn looks out onto the golf course, so the views are stunning.
9. Woollas Barn
One of the beautiful rustic spaces at Woollas barn wedding venue near York
Image taken from the Woollas Barn website
| Venue | Woollas Barn |
| Location | 20 minutes south west of York (Appleton Roebuck) |
| Feel | This traditional rustic barn is on a proper working farm. It has been renovated to a beautiful standard and retains all it’s rural charm. Unlike some modern renovations, this venue hasn’t lost any of it’s character when the family converted it into a wedding barn. |
| Toilets | Unsure – no mention on website |
| Catering facilities | Large kitchen available – you need to provide your own catering |
| DIY? | Very much – this is a blank canvas type of space |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | No – but the local village has BnBs |
| Guest capacity | 160 |
| Transport nearby | Not really. But the village has pubs and accommodation. |
| Corkage | Drinks packages are available, so you probably can’t provide your own |
| Tables and chairs | You can provide your own… unsure if they provide any |
| Heating | Not mentioned |
10. Hornington Manor
Inside the wedding barn at Hornington Manor near York
| Venue | Hornington Manor |
| Location | 20 minutes south west of York (near Bolton Percy) |
| Feel | Fully renovated, retaining some rustic character, this is a luxury wedding space with contemporary touches. |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Provide your own caterer (they can recommend some) |
| DIY? | You can decorate the barn however you wish |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes – inside and outside |
| Accommodation on site | Yes – the Manor sleeps 44 guests |
| Guest capacity | 200 |
| Transport nearby | Not really – would need to be pre arranged |
| Corkage | Can’t take your own alcohol – must use their drinks package |
| Tables and chairs | Assumed included |
| Heating | Assumed |
11. Priory Barn and cottages
Upstairs in the wedding barn at Priory Cottages
| Venue | Priory Barn |
| Location | 23 minutes west of York (towards Wetherby) |
| Feel | One of the smaller wedding barns (they add a marquee on for larger weddings) a contemporary renovation of a traditional stone barn with courtyard and cottages on site |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Not sure |
| DIY? | Seems to be a done for you type of service |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | Yes – 7 cottages |
| Guest capacity | 60 barn only, or 150 including marquee |
| Transport nearby | |
| Corkage | There is a bar, so probably not available |
| Tables and chairs | Provided |
| Heating | Assumed |
12. Barmbyfield barns
Barmbyfield barns near Pocklington
Photo taken from their website
| Venue | Barmbyfield barns |
| Location | 27 minutes east of York (near Pocklington) |
| Feel | A collection of traditional barns renovated to retain rustic feel. |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Catering facilities | Yes – they have catering partners they can recommend |
| DIY? | Blank canvas – you decorate it yourself |
| Registered for legal ceremony? | Yes |
| Accommodation on site | No. There is a nearby cottage which sleeps 14 people (with a swimming pool and hot tub!) |
| Guest capacity | 220 |
| Transport nearby | No, but less than 1 miles from local village which has a pub. |
| Corkage | Full bar service provided |
| Tables and chairs | Available for 120 guests |
| Heating | Yes – heating and a log burner mentioned |
Inspiration for wedding barn weddings
Inspiration for barn weddings can be found on Pinterest, where there are lots of boards dedicated to the rustic theme.
I also have a blog post of a real-life wedding at the Yorkshire wedding barn near Richmond (too far away from York to have made the list below) which is a purpose build wedding barn complex in North Yorkshire.
Wedding Photography
Are you looking for a wedding photographer who will capture your wedding in a relaxed and laid back manner? I’m Emma, I have 10 years experience photographing weddings and I live near York. Have a look at my portfolio!
