Essex/hertfordshire barns or similar venues..........

Hi FMC

You could try Knebworth Barns in Hertfordshire. I haven't been there myself but have heard loads of great reports about it.

I can't find a website, but you can get an idea through:

http://www.theweddingguide.info/knebworth/

https://www.knebworthhouse.com/your-event-at-knebworth/

/venue/Knebworth/

HTH

RK xx

Thanks RedKezza, It looks lovely but also a bit pricy for us im afraid! would really like somwhere informal but pretty where we can hang bunting and other things, maybe im living in a fairytale!lol

x

Try Ingatestone Hall. They aren't licenced for ceremonies, so you'd need ot use a church or registry office for the actual marriage part.

I liked the look of it when we were looking but the woman didn't get back to me in time, so I kind of forgot abut it. there was a tiny article in Essex Wedding mag a coupld of months ago and it actually looked really nice. I think, but don't quote me, they allow own catering.

I know quite a few other venues in the area but not any that allow own catering I'm afraid.

I did a wonderful venue in your area called Coltsfoot Country Retreat....very rustic but i don't think they allow your own catering.

Thanks! I shall check them all out as im not at all sure what im doing and change my mind every few seconds!

x

How about tewin bury near welyn garden city not sure about own catering though x

We getting married at Smeetham Hall Barn which is on the Essex / Suffolk border so might be a bit far for you. You sort your own catering from a list of caterers and no corkage.

Cheers Dudes, Ive requested brochures and such like ?

x

Maiden's Barn lets you choose from recommended caterers I think - or just any caterers - www.maidensbarn.com and I don't think they charge corkage either.

What happened to friern manor? i thought u were really set on that

I know, I still really like it but I keep thinking of new ideas! im awful!?

Im guna just get a few options and visit them to get a feel of what suits me best *sigh* I want them all and have serious venue jelousy from that other post hehe

x

How about the priory barn in hertfordshire. it looks lovely, and did get details for it, but if I remember correctly it is very pricey. think it was £5000 to just hire the barn!!! there are quite a few around in hertfordshire, or if you cant find a barn or they are too expensive how about a lovely village hall or something similar? I remember looking at websites for quite a few in small villages around hertfordshire and they were really pretty, letting you bring in your own caterers and decorations etc.

theres also south farm in north herts that has a barn on site but i dont think you are allowed outside caterers.

Of those mentioned in this thread, IMHO, the best barn in the area that you mention is the Old Priory in Little Wymondley. This is truly a superior barn. I have worked there several times and the staff have a great attitude. They also have facilities for a live band...in my case there it was an Abba tribute band that was truly excellent. I have worked at Tewinbury from the days when they were a small business and Knebworth BArn where I am well know and have supplied images for their website......

Bottom line:

Knebworth....nice venue, great grounds with good photography options, almost certainly you will be the sole wedding at the venue although members of the public will be in the grounds with you until 1700......No accommodation for couple or guest although there is a nearby hotel

Tewinbury.....nice venue, limited grounds and you may well have to share some areas with other weddings although they do segregate you..apart from this, no public are generally here. The venue does have some accommodation

Priory Barn....nice venue, best barn in the county, good grounds for photography, only your wedding is catered for....My preferred option of these three although no accommodation available apart from two nearby hotels....

hth

Peter

Hello Lovely Ladies!

I've just booked the priory barn- i feel in love with the place as soon as we drove up the drive! It was the first venue we saw, and although it is quite pricey- i agree with the other gals- the people seem so lovely and put in so much effort to make the day right for you.

We managed to get the venue hire for a little less as its on a Friday (most of their staurdays in 2010 were gone)

I know you're after somewhere where you can recommend your own caterer- but they allow you to put so much input and choose your own menu!

Good luck with your searching- it took me ages- but was well worth it! xxx

Thanks for the responses everyone! Wow, the priory looks amazing but is just waaaaay out of my price range, we want to do the wedding and catering for 6k or less, for some reason I thought it would be cheaper to get a barn and sort my own catering! I think I had a different idea of a barn in my head....... oh dear, never mind!

x

I'm looking for something similar - a blank canvas I can make into our venue.

If you want proper Barn - in Essex, Southend area there is the red brick barn... www.redbrickbarn.co.uk it is next a field and other big tractor barns. Otherwise on their website they also advertise the marquee in the gardens of a hall.

The good thing about this site is you pick everything yourself, they just provide the venue.

I wish there were more places with this motto - it's the only one I have found so far!