Finding that ‘special’ venue

Have you looked at Donington Park Farmhouse? Not sure how far it is from you but it is near East Midlands Airport. We are getting marrier there in September and its goregous for what we want. They don't allow candles though but do allow electric and their barn is lovely (in my opinion!)

View quoted message Unfortunately my fiancées sister got married there! It is a lovely venue tho and just the style we would want!

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Does that matter?

Years ago, everyone in the area would have got married in the same venue!

Otherwise, why not go with the barn you like? I wouldn't over-think your venue - as long as it is comfortable (and warm in November!), and looks ok and can cater for the number you are inviting. Most people aren't going to remember every detail of your wedding venue, just a general impression.

If they had responded, I would probably be getting married where my friends did a few years ago. As it turns out, we're getting married where one of my fiancé's friends got married.

I know it's not the same as it isn't family, but the venue fitted our requirements and we loved it. Who else got married there doesn't matter, as it will be our day and our style.

It's ultimately up to you though. If you really don't want to use it then the hunt must go on!

Looking at Stone Barn I see what you mean about the aisle. You come inside part way down the space so some of your guests will be behind you already as you enter. If that's the only issue with that venue could you get creative with the aisle layout? Maybe a nice looking screen from the entrance to the back of the room so you can enter without being seen and appear at the back and walk a full length aisle? Or layout the chairs so you loop around people and back towards the front?

For some reason my post has vanished so here it is again.

I have shot may weddings at Donington Parkfarm and have a dedicated page for them on my website photography by bill haddon /donington-park-farmhouse-weddings

Here is a shot from last year.

If not that then for your gold I would suggest Brownsover hall which is another one that I have a dedicated page for. Here are a couple of shots to give you an idea of the place.

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I agree with this! I also went to view Stone Barn and I do think you could use the main entrance as an aisle if that's what you're after, especially as the walk from the front entrance to the ceremony barn is quite a long one and then perhaps you could have the chairs set out slightly differently. You mentioned you are looking at the Midlands, have you looked at Shushtoke Barn? It's part of the same company as Stone Barn and is in the midlands!

I totally know how you feel about not finding the right venue though, it is the most frustrating feeling because you want to tick every single box, no matter how minor each box may seem. We eventually realised it was a bit like a house purchase, you will never tick every single box but go for the one that gives you that feeling that you can genuinely see yourself getting married in. I really wanted church bells and the church we are marrying in doesn't have them, so that is my little sacrifice but we loved the rest of the venue so decided it was still the one!

Have you seen the renaissance at kelham hall? It’s Very beautiful and sounds like the vibe you’re looking for x

Blakelands country house x

Have you looked at Kingscote Barn in Tetbury?x

South Farm in Royston (Cambridgeshire) might fit the bill.

Have you looked at the courtyard at the hotel du vin in Birmingham. It can do the fairy light look and then dinner in a chandeliered room wl