Guest Post by Jules Fortune Wedding Photographer: Choosing a Barn Wedding Venue

Monday, March 2nd, 2020

Congrats, your engaged and all really to start your wedding planning! First thing is finding that perfect venue. Where are you going to host the best you will ever throw!?

Looking for your ideal wedding venue can be a very tricky task. I speak with couples at wedding fairs all the time that are in this position. I always think it’s like finding you ideal home. You will know after about 5 minutes of walking in if its right. You’ll just get that feeling.

There are so many different types of wedding venues in the Lancashire and Cheshire where I mostly tend to shoot, but in the last few years there has been a big increase in barn wedding venues.

This blog piece will not only highlight some of the great features of a barn wedding but also give you a list of some of the most popular barns in the North West.

Ok so let’s start with the reason’s barns are so great!

1. They’re BIG with high ceilings so lots of space and the WOW factor!
2. They are normally in countryside locations, so great views and with lots if stunning backdrops for your photos.
3. They are great party spaces….FACT!.. mostly due to the size😊
4. They are COOL and will add a touch of elegance to any type of wedding weather its boho wedding or a more traditional. 

Space does not mean you need a large wedding party. I have photographed small intimate weddings with one long central table for dining and it looks simply stunning. Having space in any environment is a luxury and gives you room to add decorations, love letters, a photo booth or gift tables. Just having extra space on a practical level just helps your guests move around the room easily. 

The ‘Wow’ Factor when dressed for ceremony, dining or your party is always in a barn setting. The combination of the high ceilings, wooden beams (which can often be dressed in fairy or festoon lighting) really adds to the grandeur of the occasion.

Countryside locations are beautiful for all the obvious reasons, but most wedding barns are set on their own land, giving amazing sweeping landscapes, clear views for drop-dead sunsets making all year round weddings simply stunning.

I don’t know what it is about barn weddings but every time I shoot a wedding at a barn venue it’s always a great PARTY! Size really helps here as a lot of couples that choose a barn weddings go for as live band as they have the extra space. A live band is guaranteed to be a floor filler, getting everyone from nanna to the little un up on dads’ shoulders for a FABULOUS PARTY!

They are bloody COOL….FACT😊 They have that sexy kerb appeal that Kirsty Allsop talks about on Location, Location, Location. All your guests will love the look inside and out. They can be boho- ed up for that casual vibe or dressed in elegant décor for a more classic feel. 

Themed weddings also work well at most wedding barns as they are a complete blank canvas. Halloween or autumnal themes are ideal in a barn setting.

Hope my Top Tips for Barn weddings are helpful, and you have enjoyed this blog post😊

Here are a few great barns to check out:

Brownsholme Barn

Bashall Barn

Cloughbottom Barn

Oakside Country Barn

Sandhole Oak Barn

Owen House Wedding Barn

Heaton House Farm

Oak Tree of Peover

If you would like to get in touch with Jules about photographing your wedding, you can find her website here.