wedding venues Archives

Venue Showcase: Oak Barn, Frame Farm

We’re shining a light on Oak Barn, Frame Farm, a place where heritage, character and rural beauty all combine in perfect harmony. If you’re an engaged couple in search of an exclusive rustic venue in a truly idyllic setting, then look no further. In this exclusive showcase, we’ll explore all the charm and highlights of Oak Barn, with insights from owners Deana and Tim Maw. Read on to discover the joys of this stunning venue for yourself.

Highlights of the venue

Photo © Ryan Cox Photography | See Oak Barn’s Bridebook profile

Oak Barn is an award-winning eco venue dating back to 1607, set in a gorgeous valley in the heart of Kent’s High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet only an hour away from London.

There are three stunning and uniquely distinct barns (the Oak Barn, the Byre and the Pole Barn), as well as gorgeous garden areas, a pond, terraces and a courtyard, and luxurious accommodation in Weaver’s Cottages. The entire farm is exclusive to couples and their guests, and is perfect no matter the season.

Owners Deana and Tim Maw sum up Oak Barn’s stand-out features as follows: “We are a small, family-run eco venue which is perfect for couples looking for a wedding that is a true reflection of their vision, where they can create a bespoke and personal day or multi-day wedding. Our weddings at the farm are so personal. It is of the utmost importance to us that our couples get to choose and decide on every aspect of their wedding, rather than being presented with package deals. We are here to help and advise throughout their planning stages and on the day, and their personal event manager will ensure that their day runs perfectly.”

The team at Oak Barn also have a remarkably impressive number of awards and nominations to their name. These include the following:

2019 / 2020 Runner Up – The Rural Business Awards South East – Best Rural Start Up Business
2020 / 2021 Winner – The Rural Business Awards – The Sustainability and Environmental Impact Award
2021/22 Winner – Kent Wedding Awards – Wedding Venue of the Year, Something Different!
2021/22 Finalist – Kent Wedding Awards – Wedding Venue of the Year, Best Sustainable
2021/22 Finalist – Kent Wedding Awards – Wedding Venue of the Year, Best Venue
2022 Finalist – Muddy Stilettos Award – Best Wedding Venue
2022 Regional Finalist – The Wedding Industry Award – South East – Venue (Barn)
2022 – Coco Wedding Venue – Top Wedding Venues for 2022
2023 – Mooncast Films – One of the Best Wedding Venues in the UK
2023 Finalist – Muddy Stilettos Award – Best Wedding Venue
2024 Nominated – Muddy Stilettos Award – Best Wedding Venue

Sustainability ethos and commitment to diversity

Photo © Penny Young Photography | See Oak Barn’s Bridebook profile

This outstanding venue isn’t just award-winning, but also LGBTQIA+ and multi-faith friendly, neurodiverse-friendly, and a Sustainability Hero.

They have hosted Hindu Fire Ceremonies
They have held Indian Weddings with various ceremonies
They have a stunning church walking distance from the farm, and the Reverend loves welcoming new couples to his congregation
There are 4 distinctly beautiful areas of the farm, which are licensed for civil ceremonies, so that you can have your celebration your way

Owners Deana and Tim elaborate on their sustainability ethos: “Our environment and creating a sustainable business and venue was of paramount importance to Tim and I, and so we constantly strive to be as eco-friendly as possible. We recycle, upcycle, reuse and choose sustainable products. We also only recommend local suppliers, or ones that offset their carbon. We also love planting a tree at the farm for each event that we host at the farm.

Deana and Tim own the farm and live in the main farmhouse. Deana hails from Hong Kong and has a mixed Chinese/English heritage. Diversity and inclusion are therefore of great personal importance to them both.

They are one of the few venues that are wheelchair accessible in all areas, and one of their Wedding Cottages is also wheelchair accessible
They welcome all couples to the farm, and cater to all backgrounds and beliefs

Reception spaces

Photo © Will Fuller Photography | See Oak Barn’s Bridebook profile

Oak Barn boasts four versatile reception spaces within the sustainable farm:

The Oak Barn

A stunning Grade II listed threshing barn stands as the estate’s centrepiece, and is a popular option for large weddings. Its gorgeous high-vaulted roof, exposed beams and floor-to-ceiling glass doors accommodate up to 135 guests for ceremonies, 135 for formal dining, and 200 for evening receptions. Hidden in the fabric of the building is a high-tech light and sound system, and it’s perfect in all seasons due to the air conditioning system, underfloor heating and wood burner.

The Byre

The Byre is an adaptable space with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that bathe the interior in beautiful natural light and flow onto the terrace and into the charming sheep field. This elegant location accommodates 100 guests for ceremonies, 60 for formal dining, and 100 for relaxed evening receptions.

Pole Barn

Steeped in rustic charm, this large open-fronted barn and wood store is stripped back and more understated in style, but also decked in pretty fairy and festoon lights, and is home to a fabulous 1956 Fordson Major tractor. Retaining the character of its humble origins, it is the venue’s most versatile events space, providing the perfect backdrop for a laid-back ceremony and drinks reception, as well as joyous garden games and romantic couples’ portraits.

The Byre’s Terrace

This is a magnificent option for an outdoor wedding ceremony, offering the perfect place to exchange vows and relax with loved ones, gaze at the glorious sunset over the Kent countryside and the lily pond, and tune in to nature.

Onsite accommodation

Unlike many other barn venues, Weaver’s Cottages offers luxurious onsite accommodation where couples can relish a few extra days with their loved ones. Staying at the farm will ensure the perfect start to your wedding celebrations. You’ll have plenty of time to settle in, unwind, and really make the most of the magical setting, surrounded by your closest friends and family members.

Meet the venue’s owners

Photo © Alex Tenters Photography | See Oak Barn’s Bridebook profile

Deana was introduced to weddings when she started working in hotels in Asia, and loved everything about them. In her own words:

“When Tim and I first saw Frame Farm we fell in love with it and knew that it could be transformed into a breathtaking venue surrounded by sheep fields, for couples to create a bespoke wedding that would reflect them as a couple. It took a three and a half years’ renovation project to give the farm a new lease of life. We watched our ideas turn into a beautiful reality. Our vision was to create a venue where our couples could curate a dream day or multi-day wedding, within an eco and sustainable environment. Then on 2 February 2019, whilst the sun glistened on the snow, we hosted our first wedding.”

Deana continues: “It is a joy coming to work each day and the satisfaction is immense. We love seeing all our couples’ plans and styling come together on their wedding day, and witnessing the pure love and joy as our couples celebrate one of the most amazing occasions of their life with their friends and family. It always makes my heart swell! So many of our couples stay in touch, eagerly share their wedding photos and videos with us, and come back to stay for their anniversary, or return for their children’s naming ceremonies – which means so much to us. We pride ourselves on building the most caring relationships with our brides and grooms, who ultimately put their trust in us.”

Memorable moments

We asked Deana and Tim to share their most memorable wedding to date, and any particularly unusual or fun experiences. They share:

“Each wedding at the farm is so unique that it is so very hard to choose, and this is what makes Oak Barn, Frame Farm, so special. We do love seeing what transport our couples will arrive in – from classic buses and cars to a truck cab and sports cars. We must admit that witnessing couples landing by helicopter in the field next to The Byre’s terrace for their Grand Entrance into their ceremony, has certainly been unforgettable, both for ourselves and their wedding guests.”

Having the farm turned into an “English Fayre” with Morris dancers in the Pole Barn, and archery, axe throwing and wild bird displays in the fields was also a particularly memorable moment for the owners.

They also revealed that The Pole Barn is the most versatile space where couples can go wild with some incredibly fun ideas. These include:

Mini golf circuits
Pin ball machines
Pool/air hockey tables
Chill-out areas with bars
Skittles competitions
Morris dancers
Vintage games
Photo booths

In the field adjacent to The Byre’s terrace where reception drinks can be hosted, the owners also have reports of some amazing…

Wild bird displays
Giant chess games
Axe throwing
Archery contests
Croquet

Secure your booking today

If you’re dreaming of a picture-perfect wedding surrounded by beauty, charm and one-of-a-kind service, Oak Barn is the wedding venue for you. As the owners themselves put it, when it comes to your wedding, it’s not just about finding a beautiful venue for your big day; it’s also about discovering somewhere to create memories that will stay with you forever. Secure your booking today!

Happy Planning!

Venue ‘Platinum’ Best of Bridebook Winners 2023

The Best of Bridebook 2023 winners have been announced! This list showcases UK venues with the most 5-star reviews from 2022. Have a peek at the venues in your area below:

North West

North East

Yorkshire and The Humber

West Midlands

East Midlands

East of England

South West

London

South East

Northern Ireland

- Larchfield Estate

Scotland

Wales

“The UK’s greatest wedding businesses have been chosen! We are so proud of the 450+ winners, especially after a difficult few years for the industry. We are excited to recommend the best wedding services. Huge congratulations to this year’s winners”. – Hamish Shephard, CEO & Founder, Bridebook.

Supplier Showcase: Veganuary Edition

Sustainable and ethical weddings are on the rise. Back in the day, very few venues and suppliers would cater for such requirements, or when they did, would do so with little creativity (cue sad stuffed mushroom and limp lettuce leaf). But now, there’s a demand amongst today’s couples for more locally sourced, ethical menus, as well as vegan and cruelty-free wedding choices. And so, celebrate the month of Veganuary, we’re showcasing our favourite vegan venues and suppliers.

1. The Wellbeing Farm

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

The Wellbeing Farm is one of our favourite sustainable wedding venues…period. It offers a fun, unique farm-based barn experience, is the first B Corp certified venue in the UK, and has just become members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (which you can’t enter if you haven’t got sufficient vegan and other dietary credentials). Their general ethos is around wellbeing, and minimising stress for its couples. And ensuring every single one of your guests has a creative and tasty meal – whether they’re vegan, gluten-free or lactose-free – is a huge part of that. Their innovative Head Chef sources natural, local produce to create vegetarian and vegan menus that are big in both quality and taste, and even went on a course specialising in vegan desserts (so no more lonely fresh fruit salads!). A lot of venues may offer a single vegan option, but this vegan-friendly venue prides itself on offering a range – a range of starters, a range of mains, a range of desserts. So you’ll be spoilt for choice! For the meat lovers out there, they use Meatless Farm and Beyond Burger as meal substitutes, so you’ll hardly notice the difference.

2. Wilderness Weddings

Photo © Wilderness Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Stylish and sustainable, relaxed and boho, there’s so much to love about Wilderness Weddings. Set in a protected nature reserve, it features woodlands, giant tipi tents, and a lakeside boathouse. Their seven accredited caterers provide a wealth of dining options, catering for all tastes and budgets. For vegetarians and vegans in particular, choose Scott Anderson catering, who pride themselves on designing bespoke menus around each couple’s requirements. Look no further for creative canapés, scrumptious sharing wedding breakfasts, and exquisite evening platters!

3. Lettice Events

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Lettice Events is one of the country’s leading names in luxury catering, known for its innovative and creative food design, cutting-edge presentation and stylish service. Their team of talented chefs can cater to specific dietary restrictions, including a completely vegan menu. From vegan cream cheese and smoked carrot ribbons on light rye wafers, to roast pumpkin skewers, you and your guests are sure to be delighted. With pre-event tastings available, you can effortlessly sample different flavours and select your favourite dishes ahead of your big day.

4. The Hogless Roast

Photo © The Hogless Roast | See their Bridebook profile

Two veggies unable to stomach another bean burger, Matt and Ross, a.k.a. The Hogless Roast, have reimagined the traditional hog roast for a new generation, whether you’re a vegan or simply trying to reduce your meat consumption. Their smoky BBQ vegan burgers use the best plant protein out there – lathered in apple sauce, topped with homemade stuffing, and loaded into a toasted vegan brioche bun. They’re packed with protein and fibre, gluten-free, and, most importantly, keep pigs off plates! Plus, they only use eco-friendly packaging, and are members of the NCASS.

We’ve taken the best plant based protein out there, infused it with smoky BBQ flavours, lathered it in apple sauce, topped it with homemade stuffing and packed it into a toasted vegan brioche bun. Then we’ve thrown in some naughty vegan crackling for good measure!

5. Bee Vegan Bakery

Photo © Bee Vegan Bakery | See their Bridebook profile

For bespoke wedding cakes made vegan, look no further than Bee Vegan Bakery – whether you’re vegan yourself, want a more inclusive option for all of your guests, or have allergies or dietary requirements. There are also plenty of other sweet and savoury vegan treats available, from meatless carrot ‘bacon’ and almond ‘feta’ canapés, and bitesize vegan pastries.

6. Bakehouse Revolution

Photo ©Bakehouse Revolution | See their Bridebook profile

From cute cupcake favours to magnificent multi-tiered showstoppers, Bakehouse Revolution works with you to personally design, bake and create stunning wedding cakes for your special day. Everything is 100% vegan, and will leave a smile on everyone’s faces, whether vegan or not.

7. Tanya Westley Vegan Hair & Makeup Artist

Tanya Westley is a vegan wedding hair & makeup specialist based in Oxfordshire. Her kit consists of a carefully curated list of cruelty-free, vegan products, from brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Cover FX, Face Atelier and Illamasqua, to Kenra, Paul Mitchell, Moroccan Oil, Living Proof and more.

8. Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician

Photo ©Becx Beauty – Makeup Artist & Beautician | See their Bridebook profile

Becx Beauty offers a bespoke makeup service for your special day, to ensure you look incredible while everyone looks on in awe. She is fully qualified, insured and accredited by BABTAC (The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology), and also Barbicide certified. All of the products are vegan and cruelty-free. As a makeup artist, she has built up a strong reputation and portfolio, becoming one of the most sought after vegan and cruelty-Free MUA in the North East.

9. Lauren Marie Studio

Photo © Lauren Marie Studio | See their Bridebook profile

Lauren Marie Studio creates hand-painted, bespoke, eco-friendly wedding stationery that tells your own unique love story, with lots of detail. She is passionate about providing conscious and sustainable stationery, and uses a gorgeous range of eco-friendly papers, sourcing ethical, vegan-friendly materials wherever possible in her exquisite designs.

10. Vegan Wedding Photography

Photo © Vegan Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re a vegan, and keen to choose a wedding photographer whose personal values and lifestyle align with your own, be sure to check out Vegan Wedding Photography. Denis is passionate about the environment, nature and sustainability and follows a vegan lifestyle.

Whether you’re a vegan yourself, want to create a more inclusive wedding for your guests, or simply want to reduce the impact of your wedding, the vegan-friendly venues and suppliers above are a great place to start . If any caught your eye, be sure to check out their Bridebook profiles!

Henrietta and Thomas – Real Wedding (Vintage, Antique & Stylish)

Henrietta and Thomas had a Vintage, antique & stylish wedding at Howsham Hall in Yorkshire, it was a day filled with glamour and luxury.

Henrietta and Thomas wedding was held in early March. This wedding has lots to love! With a groom dressed in his military uniform, a bride with a two designer wedding dresses and their love of vintage, this was a great choice!

Howsham Hall offered the couple the perfect setting for their vintage wedding day, the couples choose colour theme of blue and golds was classic and elegant.

Catering: Dine Catering events Instagram @dine.co.uk, @dinevenues @howshamhall

Wedding Dress Designer: Day Dress – Rasha rashalondon.com/ Instagram @rashalondon

Evening Dress – Jenny Packham – jennypackham.com/bridal-collections/ Instagram @jennypackham

Bridesmaid Dress Provider: JJ’s House jjshouse.co.uk / Instagram @jjhouseoffical

Cake Provider: Poppy Pickering Cakes – poppypickering.co.uk/ Instagram @poppypickeringcakes

Makeup Artist: Charlotte Elizabeth – charlotteelizabeth.com /Instagram @makeupbycharlotteelizabeth

Florist: Twig and Twine – www.twigandtwine.co.uk/ Instagram @twigandtwinehelmsley / Facebook – @twig&twine

Colours: Blue and Gold| Styles: Luxurious, Classic, Vintage, Formal, Military and Glamourous

Could this beautiful luxury exclusive use wedding venue be the venue for you? Click here to find out more about Howsham Hall!

Have a look at some more beautiful real weddings here:

Still in the mood for some wedding-y reading? Check out some of these articles:

Venue Showcase: Rise Hall

Rise Hall is a luxury exclusive use wedding venue, perfect for a wedding staycation! Nestled in the peaceful Yorkshire countryside, Rise Hall is your very own ‘stately home from home’.

We talked to Rebecca Barker, the Sales & Business Development Manager at Rise Hall to find out more this spectacular country house, that with modern and luxurious comforts.

Tell us about yourself!

I have been in the wedding industry for 17 years! I ran my own family business for 12 years, so enjoyed every aspect of the job, from wedding planning and looking after brides, to sales and more! I have two children, Florence age 6 and Benjamin, age 3, so it is a very busy household. In my free time, when I get it, I like to cook (my family love my chicken ham and leek pie) I also like spending time with the kids, going out to lovely places to eat and an afternoon tea when I can!

What drew you to the wedding world?

Well my story is a little different, many moons ago, my parents decided to renovate a holiday cottage on our land. From there, it became apparent that there was a market and with a country house also on the estate too, it became the perfect spot for guests to enjoy. One day, a lovely couple rang and asked if they could hire all of them for wedding. Having never done a wedding before or had any experience, we took the gamble and said yes!! That year we ended up doing 9 weddings and the next year we did 38 weddings. From then the business went from strength to strength, as did my passion for all things weddings! They do say, you sometimes find your calling in unusual places and I certainly found mine.

What do you think makes your venue unique?

Rise Hall is complete unique, as it is a true home from home feel, with the grandeur of a stately home. The service is personal and comforting for couples, with the added atmosphere of the homely touches, makes them feel at ease. Through in years of experience, super food and drink, the perfect match for the perfect couple. Our events team are famous for going above and beyond, helping out in every way they can! With their events boxes stocked with everything you couple possibly need and more, no problem will be too big!

How do you get to know your couples before the big day?

It is really important for all the team to get to know our couples and from the moment they book, they are treated like VIPS. We send little gifts throughout the planning process, invite them to events and also are present at meetings. Been an ear to listen is the perfect way to become part of their family, as weddings are often a whole family affair.

What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?

What makes the perfect wedding? The perfect timeline!! I have said it time and time again, nail that timeline and everything will be a smooth, well oiled machine. There isn’t time to ‘lets see how it goes’ you need the confidence to know the team are on it! When the timings run well, everyone is happy!

What is your #1 wedding planning tip for couples?

Couples should book Rise Hall because they will be looked after from the moment they book, all throughout the planning process and beyond. We take great pride in our service and this isn’t just on the wedding day, but every minute of the planning too!

What do you love about Bridebook?

What do I love about Bridebook? EVERYTHING!! I think the fact that the app allows you to plan your whole wedding, makes for less stress and that is a massive bonus in my world!!

What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve had?

We one had a wedding where the groom arrived on a camel!! A spectacular event and one that won’t be forgotten.

Why should a couple book Rise Hall?

What’s the best photo spot at Rise Hall?

Our grand staircase!! Ii is the jewel in the crown at Rise Hall and I just LOVE it!

What part of your business are you most proud of?

I am most proud of where Rise Hall is today, with a strong booking calendar, the future is extremely bright!

How do you feel technology is changing the industry?

I am most proud of where Rise Hall is today, with a strong booking calendar, the future is extremely bright!

Any final advice for a couple?

Don’t forget, a wedding is about you as a couple, do what feels right for you!! Don’t forget to eat the cake!

A huge thank you to Rebecca Barker for answering our questions. Check out Rise Hall on Bridebook!

Looking for more venues in East Riding of Yorkshire? Find your unforgettable venue by searching venues here.

Are you looking to promote your beautiful venue to our community of couples? Contact our Venue Consultant team at business@bridebook.co.uk

Venue Showcase: Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant

Built in 1633 this venue is a four star family owned hotel, packed full of character and history. They have been hosting weddings for 60 years and know how to make your day perfect. You’ll find open fires, cosy lounges, fine antiques and tapestries that together create a sense of history, calm and comfort

We talked to Claire Nicholl, the Wedding and Events Manager at Holdsworth House Hotel & Restaurant to find out more this award winning restaurant and historic venue.