All you need to know FAQs for your Wedding

Your Day, Your Way

We offer a Wedding Weekend Festival, providing a unique, DIY-style celebration with the freedom to create your ideal event. Weddings at Forest Barns are designed with your vision in mind. We offer on-site accommodation, gardens tended by our Kew Garden trained gardener, two ceremony rooms, outdoor licensed lawns, and the flexibility to bring together every detail of your dream festival-inspired wedding—from caterers, hair and make-up, and florists to photography and entertainment. Enjoy both our indoor and outdoor ceremony facilities, all while staying on-site in our five luxurious cottages.  Even space for a Tipi or Marquee.

Let us help you create memories which will last a lifetime.  Book a viewing of this wedding hamlet to discuss an exclusive and customizable wedding experience.

Open: All year for a Garden Ceremony (weather permitting) and choice of indoor ceremony rooms.

Access

Hire - Exclusive full weekend rental (2 nights) accommodation across our collection of 5 cottages.

• From 2pm on the day prior to your special day.  Allowing ample time for setup and decorating to ensure everything is just as you envisage.
• Extend the magic to the day following your celebration until 3.00pm.  Allowing for a relaxed post-wedding get-together to reflect on your unforgettable moments and a relaxed departure.

(2 nights)

Dedicated Team

Throughout the planning process, you can count on our dedicated and experienced venue coordinator to support you every step of the way.  From the initial planning discussions to seamless coordination with your selected suppliers, our team ensures a stress-free experience.  On your special day, we take care of all behind-the-scenes logistics and oversee front-of-house operations to ensure everything runs smoothly.

We can host up to 45 guests (+ registrars), with overnight accommodation for 27 across our five on-site luxury cottages. 

Hire

Exclusive full weekend rental

(2 nights) accommodation across our collection of 5 cottages including choice of function rooms.

• From 2pm on the day prior to your special day.  Allowing ample time for setup and decorating to ensure everything is just as you envisage.
• Extend the magic to the day following your celebration until 3.00pm.  Allowing for a relaxed post-wedding get-together to reflect on your unforgettable moments and a relaxed departure.

Your Day, Your Way

Weddings at Forest Barns are designed with your vision in mind.  We offer on- site accommodation and the flexibility for you to assemble all the content of your dream wedding from:  caterers, hair and make-up, florists, to photography and entertainment in our indoor and outdoor ceremony facilities whilst staying on site in our five luxurious cottages.

Let us help you create memories which will last a lifetime.  Book a viewing of this wedding hamlet to discuss an exclusive and customizable wedding experience.

Open: All year for a Garden Ceremony (weather permitting) and choice of indoor ceremony rooms.

Hire Fees

2024

April – September exclusive weekend £7,000

Mid-week Tues (2 nights) £5,500

October – March exclusive weekend £5,500

Mid-week Tues (2 nights) £4,400

Excludes Easter / Christmas / New Year and half-terms - Rates for high season are available upon request. Please contact us to discuss

£200/£350 ceremony fee applies - this is not inclusive of registrar/celebrant/legal fees (ceremony fee also applies for Blessing Ceremonies).

Elopement:  

2025

April – September exclusive weekend £7,500

Mid-week Tues (2 nights) £6,000

October – March exclusive weekend £6,000

Mid-week Tues (2 nights) £4,900

Excludes Easter / Christmas / New Year and half-term - Rates for high season are available upon request. Please contact us to discuss

£200/£350 ceremony fee applies - this is not inclusive of registrar/celebrant/legal fees (ceremony fee also applies for Blessing Ceremonies).

 

Payment Schedule

10%  to secure your date (non-refundable, non-transferable)

10% 18 months prior to your wedding date (non-refundable, non-transferable)

Please note, for bookings confirmed within 18 months of the wedding date, 20% of the hire fee is required to secure the date

80% (remaining hire fees) |16 weeks prior to your wedding date (non-refundable, non-transferable)

Ceremony Fee 8 weeks prior to your wedding date

 

Ceremonies

The Apple Store - licensed for ceremonies 38 seated guests,

The Cider Barn - licensed for ceremonies 46 seated guests.

Outdoor lawns.  Outdoor is weather dependant - Registrar's deccision on acceptable weather on the day (they are very helpful about this).

Manor Lawn - Situated directly in front of the Manor House

White Poplar Lawn - situated past the spiral beech hedge and the water well with its stone roof.  Gently sloping lawn to the five-bar gate on the opposite side.  Proceed through to the White Poplar Lawn.

Forest Barns will set up your chosen location for your ceremony, as well as a pre-ceremony interview space for use by your registrars.

Ceremonies are to be arranged from midday onwards.

Elopement. For elopement ceremonies, guests must be resident to use the ceremony facility. When booking single cottage(s) rather than the entire site, an additional fee applies for the ceremony room and the Responsible Person for the Ceremony (legal requirement). See below.

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£200/£350 ceremony fee applies - this is not inclusive of registrar/celebrant/legal fees (ceremony fee also applies for Blessing Ceremonies).

Contact: ceremonies@gloucestershire.gov.uk or 01452 425060 (option 3) to book.

For more information on Civil Ceremonies, visit Gloucestershire Registration Service

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Ceremony Only Hire 

Ceremony-only hire available by arrangement (usually short notice). Please contact us to discuss.

2024 (April - September)

3 Hour Hire available Tuesday - Thursday | £1500 + Registrar Fees

2024/5 (October - March)

3 Hour Hire available Tuesday - Thursday | £1000 + Registrar Fees

Excludes Easter, Christmas and half-terms - Rates for high season are available upon request. Please contact us to discuss.

 

2025  (April - September)

3 Hour Hire available Tuesday - Thursday | £1500 + Registrar Fees

Excludes Easter, Christmas and half-terms

2025/6 (October - March)

60 minutes pre-ceremony | 30 minutes for ceremony | 90 minutes post ceremony for photos and pre-ordered drinks

Forest Barns will set up the The Cider Barn for your ceremony, as well as a pre-ceremony interview space for use by your registrars

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Ceremonies are to be arranged from 11:00 - 15:00 | Please note the fee is not inclusive of registrar fees

Contact: ceremonies@gloucestershire.gov.uk or 01452 425060 (option 3) to book

For more information on Civil Ceremonies, visit Gloucestershire Registration Service

 

Catering

Catering for your wedding can be provided for by one of our experienced catering partners who use fresh, local produce cooked to perfection. Contact them directly to obtain your bespoke quote:

We are happy for you to choose an alternative catering supplier - please get in touch too if you wish to discuss this option.

Please note that all food must be provided for by an accredited catering company, who hold the relevant insurances and Food Hygiene Certificates.

For a full list of suppliers and confectionary please get in touch.

Beverages

CHARGES FOR PROVIDING YOUR OWN BEVERAGES BEING SERVED

WELCOME RECEPTION

• 125ml prosecco or 330ml bottled beer: £2.00 per unit
• Note: For the wine service fee, we only accept ready-made bottled beverages. Cocktails and soft drinks must be purchased through Forest Barn Holidays Ltd.

WEDDING BREAKFAST

• 750ml wine bottle: £8.00 per bottle

TOAST

• 125ml sparkling wine: £2.00 per glass
• 50ml individually bottled favors: No charge

Service includes polished glassware, wine buckets, zinc beer buckets, service staff, handling of deliveries, and recycling.

Suppliers

Please contact us for our services list:

Photo & Film

Floral & Styling

Entertainment

Catering & Cakes

Beauty

Wardrobe

Insurance

On rare occasions a guest will need to cancel their event. We recommend that you get wedding insurance in case of unforeseeable circumstances:

wedding plan insurance

We offer:

• round 6’ tables or
• 6ft  rustic wooden trestle tables 183cm long x 73cm wide,
• chairs. 
• cake table with a knife, easels, and a gift table.

Additional Information

Table Linen

Please note that if hiring linen for your top table, refer to the dimensions above as one cloth alone may not be suitable. Generally, 2 cloths are required when using one table (seats up to 7 guests) and 3 cloths are required when using 2 tables (seats up to 10 guests). Please check individual cloth dimensions.

Your chosen caterer may offer linen hire options - contact them directly. Alternatively:

Please arrange for linen to be delivered on Thursday (if marrying on the Saturday) and collected on Monday. Alternatively, have it delivered to your private address and bring it with you.

Forest Barn Holidays Ltd are not liable for any loss or damage of hired items.

Bluetooth speaker system for background music during your ceremony and meal, plus a microphone for your speeches

Secure room for use by the couple and registrars

Polished glassware and service staff (inclusive in wine service package), water dispensers and carafes for the tables

Four-legged friends are welcome at additional charge.

Our services also include polished glassware and service staff (inclusive in wine service fee), water dispensers, and carafes for the tables.

Décor Info

• Clients are permitted to put decor up to ladder height (with ladders to be provided by yourselves) – Forest Barn are not able to provide ladders or steps for working at height.

• For substantial hangings/decor, an appropriate styling company must be employed and must provide their own access for working at height.

• In line with our Health & Safety Policy, Forest Barns are not permitted to provide any tools (scissors, knives etc.), these must be brought in by the client. It’s handy to pack your own box of stationary (drawing pins, sticky tape etc.) as we may not be able to provide these on the day.

• Clients are not permitted access to restricted areas such as the workshop space or bungalow – an outside tap is available in the yard for use should you require it.

Deliveries & Storage

Floral Arrangements

• Floral arrangements are to be delivered during the above times when you are available to receive them.

Cake

• Cakes are to be delivered when you are here to receive it and we suggest your wedding cake be unboxed by your provider.

We are not able to store your cake, sponge or cheese, at any point during/after the day.

Storage

• Forest Barns is not responsible for the safe-keeping of food or items (decorations, gifts and equipment).

• Forest Barns has no facilities for storing chilled food or space to store items during the wedding day (items can be stored in each individual cottage).

• Please make arrangements for items to be stored elsewhere (cars/accommodation) where necessary.

Please note that if hiring linen for your top table, refer to the dimensions above as one cloth alone may not be suitable. Generally, 2 cloths are required when using one table (seats up to 7 guests) and 3 cloths are required when using 2 tables (seats up to 10 guests). Please check individual cloth dimensions.

Just in case we've missed anything FAQs

Here are our most common questions at a glance, but please do get in touch to discuss your specific requirments.

Q: Can we actually get married at your venue?

A: Yes, we are licenced in The Apple Store, The Cider Barn. Outdoors - The Lawn and White Poplar Lawn 

 

Q: Are you open all year round?

A:  Yes, all year round.

 

Q: Do you have a Bridal Suite?

A: Yes, we have The Brambles cottage, a romantic bolthole for two with a balcony hot tub.
 

Q: Do I have to have my wedding ceremony and reception at the venue, or can I just book it for our wedding breakfast?

A: No, we can only host wedding ceremonies and reception combined with a residential stay. We are not available as a wedding reception venue only.

 

Q: Do you offer civil partnership ceremonies?

A:  Yes

 

Q: Do you offer elopement weddings?

A Yes, but to use the ceremony facilities you must be resident.

 

Q: What is the largest number of wedding guests we can have at the venue?

A: We can host up to 44 guests, with overnight accommodation for 27 across our five on-site luxury cottages. 

 

Q: What is the smallest wedding you can accommodate at the venue?

A: 2 = bridge and groom + 2 witnesses (Geoff and I have previously been witnesses).

 

Q:  What about food and drink.

A:  No corkage fee.but there is a service fee for staff to serve your drinks.

 

Q: Can you recommend a florist and other wedding suppliers?

A: Yes, we have a selection of pre-approved wedding suppliers

 

Q: How many guests can you accommodate to stay at the venue for our wedding?

A: 24 guests plus the bridal couple plus additional accommodation 6 mins drive.  Taxi service available to run between the two.

 

Q: Can we stay in the venue on our wedding night?

A: Yes, we recommend booking Brambles for this purpose.

 

Q: Can I do vow renewals at the venue?

A: Yes

 

Q: Can the bride get ready at the venue before the wedding?

A: Yes, if you book your stay dates to include the night before

 

Q: Can you organise all of the wedding suppliers for us?

A: No sorry, we can send you our pre-approved suppliers list. Only pre-approved suppliers are to be at Forest Barns at any time, unless you have asked for express written approval from the owner, due to the terms of our insurance.  

 

Q: Can you accept dogs or other pets to take part in our wedding ceremony?

A: Yes – fees apply.  We can arrange for your pet to be prepared for your wedding at our local pet Spa.

 

Q: Can we have sparklers?

A: Sorry, due to the terms of our insurance we are not allowed fireworks.

 

Q: Can we have fireworks?

A: Sorry, no Fireworks, Chinese Lanterns or fake confetti. 

 

Q: Can we use confetti?

A: Yes, confetti shots can be on the grass in The Manor front garden, the confetti must be biodegradable or dried petals.

 

Q Who are your registrars

A: We come under Gloucestershire Registration Service . Here is a link https://www.gloucestershireregistrationservice.co.uk/venues/find-a-venue/?searchContext=29267&page=1

 

Q: Can we decorate the wedding ceremony room The Apple Store or The Cider Barn or even the outdoor venues?

A: Yes, as long as none of the paint work or wallpaper gets damaged you may decorate as you wish

 

Q: Do you have chair covers and sashes

A: No

 

Q: Do you provide wedding décor?

A: No

 

Q:  Can we have additional guests staying in the grounds.

A:  No campervans or additional tents.

 

Q:  Do you offer additional staff or Babysitting

A:  Yes.  We can offer additional staff if required at £16 per hour on request.  We can also provide Hay/Straw Bales if required at £9.00 per bale.

 

Q:  Do you have additional accommodation for extra guests close by?

A:  Yes, we nave Chapel Court a 6 min drive away and local taxi service to operate between the two if required.

 

Q:  Are there any additional games available.

A:  Yes, we have lawn games such as Quoits, Boules, Rounders and Croquet.

 

Q: What is your payment schedule

A: 10%  to secure your date (non-refundable, non-transferable)

     10% 18 months prior to your wedding date (non-refundable, non-transferable)

     Please note, for bookings confirmed within 18 months of the wedding date, 20% of the hire fee is required to secure the date

     80% (remaining hire fees) |16 weeks prior to your wedding date (non-refundable, non-transferable)

     Ceremony Fee 8 weeks prior to your wedding date