As couples embark on their wedding planning journey, the venue often serves as a pivotal starting point. This initial decision can significantly influence the tone, theme, and ultimately, the date of the big day. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Stone Barn, a stunning rustic barn venue situated in the picturesque Cotswolds. With its flexible layout and impeccable service, this charming setting promises an unforgettable experience. Imagine cozying up by the roaring fire, savoring mouthwatering BBQ delights, and leaving your mark on the blank canvas to transform it into a reflection of your unique style.
Could you firstly tell WWW readers a little bit about Stone Barn?
Nestled in the picturesque heart of the Cotswolds, Stone Barn is a charming old Cotswold stone barn that originally served as a farm building. Today, it has been beautifully transformed into an elegant and intimate wedding venue. The rustic charm of the barn is enhanced by its flagstone floors and open fireplace, which adds warmth and coziness to any celebration. As the sun sets, the barn is bathed in soft candlelight, creating a romantic ambiance perfect for exchanging vows. With a civil ceremony licence on site, couples can make their special day even more memorable. Adjacent to the main barn is the Dutch Barn, a stunning dining area that boasts Britain’s largest barbecue. The multi-level space features corrugated iron, polished concrete, and sawn oak floors, offering breathtaking views of the rolling Cotswold Hills. The absence of any other buildings in sight only adds to the sense of seclusion and tranquility, making it an ideal setting for a truly unforgettable wedding.
What do you love most about hosting weddings?
At Stone Barn, we take pride in crafting each wedding to be one-of-a-kind. We begin with the rustic barn as a blank slate, allowing couples to infuse their special day with personal touches and unique elements. From fire pits and flares that add ambiance to candle packages and dramatic indoor fires that create an unforgettable atmosphere, every detail is up for grabs. Couples are also encouraged to set up photo booths, sweet tables, and cake stations, or keep it simple – the choice is theirs. To further tailor their experience, they can select from a diverse menu of options, including recommendations from our network of local suppliers.
Could you tell us how Stone Barn was founded?
With a rich history of over two decades in hosting unforgettable weddings and events, the Cripps Barn Group team at the helm of this charming venue brings a deep understanding of what makes an occasion truly special. As a small, family-run business, it’s no surprise that the owners’ own love story began within these very walls – they exchanged vows in the original Cripps Barn. Today, the group boasts ownership of four picturesque barns: Cripps Barn, Stone Barn, Shustoke Farm Barns, and Healey Barn, which welcomed its first events in June 2015. A testament to their dedication to creating lasting memories, this beloved venue is a treasure trove of warm hospitality and rustic charm.
How does the planning process work for your couples?
At Stone Barn, we offer a seamless online quote system that enables couples to input the details of their special day and receive an accurate estimate of the costs involved. This allows them to plan accordingly and make informed decisions about their wedding budget. Once they’ve finalized their choices, we provide a detailed breakdown of all expenses, including food and drink options, decorations, staffing, and even napkin selections!
Before the big day, we schedule a comprehensive Planning Meeting six months in advance to discuss every aspect of the wedding with the couple. During this meeting, we don’t request final decisions or numbers until five weeks prior to the wedding. This flexibility ensures that couples feel comfortable making changes as needed without feeling pressured.
Tell us about a typical wedding day. What’s involved for the venue?
Every wedding couple at Stone Barn has a dedicated Wedding Coordinator and Bar Manager to ensure their special day runs smoothly. The venue is fully set up, with our experienced staff taking care of everything from table settings to the ceremony room. All the couple needs to do is hang any decorations they’ve brought along.As guests arrive, they’ll be greeted by the warm glow of over 100 candles and the crackle of a large indoor fire, creating an enchanting atmosphere. If the couple has opted for our BBQ option, it will be lit in the morning, offering a unique experience with Britain’s largest indoor barbecue!After the ceremony, our team will serve canapés and drinks to guests on the lawn, terrace, or by the roaring fire in the stone barn and mezzanine bar area. This is the perfect opportunity for guests to mingle and watch our chefs preparing the wedding breakfast in our open-plan kitchen.The main event – the wedding breakfast – features a range of mouth-watering options, including whole BBQ’d lambs, sirloin steak bricks, and butterflied legs of lamb. Alternatively, couples can choose from our Rotisserie options, such as chicken with cream and tarragon sauce, whole suckling pig with roast apples, or Gressingham duck with wine and blackcurrant sauce. We only use the finest ingredients and serve them simply, often in a feast style on boards and bowls to the centre of the tables. Some dishes can even be carved by guests at their tables!While the meal is being enjoyed, our team will prepare the stone barn for dancing, ensuring that there’s no waiting around for the DJ or band to set up. Once the meal is over, guests can party the night away in the candlelit barn until 12:30am.
What do you aim to achieve for your clients?
At Wedding Coordinators, we’re committed to crafting unforgettable experiences that reflect each couple’s distinct style and personalities. To achieve this, we’ve assembled a dedicated team of experts who respond promptly to every inquiry, concern, or question – typically within hours. Our goal is to make the planning process an enjoyable journey, free from stress and anxiety. And our glowing testimonials are testament to our success in achieving just that!
What makes your service different from other venues?
Imagine stepping into a warm, welcoming space that’s equal parts rustic charm and romantic ambiance. Our barn is unlike any stately home or hotel – it’s a unique haven where couples can craft their special day exactly as they envision it. The ceiling twinkles with fairy lights, while the crackling fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere. And with breathtaking views of the Cotswold hills just beyond, every moment feels like a fairytale come true.
What sets us apart is our freedom from traditional rules and regulations. That means we can work closely with each couple to bring their dream wedding to life – whether that’s an intimate gathering of 40 or a grand celebration for 200. Our barn is the ultimate blank canvas, waiting for your personal touch to make it truly unforgettable.
Could you tell us some information about your packages/prices?
At [Company], we don’t offer fixed packages or prices, instead, we provide an extensive range of decoration options, menus, and drinks for couples to tailor their wedding according to their budget. Our online quote system is designed to give a realistic estimate of the total cost, allowing couples to input details such as guest numbers, food choices, and drink preferences, providing a clear understanding of how much they’ll need to budget for. This transparency empowers couples to make informed decisions about their special day. Additionally, we offer discounted barn hire during certain months, like November, making it more accessible to those with tighter budgets.
Do you have any tips for couples in selecting their wedding venue?
As you prepare for the most memorable day of your life, don’t get locked into a rigid venue that fails to accommodate your unique needs. Remember, it’s supposed to be your special day! Instead of being treated like just another event on a conveyor belt, we take a personalized approach to ensure every aspect of your wedding is tailored to your vision. With flexibility as our top priority, you can rest assured that your big day will truly reflect your style and love.
Are you seeing any trends for the year ahead?
As we celebrate love at Stone Barn, we’ve noticed a growing trend towards incorporating vintage charm into wedding celebrations. One unique way couples are adding this touch is through our offer of vintage crockery. From using the full range to create a whimsical atmosphere to selecting just a few statement pieces, such as vintage champagne saucers or stunning tea cups for serving tea and coffee, the possibilities are endless.
Can you give us a teaser about what you are working on now?
As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our new shelter, we’re already envisioning the excitement it will bring to our community. In fact, we’re thrilled to share that this innovative space will serve as the backdrop for our very first outdoor wedding – a milestone event that promises to be truly unforgettable.
How can we get in touch with you?
For those seeking an unforgettable setting to tie the knot, Cripps Stonebarn is an exceptional choice. With its unique charm and picturesque surroundings, this idyllic location is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. The venue’s team can be reached through their website at www.crippsstonebarn.com or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can get in touch with them directly via phone on 01285721909. The Stone Barn also has a strong online presence, where you can find them on Facebook and Twitter (@TheStoneBarn). We would like to extend our gratitude to Cripps Stonebarn for partnering with us on this article and sharing their expertise with our readers.