FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some questions which may spring to mind when you are considering a wedding venue. However, if you don’t find the answer to your questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Is the venue available on my preferred date?
We don’t publish available dates on our website but will come back to you promptly if you send us an email (info@burymanorbarn.com)

What is the cost?
This will depend upon the date but for 2024 venue hire is from £3391 for a mid-week low season booking up to £5959 for a weekend high season booking. Please remember that if you are having a civil ceremony, there will be an additional cost of £250.

How many guests can you accommodate?
The barn is divided into two rooms.
For a civil ceremony or a blessing, the inner barn can accommodate 130 guests.
For the reception, the outer barn is usually used for dining and the inner barn for dancing. As a guide, the numbers are below but do call or email to discuss as the numbers may depend on your desired layout.

Is the venue licensed for Civil Ceremonies?
We are very lucky as we have an indoor and outdoor licenced civil ceremony space. For indoors we have our beautiful Inner Barn with a working fireplace and outside we have our unique amphitheatre which has views over the River Arun and South Downs. Both spaces can accommodate 130 guests.

Please contact the registrars with any enquiries regarding the ceremony –
Marriage and civil partnerships – West Sussex County Council

Is there a church available nearby for church weddings?
Yes, guests can park at Bury Manor Barn and walk a short distance to the church. There is a path from the church to the venue – meaning guests only have to park once.

Can we have a Humanist wedding?
Yes, Humanist and other celebrant-led ceremonies can take place in the Inner barn, the Amphitheatre, the Walled Garden or even the Woods.
Jane Blackman has conducted weddings here in the past: www.janeblackmanweddings.co.uk

What areas will be available to us?
Bury Manor Barn – a large Tudor building, amphitheatre, lower lawns with views to the river Arun, elevated terrace with stretch tent overlooking the River Arun & Amberley Castle, walled garden.

Are you dog friendly?
We certainly are, and well-behaved dogs are very welcome.

Is the venue available for exclusive hire?
Yes – we only hold one wedding at a time!

When can we have access to the venue?
The set-up time for your wedding/event will be confirmed at the time of booking but typically they are-
For a Saturday wedding during School Term Time – set up on Friday from 6pm (earliest time) until 10pm.
For a wedding outside of School Term Time – set up is typically 10am to 3pm the day prior to your wedding.

Do you have preferred suppliers or an in-house caterer?
We do have a preferred suppliers list which is on our website, and we can also send you an electronic copy. This includes people who are known to us personally and many are familiar with the venue. We hope this list will be helpful as you plan your day, but you can choose other suppliers (apart from caterers) should you wish. We do not have an in-house caterer, but you do need to choose one of our preferred caterers. They are all happy to work with you to perfect your menu and vary from traditional to street food. Please note that this is a nut and sesame free site.

Is there enough parking for all our guests?
We have parking for approx. 45 cars. If using taxis, please ensure these are booked in advance as this is a rural location and late-night taxis in particular, will be hard to find. Suggested taxi companies are listed in the Preferred Suppliers section of the website.

How flexible are you with the timings of the day?
We are very flexible – you can choose timings to suit you. However, music must be off at 11.30pm on the weekend and 11pm during the week. We ask guests to leave the site by midnight.

Are there any decorating restrictions?
You are free to use your own style when decorating the barn but it is a Grade 2* listed building and so you cannot hammer nails into walls or beams and all decoration must be temporary. There are some pre-existing fixings which you are free to use. Please run your ideas past us before going ahead.
For any decorations for the beams or ceilings in the barn, a professional venue dresser must be used who holds full liability insurance.

Is confetti allowed?
We love confetti – but please make sure it is bio-degradable and please only throw this outside!

Are Fireworks allowed?
As this is a rural location and there may be animals in fields nearby, we cannot allow fireworks.

Can you accommodate a live band or DJ?
Both are welcome and we have a great space for dancing!

Do you have accommodation on site?
We don’t but there are many options within a few miles of Bury Manor Barn. We are happy to supply a list of many options from a castle hotel to quirky AirBnBs.

Do you have disabled access?
This is a Tudor barn in the grounds of a Mediaeval manor house and so is not ideal for disabled guests but with care and forward planning, they can be accommodated, and we have a disabled loo. Please speak to us about this in order for us to explain – or come and visit to make sure you are happy with the site.

Is the venue child-friendly?
Children are very welcome and there is plenty of outdoor space for them to enjoy although they will need to be supervised at all times.

Is there a smoking area?
There is no smoking in the barn but smoking outside in designated areas is allowed and bins are provided for cigarette ends.

How much is the deposit and when is it due?
50% of the hire cost is due on booking, to secure your preferred date and is non-refundable. The balance is due six weeks before the hire date and, once paid, is non-refundable.

Are there any extra charges for staff/cleaning etc.?
No, this is included in the hire charge.

What’s the cancellation policy?
The 50% deposit is non-refundable as is the balance once paid.

Will the venue clear everything away or will we need to do so?
We will clear away but ask that you collect any personal items by midday the day after the wedding or by arrangement.