Description
Ceremony
Fully licensed for all civil ceremonies and partnerships, Southend Barns offers two ceremony spaces, which can be finalised on the day of your wedding.
The Dairy Barn is our indoor ceremony space. It has a serene ambience and simple yet romantic styling to complement all wedding day themes. Featuring a sweeping aisle, wooden beams and a crisp, neutral colour palette, the Dairy Barn provides the perfect backdrop to add your own style.
The Secret Garden is our outdoor ceremony space. It is a fantastic way to create a unique wedding inspired by nature, adding a sunlit sparkle to daytime ceremonies. Nestled in a peaceful spot between our fields and the flint walls of the Dairy Barn, the garden is lined with elegant concrete benches and surrounded by beautiful borders.
Reception
The Collecting Yard is a beautiful space for your drinks reception. Spacious and perfectly maintained, it is ideal for mingling with guests, live entertainment, musical performances, or relaxed conversation. The all-weather Collecting Yard includes a terrace bar, sheltered alfresco seating and a roaring fire pit.
The Threshing Barn is a magnificent space for your wedding breakfast and evening party. The barn provides a stunning backdrop for your celebrations, whether as a dining hall, a lively space for dancing or a banquet setting for festive or winter-themed occasions. Our experienced event managers can recommend layouts to suit your vision perfectly.
Accommodation
The Milking Parlour is the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable wedding. With its serene, stylish interiors, you can relax and indulge in the memories of your day. Located in a private courtyard with a rose garden and water feature, it provides a calm and luxurious retreat. A freshly prepared Roots breakfast hamper is delivered the next morning for you to enjoy. The Milking Parlour can also be used by the wedding party to get ready, with large mirrors, comfortable seating and all the facilities needed for those important preparations.
Mama Lou Shepherd’s Hut is the epitome of first-class glamping. Set in the alpacas’ grazing field with its own festoon-lit private pathway and garden, it has been immaculately restored to create a sumptuous and unique retreat. In the fridge, you’ll find chilled prosecco, fresh juice, milk and coffee to accompany your breakfast delivery.
Enjoy a night of luxury under the West Sussex sky with our beautiful bell tent accommodation. In total, there are nine tents sleeping up to 18 adults and 2 children – including eight luxury bell tents and one spacious family tent that accommodates up to 2 adults and 2 children. Each luxury bell tent sleeps two adults and comes equipped with lighting and charging points, double beds dressed in Egyptian cotton bedding, and exclusive access to bathroom facilities including showers and WCs, complete with indulgent Land & Water toiletries and soft towels.
In the morning, guests can head to our 'Piggery Pit Stop', an additional tent serving a delicious continental breakfast in a relaxed, grab-and-go style. With freshly prepared pastries and muffins to start the day, plus Nespresso coffee machines for takeaway coffees, it’s the perfect Southend Barns send-off.
Food & Drink
Roots Catering is our in-house team of talented chefs who are passionate about fusing fresh, local ingredients with creative flair to create mouth-watering menus that evolve with the seasons. From sharing platters and street food to decadent three-course feasts and plant-based dishes, the chefs look forward to designing a wedding menu tailored perfectly to you.
At Southend Barns, choosing the right drinks is just as important as the food. From signature cocktails and mocktails to an extensive wine list and our very own Southend Craft Lager and Southend Crisp Cider, every option is chosen to enhance your celebration.
Message from the team
Experience
Overview of Southend Barns Wedding Venue
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Cultural Specialists
Pricing for Southend Barns Wedding Venue
Reviews (57)
- KKathleen & David04/04/2026The Best DayThe Best DayWe fell in love with the venue on our first visit, great layout for weddings come rain or shine and the lovely alpacas in the field surrounding the venue really added to the charm. The ceremony room was beautiful, and the barn for the breakfast/celebrations really had that rustic barn charm. Our guests also loved the covered outside bar area during the day and evening. My partner was obsessed with their social media - especially their weekly roundups! We felt really cared for by our event manager - Olivia - her attention to detail really made sure our day was truly special, and she worked directly with many of our suppliers to make sure everything ran smoothly. Olivia was supported by Kelly and the rest of the Southend Barns team who did everything they could to make us and our guests feel looked after. The food by Roots catering was absolutely fantastic and our friends are still talking about it, and the cocktails by the bar staff were made freshly and tasted great - no premix here! They also had a great selection of beers, wines and spirits to cater for all tastes. Our flowers were provided by "flowers by Lucy" who works with the venue and was organised through them. Our flowers were exactly as we'd described to her and we were thrilled when we saw the final product. Lucy was very helpful throughout planning and we had a call with her to run through any questions or suggestions she might have. All in all, we would recommend Southend Barns to any couple looking for a wedding venue! We're extremely grateful to them that they made our day perfect.We fell in love with the venue on our first visit, great layout for weddings come rain or shine and the lovely alpacas in the field surrounding the venue really added to the charm. The ceremony room was beautiful, and the barn for the breakfast/celebrations really had that rustic barn charm. Our guests also loved the covered outside bar area during the day and evening. My partner was obsessed with their social media - especially their weekly roundups! We felt really cared for by our event manager - Olivia - her attention to detail really made sure our day was truly special, and she worked directly with many of our suppliers to make sure everything ran smoothly. Olivia was supported by Kelly and the rest of the Southend Barns team who did everything they could to make us and our guests feel looked after. The food by Roots catering was absolutely fantastic and our friends are still talking about it, and the cocktails by the bar staff were made freshly and tasted great - no premix here! They also had a great selection of beers, wines and spirits to cater for all tastes. Our flowers were provided by "flowers by Lucy" who works with the venue and was organised through them. Our flowers were exactly as we'd described to her and we were thrilled when we saw the final product. Lucy was very helpful throughout planning and we had a call with her to run through any questions or suggestions she might have. All in all, we would recommend Southend Barns to any couple looking for a wedding venue! We're extremely grateful to them that they made our day perfect.
- MMeg20/09/2025Couldn’t have asked for a better venueCouldn’t have asked for a better venueKelly & the venue team From the very beginning, you put us at ease. Your confident yet relaxed approach reassured us throughout the planning, and from the moment we did the day-before drop, it was so clear that you had everything under control. We knew you were focused on looking after us and making sure we had the best possible day. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and you made everything run even more smoothly than we could have imagined. When the rain threatened to ruin my dream of a Secret Garden ceremony, you and the team worked tirelessly to make it happen. From liaising so sensitively with the musicians to being poised for last-minute decisions (without letting it impact our stress levels!), everything was handled so expertly. Roots The compliments we received on the food were overwhelming – so many guests said it was by far the best wedding meal they’d ever had! A particular highlight came from one of our gluten-free guests, who was genuinely emotional about how well catered for she felt. She couldn’t believe she was able to enjoy a gluten-free sticky toffee pudding – something she hadn’t had for years. It was clear that even with varied dietary requirements, quality was never compromised. We also loved that the kitchen embraced our Sticky Toffee Pudding scorecards! It was such fun knowing it became a little talking point behind the scenes. Both of us gave it a 10/10 (and we are very tough STP critics – it truly deserved it!). The espresso martinis were lush too! Staff I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding, or any event, where every single member of staff was so polite, friendly, and genuinely happy to be there. Many of our guests commented on this too, and it really elevated the whole day into something unforgettable. You should be so proud of the culture you’ve built at Southend Barns – it’s pure magic. (If you’re hiring… please sign me up!) Venue The venue itself is breath-taking. It’s so well cared for, inside and out, and the turnaround for back-to-back weddings is no small feat. It’s obvious no detail is overlooked, and the result is such a beautiful, atmospheric space where couples can make the most treasured memories. I’ve dreamed of getting married since I was a little girl, and I’ll admit I was a bit of a type-A bride with very high expectations. But honestly, the day exceeded them all – it was everything I could have wished for and more. Southend Barns wasn’t actually my first choice when we began venue hunting, but the second we pulled up, I knew it was the perfect place for us. I’m only sad it’s over because I loved every single moment! I really hope we get invited to another wedding at SEB one day, just so we can experience the magic all over again as a guest! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for giving us the best day of our lives.Kelly & the venue team From the very beginning, you put us at ease. Your confident yet relaxed approach reassured us throughout the planning, and from the moment we did the day-before drop, it was so clear that you had everything under control. We knew you were focused on looking after us and making sure we had the best possible day. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and you made everything run even more smoothly than we could have imagined. When the rain threatened to ruin my dream of a Secret Garden ceremony, you and the team worked tirelessly to make it happen. From liaising so sensitively with the musicians to being poised for last-minute decisions (without letting it impact our stress levels!), everything was handled so expertly. Roots The compliments we received on the food were overwhelming – so many guests said it was by far the best wedding meal they’d ever had! A particular highlight came from one of our gluten-free guests, who was genuinely emotional about how well catered for she felt. She couldn’t believe she was able to enjoy a gluten-free sticky toffee pudding – something she hadn’t had for years. It was clear that even with varied dietary requirements, quality was never compromised. We also loved that the kitchen embraced our Sticky Toffee Pudding scorecards! It was such fun knowing it became a little talking point behind the scenes. Both of us gave it a 10/10 (and we are very tough STP critics – it truly deserved it!). The espresso martinis were lush too! Staff I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been to a wedding, or any event, where every single member of staff was so polite, friendly, and genuinely happy to be there. Many of our guests commented on this too, and it really elevated the whole day into something unforgettable. You should be so proud of the culture you’ve built at Southend Barns – it’s pure magic. (If you’re hiring… please sign me up!) Venue The venue itself is breath-taking. It’s so well cared for, inside and out, and the turnaround for back-to-back weddings is no small feat. It’s obvious no detail is overlooked, and the result is such a beautiful, atmospheric space where couples can make the most treasured memories. I’ve dreamed of getting married since I was a little girl, and I’ll admit I was a bit of a type-A bride with very high expectations. But honestly, the day exceeded them all – it was everything I could have wished for and more. Southend Barns wasn’t actually my first choice when we began venue hunting, but the second we pulled up, I knew it was the perfect place for us. I’m only sad it’s over because I loved every single moment! I really hope we get invited to another wedding at SEB one day, just so we can experience the magic all over again as a guest! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for giving us the best day of our lives.
- LL&F19/11/2023Wouldn’t recommend, bad ethics Wouldn’t recommend, bad ethicsI had a wedding booked, paid for a high season Saturday, and due to covid restrictions they were unable to continue with a wedding the size we had already paid for. Instead of swapping for one of the many Saturdays available the year after(according to the website and various friends who “enquired anonymously “, the venue said they could only accommodate off peak days Monday -Thursday and They were generally very difficult about most details before this. Venue noisy with traffic in outdoors ceremony too. Generally though, if they changed management and events team it’s a pretty venue I had a wedding booked, paid for a high season Saturday, and due to covid restrictions they were unable to continue with a wedding the size we had already paid for. Instead of swapping for one of the many Saturdays available the year after(according to the website and various friends who “enquired anonymously “, the venue said they could only accommodate off peak days Monday -Thursday and They were generally very difficult about most details before this. Venue noisy with traffic in outdoors ceremony too. Generally though, if they changed management and events team it’s a pretty venue
- KK & D07/07/2023We would recommend Southend Barns to any couple!We would recommend Southend Barns to any couple!We fell in love with the venue on our first visit, great layout for weddings come rain or shine and the lovely alpacas in the field surrounding the venue really added to the charm. The food by Roots catering was absolutely fantastic and our friends are still talking about it, and the cocktails by the bar staff were made freshly and tasted great - no premix here! They also had a great selection of beers, wines and spirits to cater for all tastes. We're extremely grateful to them. We fell in love with the venue on our first visit, great layout for weddings come rain or shine and the lovely alpacas in the field surrounding the venue really added to the charm. The food by Roots catering was absolutely fantastic and our friends are still talking about it, and the cocktails by the bar staff were made freshly and tasted great - no premix here! They also had a great selection of beers, wines and spirits to cater for all tastes. We're extremely grateful to them.
- LLizzy & Max07/07/2023We really had the most incredible dayWe really had the most incredible dayWe really had the most incredible day at your lovely venue. A lot of people commented in the lead up about how calm we both were and I think it’s because your lovely staff, they were so helpful with all the pre planning. We had such amazing comments about the food and how delicious it was. Roots really did provide the best wedding food we have ever had compared to before at our other friends weddings etc. It was such a lovely touch to get back to the bridal suite to find some cake and pizzaWe really had the most incredible day at your lovely venue. A lot of people commented in the lead up about how calm we both were and I think it’s because your lovely staff, they were so helpful with all the pre planning. We had such amazing comments about the food and how delicious it was. Roots really did provide the best wedding food we have ever had compared to before at our other friends weddings etc. It was such a lovely touch to get back to the bridal suite to find some cake and pizza
- VVerity & Richard07/07/2023We had such a phenomenal dayWe had such a phenomenal dayWe had such a phenomenal day, thank you. Everyone at Southend Barns & Roots Catering was so lovely, nothing was too much trouble, and everything was seamless. Our guests loved the venue, and enjoyed the day. We had such a phenomenal day, thank you. Everyone at Southend Barns & Roots Catering was so lovely, nothing was too much trouble, and everything was seamless. Our guests loved the venue, and enjoyed the day.
- LL & E07/07/2023The best day we could have wished for.The best day we could have wished for.Massive thank you to the whole team for helping to make our wedding the best day we could have wished for. The venue was incredibly stunning, the food was insanely good and the staff were super attentive! All of our guests and us two were so impressed and happy! We would highly recommend you to everyone looking for a wedding venue!! Massive thank you to the whole team for helping to make our wedding the best day we could have wished for. The venue was incredibly stunning, the food was insanely good and the staff were super attentive! All of our guests and us two were so impressed and happy! We would highly recommend you to everyone looking for a wedding venue!!
- EE & J07/07/2023Thank you for giving us a day we will treasure Thank you for giving us a day we will treasureWe had the most amazing wedding day at Southend Barns. After a year of planning with their team, we arrived on the day feeling completely at ease, knowing that every detail had already The venue itself is stunning while allowing us to add our personal touches. We received so many compliments on the barns and the surrounding grounds, which looked even more beautiful bathed in sunshine on our lucky break between rainy days. Thank you for giving us a day we will treasure forever!We had the most amazing wedding day at Southend Barns. After a year of planning with their team, we arrived on the day feeling completely at ease, knowing that every detail had already The venue itself is stunning while allowing us to add our personal touches. We received so many compliments on the barns and the surrounding grounds, which looked even more beautiful bathed in sunshine on our lucky break between rainy days. Thank you for giving us a day we will treasure forever!
- TThe Varriers28/09/2022The best venue!The best venue!We had our wedding day at the end of August and had the best day! Every single person we had contact with throughout the whole process was kind, helpful and approachable - nothing was ever too much trouble. The venue is amazing and my guests haven't stopped talking about the food. If you're thinking of getting married here, don't hesitate. I want to do it all over again! We had our wedding day at the end of August and had the best day! Every single person we had contact with throughout the whole process was kind, helpful and approachable - nothing was ever too much trouble. The venue is amazing and my guests haven't stopped talking about the food. If you're thinking of getting married here, don't hesitate. I want to do it all over again!
- FFran and Danny16/09/2022An AMAZING wedding venueAn AMAZING wedding venueThe three things we loved about our wedding venue was: 1. The layout - it’s such a beautiful set up and allows your guests to all be where they feel most comfortable (at the bar, on the dance floor or getting some fresh air) but without being too spread out. 2. The staff- they were sooo helpful from day 1 all the way to cleaning up at the end of the night. I never felt they were too busy to answer a question or support on the day. 3. The food - having a family that loves good quality food this was important to us. Roots created an incredible menu and topped it off with what everyone said was the best pizza they had at the end of the night. A massive thank you to Southend Barns!The three things we loved about our wedding venue was: 1. The layout - it’s such a beautiful set up and allows your guests to all be where they feel most comfortable (at the bar, on the dance floor or getting some fresh air) but without being too spread out. 2. The staff- they were sooo helpful from day 1 all the way to cleaning up at the end of the night. I never felt they were too busy to answer a question or support on the day. 3. The food - having a family that loves good quality food this was important to us. Roots created an incredible menu and topped it off with what everyone said was the best pizza they had at the end of the night. A massive thank you to Southend Barns!
Location & Contact Details for Southend Barns Wedding Venue
Wedding Venue Address
Travel Notes
Nearest Town
Nearest Motorway & Junction
Nearest Train Station
Nearest Airport
What ceremony spaces are available at Southend Barns Wedding Venue?
Southend Barns offers two fully licensed ceremony spaces for civil ceremonies and partnerships:
- The Dairy Barn: An indoor space with a serene ambience, wooden beams, a sweeping aisle, and a neutral colour palette, perfect to complement all wedding themes.
- The Secret Garden: An outdoor space nestled between the fields and flint walls, featuring elegant concrete benches and beautiful borders, ideal for nature-inspired weddings.
Can I have my wedding reception at Southend Barns?
Yes, Southend Barns provides beautiful spaces for your wedding reception:
- The Collecting Yard: A spacious outdoor area for drinks receptions with a terrace bar, sheltered seating, and a fire pit.
- The Threshing Barn: An impressive indoor venue suitable for wedding breakfasts and evening parties, adaptable to various layouts.
What accommodation options does Southend Barns offer for wedding guests?
Southend Barns features various luxury accommodations including:
- The Milking Parlour: A private, stylish cottage with a rose garden, perfect for relaxing after the big day and for wedding preparations.
- Mama Lou Shepherd’s Hut: A first-class glamping hut set in the alpacas’ grazing field with private garden and pathway.
- Luxury Bell Tents: Nine tents accommodating up to 18 adults and 2 children, equipped with double beds, lighting, and exclusive bathroom facilities.
Is catering provided on-site at Southend Barns?
Yes, Roots Catering is the in-house team of chefs at Southend Barns, offering fresh, locally sourced menus that evolve with the seasons. They provide a range of options from sharing platters and street food to elegant three-course feasts and plant-based dishes, tailored to your preferences.
Are drinks available at Southend Barns?
Southend Barns & Roots Catering offers a comprehensive drinks menu including:
- Signature cocktails and mocktails
- An extensive wine list
- Southend Craft Lager and Southend Crisp Cider, brewed on-site
Every option is carefully selected to perfectly complement your celebration.
We have two fully stocked bars, including our Terrace Bar with a selection of delicious handmade cocktails.
Can Southend Barns accommodate both indoor and outdoor weddings?
Absolutely. Southend Barns provides both indoor ceremony spaces like the Dairy Barn and outdoor spaces like the Secret Garden, allowing for flexibility depending on your preference and weather conditions.
What facilities are available for getting ready at Southend Barns?
The Milking Parlour offers a comfortable and stylish space for the wedding party to get ready, equipped with large mirrors, comfortable seating, and all necessary facilities for preparations.
Is there a breakfast option available the morning after the wedding?
Yes, a freshly prepared Roots breakfast hamper is delivered to the Milking Parlour, and guests in the Luxury Bell Tents & Shepherds Hut can enjoy a continental breakfast served at the Piggery Pit Stop tent, featuring pastries, muffins, and takeaway Nespresso coffee.
What is the maximum accommodation capacity for overnight guests at Southend Barns?
Southend Barns can accommodate up to 18 adults and 2 children in their eight luxury bell tents and one spacious family tent, 2 guests in our Shepherds Hut and our Milking Parlour for the Happy couple. Making it ideal for accommodating your wedding guests overnight.
Does Southend Barns provide event management support?
Yes, our experienced Event Managers will be by your side throughout your entire wedding journey, from the very first planning stages right through to your big day. They'll take the time to get to know you, help bring your vision to life, offer guidance on layouts and styling, and ensure every detail comes together seamlessly. On the day itself, they'll be there to support you every step of the way, so you can relax and enjoy every moment knowing you're in safe hands.
