The BarnYard Brochure

“ This is where our love story begins ”
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Your Dream Wedding Venue
Nestled in the heart of the Garden of England, surrounded by 150 acres of stunning Kentish countryside combining rolling hills, natural woodland and romantic apple and pear orchards, The BarnYard is an enchanting setting for the most memorable day of your life. Tranquil, charming and unique, licensed for Ceremonies and home to both a beautiful old barn conversion as well as a truly luxurious grand marquee which can host lavish receptions for up to 300 guests.
We believe we have an amazing wedding venue so we go to great lengths to ensure others know it too!!
Combining breathtaking scenery, outstanding service and ine locally sourced food, The BarnYard is the perfect setting for the most perfect wedding.


..“ From this day forward, you shall never walk alone ”


A Little Bit of History.
In 2007 The BarnYard as it had existed for many years, predominantly as a pick your own farm, changed hands. With the change came new agricultural developments to the 150 acres of farmland and an exciting new vision by the new owners to create a stunning wedding venue. The owners believed that this idyllic setting could be the perfect location for weddings and set about turning this into a reality. The vision was to ensure that weddings were not of secondary importance to the beautiful farm surroundings but were quite simply complemented by them creating a premier wedding venue, which made the most of the beautiful setting within the Garden of England. The BarnYard was purposefully redesigned and built with the perfect wedding in mind, from design, layout, landscaped gardens and stunning grounds for beautiful photographic opportunities, utilising the best of what the venue originally had to offer.


A Beautiful Setting...
As you arrive at the venue, amongst your first sights will be the donkeys, alpacas and ponies grazing on the brow of the hill. You will then feast your eyes on the acres of beautiful apple and pear orchards which surround the venue on all sides making the perfect vista for our beautiful barns, grand marquee and landscaped gardens to sit within.
It wouldn’t be right to call the venue The BarnYard without the resident family friendly animals that live on site. During your wedding day you and your guests are welcome to wander around the animal fields at your leisure to pet and enjoy them.
With over 150 acres of gorgeous landscape to wander around you will be spoilt for choice for beautiful and totally unique photography settings. From the beautiful bamboo garden with romantic wooden bridge built over a lily pond, home to hundreds of exotic koi carp, to the beautiful copper tree water fountain and lavender garden all set amongst stunning natural beauty - the perfect way to capture your memories on film.


Why Choose The BarnYard ?
Fantastic Kentish setting with the chance to theme the wedding exactly as you wish
Only one wedding per day
Various function rooms / areas for your exclusive use
Services of our wedding co-ordinator and team
Choice of wedding ceremony room to suit the British weather
Quality home-cooked, locally sourced Kentish catering with a great choice of menus
No charge for children aged 0-4 years but catering provided. Children aged 5-11 years charged at half the adult
package price
Use of all of the grounds and buildings for fantastic, unique photographs.
Free parking in on-site wedding car park
A fully licensed bar - at competitive prices Accessible by car and public transport
An informal toastmaster
Excellent accommodation in the immediate locality And most importantly - no hidden costs!


You Are In Good Hands...
The BarnYard is managed by Zest Creative Catering, run by dedicated wedding co-ordinator Joanne McInnes and her husband, experienced chef David McInnes who have the same vision as the owners - to make the venue the best it can possibly be. Backed up by a great team of dedicated, smart and enthusiastic staff we will help to deliver your perfect wedding day guiding you through the planning of every detail from initial show round to final meeting and being on hand to answer all of your preparation questions.
Our team genuinely cares about your needs and requirements for your special day and will bend over backwards to bring you the wedding day that you have always dreamed about so, on the actual day, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your hard work.
On your actual wedding day we will warmly welcome you to The BarnYard and be on hand every step of the way, acting as informal toastmaster to guide you, your best man and guests effortlessly through the formalities of the day.
At Zest we love what we do and are passionate about making sure that every couple’s wedding dreams come true. For us when the bride and groom hug us at the end of their special day and tell us they have had the best day of their lives, we can go home knowing we have completed our mission to make another couples wedding dreams a reality.
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Let’s Get Hitched...
At The BarnYard we are licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships for up to 140 guests in a choice of two separate areas.
Indoor ceremonies can be held all year round in our all season elegant grand marquee. Outdoor ceremonies can be held in our stunning Breezehouse with far reaching views across orchards, rolling hills and woodland. The maximum capacity for wedding ceremonies is 140 guests in either area.
Our wedding team will book your wedding ceremony on your behalf with the Kent Registrars. All you need to do is select the date and time you wish to get married. You can be married seven days a week between 9am and 5pm. A pack containing everything you need to know for the ceremony will be sent by the Registry Ofice once they have received the initial paperwork from our wedding team and after making contact with yourselves. Please note that there will always be a charge made to you by the Registry Ofice to perform a marriage ceremony at The BarnYard over and above the venue hire fee that The BarnYard charges.
“ His forever was as simple as her smile ”


The Wedding Ceremony...
Can be held in our beautiful outdoor Breezehouse where guests, sitting on our raised decking area, can enjoy stunning views across woodland, rolling hills, apple and pear orchards while watching our alpacas, ponies and donkeys on the brow of the hill. This exclusive decked area has a fully installed PA system to enable us to play your chosen music for your ceremony and use of wireless microphone if required for when repeating your vows.
Of course we all know that the great British weather means that the sun does not always shine. In these cases if the ceremony has to move inside, we ensure that the marquee ceremony room is already set up, so any last minute changes to the weather can be seamlessly accommodated and due to the exceptional panoramic views of our orchards from this indoor room you still get as close as possible to the feeling of an outdoor wedding but without having to get wet!!


To enhance the impact of the beautiful setting we are able to open up large sections of the indoor ceremony room to the grounds, creating a real feeling of a wedding set in the beautiful Garden of England. Although the civil ceremony room is a part of the main marquee, we are able to create a completely separate room by the use of a portable curtained corridor which ensures that the wedding breakfast part of the marquee remains hidden away until the all important grand unveiling. The ceremony room has a fully installed PA system to enable us to play your chosen music for your ceremony.


“ All because two people fell in love ”
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The Wedding Reception
After your wedding ceremony your guests will join you on our beautiful manicured lawn outside the marquee for our attentive waitresses to serve you your chosen reception drink and canapés. You then have some time for photographs to be taken whilst your guests mingle on the lawn or patio area, sit and chat in our lavender garden or bamboo garden, play garden games or just wander around our fantastic landscape and visit our animals.
Your wedding breakfast is held in our elegant all season marquee, purposefully positioned at the bottom of a hill, sheltered a little from the full force of the English weather. Unlike other venues with marquees which have them erected and dismantled seasonally, The BarnYard’s elegant marquee is permanent in structure which has allowed us to equip it to the highest of standards from the 18ft long solid oak bar, to fully computer controlled intelligent lighting to match your colourscheme, beautiful fairylit ceiling and mirror ball, deluxe ‘indoor’ toilets, covered cloakroom area, air conditioning, thermostatically controlled heating, stage and dance loor and fully integrated sound system with PA, speakers and wireless microphone. The marquee’s ceiling is also hung with ive beautiful glass and crystal chandeliers which help to create that wow factor.


To continue the feeling of having the outdoors inside a larger number of window panels were installed in the marquee, virtually giving a 360 degree panoramic view of beautiful surroundings. This increase in window panels allows for natural light to flood in and, with the addition of our lavender garden just outside the back of the marquee, ensures a stunning backdrop for photos that, due to weather conditions outside of our control, have to be taken inside the marquee.
We can accommodate up to 200 guests in our marquee for a wedding breakfast and 280 guests for the evening party (if you are getting married elsewhere). There are a number of room configurations and layouts depending on numbers but we are happy to be as flexible as possible to accommodate your requirements.
Our marquee is a beautiful blank canvas which you are welcome to decorate in any way you wish.




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Let’s Party...
Whilst you are enjoying your wedding breakfast your choice of evening entertainment is able to be set up ‘behind the scenes’ so that ... voila ... when you are ready to party a curtain is drawn back to reveal the stage and dance loor with the entertainment ready to go.
With the fully computer controlled intelligent lighting to match your colour scheme, beautiful fairylit ceiling and mirror ball, the marquee at night is a fabulous affair. Lit up to look totally breathtaking.
The BarnYard is magical at night. As dusk falls the landscaped grounds around the outside of the marquee and the entrance way light up with thousands of fairy lights strung from the trees and uplighters in the foliage, making a stunning impact for your evening guests as they arrive and for you to enjoy while having ‘Al fresco’ drinks on the lawn or patio area.


It’s The ‘Extra’ Things That Count...
At The BarnYard we offer a host of additions to make your wedding day stand out from the crowd.
‘Animal Cuddle Corner’ - Our animals make for a unique backdrop and quirky addition to your wedding day but they are also friendly and we welcome children and adults alike to pet and enjoy them during your wedding day.
Hire of our Giant Wooden Games and Tug of War rope Chair covers or hire of different chairs
4 or 5 tier speciality Cheese Tower, fully decorated and displayed
French ‘Dresser’ Sweetie Table
The BarnYard’s own labelled Mini Jam/Chutney Pot wedding favours
The BarnYard’s own food or Gift Hampers (great as wedding gifts)
Bespoke Bunting
Beautiful Vintage China Hire
Browse our gift shop for quirky wedding gift/decoration ideas
Please ask our Wedding Co-ordinator for further details.




Those All Important Costings...
Venue Hire
The BarnYard charge one venue hire fee for exclusive use of the ‘wedding area’ whether you wish to have just your wedding reception at the venue using our marquee or wish to make use of our two stunning areas for a wedding ceremony as well as a reception.**
This fee allows use from 9am until midnight (entertainment and bar closes at 11.30pm). For a small charge we can allow an extension on this time to 1am (entertainment and bar closes at 12.30am). For an additional charge we can allow exclusive use of all of the venue for the evening - details upon request. Prices inclusive of VAT.
ffTime of Year Peak Off Peak
Months
May to September Minimum Guest Numbers
October to April Minimum Guest Numbers
Sunday to Thursday
£1,000.00 60 adults
£500.00 50 adults
Friday
£1,500.00 60 adults
£500.00 50 adults
Saturday*
£2,000.00** 80 adults
£1,000.00 60 adults
* Good Friday and Sundays over a Bank Holiday weekend are charged as per the Saturday venue hire.
** Use of the Breezehouse for an outside ceremony on a Saturday in peak months will incur a £500 charge.
Please note that the Kent Registrars charge an additional amount for marrying you at our venue, which is totally separate to our charges.
Fully Inclusive Catering Package
Our wedding costing includes everything you may require for your guests who are invited to the whole wedding day. Prices are per adult inclusive of VAT - note minimum guest numbers apply as per Venue Hire costing table above.
Time of Year 2016 - Peak
2016 - Off Peak 2017 - Peak 2017 - Off Peak 2018 - Peak 2018 - Off Peak
Months
May to September
October to April May to September October to April May to September October to April
Sunday to Thursday
£73.00 per head
£67.50 per head
£76.00 per head
£71.25 per head
£79.20 per head
£74.25 per head
Friday
£90.00 per head
£67.50 per head
£95.00 per head
£71.25 per head
£99.00 per head
£74.25 per head
Saturday*
£90.00 per head
£81.00 per head
£95.00 per head
£85.50 per head
£99.00 per head
£89.10 per head
Please Note - Children aged 0-4 years are totally free of charge yet still catered for and need to be included in final numbers. Children aged 5-11 years are charged at 50% of the adult price. Children can have either a smaller portion of the adult menu choice or a ‘child friendly’ meal.
We try to be totally flexible and in certain circumstances are able to discuss a quotation for a smaller function.
* Good Friday and Sundays over a Bank Holiday weekend are charged as per the Saturday venue hire.


Package price is inclusive of the following:-
Waitress served hot and cold canapés with choice of reception drink after your wedding ceremony (or upon arrival if married elsewhere)
Three course sit down wedding breakfast or daytime BBQ (see menu page for choices). Upgraded ‘Zari and luxury BBQ’ menu available at a supplement
Speciality ground coffee and tea served with chocolate mints and artisan marvellous marshmallows (various lavours)
Drinks package to include half a bottle of wine per person, a bottle of The BarnYard’s own Kentish apple juice and mineral water on every table and a glass of sparkling Cava for your toasting drink (Prosecco and Champagne available as an upgrade)
Evening party menu (or other choice of food for the evening from our brochure). Note any additional guests invited to the evening party that you wish to cater for will be charged at £15.00 per head
Provision of furniture to include round and trestle tables and banqueting chairs. Chair covers or hiring in of preferred chairs are arranged by us and charged as extra
Elegant starched crisp white table linen to include tablecloths and beautifully folded napkins, white china, cutlery and glassware. Vintage china available at a supplement
Provision of uniformed waiting and bar staff under professional supervision
Services of an informal toastmaster to facilitate your wedding which can include announcing your entrance to the Wedding Breakfast, the speeches and cutting of the cake
Duty manager in the evening after the toastmaster/wedding co-ordinator has left
Fully equipped and serviced bar selling a large selection of beers (bottled and draught), wines and spirits (at ‘pub’ prices) with plenty of staff to allow for an eficient service
Oak Table Plan Easel and Frame to display your seating plan (A1 size)
Complimentary personalised ‘BarnYard’ wedding congratulations sign
Use of our beautiful Swarovski Cake Knife
Complimentary ‘BarnYard Brunch’ for wedding couple and respective parents the morning after the wedding to be enjoyed in our beautiful oak beamed restaurant
Example Costing:
Based on a Saturday wedding in summer 2016 with the minimum guest requirement of 80 adults being invited during the day:
Venue Hire = £2,000.00
Wedding Package = £7,200.00
(80 daytime guests @ £90.00 per person) Total cost = £9,200.00
Then add on £15.00 per person for however many additional evening guests that you wish to cater for. There is no minimum amount for this requirement.
We reserve the right to alter prices.


Your Wedding Breakfast Menu Choices
Zest Creative Catering are the venue’s in-house caterers where their chefs are inspired by The BarnYard’s homegrown and locally sourced ingredients, often organic. The venue has won awards for its fruit and has twice won the accolade of top fruit growers of the year, a theme that runs throughout our menus. At The BarnYard you are literally surrounded by beautiful apple and pear orchards, the fruit of which are used in the various menus on offer.
We are happy to offer a choice of arrangements for your wedding day breakfast. The ‘included’ option is that you pick just one choice from each course from your chosen menu which we will prepare and serve to all your guests on your wedding day (taking into account any guests’ dietary requirements). The second option (which is available at a supplement of £2.00 per head) is that you can offer two choices from each course to your guests and ask that they let you know which choice they would like so that you can come to the final wedding meeting with the guest numbers required for each option.
Reception Drinks Selection
Select a glass of the following to be waitress served with a selection of chef’s choice hot and cold canapés. Please note that we will also serve glasses of BarnYard own fruit juice as a non alcoholic alternative and for the children.
Rosé Cava with a fresh strawberry Summer Pimms and Lemonade Bucks Fizz
Cava
Kir Royale
Mulled Wine
Prosecco & Champagne available at a supplement
Starters
BarnYard Cider & Three Onion Soup (v)
Roasted Vine Tomato & fresh Basil Soup drizzled with Rocket Oil (v)
Homemade Duck & Orange Pate with Rustic Bread & Red Pepper Chutney Assiette of Prawns - Prawn Cocktail, Sweet Chilli King Prawn & Coconut Prawns Brie & Mango Filo Parcel set on a warm Cranberry Coulis (v)
Cantaloupe Melon Pearls & Bocconcini with local Honey & Beetroot Dressing (v)
Kentish Field Mushrooms pan-fried in Butter, Brandy, Garlic & Chilli finished in a Coriander Cream Sauce (v)
Main Course
Braised Beef Forrestier, Wild Mushrooms, Merlot Wine
Lemon and Thyme Chicken Breast with Pan Rich Gravy
Watercress Crusted Supreme of Salmon, St Clements Reduction
Roasted Pork Loin with Cumberland & Sage Stuffing, Crackling, Kentish Cider Sauce Steak & Spitfire Ale Pie with Puff Pastry ‘Lid’
Kentish ‘Korkers’ Sausages & Spring Onion Mash
Roasted Leg of English Lamb studded with Rosemary & Garlic with a Redcurrant Jus Roasted Vegetable Fajita, Chilli & Tomato Coulis (v)
Desserts... the best bit!
The BarnYard Apple Pie served warm with Vanilla Custard Sauce Wild Berry & fresh Mint Cheesecake
Zesty Lemon & Lime Tart, Hooch Sorbet
Deep Chocolate Fudge Cake with Fudge Sauce
Chocolate Brownie topped with Vanilla Ice cream Summer Pudding with Cassis Scented Cream
Or choose our daytime BBQ ...
Homemade 4oz Steak Burger
Cumberland Sausages
Gore Farm Vegetables & Halloumi Cheese Skewer Glazed Sweet Chilli Chicken Breast
Black Pepper & Garlic King Prawns
Gammon Steaks
Sautéed Onions
The BarnYard’s homemade Coleslaw
Potato & Egg Salad
Garden Salad
Pasta with Field Mushrooms & Coriander
Sauces & Accompaniments
Then choose one dessert for all guests:- Chocolate Choux Bun with Orange Zest Filling Vanilla Cheesecake with Butterscotch Sauce Summer Pudding with Cassis Scented Cream
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Luxury Wedding Breakfast Menu Choices ‘Zari”
Our luxury wedding breakfast and BBQ menu listed below are available to choose at a supplement of £5.00 per person. The same arrangements apply regarding choosing the options as our standard wedding breakfast menu.
Starters
Spring Onion & Minted Fresh Pea Soup (v)
Whitstable Bay Chowder Soup, Cheese Flute
Wild Boar Terrine, Fennel & Walnut Salad
Tian of Hot Smoked Salmon & Crayish with a Lobster Dressing
Crispy Kentish Goats Cheese rolled in Panko Breadcrumbs & loaded with Red Onion Marmalade (v)
Tea Smoked Duck with Mini Herb Salad, Orange Segments & Figs Double Melon & Serrano Ham with Balsamic Mayonnaise
Main Course
Pork Tenderloin Fillet with an Apricot Stufing Thyme & Mustard Glaze
Grilled Fillet of Sea Bass with Crayish & Lemongrass Sauce served with Wild Rice
Beef Medallions layered with Pate & served on a Crostini
Breast of Chicken ‘Princess’ illed with fresh Asparagus & wrapped in Italian Ham
served on a Pink Champagne Sauce
Aged Lamb Rump soaked in local Honey, fresh local Herbs and Orange Juice
Roast Sirloin of Beef served with Creamy Horseradish & Yorkshire Pudding - the Great British roast at its best!
Maize Fed Chicken Breast with a Mushroom Duxell encased in Puff Pastry Butternut Squash, Spinach & Brighton Blue Tart (v)
Fresh Asparagus and Mushroom Strudel (v)
Desserts... the best bit!
Exclusive Whole ‘BarnYard’ Apple Crumble with Honeycombe Ice Cream Baked Tiramisu Cheesecake with Summer Berry Caviar
Rhubarb & Gooseberry Custard Tart with Clotted Cream Ice Cream
Dark Chocolate & Orange Tart
The BarnYard Sharing Chocolate Fondue with Mini Donuts, Strawberries & Marshmallows to dip inished with Popping Candy (All Guests)
Lemon Meringue with fresh Raspberries & Candied Lemon Peel A Trio of Desserts (All Guests)
Or choose our luxury daytime BBQ as an alternative...
Marinated Rib Steaks
Wild Boar Sausages
Baby Vegetable & Halloumi Kebabs Tandoori Chicken Fillets
Lamb Kofta Kebabs
Blackened Salmon & Crayish Caramelised Onions
Rustic BarnYard home-made Coleslaw Mexican Rice Salad
Garden Pea Salad
Minted Kentish New Potatoes
Rustic Bread Basket
Sauces & Accompaniments
Then choose one dessert for all guests:- Chocolate Choux Bun with Orange Zest Filling Vanilla Cheesecake with Butterscotch Sauce Summer Pudding with Cassis Scented Cream
Please note other vegetarian options available upon request.


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Evening Menu Options
We offer a great range of evening dining arrangements, all of which are included in the price for your daytime guests. Any additional evening guests that you wish to cater for will be charged at £15 per head.
The BarnYard Finger Bufet
Assorted Sandwiches & Tortilla Wraps Homemade Quiche Selection
Mini Sausages rolled in Local Honey & Mustard Crispy Duck Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce Sweet Chilli Chicken Skewers
Prawn & Chicken Vol au Vents
Gore Farm Sausage Rolls
The BarnYard Cheese Selection served with grapes, celery, chutney & savoury biscuits
Evening BBQ
Classic 100% pure Beefburger Pattie served with Fried Onions Kentish Korkers Sausages
Marinated Chicken Drumstick
Vegetarian Chargrilled Kebabs
Selection of Bread Rolls
Seasonal Leaf Salad
Potato and Chive Salad
Classic Coleslaw Salad
Beef Tomatoes and Red Onion Salad
Hog Roast Bufet
(Available for 80 – 120 Guests) Traditional pulled Hog with Crackling The BarnYard Apple Sauce & Condiments Various Baps
Garden Salad
Creamy Coleslaw
Hot Fork Bufet
Choose 2 from the following choices:
Mexican Beef Chilli with Tacos & sour cream
Or
Madras / Tikka / Jalfrezi (chicken or lamb) with Chutney, Poppadoms & Rice Or
Minted Lamb Kofta Kebabs with Mango & Fresh Mint Yogurt &
served with Pitta Bread
Or
Bang Bang Chicken
Mildly Spiced Chinese Style Chicken, with Shredded Vegetables & a Peanut Chilli Sauce, served with Rice & Prawn Crackers
Or
Vegetarian Option Upon Request
or just opt for the favourite:
Bacon & Kentish Korker Sausage Butties
Floured Baps
Served with various Mustards, Fried Onions & Pickles
The BarnYard Cheese Selection served with grapes, celery, chutney & savoury biscuits


Booking Procedure
How to make a booking and what is required -
Hopefully once you have seen our facilities, talked to our Wedding Co-ordinator and are happy that The BarnYard is your choice of wedding venue, you need to check that your chosen date is available.
If a date is pencilled in our diary as a provisional booking, it will be held for 14 days without needing a deposit. After 14 days the date will be automatically released and re–offered.
When you are ready to confirm your provisional booking we will send you a deposit invoice for £750.00 along with a copy of our main terms and conditions which we will need you to sign and send back to us which will confirm that you accept the terms of booking.
Once your deposit payment and signed terms and conditions have been received, our Wedding Co-ordinator will arrange for a confirmation letter to be sent to you which confirms the wedding booking details and gives a suggested wedding day itinerary. A booking form will also be sent which you will need to fill in and return to us confirming the date you wish to have your wedding reception, along with the time you prefer to have your ceremony (if you are planning on having your ceremony as well as your reception at The BarnYard) together with contact details for both the bride and groom.
When we receive the booking form back from you we will book the wedding ceremony with the Kent Registrars on your behalf. The Registrars will then contact you
directly once they receive the booking paperwork from us. A further non-refundable stage payment of £2,000 will be due six calendar months from the date of your wedding and an invoice from The BarnYard will be sent to you on the run up to this time which will be due for payment immediately upon receipt.
We will ask to have a final wedding meeting with you 12 weeks before your wedding day when final numbers and menu choices have to be confirmed and the finer Waspects of your wedding day will be discussed. After this meeting we will calculate the final balance due and send you the invoice where payment of this final balance will be required two calendar months in advance of the wedding. After this point no refunds can be given for any reduction in guest numbers.
Any extra charges i.e. additional catering etc. must be settled on the day of your wedding.
Other details you should be aware of:
Please be aware that you are booking function rooms and areas within the grounds of a restaurant/visitor attraction, which is open to the public during the day. The BarnYard reserve the right to run events and alter other facilities within its grounds and make improvements to the venue and facilities as deemed appropriate when necessary.
Beverages of any kind are not permitted to be brought into the venue.
All correspondence should be sent to: Wedding Office, The BarnYard, Oak Lane, Upchurch, Kent. ME9 7EZ




FAQ’s
We are on a fixed budget but love The BarnYard. Is there anyway we can still get married at the venue? The first thing to do if you have a fixed budget or below our minimum guest numbers is to tell us what it is so we can tell you exactly what we can offer to help you keep to your budget. We realise that it’s your wedding day so will try and do things your way as much as possible.
Do I have to pay an additional charge to the KCC for them to perform our wedding ceremony at The BarnYard?
Yes. The KCC has set fees to conduct the ceremony for you and will charge you directly for this. This fee is over and above the site hire that The BarnYard charges. Remember that we will book your wedding ceremony with the KCC on your behalf. To find out the current fee structure please visit www.akentishceremony.com/weddings/fees-and-conditions/
Will I have one contact at The BarnYard or will I have to deal with a number of different people on the run up to my wedding day?
You will deal with our Wedding Co-ordinator in the run up to your big day who is available to answer any questions you may have. They will also be on hand during your wedding day to oversee arrangements and act as informal toastmaster.
When do I let you know exactly what our requirements are for the day i.e. menu choice, final numbers etc?
This will happen at the final wedding meeting which takes place about 10-12 weeks or so before your wedding day.
What food is served for the children as I assume they will have something different from the adult menu? Children can either have a slightly smaller portion of the adult choice or, if preferred, a child friendly option can be offered i.e. garlic bread for starters, chicken goujons, potato wedges and baked beans for main and ice cream for dessert.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements? We are more than happy to cater for any dietary needs, however we must be told at the final wedding meeting what these are.
Where is the food prepared?
All our food is prepared and cooked on site using fresh local produce as much as possible and ordered from local suppliers so we are able to trace back to the origin of all our food.
Does the bar accept credit/debit cards?
Yes. Although we prefer you to pay using cash a card reader is available to process credit/debit card payments.
Can we put money behind the bar for our guests?
Yes. Our Bar Manager is used to running all kinds of different bar ‘tabs’ and this is absolutely fine.
We’d like to provide our own entertainment for the evening. Is this allowed?
Yes, however all entertainers must be insured (public liability up to £10M) and they must have all their equipment PAT tested. Although no noise restrictor at the venue we do ask kindly that the music be turned down after 11pm to a reasonable level due to the nearby village. We recommend you use our nominated DJ.
What time do we have to finish the party?
Carriages are requested at midnight as the bar and evening entertainment will stop at 11.30pm (unless an extension has been agreed with us beforehand)
Do you have on-site accommodation or a room for the bridal party to get ready in?
Unfortunately not. However, there are two hotels
situated very close to the venue.
Are our guests able to leave their cars in the car park overnight?
Yes this is acceptable but is done at their own risk. Please can you make your guests aware that the car park however will be closed and locked when your guests leave at the end of the night and won’t be re-opened until around 8.45am the following morning.
Are fireworks or Chinese sky lanterns allowed during our wedding day?
Unfortunately not due to the animals on site and our marquee.
Is Confetti allowed to be thrown after our wedding ceremony?
Yes, this is acceptable as long as the confetti is biodegradable.
How many people can fit around your round tables?
Our round tables are 6’ in diameter and can seat 10 guests comfortably with 12 guests being the maximum.
How many people can fit behind the long top table?
Depends on where you wish to have this positioned but we suggest no more than 12.
When can I come in to decorate the venue for my wedding day?
If there isn’t a wedding the day before yours then you can come in during that afternoon to decorate. We will have put the tables in place with the tablecloths on and will have started to lay up thus making it easy for you to put your decorations out. If there is a wedding the day before yours then set-up and decoration will have to be done from 10am that morning.
When do we collect our decorations after our wedding day?
Any ‘heavier’ or large decorations need to be collected between 9am and 9.30am the day after however for smaller items which we can easily store these can be collected at your leisure.
Are Candles/Tealights allowed to be lit in the function rooms?
Yes, as long as they are in a suitable container.
On our wedding day will we have to come in to the BarnYard via the Shop?
No, your wedding guests will park their cars in the wedding car park which has signs directing them to the wedding area via a beautiful wrought iron side gate. Special ‘arty’ blackboards are also put out welcoming your guests to the venue and pointing them in the right direction. The groom and bridal party along with any disabled/elderly guests can have vehicular access up to this side gate. There is wheelchair access also to all areas.
Do we have to include ourselves in the final numbers for payment?
Yes - you will both need to be counted in with your final numbers.
What are the dimensions of the marquee?
30m x 12.2m for main marquee area (wedding breakfast to stage)
I would like to order bunting - how much would I need?
If you wanted to hang bunting from the marquee ceiling then we recommend covering the ceiling metal bars of which there are 3 which are 40ft in length each.
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Testimonials
The best wedding venue ever! We had the most fun packed and perfect wedding ever at the Barnyard! Tessa the wedding coordinator went above and beyond her duties to make it the success it was. The country setting is absolutely beautiful (especially in the sunshine, which they somehow managed to arrange for us!) and the marquee arrangement is perfect for the meal and reception party. All the staff were very friendly and helpful, we could not fault them. Months down the line people are still raving about how it was the best wedding ever and how much they loved the venue. We cannot say enough good about it! A huge thanks to Tessa and all at the barnyard for everything. Andrew Donaldson & Lianne Boast
This is just to say thank you so very much for all your hard work regarding the above wedding, both before and during the event, and I am sure there was some work to do after as well!! Everyone had the most wonderful time and we have had so many compliments about the marquee and the running of the afternoon/evening in general..........so a huge heartfelt thank you to you and your team!
Patsy Hoile - Mother of the Bride
How to make the perfect wedding...It can take quite a lot of work to make the perfect wedding but you can make your life so much easier by picking the right venue. The BarnYard made our lives really easy. Not only is the venue itself beautiful but the staff, the facilities and the food are amazing. Add that to the impressive list of preferred suppliers that they work with for other services and that hard work required to make the perfect wedding can actually be a walk in the park. Thanks to Tessa and the team for helping make our perfect wedding! Jon and Allison
THE BEST VENUE EVER!!! Me and Jamie cannot thank you all enough! You made our wedding day so perfect!! It was booked for 3 years and wow it was sooooo worth the wait! Everyone loved it and said how great it was, thank you so much to Joanne, Tessa and the BarnYard Team!! Lois Cripps
Just the perfect day - The venue really shone on our wedding day, looking stunning with the grounds all at its greenest. The staff were amazing, Tessa has been great right from the start, making our wedding journey so easy and enjoyable. Cannot recommend enough, all our guests have spoken highly of this venue too and had a great day with great food! Emily Thomson
I had my wedding here in August and it was amazing. The venue looked so pretty inside and luckily it was a lovely day so we managed to get some beautiful pictures outside on the ield with orchards behind us. The staff were brilliant and bent over backwards for us. So many of my guests commented on the venue and how beautiful it was. I loved every minute of the day. Thank you for making it so special.
Vicki Hughes
Perfect Day & Perfect Venue - We really cannot say enough positive things about the Barnyard and those working there. We were contacted many times before the day and the preparation was great. We really had little to worry about on the day and everything was looked after. There are so many minor details about venues that we didn’t think about until the day that the Barnyard had looked after for us. Our organiser Tessa was running around all day making sure everything was running smoothly and we cannot thank her enough. They catered for all our unique requests (personalised cocktails and menu) and made our day so special. I wouldn’t have wanted our wedding breakfast or reception anywhere else. Massive thanks to all!!! Andy and Jade Smith
Amazing wedding day! We got married on 25th July, our day was amazing from start to inish. The staff throughout the process were brilliant, they were very helpful prior to and during the day nothing was to much hassle. The wedding breakfast was served quickly to all guests and the food was superb. The venue looked absolutely stunning. Thank you very much to the team at the Barnyard, especially Tessa for making sure the whole day ran smoothly.
Peter and Rachel
Simply perfect - We had our Wedding Breakfast here in July. The day was such a success, mostly as a result of the tireless efforts, patience and organisation of the Barnyard staff. They were professional throughout, took time to establish what we wanted to achieve and made sure the whole day ran smoothly. The food and drink was irst class and nothing was too much trouble for the team; we deinitely felt like we were in good hands from start to inish. The Barnyard setting has a relaxed feel to it and is just absolutely beautiful; the marquee and grounds looked amazing and so many of our guests commented on how brilliant the venue was, some have even returned to visit and have some food. There are things for children to do as well. Kathryn and Nick
Our Perfect Wedding Venue - Our wedding day could not have been more perfect. We got married on Friday 5th June 2015 and booked the beautiful Breezehouse for our ceremony. At 3am on the morning of the wedding it was pouring with rain and the sky was full of thunder and lightening but by the time we woke up it was beautiful sunshine and our wedding day ended up being the hottest day of the year at that point! Tessa was absolutely incredible, from our irst meeting to our wedding day and beyond - nothing was too much trouble and, as a stressed bride to be, I truly felt how much she cared about our big day. Her coordination with our other suppliers, organisation and enthusiasm went such a long way to ensure we had the most amazing wedding. On the day, Tessa and all the other staff at The Barnyard went above and beyond and it was a pleasure to spend our big day with them. The food was out of this world and despite a number of complicated requests (vegetarians, lactose intolerances, children with adult portions), every meal was provided hot, tasty and exactly as requested. The waiting and bar staff were happy, kind and so helpful, and as we set up the venue the afternoon before, fresh slate was added to the lowerpots, plants watered and inishing touches applied. The new Manager (Jo of Zest) is lovely and it was great to meet her too. I can’t praise the venue and staff highly enough, there is absolutely nothing that I would change and The Barnyard made the wedding of our dreams a reality. The reviews speak for themselves and I’m so proud to be a Barnyard bride!
Hannah and Jamie Key


Hire The BarnYard For Your Private Event
With different areas available for hire, the BarnYard can offer the perfect setting for your celebrations.
Whatever the occasion let The BarnYard’s experienced team help to ensure organising your celebration is stress free and enjoyable. Attention to detail from our dedicated team will guarantee you can relax and celebrate in style while our chefs can prepare for you exquisite food to tempt all tastebuds.
Restaurant and Bar
Our beautiful oak beamed barn restaurant, mezzanine area, quaint bar, courtyard and patio area are available to hire for exclusive use allowing for intimate gatherings of 20 to larger parties of up to 150 making it an ideal location for celebrations ranging from birthdays, anniversaries, office parties, christenings and wakes. Our patio area is beautifully lit in the evenings with uplighters in the foliage and fairylights strung from the trees - absolutely stunning!
Bar
Our rustic bar area can be hired as a stand alone area for smaller parties and events. Our bar is fully stocked with all the usual requirements and as we are very much a Kentish venue kegs of Kentish real ale can be hired in to complement what we usually offer.
Marquee
Our luxurious marquee is a permanent structure which means that, unlike other marquees, ours is available all year round and is equipped to the highest standards with a state of the art lighting system (to light the marquee with your chosen colour scheme), moveable stage and dance floor and fully integrated sound system with PA system, 18ft long solid oak bar, deluxe in-house toilets, air conditioning (for those warm summer days) and thermostatically controlled heating (for those long winter evenings). As a blank canvas the marquee allows you complete creativity and use of themes without compromise with a floor space which can be changed and adapted to your requirements.
Be it a black tie canapé reception and sumptuous dinner, school prom, afternoon tea party or a relaxed informal delicious BBQ The BarnYard will provide a unique setting while beautiful grounds surrounding the marquee will ensure a stunning backdrop and fantastic outside space to spill out onto which, in the evening, is beautifully lit with thousands of fairylights strung from the surrounding trees.
Private Dining
Not only can we offer event hire at The BarnYard we can also offer private dining where you and your guests can have exclusive use of any of our areas with chefs to prepare a sumptuous menu and waitresses on hand to serve you. Please contact us with your requirements and we will prepare a bespoke costing for you.
Contact us today for prices / menus.
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Our Recomended Suppliers:
Photographers:
We would like to thank the following photographers for allowing us to use their fantastic BarnYard wedding photos in our beautiful wedding brochure.
It was a pleasure working with you and we would highly recommend our wedding couples contact you to discuss the photography for their big day.
Emma-Louise Bonnick - www.els-design.com
Lisa Emanual Photography - www.lisaemanuelphotography.com
Ollie Knight - www.ollieknightphotography.co.uk
Click:Create Rannard’s Wedding Photography - www.clickcreate.biz
Complete Wedding Photography, Simon - www.completeweddingphotographer.co.uk
Joanne Collins Photography - www.joannecollinsphotography.co.uk
In-house DJ:
Apollo Funk Entertainments are our recommended supplier when it comes to DJing/Lights/LED dance loors etc. The professionalism & dedication shown before, during and after each event is impeccable. The high standards that Apollo Funk Entertainments set themselves, is admired across the industry and we are happy to recommend their services. We can either book Apollo Funk Entertainments on your behalf for your wedding here at The BarnYard or you are welcome to contact them directly at www.apollofunk.com.
There are lots of hotels and B&B accommodation in the nearby locality. Details will be given upon booking or upon request
Brochure designed and created by Jemma Rannard www.clickcreate.biz - 07763 635512
Contact Us:
The Wedding Ofice, The BarnYard,
Oak Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME9 7EZ
01634 235059 [email protected] www.the-barnyard.com
Upchurch
Rainham
Upchurch River Valley Golf Course
Oak Lane
A2 - London Road
Sittingbourne
Hartlip Hill


01634 235059 [email protected] www.the-barnyard.com The BarnYard, Oak Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME9 7EZ