GARDEN WEDDINGS

Garden weddings at Barn Drift

Barn Drift’s outside spaces are unusually generous. Three south-facing flint-walled gardens lead one into the next, all accessed directly from the house, and all designed to feel calm, structured and beautiful without being formal.

Beyond the walled gardens are immense lawns to the west and north which are ideal for anything from a long lunch in the sun to a full marquee, all with the valley, salt marsh and sea as your backdrop.

There is also woodland close by, for couples who’d like photographs with a softer, wilder feel.

A GARDEN SETTING MADE FOR WEDDINGS

Barn Drift has three flint-walled gardens. Each has its own character, and together they create a natural flow for a wedding day.

The first is gravelled and welcoming, with direct access to the famous arched front door and large glass doors from the house. It can be gated, making it a secure, enclosed space when needed.

The middle walled garden has a partially paved terrace and a beautiful canopy of umbrella-pruned Persian Ironwood trees, creating dappled shade and a natural gathering point for drinks, conversation and photographs.

The final area is entirely lawn, opening directly from the south-facing dining hall doors. Ancient flint walls are softened with climbing roses and open views across the valley. It’s a particularly lovely spot for an outdoor ceremony or a long, lingering meal.

And throughout the season, the cutting garden adds its own quiet abundance, with scented roses and dahlias ready for simple, beautiful arrangements.

CEREMONIES IN THE GARDEN

Barn Drift and the surrounding grounds are fully licensed for weddings and ceremonies, so you can marry outside in the gardens or choose an indoor setting if you prefer. Many couples love the ease of a garden ceremony followed by drinks on the terrace and dinner as the light starts to soften. Here you can create the kind of day that unfolds without being over-managed.

If you’re planning a church wedding, St Margaret’s Church in Cley is a much-loved choice nearby, with the added charm of a proper Norfolk village feel.

In summer, you might choose to marry under the Persian Ironwoods, or by the ancient flint wall, half covered with a rambling rector rose, with the sweeping valley beyond.

You could say your vows on the raised terrace looking out to towards the coast, or in the sycamore wood with the sea beyond and birds overhead.

And for a cosy winter wedding, Barn Drift comes into her own: a ceremony in the dining hall or drawing room, fire blazing, vast windows looking out over the salt marsh and valley beneath Norfolk’s skies.

Choose your own suppliers; caterer, florist, music, everything. Or lean on our long list of varied and excellent local creatives if you’d like recommendations.

Our one and only rule is simple: amplified music stops at midnight, so sound doesn’t float down into the village and disturb old friends and neighbours.

THE HANGAR – FOR FEASTING, DANCING AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

For couples who want extra space, or a second setting for feasting and dancing, The Hangar can be added to your booking. It’s a short walk through meadows from the house and works beautifully for long-table dinners, relaxed gatherings and dancing, or simply giving your wedding weekend more room to unfold.

The Hangar grounds also include practical facilities, and there is additional space for those who’d like to incorporate camping as part of the weekend.

ACCOMODATION FOR YOU AND YOUR GUESTS

Barn Drift sleeps up to 16 in the main house, with eight calm double/twin bedrooms finished for comfort and proper rest. Additional accommodation can also be added nearby, giving you more flexibility for couples, grandparents or guests who’d appreciate a little separation.

If you’re planning a more festival-leaning garden wedding, there’s ample lawn space for guests to pitch their own tents or camper vans, or you can arrange a furnished bell tent village through local suppliers and we also have our own Indian tent that you can add to your booking.

A RUN-DOWN OF OUR ACCOMMODATION:

Check out the accommodation available within Barn Drift (sleeping 16), the Stables (for 4) and the Flat (for 2).

Plus you have the option for camping, in tents or for those wanting a little more privacy in the Farm Trailer.

PRACTICAL NOTES FOR GARDEN WEDDINGS

A few things that are helpful to know early on:

• You’re welcome to choose your own suppliers, or ask for recommendations
• We’ll need key details (timings, guest numbers, supplier info) in advance so everything runs smoothly
• Amplified music finishes at midnight
• The gardens and lawns offer a natural flow for ceremony, drinks, dining and dancing
• Marquee options work well here, thanks to the scale and setting of the lawns

If we sound like what you are looking for for your garden wedding get in touch with your season, guest numbers and the feel you’re hoping for.

We’ll let you know what’s possible, what works beautifully here, and how to shape a garden wedding that feels effortless, personal and entirely your own.