Grittenham Barn

About the venue

Family-run Grade II listed barn between Petworth and Midhurst in the South Downs National Park, hosting about 35 weddings a year. Couples get the barn, lake, orchard and gardens from 9am the day before until midday after, with ceremonies inside or out and up to 120 seated guests.

Grittenham appears in the Domesday Book. The barn, farmhouse and outbuildings on the site have since been restored by the family who run it, work that won an award from the Sussex Heritage Trust.

The Grade II listed Sussex barn stands between Petworth and Midhurst in the South Downs National Park. Its grounds take in a lake, an orchard and woodland, with views across neighbouring vineyards to the Downs.

Only about 35 weddings happen here each year, with one wedding per weekend and the occasional midweek date. Couples have the venue from 9am the day before until noon the day after, which leaves a full day for setting up.

Inside, oak beams carry traditional iron chandeliers and fairy lights, and an open fire burns at the centre. The barn is split level. Ceremonies use one secluded part, which later becomes a bar and lounge by the fireplace while the dancing carries on nearby.

Outdoor ceremonies take place in the gardens facing the South Downs, and the venue charges no extra fee for either option. Celebrant-led and friend-led ceremonies are welcome, as are receptions after a service at a local country church.

Food comes from a list of more than 10 approved caterers, and there is no corkage. A third-party bar company can run a pay bar, and a bespoke marquee can be added on the lawn outside the barn.

Two restored outbuildings provide accommodation on site. Guests also get to meet the resident donkeys and goats, and couples' reviews say the donkeys end up in a lot of the photos.

The barn is dog friendly. Music has to end at midnight.

Grade II listed Sussex barn on a Domesday Book site

Family-run, about 35 weddings a year, one per weekend

Venue access from 9am the day before until noon after

Licensed for ceremonies in the barn and in the gardens

120 seated on round tables, 200 in the evening

Over 10 approved caterers and no corkage

Lake, orchard, woodland and South Downs views

On-site accommodation in two restored outbuildings