Business Details
30 Years
experience
Your Historic Wedding Venue in Suffolk
Established in 1996, Preston Priory Barn stands as one of Suffolk's original wedding venues, having hosted over 300 exclusive weddings across two decades. Our historic Mediaeval timber-framed barn, dating from 1450, combines rustic charm with modern amenities such as heating, a spacious caterer's kitchen, and disabled facilities. As an award-winning venue featured in BBC's Lovejoy, we offer exclusive use of our grounds and barn, limited to a select number of weddings annually to ensure a bespoke experience. Our owner's hands-on approach provides couples with expert guidance throughout their planning process, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration.Situated on a working arable farm near Lavenham, our venue offers a romantic, untouched setting distinct from modernised barns. We provide flexible options including ceremony-only packages and collaborate with independent caterers to deliver corkage-free welcome drinks and wine. With theatre-style seating for 160 guests, a courtyard for receptions, and striped lawns for photography, we combine historical authenticity with practical modernity. Our commitment to preserving the barn's heritage while meeting contemporary needs has earned recognition through the BALE Award for best alternative land enterprise in 1998.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Reception Venues
Courtyard Events
Garden Photography
Catering Services
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive use of our historic venue with owner-led personal guidance
- Our 1450 timber-framed barn combines authentic charm with modern facilities
- Flexible packages include ceremony-only options and corkage-free catering
- Award-winning heritage venue featured in BBC's Lovejoy series
- Limited annual bookings ensure bespoke attention for each wedding
Associations and certifications
- BALE Award
What people say
Glorious setting
Owner available all day
Bespoke experience
Award-winning heritage
Flexible packages
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Our licensed 1450 Mediaeval barn accommodates ceremonies for up to 160 guests with theatre-style seating. Couples marry before an antique hay wagon stage, followed by courtyard drinks receptions. The venue's historic character combines with modern facilities including heating and disabled access. Exclusive use ensures complete customization of this award-winning setting.
Reception Venues
The main barn transforms from ceremony to reception space with bespoke table configurations. Our courtyard with garden furniture and concrete parking provides outdoor reception options. The venue's working farm setting offers unique photographic opportunities and wildlife viewing during guest arrivals.
Catering Services
We permit independent caterers with full access to our commercial kitchen. Welcome drinks and half-bottle wine per guest included corkage-free. Our stocked pay bar operates at no charge for evening drinks. Ceremony guests may arrange afternoon tea with vintage crockery through approved caterers.
Garden Photography
Our historic grounds feature walled gardens with seasonal wisteria, grapevines and honeysuckle, striped lawns for group portraits, and a fruit-bearing fig tree entrance. The Mediaeval farmhouse and surrounding arable fields provide diverse backdrops for capturing timeless wedding photographs in natural settings.
Exclusive Hire
We offer complete venue exclusivity with pre-wedding decorating day access. Packages include tables, chairs, heating, parking, and courtyard furniture. Limited annual bookings ensure personalized attention. Our owner remains available throughout your event to guarantee seamless execution of your bespoke celebration.
Questions
What wedding packages do you offer?
We provide exclusive venue hire with flexible options including full-day access, pre-wedding decorating day, and ceremony-only packages. Our owner provides personal guidance throughout planning.
Can we use our own caterers?
Yes, we allow independent caterers with corkage-free welcome drinks and wine (quantity limits apply). Our commercial kitchen supports professional catering services.
What facilities are available?
Our 1450 timber-framed barn includes heating, disabled access, theatre-style seating for 160, courtyard reception space, and a stocked pay bar operated at no charge.
Is accommodation available on-site?
While we don't provide accommodation, our venue is located near Lavenham - a historic village with multiple award-winning hotels and guesthouses within 2 miles.
Can we have evening celebrations?
Yes, our courtyard with garden furniture and concrete parking accommodates evening events. The barn can be reconfigured for wedding breakfasts following ceremonies.
What photography opportunities exist?
Our Mediaeval farmhouse, walled gardens with seasonal wisteria, striped lawns, and fig tree entrance provide diverse photographic backdrops across our historic 1450 working farm setting.
