Rustic charm, massive BBQ, and the kind of golden-hour light that makes you question your life choices for not becoming a painter instead.
Location: Stone Barn, Cheltenham
Good for: Couples who like their barns rustic, their food flame-grilled, and their countryside views properly panoramic.
There are barns. And then there’s Stone Barn.
Tucked between Burford and Northleach, it sits quietly on the border of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, pretending not to be ridiculously photogenic. Spoiler: it is. I’ve photographed a lot of weddings, and very few venues manage to balance “elegant country wedding” with “might throw an excellent party later.” Stone Barn does both, with a log fire burning and a rotisserie in the background.
The Vibe
You walk in and it smells faintly of woodsmoke and good decisions.
Flagstone floors. Tall timber beams. A fireplace big enough to roast your regrets. It’s a warm, tactile space that actually feels like it has stories. Your guests will say things like “wow” and “is that an actual fire pit?” because yes, yes it is.
There’s also the Dutch barn—technically an add-on, but let’s not diminish it. It’s where your reception really comes alive. Split levels. Big windows. Long feasting tables. Enough room to dance badly and not be judged.
Ceremony & Reception Setup
Whether you’re getting married indoors by the open fire or under the oak pavilion outside (Cotswolds weather permitting), you’ve got options. Civil ceremonies are fully licensed, and the setup flows seamlessly from vows to fizz to food.
It handles 200 guests for the ceremony, and 194 for dinner, which in wedding speak means “bring the full guest list and your nan’s bridge club.” There's room for 250 in the evening if you fancy a proper knees-up.
The Food (Yes, It’s Worth a Heading)
Imagine Britain’s largest indoor BBQ. Now imagine it's at your wedding.
You’ll smell it before you see it—and that’s a good thing. They do rotisserie chicken, flame-grilled beef, seasonal veg, and pizza that people will talk about longer than your speeches.
The food is proper. Not “wedding proper,” actual proper. The kind that makes your uncle loosen his tie and say something emotional about fire-cooked lamb.
Lighting, Glorious Lighting
Let’s talk photography for a second (because, well, that’s my job).
Stone Barn is a dream to shoot. The texture in the walls. The symmetry of the Dutch barn. The way the light leaks through the arches at golden hour like it’s been paid to perform.
There’s enough natural light for beautiful candids, and enough candlelight for mood. Whether it’s July sunshine or a December dusk with rain threatening every five minutes—this place holds up.
Things I Love as a Photographer
Consistent aesthetic – rustic but not twee.
Spacious prep areas – nobody wants to get ready in a broom cupboard.
Fire pits – because nothing says “romance” like roasting marshmallows at midnight.
Excellent staff – the Cripps & Co. team keep things moving with the grace of a swan (calm above water, absolute paddling machine below).
Final Thought
Stone Barn is one of those venues where everything just works. It’s warm in winter, breezy in summer, stylish without trying too hard, and timeless in a way that doesn’t scream at you.
If you’re planning a wedding here, I’d love to document it for you—quietly, beautifully, and without shouting at anyone to “look at the camera.” That’s not really my thing.
But candid smiles lit by open fire and countryside light? That absolutely is.
