Southlands barn is an amazing wedding venue in West Sussex with the perfect balance of rustic and modern features. Below is lots of information about the venue and photos from a real wedding there.
The venue is based on Southlands Farm Estate in West Chiltington, West Sussex. It’s a family run business and the staff are amazing which really makes a difference as they will be a big part of your wedding day making sure everything runs smoothly. It's a working farm so they have animals there including cows and peacocks. The venue has two barns, a bar, a courtyard, an outdoor ceremony area and views of the South Downs. Their exclusive use packages include 2 day hire Wednesday - Thursday or a 3 day hire on the weekend Friday - Sunday so you have plenty of time to access the venue to set up and pack everything away.
Getting ready
The Prepping Parlour is a fairly new addition to the venue, it’s accessed from inside The Cattle Barn. It’s a great space for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready in, it’s available from 7am on the day and it has room for up to 8 people. There is a fridge freezer with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco, a large mirror with stools, sofas, a bathroom and a private changing curtain.
Where can we have our ceremony at Southlands Barn?
The Sussex Barn is a large rustic barn which dates back to the 17th century. It has beautiful fairy lights and bottle lights hanging from the wooden beams on the ceiling which create a magical atmosphere. The barn can seat up to 150 guests and you have the choice of chivari chairs or benches; both are included in the price of hiring the venue. The barn is licensed to hold legal wedding ceremonies.
Alternatively, you could use Southlands View which is their outdoor pergola ceremony space, it’s fully licensed so you can have your legal ceremony there. It has the most amazing view over the fields towards the South Downs so it’s a great location for a summer wedding. It’s also a good spot for your confetti tunnel!
Drinks Reception
The two barns are connected by the outdoor courtyard, it has plenty of space and seating so it’s the perfect place for your drinks reception. The courtyard is outside so it’s not ideal for bad weather. The bar is under cover and there is a small inside area off of the courtyard with a pool table inside.
Wedding Breakfast
The Cattle Barn is a refurbished modern barn with bifold doors which let in lots of natural light. The wooden walls, fairy lights, chandeliers and drapes create a beautiful backdrop for your reception. Chivari chairs and round tables are included in the venue hire for up to 150 guests but if you want a different lay out like trestle tables you can always hire them in. They also have a sound system you can plug your phone into to play music during the wedding breakfast.
Evening Reception / Music
The Sussex Barn is great for your evening reception because it’s dark inside with fairy lights above which creates the right vibe for dancing. The barn has an integrated sound system for your DJ or band. Live music is allowed Wednesday - Sunday and must finish by 11pm. You can have a silent disco if you choose to hire the venue on a Monday or Tuesday. For evening food there is space right outside the barn for a food truck. All guests have to be off site by 12am.
Where can we have our couple photos taken?
There’s lots of great outdoor locations at Southlands Barn for couple photos including the ceremony pergola, the fields, the driveway and especially by the lake. The barns and courtyard provide some nice rustic backdrops as well. If you want to get creative the venue do allow smoke bombs and sparklers.
The Staff at Southlands Barn
I have to give the staff a mention as they’re so wonderful! Phil the owner converted the farm into this beautiful wedding venue, he will be a part of your day and can perform MOC duties if needed. Jackie is the venue organiser, she’s one of the kindest people I’ve met and she’ll look after you and all of your guests on your wedding day. Amy is the venue coordinator, she will likely be in charge of viewings, bookings and helping you coordinate your special day. Having nice staff makes a huge difference to your day, the staff at Southlands Barn really care about every wedding they do.
Accommodation and parking
There is no accommodation at Southlands Barn but there are hotels and airbnbs close by. They have plenty of parking available at the venue or if you're getting public transport Pulborough train station is only 7 minutes away.
Here are some hotels / BNB's that are close by:
The Old Workshop - 5 mins
The Roundabout Hotel - 5 mins
The Crown Inn - 10 mins
Findon Manor Hotel - 16 mins
Tottington Manor - 25 mins
Pricing
The prices for the venue hire can be found here https://southlandsbarn.co.uk/wedding-packages/
Southlands Barn website - https://southlandsbarn.co.uk
If you're looking for a photographer for your wedding then please get in touch!