Booking Process
We can hold a date for 5 days whilst you confirm with the Church or Registrar, close family and friends, and complete the booking contract and arrange payment.

‍18-6 Months prior to your Wedding
Our resident Wedding Planner will support you planning your special day and create an itinerary quotation which will lay out the timeline and costs of your day with us. You can communicate with her by email, phone or arrange face to face meetings.

‍6 Months prior to your Wedding
Pay the balance of the Barn Hire and 50% of the estimated costs.

‍4 Weeks prior to your Wedding
Payment of the remaining balance of all costs. Final guest numbers required and thereafter any reduction in numbers will not qualify for a refund. All allergies and dietary requirements must be submitted.

‍1 Week prior to your Wedding
You will have a rehearsal with our Front of House, who will be coordingating your day for you, to run through your itinerary, discuss final details and test any music you might be wishing to be played through our PA system.

‍Wedding Day
Access to the venue will be from 9am.

‍After the Wedding
Everything that does not belong to us will be placed back on your shelf for collection. Collection by 12 noon the following day unless by prior arrangement.

‍Within 2 Weeks After
‍Final itemised invoice showing any refund or balance due.

How many guests can be catered for at any one time?
The Barn can seat up to 140 guests for your wedding breakfast with an additional 60 in the adjoining Granary Bar.

‍How many guests can be catered for with an evening reception?
Up to 200 for an evening reception.

‍Are you licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes, The Barn, outside on the middle lawn and the Reception Room are licenced to hold ceremonies.

‍Do you have anyone to help us plan our day?
Yes, absolutely. You will be introduced to our lovely Wedding Planner, who will guide you through planning your day, including food and drinks, suppliers, timings, as well as telling you about the little things you might not have thought about! No outside wedding planners or agents permitted.

‍Will there be someone running my wedding day for me?
‍Yes. Our wonderful Front of House, will make sure your day runs seamlessly. You will meet with her the week prior to your wedding to ensure that you are all familiar with the ‘game plan’ for your big day.

‍Do you offer exclusive use hire?
Yes, this is an exclusive events venue.

‍What time can we get access to the venue?
If there is no event the day before you can set up from midday onwards. If there is an event the day before you can access the venue from 9am on the day to set up and we are happy to help.

‍What time does the venue close?
If you are having your ceremony or arrival from 2pm onwards, from Monday-Saturday, the bar closes at midnight, the music stops at 12.30pm, with guests and suppliers being asked to finish their drinks and leave the building and offsite by 1am. For Sunday, our licensing ends at 11.30pm, so the bar will close at 11.30pm, the music will stop at 12am with the wedding party and all guests expected to leave by 12.30am.

‍What is included when booking Notley Tythe Barn?
Exclusive use of Barn, Granary Bar, Patio and Gardens
Free parking
Tables including a long or round Top Table with round Guest tables and a Cake Table
Gold Banqueting Chairs
Table linen, Napkins, Tableware and Glasses
PA System and Wireless Microphones
Fully stocked and staffed bar
Cake Knife
Easel
Fairy Lights
Full heating and log burner as required
Patio Furniture and Stretch Tent
All waiting staff
Full Wedding Planning support
Full Event Management including all cleaning before and after
Assistance with decorating your tables
Access day before if the venue is not booked.

‍Can we bring in our own DJ or live entertainment?
We have two fantastic resident DJs who are brilliant to work with to create the music and vibe you would like. They are also talented at getting a party started and catering to a diverse range of ages. We do not accommodate outside DJs. You are also very welcome to have a live band (up to 4 pieces) on our inside dance floor as well as unamplified musicians outside and around the barn.

‍What are the music restrictions?
We reserve the right to restrict the volume if we consider it to be excessive. The legal limit is 84 decibels.

‍Is there a PA system?
In the Barn there are wireless microphones and PA system for speeches, ceremony music and background music.

‍How should I supply the music for the Wedding Ceremony?
We require your music on a playlist which needs to be downloaded onto one of your devices. You will need to provide 4 songs, (procession, 2 during signing of the register and recession).

‍Can music be played outside?
We allow unamplified music outside for drinks receptions.

‍Is it possible to bring things in or set up the day before?
You can bring things in to place on your assigned shelf the week leading up to your wedding. However, you will not be able to do any setting up of the venue until either midday the day before your wedding or from 9am onwards on the day of your wedding (if there is an event the day before).

‍Where can wedding gifts be stored?
Unfortunately, we cannot take responsibility for storing wedding gifts. However, we do advise that it is a good idea to have the responsible person from the wedding party take them away to a locked car at a convenient time before the wedding breakfast, and then again after the arrival of evening guests who may bring additional gifts.

‍When do we need to collect everything by?
Suppliers must contact Notley to arrange delivery and collection of all of their items. Everything that does not belong to us should be collected within 24hrs after your wedding, unless arranged by prior arrangement.

‍How many toilets are there?
There are 4 ladies’ cubicles, 1 gent’s cubicle, 4 urinals, and an accessible loo with baby changing facilities.

‍Is there a cloakroom to hang coats and hats?
Yes.

‍Is there sufficient parking space?
We have an extensive car park and plenty of overflow parking.

‍Is there access for coaches?
Yes, please just confirm the details of this with Notley.

‍Can cars be left overnight?
Your guests are welcome to leave their cars overnight, at their own risk, to be collected by 10.30am the next day please.

‍Can our guests bring tents or camper vans to stay onsite over night?
No, unfortunately we are neither licensed, insured or equipped to deal with camping on site.

‍Are there grounds around the venue for photos?
Yes, we have beautiful places around the farm for photos including the medieval Dovecote, The Stag, Woods and the River.

‍Where can I have pictures if it rains on our wedding day?
‍The farm has lots of out buildings for you to shelter in to take beautiful rustic shots. We also have extensive tree cover in different areas and even woods which provide a lovely nature backdrop. We do always say as well that it rarely rains for the whole of your wedding day. Your photographer will work with our Front Of House, to find a break in the weather so you can have photos outside. Your photographer is welcome to visit prior to your day to explore different options.

‍Can confetti be used on the premises?
We do not permit confetti, however you are welcome to have bubbles either inside or outside, which will create beautiful photographs. Sparklers outside also create some stunning shots!

‍Do you have any preferred suppliers you can recommend?
We do have a Recommended Suppliers Brochure that we give to every couple in their Brochure pack. These suppliers have worked with us for many years and can help bring your wedding day visions to life. You can of course use your own suppliers if you wish.

‍Can we bring in our own outside suppliers or do the venue dressing ourselves?
Yes, absolutely, you can dress the venue yourself or have outside suppliers doit for you.
‍Outside suppliers. Outside suppliers must have public liability insurance and are responsible for you and your guests’ safety while using or hiring their equipment. They will need to provide relevant insurance documentation and PAT testing certificates where necessary. Delivery and pick-up by suppliers to be at the back of the Barn.
Your own decorations. When bringing in and using your own decorations, games or equipment, you are wholly responsible for you and your guests’ safety while using the above at the barn. If bringing in your own garden games you are responsible for setting them up and putting them away before dark.

‍Do you need anything from our suppliers?
They will need to provide relevant insurance documentation and PAT testing certificates where necessary.

‍Can we bring inflatables such as bouncy castles?
Yes, they are often great entertainment on the middle lawn. You and/ or your outside supplier are responsible for you and your guests’ safety while using the equipment.

‍Can photographers / suppliers visit the venue prior to the wedding for a viewing?
Yes, if they contact us, we can arrange a convenient time.

‍Is there a dressing room?
We do not have a dressing room onsite but many of our accommodation options in our Accommodation Brochure have bridal getting ready facilities. However, upon request, you can change into your second dress/ outfit in our Reception Room if required.

‍Is the venue insured?
Yes.

‍Is a deposit needed and is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, we require a £1,000 deposit on signing the contract which is non-refundable. Our cancellation policy is highlighted in our terms and conditions document which can be found on our website.

‍Do your prices include VAT?
Yes, all our prices are inclusive of VAT.

‍What are the payment terms?
‍- £1,000 deposit or £1,050 if you would like to include the deposit for our in house DJ.
- 6 months before event date, pay the balance of the Barn Hire and 50% of the estimated costs.
- 4 weeks before Event Date remaining balance of all costs.

‍Can I make changes inside 4 weeks before my wedding?
Yes, however the Pre-Ceremony Bar and Ian the Beer Donkey cannot be added at this point.

‍Are there any hidden charges?
No, we try and make everything very clear about what is included and make recommendations you might not have considered.

‍How do we make a reservation?
We can hold a date for 5 days whilst you confirm with the Church or Registrar, close family and friends, and complete the booking contract and arrange payment.

‍How do we confirm our booking?
We require you to complete and sign a booking form (a copy can be found at the back of your brochure pack). You can then take a picture of it and email it to us. Alternatively, you can post it. You can then use the bank details on the form to transfer your deposit and the date is yours.

Is there in-house catering?
We have our own in-house Head Chef and Sous Chef who are exceptionally talented. They have a tremendous amount of experience and passion. They are looking to bring your personality as a couple out in the food!

‍Can we use our own caterers?
No, because we have invested significantly into our kitchens, equipment and staff. We are proud of our 5 star hygiene award and numerous 5 star reviews from previous couples.

‍What if we would like something not on your menu?
Our very experienced Head Chef, Petr, loves a challenge and can turn his hand to almost anything. If you have something specific in mind, enquire with us to see he can make it a reality.

‍Is there any flexibility on the menu?
Our chefs have an extensive catering repertoire and are happy to discuss bespoke menus. Please note that bespoke menus can increase the price per head depending on ingredients costs and additional prep time.

‍Will you serve our wedding cake?
Yes. We recommend serving the cake as part of the evening buffet. The catering team will cut the cake and put it on platters and provide napkins. There is no charge for this. They will not however cut up the cake and put it into individual boxes.

‍Is there a minimum spend on food or drink?
Yes. All food and drink packages have no minimum numbers, but we do require a minimum spend for the Wedding Breakfast, Drinks Package and Evening Food.

‍What provision do you have for children’s meals?
We do have a delicious Children’s menu with a variety of options for 12 years and under. Please do be aware that all children have to have the same option.

‍Do you charge for babies and young children, and do you have any highchairs?
If we are not providing a meal for a baby or young child, then we will not charge you for them. Parents are welcome to bring in food for children in a highchair, of which we have several and will provide these free of charge.

‍Can we offer our guests a choice of menu?
The price of the menu includes one meat and one vegetarian starter, one meat and one vegetarian main course, and two choices of dessert. However, should you wish to offer guests additional choices this will affect the cost per head. We will need all food choices as well as allergies and dietary requirements, 4 weeks prior to your wedding.

‍Do we have to feed our suppliers?
Most suppliers including photographers and bands require feeding, so it is important to find out from them if this is required, for how many and at what time, so that we can build it into the plan for the day.

‍Can we bring in a cheese wedding cake?
No, if you would like a cake of cheese, this can be provided by us. We can offer a number of tiers with a variety of cheeses, all of which comes with biscuits, chutneys, additional fruits, plates and knives, along with staff to look after this.

‍Can we bring in our own food?
No, except for a traditional wedding cake and food for babies not having a meal supplied by us. Due to food laws, any cakes delivered for the catering team to serve will need to be supplied with a full list of storage instructions and allergens. We reserve the right to not serve a wedding cake if we determine it to not be fully cooked. Please note we cannot refrigerate any food including wedding cakes or cook / reheat any children’s food.

‍Can the catering team cater for specific dietary requirements?
We can cater for all allergies and dietary requirements. If any of your day or evening guests have any dietary requirements please let us know as soon as possible so we can discuss any impact with regards to your menu. We request that all dietary information is provided a minimum of 4 weeks before the event. Where necessary we will require a signed allergy form.

‍Do you offer food and wine tasting events?
We hold food tasting events throughout the year for an additional fee. Once you have booked with us, our wedding planner will share details of how to book onto our food tasting events. For wine tastings you can buy your preferred wines from our wine list at half price. You can take them home and try them at your own leisure with family and friends. Another fun occasion to have with your nearest and dearest before the wedding!

‍Do you have a licenced bar?
We have a fully licensed bar to serve alcohol until midnight (11.30pm on Sundays). We accept card and cash.

‍How do you manage underage drinking?
We operate a strict “Think 25” policy and will only serve alcohol to over 18’s with valid identification. Please advise any young looking over 18-year-olds to bring valid ID to prevent any embarrassment and disappointment on the day.

‍Can we supply our own alcohol and what is the fee?
If you wish to bring in your own wine, champagne or favours there will be a corkage fee.

‍Are we allowed to bring in beverage favours?
Yes, however you will be charged corkage.

‍What is the average price for a pint and a price of a glass of wine from the bar?
Our bar prices are based on standard bar / restaurant prices and are subject to change occasionally throughout the year.

‍Can we pre order drinks?
Yes, our wedding planner can recommend how many drinks you will need at different stages throughout the day. Any unopened bottles that are left over can be collected and taken away the next day. However, no refunds are given based on what is not consumed.

‍Can we set up a tab for drinks?
We are happy to run a bar tab at your request and this can be included in your itinerary and quotation. If you decide to run one on the day this will need to be paid in advance. Any money not spent will be returned to you with your damage deposit.

‍Does the bar serve draught beer and lager?
We do serve draught lager and beer, along with a variety of bottled beers, ales and cider.

‍What time does the bar open and close?
If you are having an indoor ceremony, you can have choose to hire our outdoor, pre ceremony trailer bar, one hour before your ceremony. After your ceremony the main bar will be open. The bar will close at midnight apart from Sundays, when it will close at 11.30pm.

Is there any accommodation on site?
We don’t have any accommodation directly on-site, however we do have a new fabulous Recommended Accommodation Brochure! There is an array of options to accommodate all types of guests and budgets. They are all very local to the Barn, with the closest being just 1.5 miles away. We also have options to accommodate larger groups and ones with fantastic additional facilities and bridal getting ready suites. We believe that your wedding should be a luxury experience where you can be on your own time frame. On-site accommodation can affect the luxury of the experience having to move on quickly the morning after your wedding to accommodate for another wedding party coming in. We find accommodation off site allows you to be in control of your timeline and make a whole weekend of celebrating with your family and friends.

The Registrar
The Notley Tythe Barn is licensed with the Buckinghamshire Registry Office. You will need to book with them independently to hold your ceremony at our venue. Their charges vary for different times of the week and year. We offer from 2pm onwards, either for the start of the ceremony here or arrival at the Barn from the Church. If you wish to have an earlier ceremony time than 2pm we will adjust the closing time accordingly. If you are holding your ceremony here please contact the Buckinghamshire Ceremonies Team on 01494 475092.

‍Setting up the venue
We ensure that by 9am on the morning of your wedding that the furniture will be in place. From this point on, our laying up team, plus any of your other chosen suppliers, or family and friends can come in and start to setup. If there is no event on the day before your wedding, you are welcome to setup from midday that day.

‍Decorations – house rules
We say to protect the Grade 1 listed beams, that decorations must be tied or stuck, rather than nailed, stapled or screwed. We are happy to support you placing decorations on the tables if you do not have an outside supplier and you are unable to do it yourself. However, we ask that decorations are not heavy, involve construction or the use of ladders. If you would like to decorate around the beams and higher ledges of the barn, it is yours or your outside supplier’s responsibility. You also do so at your own risk. We do not provide any ladders, steps or equipment. No heavy items to be placed on the mezzanine.

‍Candles
Candles are permitted for your Ceremony and on the tables at which you are eating. If you would like the effect of candles in the Barn we recommend the numerous battery versions which are available. We have remote controlled battery candles available to hire.

‍Fireworks & Chinese lanterns
We do not allow Chinese lanterns due to our livestock. We only allow fireworks in the winter months from our recommended supplier.

Table sizes
We have 5ft diameter round tables. We also have enough long tables for a traditional long top table. If you would prefer long rustic style tables for banqueting style we can hire these in for an additional cost.

Smoking & Vaping
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside this venue. There are designated smoking areas outside the venue with ashtrays.

Lost property
The venue is cleaned directly after the party has finished so if anything is found, it will be put with your things on your shelf. If it is not immediately found we will gladly take the name and number of the person that has lost something, so that should it turn up, we can contact them directly. Please note we will only keep items for 7 days. If something is found later, we will notify the marriage couple by email.

‍Personal possessions or belongs that are damaged or go missing
Please note that The Notley Tythe Barn shall not be liable for any loss or damage to property at the venue and is left at the owners’ risk.

‍Own alcohol
No alcohol may be brought on site without prior permission including drinks bought by guests for personal consumption. The venue licensees reserve the right to confiscate any unauthorised alcohol and ask the offending guests to leave the property. Persistent offending may result in the venue closing immediately and a £500 fine being issued to the wedding couple.If any alcohol is given as a gift, please ensure that you make one of the management staff aware so that they can put it in safe keeping, and prevent any fines being incurred.

‍Drugs
If any of The Notley staff find, or find any person using what they believe to be illegal drugs on the property, those guests will be escorted from the building and the local authorities will be contacted immediately to investigate the matter further.

‍Children
We love to see children enjoying being at Notley, but please be aware that they must be kept under strict supervision at all times to try and prevent any unnecessary accidents. This will be an unfamiliar environment for everyone attending with a lot of noise and distractions throughout the day. Health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please do your part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day.

‍Dogs
Of course, you can bring your dog. Being a family farm, we appreciate how dogs are often a huge part of the family! We do say however that just your dog or immediate family dog to your day as often multiple dogs don’t mix well together. Thinking of animal welfare, we request that your dog must go home to their own comforts before the wedding breakfast.

‍Taxis
We have a number of taxi companies we use on a regular basis and our management team will be more than happy to provide numbers on the night. There is also a list of them in our Accommodation Brochure so you can pre-book for peace of mind.

Accessible Access
Yes, we have a discrete slope built into the side of our patio for easy wheelchair and pram access. We also have an accessible/ baby changing loo just off the dance floor which allows individuals with accessibility needs to remain on the same level throughout their day.

‍Staff Gratuities
Tips to staff are entirely at your discretion and are very much appreciated if you are pleased with the service you receive. Any gratuities are shared between all staff.