Business Details
30 Years
experience
Historic Wedding Venue in Lavenham, Suffolk
Established in 1996, Preston Priory Barn is an award-winning wedding venue steeped in history, offering couples a unique blend of mediaeval charm and modern practicality. Our 600-year-old timber-framed barn, nestled within a working arable farm, has hosted over 300 exclusive weddings. We prioritise personal service, with the owner available throughout your planning journey to ensure your day reflects your vision. Our facility combines rustic elegance with essential amenities, including heating, disabled access, and a caterers kitchen. As the iconic Cavendish Auction House from BBC's Lovejoy, our venue boasts cinematic provenance.We limit bookings to guarantee exclusivity, ensuring your celebration remains unforgettable. The surrounding gardens and courtyard provide versatile spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and photography. Our flexible approach allows you to select preferred caterers and bring your own drinks, with corkage-free policies for key beverages. With 28 years of experience, we're dedicated to creating bespoke wedding experiences that celebrate both tradition and individuality.
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Courtyard Receptions
Garden Photography
Caterer Flexibility
Reception-Only Hire
Vintage Themed Events
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer exclusive use of a 600-year-old mediaeval barn with modern amenities
- Our owner provides personal guidance throughout your wedding planning
- Flexible packages allow choice of caterers and corkage-free beverages
- Cinematic heritage adds unique character to your celebration
- Limited annual bookings ensure personalised attention for every couple
Associations and certifications
- BALE Award 1998
Services
Wedding Ceremonies
Our licensed mediaeval barn hosts ceremonies for up to 160 guests. The unique setting features original architecture with modern heating and disabled access. Couples exchange vows in front of an antique hay wagon stage before progressing to the courtyard. The space transforms seamlessly from ceremony to reception with theatrical layout changes.
Courtyard Receptions
The enclosed courtyard with garden furniture and potted plants creates perfect reception spaces. Double doors link to the barn for seamless transitions. Ideal for drinks receptions, BBQs or evening celebrations with secure parking and wildlife viewing opportunities near the working farm.
Garden Photography
Stripped lawns, wisteria-draped walls and a rare fruit-bearing fig tree provide picturesque backdrops. The sunken garden paths and mediaeval farmhouse offer diverse settings for capturing timeless wedding memories in natural surroundings.
Reception-Only Hire
Couples can opt to hold only their reception at our venue after an earlier ceremony elsewhere. This popular option suits those preferring our relaxed barn atmosphere over formal registry offices, with full access to dining facilities and furnishings.
Caterer Flexibility
We offer complete freedom for catering selections with our fully equipped kitchen available to professionals. Clients benefit from corkage-free policies for welcome drinks and dinner wines, allowing personalized beverage offerings.
People
Denise
Owner
With 28 years of experience as venue owner, Denise provides personal guidance throughout wedding planning. She ensures every couple benefits from her expertise in creating bespoke celebrations within this historic setting.
Questions
What makes Preston Priory Barn unique as a wedding venue?
Our 600-year-old mediaeval timber-framed barn, located on a working farm, offers historic charm with modern facilities. The venue's cinematic heritage as BBC's Lovejoy filming location adds unique character.
Do you allow exclusive hire of the venue?
Yes, we offer exclusive use of the entire venue and grounds for your wedding day. We limit annual bookings to maintain exclusivity for each couple.
Can we choose our own caterers?
Absolutely. Our flexible approach allows you to select preferred caterers. We also permit bringing your own drinks with corkage-free policies for key beverages.
What event spaces are available at the venue?
The licensed barn accommodates 160 guests, with ceremonies possible before moving to the courtyard or gardens. We also offer reception-only hire with bespoke configurations.
Is the venue accessible for disabled guests?
Yes, we provide modern disabled facilities alongside our historic setting to ensure all guests enjoy comfortable access throughout the venue and grounds.
Do you provide assistance during wedding planning?
The owner personally supports couples throughout planning, offering expertise from our 28 years of experience hosting over 300 weddings at this special location.
