Grittenham Barn

Grittenham Barn is a restored barn wedding venue at Tillington, just west of Petworth in West Sussex. It sits in around seven acres of grounds that take in gardens, a walled garden, a lake and an orchard. The barn and grounds are hired exclusively, and the venue limits the number of weddings it takes each year.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

This is a venue that hands you the keys. Exclusive use runs from the morning before the wedding until midday after, so you have time to dress the barn your way and to recover slowly the next day. You choose your caterer and can bring your own drinks with no corkage, which means the day reflects your taste rather than a set package. For couples who want a relaxed celebration on their own terms, that freedom matters.

Ceremonies

Grittenham Barn is licensed for civil ceremonies both inside the barn and outdoors in the grounds. On a fine day you can marry in the gardens and then walk your guests down to the lake or through the orchard for drinks and photographs. The barn makes a sound fallback if the weather turns.

Receptions and food

The barn seats around 120 guests for a meal and holds more for a standing evening party. A canvas marquee can be added on the lawn beside the courtyard for extra space. Couples pick from the venue's preferred caterers or bring in an outside caterer, and the venue holds an alcohol licence. Because you can supply your own drink without a corkage charge, you keep control of the bar.

Staying

There are two self-contained units on site, each with an open-plan living room and kitchen, a double bedroom and a bathroom. Between them they sleep four, which suits the two of you plus close family or a best friend.

Getting there and the area

Tillington is a small village on the edge of Petworth, inside the South Downs National Park. Petworth has a choice of inns and guesthouses for wedding guests, and Midhurst is a short drive away. The nearest mainline stations are Haslemere and Pulborough, both with links to London. Petworth House and its deer park are close by for guests staying the weekend.

Good to know

• Exclusive use from 9am the day before until noon the day after.
• Ceremonies inside the barn or in the grounds.
• No corkage on your own drinks.