The Old Barn

The Old Barn is a family-owned, restored barn about a mile from the fishing village of Clovelly in North Devon, within sight of the coast. Oak beams, old stone and whitewashed cob walls give it plenty of character, and the space is left as a blank canvas. You bring the style, whether that is rustic, boho, festival or vintage, and you choose the suppliers who help you get there.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

This is a venue for couples who want to shape the day themselves. There is no fixed package to fit into. You pick your caterers, set your own look and decide how the evening runs. GLW likes it for couples who would rather build a wedding around their own friends, food and music than follow a set format.

Ceremonies

Ceremonies take place in the conservatory, which is licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies and holds over 100 guests. For much of the year it is covered in grape vines, which makes a soft, green setting for your vows. Smaller weddings work well here too, so the space does not feel empty with a shorter guest list.

Receptions and food

The barn seats over 100 for the wedding breakfast, and the conservatory next door can take extra tables. In the evening, numbers can rise to around 200. Underfloor heating keeps the barn comfortable through the cooler months, and rustic plank tables and white chairs are available if you want them.

Catering is your call. There is a kitchen preparation area inside the barn, and the outdoor space suits relaxed options such as a hog roast or a fish and chip van. The venue runs its own bar with staff, and you can bring your own welcome drinks and wine for the meal with no corkage charge. For a twist after dark, the venue can lay on a private dodgems session as an evening surprise for your guests.

Getting there and the area

The barn sits near Clovelly, west of Bideford, on the North Devon coast. The steep cobbled street and harbour at Clovelly are close by for photographs, and the wider coastline is good walking country for guests who want to make a weekend of it. Guests can find places to stay nearby, and the venue suggests options around Bideford and Clovelly.

Good to know

• The conservatory is the licensed ceremony space.
• You can bring your own caterers, with no corkage on wine or drinks.
• A private dodgems session can be added for the evening.