Imogen & Mark's Love Story
Imogen & Mark's Love Story - Why did you choose Chaucer Barn for your wedding?
Chaucer Barn was the final venue we visited, and if we’re being completely honest, we’d actually fallen in love with somewhere else. That was until we arrived. The gardens were stunning - like something straight out of a fairytale. We were lucky enough to visit on a beautiful sunny day (just like our wedding day!), and instantly we could picture ourselves saying our vows outdoors. When we first started venue hunting, we had one non-negotiable: it had to be within five minute drive of a beach so we could have wedding photos by the sea. But the gardens completely changed our minds and our non negotiable was forgotten.
What was your first impression when you visited the venue?
Our first impression was simply… wow.
The venue is beautiful when you walk in, but what really stood out was how relaxed and welcoming it felt. The beautiful rooms and stunning grounds made it easy to picture our day unfolding there. We also loved that Chaucer Barn is a DIY venue. It gave us the freedom to create a wedding that truly reflected us, with every detail exactly as we imagined it.
What made the venue stand out from others you considered?
What really made Chaucer Barn stand out was that it was a DIY wedding venue. It gave us the freedom to create the day exactly as we wanted, from running an honesty bar to having a BBQ and ending the evening with silent fireworks. Every part of the day felt completely personal to us.
Another thing we loved was the accommodation on site. As so many of our guests had travelled from all over the world, it meant we could spend a few extra days together, making the celebrations feel even more special.
How would you describe the atmosphere and feel of your wedding weekend?
It was so fun! More than anything, we wanted our wedding to be a day that everyone genuinely enjoyed and remembered.
We included lots of personal touches and surprises throughout the day—from a photo wall and handwritten letters for every guest to a silent fireworks display set to music from our favourite film. It truly was everything we had hoped for and more.
Which part of the venue or grounds did you love the most and why?
The woodland area at Chaucer is beautiful & it was perfect for our outdoor ceremony. Walking down the really long aisle with my dad & bridesmaids was an incredible way to start and something I will never forget. We loved getting married in the woods, in the sunshine with our family friend as our celebrant.
Tell us about your experience with the events team throughout the planning process and wedding weekend.
Bianca and the team were absolutely amazing. She struck the perfect balance of being there whenever we needed her while also giving us the space to enjoy setting everything up ourselves.
Nothing was ever too much trouble. She helped transform the kitchen into the dance floor, seamlessly moved all of the ceremony chairs into the dining room, and quietly kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. One of the loveliest touches was her checking in with both of us on the morning of the wedding
What was your favourite moment or memory from the weekend?
There really is too many to choose, it was the best day of our lives. One thing we really did love - was the day after our wedding. We had booked an extra night to allow a slow get up the following morning with our guests. Once everyone had gone home, my husband & I sat in the peaceful garden, in the sunshine - eating fish & chips, drinking champagne & playing table tennis, reminiscing about the most wonderful wedding day.
Did having accommodation onsite change the experience for you and your guests?
Absolutely, it was very important for us having somewhere to stay with lots of our friends and family. It helped make the evening before really special with our bridesmaids and groomsmen.
What would you say to couples currently considering Chaucer Barn for their wedding?
We couldn't recommend it highly enough. It really was the perfect place for us. Our best man said he would have to get married abroad - as no where locally could top Chaucer barn!
If you had to describe your wedding weekend in three words, what would they be?
Hot (35 degrees!) Relaxed, Perfect
Suppliers
Photographer: Katherine Ashdown
MUA: Evie Smith
Furniture Hire: Anglia Elite
