Why Stretton Manor Barn is a True Favourite of Mine

There are some wedding venues that simply take your breath away, and then there are those that capture your heart for an entirely different reason.

Stretton Manor Barn is very definitely one of those places for me.

A few weeks ago I had the absolute privilege of officiating Anna and Tom’s wedding there, and although I had heard wonderful things about the venue, experiencing it as a Celebrant was something quite different.   I was completely blown away.

I always like to research the venues where I work,  I want to know their story, what makes them special and, most importantly, what matters to the people behind them.   When I discovered the story of brothers Mark and Steven and the vision they had for Stretton Manor Barn, I was genuinely captivated.

They didn’t simply create a beautiful wedding venue, they purposefully created somewhere that would give couples the idyllic setting they had dreamed of for one of the most important days of their lives.  What struck me most was how much they genuinely care.

They care about their couples.  They care about their experience.  They care about the little details that make a wedding day feel personal  and special,  and that care doesn’t stop with the two brothers, they have surrounded themselves with a team who share that same genuine passion for looking after every couple who chooses Stretton Manor Barn.

That means a great deal to me.

As a Celebrant I care deeply about the couples I work with.  I put my heart and soul into telling their story and creating a ceremony that feels completely and uniquely theirs.  So, I absolutely love working alongside people who share that same philosophy.

For me, Stretton Manor Barn is now firmly in my top three favourite wedding venues.

Yes, it is stunning.  Yes, it provides the most beautiful setting for a wedding day, and yes, it gives couples the opportunity to create memories that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

But for me, the real magic goes deeper than how beautiful the barn is. It is the heart behind them.

It is the two brothers who started out with a shared vision for “a new style of event, something exciting, natural and much more relaxed than the usual function room weddings that dominated the market.” (www.strettonmanorbarn.co.uk) They both quit their jobs to start out their first wedding and events business.  They supplied giant Tipi’s for prestigious events in the UK.   Over the years their business grew, but so did their vision.  Their experience had given them an understanding of what really does make a great event and their passion and care they felt for the people they were catering for also grew.  It was no longer just a job. 

In 2020 Mark and Steve bought a barn, surrounded by beautiful countryside and quite secluded in Stretton.  Their sole purpose was to transform it into a unique wedding venue. Throughout the Covid lockdown period they lovingly renovated it using the reclaimed stone, timber and cladding.  They bought handcrafted oak furniture, built a modern bar and lounge area and added bi-folding doors that bring the panoramic views of the wildflower meadows and surrounding countryside into the beautiful luxurious open plan space of the bar area.

In their words, the words from their website Stretton Manor Barn   “We believe we have created something rare and unique, a venue large enough to have a strong and stunning visual presence, yet intimate enough for guests to feel relaxed and ready for a good time” 

And in my words… they truly have.   Two brothers who turned a vision, a dream, into something so beautiful, everything couples dream of for their wedding day.  It is the team they have carefully built around them, and it is the genuine care they all have for couples who place one of the most important days of their lives in their hands.  It is not uncommon to see either  Mark or Steve hovering nearby, quietly showing a genuine interest in making sure the day goes to plan.

That, to me, is what makes a truly wonderful wedding venue.   Stretton Manor Barn isn’t just a place I love working, it is a place where I know the couples are loved, cared for and genuinely at the heart of everything they do.  That is exactly the kind of place I am proud to be a part of when I’m lucky enough to be chosen to participate.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q - How many can Stretton Manor Barn hold for a wedding?

A - For a ceremony they can seat a maximum of 100.

        Wedding breakfast up to140.

        Evening reception up to 160.

Q -  Is there a minimum guest numbers for bookings?

A - Yes, a minimum of 40 adult day guests and 70 adult evening guests.

 Q - Can we bring our own drinks?

A - All alcohol must be purchased from the venue, however, drinks package are available.

Q - What time can we access the premises to set up for our wedding?

A – From 9 am on the morning of your wedding you and your suppliers are able to access, however, if there has not been a wedding the day before, you are welcome to have access from midday the day before.

Q – Could be have bouncy castles or fireworks?

A – Unfortunately due to safety reasons we do not allow bouncy castles.  Also, as there are livestock in the surrounding countryside we do not allow fireworks.

Q – Can we bring our dog?

A -   Yes, dogs of the bride and groom are welcome to attend the wedding day, be the ring bearer etc. We do ask however that they are taken off site at 18:30 in preparation for the evening reception.  They even recommend dog chaperones too.

Q - Is there accommodation on the premises?

A - Not on the premises however there are a full range of accommodation options nearby, within a 10 minute drive, the closest being only 2 minutes away.   They will even transfer up to 16 guests to one of the local accommodations at the end of the evening.  There are local taxis for any other guests. 

Q - What time does the bar close in the evening?

A -   Last orders are at 11.45pm and lights are switched off at midnight.