Lains Barn

FAQ’s

Can we visit Lains after booking our wedding date with you?

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Of course! As we do have weddings any day of the week, please book in advance by emailing events@lainsbarn.co.uk.

Are children allowed at Lains Barn?

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Absolutely! We are a family-friendly venue and welcome everyone, big or small. We do ask that if you have more than six 4- 12-year-olds attending your event that you engage with the owners before booking to discuss your childcare options. That way, parents and other guests alike can enjoy your special day with peace of mind about the little ones of the party.

Are we allowed Confetti?

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Confetti is always welcome here at Lains Barn, come rain or shine! However, it must be biodegradable dried flowers. We kindly ask that you do NOT bring confetti cannons or paper/plastic confetti as they can stain our historic barn floors. When you attend your pre-wedding meeting with our Wedding Coordinator, they will give you recommendations on confetti options. Or feel free to send them an email.

Do we have to book the registrar ourselves?

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Yes, you will need to book the registrar as unfortunately we can’t do that for you. You can do so by phoning Oxfordshire Registrars on 0345 241 2489 and selecting option 3. There will be an additional legal fee to pay to the Oxfordshire registrars to have them officiate your ceremony at the Barn.

Do you have any celebrant recommendations?

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We do! Beth Whaley is our recommended celebrant who will do blessings and in-formal ceremonies for you. You can find all her details on our recommended supplier’s page.

Do we need a Master of Ceremony (MC) and what is it?

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A Master of Ceremony (MC) can be a fun role for one (or two) members of your wedding party. The MC is the official announcer for your wedding day who will tell guests where they need to be at the right times. It’s usually a groomsman but can be anybody. They don’t need to worry about keeping an eye on the clock as we’ll do that for them. We even have a bell that they can ring to grab everyone’s attention! We’re more than happy to be the MC if you really can’t think of anyone, but we always find that it’s nicer for your wedding guests if they have someone they know directing them.

Does Lains Barn have a sound system?

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Lains Barn has a fully integrated Sonos surround sound system in both the barn, the bar, and outside. This means you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to create your perfect entrance, you just have to plug your phone in, hand it over to an Usher, and wait for your cue. We also have an integrated PA system with a microphone that can be used for readings, speeches, and announcements. In the evening the outdoor speakers generate a quiet ambiance while your band or DJ creates the party in the main barn.

What time will the bar close?

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The bar will close half an hour before the end of your wedding in order to allow guests to drink up and make their way to their taxis in a timely manner. E.g. for a 12pm finish the bar will close at 11.30pm. Last orders will be called 15 minutes before the bar closes.

Do you have a late licence?

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Yes, we do. Please enquire for late licence extension fees and times.

Are we or our guests allowed to stay overnight at the barn?

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We don’t offer accommodation on-site. This includes those who may wish to stay overnight in a van or caravan in the carpark. Wantage and the surrounding area has plenty of reasonably priced accommodation that your guests can relax in before and after the big day. Please see our recommended supplier’s list.

Is corkage an option at Lains Barn?

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Most definitely! If there’s a certain tipple that you love which reminds you of a special moment, then just speak with our bar manager who will be happy to help arrange this with you and advise you of the different corkage charges.

Can I bring my dog?

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Couples are welcome to bring your furry friend along with you. However, please confirm with us beforehand if you do decide to bring them; and an individual, who must remain sober, should be nominated to look after the dog on the day. We kindly ask that your dog does not stay on after the reception photos and are taken away before the Wedding Breakfast. Unfortunately, Lains Barn takes no responsibility for the care or welfare of any dogs brought onto the venue.

What about the day after our wedding, do we have to tidy up?

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We have a dedicated team of cleaners who will come in the morning after your wedding and gather up all your decor, along with any of your guests personal items they may have left behind. We only ask that all valuables, such as cards and presents, are taken away at the end of your wedding day, and not left overnight in the premises. Please collect all personal items by 10am the day after your wedding.

Are candles allowed at Lains Barn?

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Real candles are not allowed at Lains Barn due to health and safety and for the preservation of the historic building. LED Candles look just as beautiful and last throughout the day.

What is the Ceremony Charge?

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The ceremony charge is payable on top of the venue hire fee if you are having your wedding ceremony at Lains Barn due to having to turn the room around twice on the day. Please see our price list for our current ceremony charges. This charge is not applicable if you are only having your reception at Lains and getting married elsewhere. This charge does not cover the legal fee that is payable to Oxfordshire County Council as that is a separate fee payable to them.

Are we able to have Sparklers and Fireworks?

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Unfortunately, we do not allow sparklers at Lains Barn as they are a fire hazard. Fireworks are permitted, but we require you to use our recommended supplier, Total Pyro, as they use quieter fireworks that will not disturb the local livestock. Please reach out to our wedding coordinator to discuss the use of fireworks at your wedding.

When should we (or our suppliers) come and collect our décor?

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Items must be collected the morning after your wedding by 10am at the latest. Suppliers must also collect their items by 10am as well. This includes those who are picking up flower arches, flowers walls, cake stands, etc.