FAQs
Photo Credit: Drew Irvine Photography
We are here to help
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below.
However, if you have a specific question then please get in touch and we will help as best we can.
Do you offer accommodation on-site? Do you have accommodation on site?
We do not offer any accommodation on-site, but there are many other options for guests to stay locally. Please click here for details.
Can we get ready on-site?
We have our Prepping parlour, which can accommodate up to 8 guests to get ready on the morning of your wedding. The pool table room can also be used to get ready.
Can we have glamping tents on site?
We no longer offer camping on-site due to our new permit requirements.
Can you bring your own alcohol?
No, our only requirement for weddings at the barn is for us to supply the alcohol, but we can bespoke the packages to any budget, though most couples choose one of our packages which is the best value for your wedding day.
Can we have live music and Bands?
Definitely! Live music takes place in our Sussex Barn which is located next to the bar. Only hire on Mondays/Tuesdays (Excluding Bank Holidays) we cannot allow live music, but you can have approved DJ’s on our list (DJ Keen, Lumimix and theDJ.co.uk). You can use our own sound system to play your own playlis or have a silent disco for these days. Unfortunately, only background music is permitted in the Cattle Barn.
Can we use our own music?
Yes, we have a system throughout the venue to play your own music. We can plug in your phone directly to have your own Spotify playlists during the ceremony, wedding breakfast and reception.
How many guests can you accommodate?
We are now licensed for up to 150 guests in the Sussex Barn, Outside Pergola Ceremony Area and the Cattle Barn.
We can accommodate up to 170 total guests for dining and evening guests.
Do we need to hire a registrar?
Yes, you can book your registrar here; Book a registrar – West Sussex County Council or email ceremonies@westsussex.gov.uk
You can choose a celebrant for a wonderful, personalized ceremony. We recommend Alex Hilder – Celebrant (alexhildercelebrant.co.uk)
Do I have to have my wedding ceremony on-site?
We welcome all couples to have their ceremony on-site as we are fully licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. If you wish to marry off-site, then the venue will still be exclusively yours for the wedding reception on-site, however, we are fully licensed to conduct both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies. If you wish to get married offsite, then the venue package hire will remain the same, and the venue will be exclusively yours, all day.
What time can I access the barn for my wedding or event?
You can access it as early as 7 am on all days of your wedding hire of the venue, the prepping parlour will be available from any time on the day of your wedding.
Who sets up my decór on the day of my event?
We can assist with setting up any additional decor you bring into the venue, but you are responsible for removing all personal belongings at the end of your wedding.
Do you provide staff for the day?
We have 4-8 staff on site for the wedding day to run the bar and assist as needed. This is covered in your venue hire. If your chosen caterer does not include waitering staff, we may be able to provide additional staff for an additional charge. This is on a case-by case basis.
Do you provide glassware?
Yes, we provide all glassware so make sure this is not included in your caterer’s quote.
Do you have a master of the ceremony?
Our owner Phil is happy to perform MOC duties on your wedding day to make the day run as smoothly as possible.
Can we bring our dogs?
We will allow dogs onsite as long as they are leashed and don’t like to chase our cattle as a hobby. We have had many dogs as ring-bearers for our wedding at the barn.
What are your license times?
Live music needs to be off by 11 pm and the bar closes are 11 pm. We cannot extend these times for any reason. We give plenty of notice of the bar closing so guests can purchase drinks and consume them on-site after 11 pm. All guests just need to be off-site by midnight.
Is there parking on site?
We have ample car parking onsite.
Can we leave cars overnight after an event?
Yes, cars can be left overnight and collected the following day, times for collection may vary depending on our wedding schedule.
What are your terms and conditions?
Please see here for our Terms and Conditions (Opens in a new window).
Where is the nearest train station?
Pulborough train station is 7 minutes away from us.
Do you have recommended suppliers, and do we have to use them?
We do a fabulous list of recommended vendors but you do not have to use them, is it just our suggestion of vendors who have worked at the barn and done a fabulous job.
Can we have confetti?
Yes, we just ask that it is biodegradable. We highly suggest Flutter Darlings confetti which makes for those amazing photos!
Do you have any additional decor we can use?
We have plenty of log slices which are often used for centrepieces. We have a large tree stump that makes a great cake stand.
Do you allow fireworks, fire pits, or sparklers?
As we are working Farm, we cannot allow Fireworks but fire pits and sparklers are very welcome! We have a sand bucket that you can use for the sparklers.
Do you allow real candles?
Yes we do, we just require then to be in containers, glass for example with a base so the candle wax does not drip onto the tables or floor.
Do you allow garden games and bouncy castle hire?
Yes, we have ample space for such additions. Bouncy castles can fit inside the Cattle barn for the evening or outside (weather dependant).
Do you provide tables and chairs?
Yes. We have 12 round tables that seat up to 10 guests per table and a long table (which is actually 4 tables put together) that can fit up to 12. You need table cloths. We can provide white table cloths for just the cleaning fee charge, or your caterer may often provide them. We have 170 Chivari Chairs. You are welcome to hire in Trestle tables if you would prefer.
What are the table measurements?
The rounds are 6ft Wide and 2.5ft tall The 4 long tables for the head table are 5.11ft Long, 2.3 ft Wide, 2.5ft high
Do you have additional tables for décor, evening food etc?
Yes, we have 8 Rustic Trestle tables that are 10ft Long, 2.2ft Wide and 2.4ft High. These can be placed around the sides of the barns and utilized any way you wish.
Is there a caterer charge?
Yes, there is a £250 caterer venue fee for use of the kitchen/electrical charge and cleaning maintenance.
Is tea and Coffee included?
Tea and coffee is not included in our drinks packages. Tea and coffee can be purchased at the bar. If you wish for a tea and coffee station, this will need to be arranged with your caterer.
What is included in the end of evening Shuttle Bus service?
We can provide shuttle service at the end of the wedding evening for guests staying at local accommodation. We discuss this in detail at the Wine tastings in the year you will be getting married. We will need a list of names and location of accommodation 2 weeks prior to your wedding to coordinate the shuttle routes.
We are here to help
We guarantee to give you the best possible service from start to finish, so if you have any specific requirements then we would be delighted to discuss them with you.
Having our wedding at Southlands Barn was simply magical!
Holly and James
Beautiful beyond belief and cared for by owners who have a passion for delivering first class service.