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PINIMAGEBeing a huge lover of the Northumberland Coast, especially Druridge Bay, I was giddy with excitement when I heard rumours of a new Northumberland wedding venue right near the coast. The Barn On The Bay, featuring Calico Barn, is brought to you by the lovely team at the already very successful Hemscott Hill Farm.
When I heard they were having their first open day, I simply had to take the opportunity to visit, and took along my camera for a few photographs. I immediately fell in love with the surroundings, as it is located between Creswell & Druridge Bay, on a lovely country lane. It overlooks both the sea and fields of cows and sheep. Here you certainly get coast and countryside rolled into one.
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Ali & Alison warmly greeted us (I took Chris along for the ride of course!) and showed us around. My initial impressions were it’s managing to hit totally the right spot between rustic & boutique. It’s just completely filled with character and immediately could visualise the types of couples wanting to get married here. I have a feeling it’s going to be huge!
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The ceremony room is fully licensed for up to fifty guests, but there’s so much flexibility for larger weddings too. The venue even suggest you could have the legal ceremony first, followed by a more personal, humanist type ceremony on the beach or in a tipi! It definitely suits the more laid back and fun weddings, which is why I am soo excited about the possibilities of this place. Some venues state they are near to the sea, but this venue is literally across the road and through a little field. Wedding receptions can take place in the barn, or in a marquee or tipi. There are various options to choose from…
Ruby Tuesday Events did all of the lovely styling for the wedding open day, and Emma Bunting provided the gorgeous bespoke bunting.
The Barn On The Bay offer a full weekend for no-rush weddings, and complete exclusivity. You are also able to choose all of your own suppliers, including caterers, the only condition of this is that you use their bar….which when it looks like this…. is blumming amazing!!! Yep that’s a horse box bar. Which can even be towed to the beach… Perfect for a day-after barbecue!
There is also a mobile tearoom in another horse box… how cute??
The one dilemma I hear from couples planning their weddings, is that they are wondering about where their guests can stay nearby… well definitely not here. As well as offering free use of the camping field, Calico Barn is usually used as bunkhouse accommodation. So the bunkhouse sleeps eighteen guests. On top of this, couples could also hire luxury glamping bell tents…
What also hit me about the venue was the total enthusiasm from the ladies, Ali & Alison who are clearly excited over the prospect of hosting weddings at the gorgeous Calico Barn. They really feel strongly about their couples having choice and flexibility for their wedding day to make each one perfectly personal.
I wish the team at Barn On The Bay lots of luck with their new venture….I think it’s going to be awesome and I really can’t wait to photograph my first wedding there!
All images and text copyright Katie Byram Photography 2017 and must not be used without written permission.
