Ceremonies
Say your vows in the barn or outdoors under the Downs
Haylands Barn is approved for civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. The ceremony fee is £300, paid to us; you book the registrar directly with West Sussex Registration Service.
In the barn
Rows of chairs between the flint walls, light from the big doors behind you and the Downs framed in the doorway. After the ceremony your guests walk straight out to drinks on the patio while your suppliers turn the room for dinner, or you keep the ceremony at one end and dine at the other.
Outdoors
Ceremonies may also take place in another agreed area of the venue, as our approval allows: typically on the lawn in front of the barn with the South Downs behind you. We agree the spot with you in advance. If the weather turns, the ceremony moves inside on the day, in agreement with the registrar, so nobody needs a plan B.
Booking the registrar
You book the registrar yourselves through West Sussex Registration Service, give legal notice of your marriage and pay their fees directly. Registrars book up well ahead, so contact them as soon as your date is confirmed with us. If you prefer a celebrant-led ceremony and a separate legal signing, that works here too.
Church weddings at St Giles
St Giles Church in Graffham is a few minutes from the barn. If you marry there, or anywhere else, no ceremony fee applies and the barn is yours for the celebration.
£300 ceremony fee
Covers use of the approved area and our arrangements for the ceremony. Registrar fees are separate and paid to West Sussex Registration Service.
The conditions of our approval
No food or drink in the ceremony area for an hour before or during the ceremony, the public may attend without charge, and a civil ceremony may not include religious content.
Confetti and sparklers
Not permitted, including biodegradable confetti. Dried flower petals and bubbles are fine for your exit; ask us if you are unsure.
Enquiries open for 2027 and 2028
Marry here in 2027 or 2028
Viewings run most weeks. Tell us your preferred month and guest numbers and we will come back with availability, the brochure and a date to visit.