Questions answered
Everything couples ask us, answered honestly
If your question isn't here, ask us. The full rules are in the terms and conditions of hire.
What does dry hire mean at Haylands Barn?
You hire the barn, the patio and the lawn, with our on-site manager, lighting, patio furniture, marquee and prep tent included, and you choose everything else: any caterer, your own bar with no corkage, your own styling. Tables, chairs and the toilet trailer are booked directly with Tents n' Events at Haylands rates.
How much does it cost to hire Haylands Barn?
Venue hire is £6,400 for any available Saturday from April to September, in 2027 and 2028. There is no VAT on the venue hire. With tables, chairs and the luxury toilet trailer added, a Saturday comes to about £7,900 for 80 guests, £8,215 for 130 and £8,656 for 200, before food, drink and your other suppliers. See the pricing page for every line.
Why is there no VAT on the venue fee?
W Godman-Dorington, trading as Haylands Barn, is not VAT registered, so no VAT is charged on our fees. Prices from Tents n' Events and other suppliers include their own VAT.
Is there corkage?
No. You can buy the drinks yourselves or hire a mobile bar company, and we charge nothing per bottle. If alcohol is sold at your wedding, the bar operator needs a Temporary Event Notice; a free bar does not.
Can we use any caterer?
Yes. Any caterer with a food hygiene rating of 4 or above and £5 million public liability insurance is welcome. There is no kitchen; caterers work from the covered prep tent in the courtyard with our 30kVA generator, as they would at a marquee wedding.
Do we have to use your recommended suppliers?
No. You are free to use any supplier and there is no charge for bringing your own. Our trusted suppliers are listed because they know the barn and have a proven record here.
How are tables, chairs and loos booked?
Tell us your guest numbers and whether you want classic (chiavari chairs, round tables) or rustic (cross-back chairs, trestles). We tell you what you need, you book directly with Tents n' Events in Arundel and mention Haylands Barn for their Haylands rates. Delivery and collection are free with tables and chairs, and one 2 + 1 luxury toilet trailer covers up to 200 guests.
How many guests can Haylands Barn hold?
Up to about 200. The barn seats up to 200 at rustic trestle tables, or around 150 with a large dance floor and band area. The exact number depends on your layout and is agreed with us during planning.
Are you licensed for wedding ceremonies?
Yes. Haylands Barn is approved for civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. Our ceremony fee is £300. You book the registrar through West Sussex Registration Service and pay their fees directly.
Can we have an outdoor ceremony?
Yes, in an agreed area of the venue as our approval allows, usually on the lawn with the South Downs behind you. If the weather turns, the ceremony moves inside on the day in agreement with the registrar.
Is there accommodation on site?
No. There is no accommodation or camping at Haylands, and nobody may stay overnight. The White Horse in Graffham is about a mile away, and Petworth and Midhurst have hotels, pubs and cottages. Our location page lists options.
When can we get into the barn to set up?
From 8am on the Friday before your wedding. Suppliers and your build team have the barn until 5pm on Friday. Your wedding day runs from 8am on Saturday, and everything is collected by 11am on Sunday.
What time does the music have to stop?
11:30pm, and the bar closes at the same time. Guests leave by midnight. Amplified music plays inside the barn only; low-level background music is fine on the patio.
Can we have fireworks, sparklers or confetti?
No. Fireworks, sky lanterns, fire pits, sparklers and confetti (including biodegradable confetti) are not permitted. Candles are welcome in enclosed holders. Dried petals and bubbles work well for your exit.
Can we bring our dog?
No. Haylands is a working farm and dogs are not allowed at the barn. Assistance dogs are always welcome.
What about power for the band and caterers?
The barn has power points throughout, and we provide a 30kVA generator for the caterers. Tell us your caterer's and musicians' power requirements at least four weeks before the wedding so we can confirm it covers them.
What happens if it rains?
The barn, the covered patio marquee and the 5m x 5m high-top marquee give you dry space whatever the weather, and ceremonies can move inside. Field parking may be redirected elsewhere on the farm in very wet weather.
How do deposits and payments work?
We hold a date for 14 days. A deposit of 50% of the hire fee confirms your booking. The balance, the £300 ceremony fee if you marry here, and a £500 refundable damage deposit are due 3 months before your wedding, and instalments can be arranged. Dates can be moved once with 6 months' notice for a £250 charge.
Is there parking?
Yes, in the field beside the barn, with ramp access to the barn and patio. The half-mile drive takes cars, event vehicles and minibuses but not coaches, so book minibuses for guest transport and ask guests to pre-book taxis.
Can we see the barn before we book?
Yes. Viewings run most weeks. Send an enquiry with your preferred month and guest numbers, or call Archie on 07766 770830.
Do you host parties and corporate events?
Yes, midweek by arrangement: private celebrations, corporate away days, dinners and filming or brand shoots. We do not host 18th or 21st birthday parties. Contact Hamish on 07733 424390.
Enquiries open for 2027 and 2028
See it for yourself
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.