Close to Witham and Braintree, located just off the A12 but in the middle of the Essex countryside, historic Cressing Temple Barns is a wedding venue full of surprises.
Granted to the Knights Templar in 1137, Cressing Temple Barns is an internationally renowned historic site, famous for its walled garden – faithfully recreated as a Tudor pleasure garden – and medieval carpentry. The Grade I-listed Barley and Wheat Barns are the oldest known timber-framed barns and among the few remaining Templar buildings in England.
Each of the barns makes an impressive setting for a winter wedding while summer ceremonies can be held outside within the walled garden. Wedding open days in spring and autumn let you get a feel for the venue and how your wedding might look and there are local suppliers to meet and chat to about your requirements for the big day.
The barns are a blank canvas that allow couples to theme their wedding to their own personal taste, though due to the historic nature of the venue, open flames and gas within the barns is not permitted, while pins, tacks and staples cannot be used in the timbers.
While the venue does not have its own caterers, external catering is permitted, which gives couples the freedom to choose their own suppliers according to their own requirements.
The venue does, though, provide a fully stocked bar and drinks packages for couples and their guests, as well as an entertainment licence. The bar closes at 11.30pm and music must finish at 11.45pm, with carriages ready for a midnight departure. One advantage of the Barns is that guests can leave their cars in the venue’s car park over night to collect the next day.
The venue can accommodate every size of wedding, from under 30 guests to 200. A dressing room is available to hire from 8am on the day of the wedding; packages start from £250 for up to six people and include drinks and nibbles.