Southend Barns

Southend Barns, a wedding venue in the West Sussex countryside

Southend Barns is a wedding celebration venue located in the Sussex countryside, on the outskirts of Chichester and a short drive from the sands of West Wittering. The estate combines restored barns with manicured gardens and courtyards, and presents itself as an exclusive-use space for each event. It is a family business that has been organising weddings for over a decade.

Ceremony spaces

The estate has several locations for exchanging vows. The Dairy Barn is a barn licensed for ceremonies, with a sweeping aisle, exposed wooden beams and a muted colour palette. The Secret Garden is an outdoor space with a 50-foot aisle leading to a raised pagoda, surrounded by planted borders designed to look lovely in any season.

Reception and wedding breakfast

The 260-year-old Threshing Barn hosts the reception and the wedding breakfast. It retains original wooden beams and wrought iron chandeliers above polished concrete flooring, with large windows overlooking the gardens. The Collecting Yard is a year-round alfresco reception space, sheltered from the elements, with a terrace bar and central fire pit. The gardens include flower beds, tranquil courtyards and a central lawn for games and celebrations.

On-site accommodation

The Milking Parlour is the bridal suite, with spacious interiors, a wood burner, bathroom and seating, and access to a rose garden. Mama Lou Shepherd's Hut is a cabin with views over the alpaca field and a private garden lit with festoon lights, intended for the newlyweds' first night. In the summer months, nine bell tents are set up in the meadow, with beds, Egyptian cotton bed linen, charging points and continental breakfast.

Services and team

The estate has an in-house team of chefs, front-of-house staff, waiting staff and event managers. The company offers bespoke catering menus, its own floristry service and guidance throughout every stage of planning. It also provides lists of local transport suppliers and recommendations for nearby hotels and accommodation. The website states that a private viewing can be booked to see the spaces and that the estate is accessible via major routes and rail connections.

Payment options and offers

The website presents a 0% interest payment plan with monthly instalments from booking until six weeks before the wedding, with no interest or hidden fees, and a 10% deposit to secure the date. It also mentions a weekend package called LUXE Weekend Offers and carbon-neutral weddings.

Location and contact

Phone: 01243 641247 · Email: enquiries@southendfarms.co.uk · Hours: Monday to Sunday: 09:00-17:00