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Should I host a winter wedding at Brookfield Barn?

Weddings at Brookfield Barn are magical at any time of year, but there’s something extra special about winter. When the air turns crisp and the countryside becomes still and serene, our lakeside venue transforms into the most idyllic, cosy retreat for your celebration.

Winter weddings tend to fly under the radar compared to the sunnier months, but hear us out. They’re charming, atmospheric, and surprisingly practical. Here’s why a winter wedding at Brookfield Barn might just be your perfect match.

What are the benefits of a winter wedding?

1. Your budget goes further

Winter falls outside the peak wedding months, which often means couples can stretch their plans a little further. It’s a lovely bonus: the same tranquil lakeside setting, the same warm, welcoming spaces, all wrapped up in a season that feels wonderfully relaxed.

Suppliers also tend to have more flexibility at this time of year, and many offer off-peak options or added extras you might not find during the summer rush.

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2. It can be more affordable for your guests

Winter can be a surprisingly thoughtful choice for the people you love, giving them the chance to save some money, too. With the busy holiday and summer travel seasons out of the way, prices for trains, flights, taxis and accommodation often drop. Your guests aren’t competing with tourists, school holidays or summer events, which means they can book travel and stays without the usual peak-season premium.

3. There’s much less competition

When you choose a winter date, you’re not competing with the flurry of summer weddings for that photographer you’ve been eyeing or the florist whose work you absolutely love. Suppliers usually have more space in their calendars, which means you can book the people who genuinely fit your style instead of whoever still happens to be free. It takes a lot of the pressure off and makes planning feel far more relaxed.

Plus, summer is a busy time for everyone – your guests included! Having a wedding in the winter means that your guests are far less likely to have other events or holidays clash with your big day.

VIew our availability and prices VIew our availability and prices
4. You can make your own sunshine

Let’s face it, winter can feel long and grey, especially once the festive season is over and spring hasn’t arrived yet. Having a wedding in January or February gives your guests a chance to dress up, celebrate, and enjoy a joyful day in an otherwise gloomy time of year.

And while you can never guarantee perfect weather (British summertime, we’re looking at you), winter weddings come with cosy expectations built-in. Think soft lighting, warm drinks, roaring energy on the dance floor…pure magic. And, if the sun does happen to shine and give you an uncharacteristically glorious day, it’s an added bonus!

Top tips for planning a winter wedding

1. Make the most of the light

In winter, daylight hours are shorter, so that means you have to be intentional about how you use the light.

If your ceremony takes place in the afternoon, plan to have the bulk of your photographs taken by this point. Having your portraits and family photos before the ceremony means you’ll have the natural light on your side.

You may also consider having a ‘first look’ photo shoot with your partner. This means you can have some photographs taken before the ceremony whilst the sun is still shining. That way, after the ceremony, you can focus on enjoying yourself as the sun sets.

 

2. Choose a venue with weather-friendly backdrops for photos

Choosing a venue like Brookfield Barn that has beautiful indoor and weather-friendly options for photographs means you’ll get stunning pictures, whatever the weather. At Brookfield, our gazebo is ideal, providing cover in case of rain, whilst still allowing you to be outdoors.

Meanwhile, Lakeside, our new preparation space, offers a light-filled, neutral setting for indoor photography.

Explore Lakeside, our new preparation space Explore Lakeside, our new preparation space
3. Ask suppliers for examples of their winter work

If you’ve fallen in love with a particular photographer’s style, make sure you ask to see some pictures they’ve taken in the winter months. That way, you’ll see how they work with the light to create something that’s visually stunning.

Similarly, if you’re looking for a venue dresser or florist, ask them to show you how they create something seasonally appropriate for winter weddings.

Browse our winter gallery Browse our winter gallery
4. Allow the season to inspire your menu

Winter is when food really comes into its own, and our kitchen leans fully into that. Think rich, comforting flavours, slow-cooked ingredients and dishes designed to warm you from the inside out. Our seasonal menus celebrate the very best of winter produce, using locally sourced ingredients and thoughtful combinations that feel both indulgent and reassuring.

Expect earthy notes from root vegetables and mushrooms, gentle spice and smokiness woven through savoury courses, and deep, warming sauces that suit the season perfectly. Desserts follow the same cosy rhythm. Comforting puddings, spiced fruits, dark chocolate and caramel flavours bring the meal to a satisfying close. There’s a natural richness to winter cooking. It’s hearty without feeling heavy, generous without being overcomplicated.

It’s the kind of food that encourages guests to relax, settle in, and enjoy every moment.

Discover our seasonal menu Discover our seasonal menu
5. Enjoy warming winter drinks

As the light fades, the bar becomes the central hub of your celebration. Our winter drinks offering is designed with exactly that in mind, offering comforting, celebratory sips full of seasonal flavour.

You’ll find cocktails inspired by winter fruits and warming spices, balanced with soft bubbles and gentle sweetness, alongside thoughtful non-alcoholic options that feel just as special.

Alongside this, classic winter warmers make an appearance – gently spiced mulled drinks, rich hot chocolate, and a selection of teas and coffees that invite guests to slow down and savour the moment. It all adds to that relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that winter weddings do so beautifully.

6. Lean into the cosy vibes

The biggest mistake you could make is trying to have a summer wedding in the wintertime. Winter has its own charm, so embrace it!

Choose a colour palette inspired by the season: deep greens, warm neutrals, berry tones. Instead of searching for out-of-season blooms, go for dried or paper flowers for texture and longevity. Select outfits that suit cooler temperatures (hello, velvet jackets and faux-fur wraps).

Brookfield Barn’s rustic yet contemporary style pairs perfectly with winter décor, with fairy lights, candles, and greenery bringing out the venue’s warm, inviting feel.

Why Brookfield Barn is the place for a winter wedding

Winter weddings at Brookfield Barn are tranquil, magical, and joy-filled. They offer a chance to celebrate in a peaceful, scenic setting surrounded by nature, with cosy spaces, panoramic views, delicious seasonal menus, and attentive service from our friendly events team.

If you’re dreaming of a day that feels both enchanting and relaxed, a winter wedding could be your perfect match.

Ready to see it for yourself? Book a visit – we’d love to show you around.

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Let Brookfield Barn capture your heart and imagination

Where glorious countryside meets breathtaking lakeside views. Where you can say ‘I do’ at the water’s edge and celebrate under enchanting oak beams. Private, peaceful and picturesque.

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