Let’s face it, twenty years ago you had to live on a farm or in North America to get married in a barn. That said, these days barns are a serious choice for weddings in Buckinghamshire.

The classic barn is perfect for DIY or rustic weddings – so if this is your kind of wedding, then go for a barn wedding. Think fairy lights, original wooden beams, high ceilings and countryside views. All you need to do is add your own special touches, some bunting, garland lighting and a hay bale or two.

Barns are usually historic venues, dating back as early as the 12th Century. That is whole lot of history and rustic potential for a DIY wedding.

You guessed it! I have FOUR favourite barns.

Lillibrooke Manor, Maidenhead

If I had to choose one wedding venue, then this barn would be my top pick. I have photographed many weddings here and it is always a joy. Not only am I spoiled for photo opportunities, the staff and the food are some of the best I’ve come across.

Lillibrooke Manor is Grade II listed and includes a 15th century Manor House and two converted barns. The Great Barn can host 170 guests seated and 220 evening guests. Civil ceremonies up to 120 can take place in the Small Barn or outdoors in the Cloister Garden. The Bridal party can get ready in the Cottage Room.

I love the fact that there are so many options at this venue. There is ample space for garden games and areas for guests to roam. The gardens and manor house provide a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos, which is a bonus.

Tudor Barn, Burnham

This is a classic barn, providing a huge amount of rustic charm and restored to host weddings for up to 130 guests.

The Tudor Barn offers many original features including the clock tower and original timber beams. The Garden Room next to the main barn can host civil ceremonies and welcome drinks.

One of my favourtite things about this venue is the stunning outdoor gazebo. Lisensed for outdoor ceremonies and overlooking fields with horses and other livestock.

The Thythe Barn, Bicester

What a stunner of a wedding barn! They’ve done a great job restoring this barn. The u-shaped building wraps around an intimate courtyard for you and your guests to hang out.

You can invite 155 guests for a ceremony in The Thythe Barn followed by a seated wedding breakfast. There is enough space for 220 evening guests and the Cow Shed can host parties up to 40 for intimate weddings.

A great option to consider here is The Nook. A beautiful purpose-built space for the bridal party to get ready. There is a dressing room and a hair and make-up room, designed like a salon. The space is light and airy with large windows overlooking the courtyard.

Notley Farm, Long Crendon

Notley Thythe Barn – not to confuse with The Thythe Barn in Bicester – is set in the grounds of a working farm.

The current owners restored the Oxon-based venue in 1991. They have since hosted over 2000 wedding celebrations in the 12th century barn. The main barn can host 140 guests plus 60 guests in the permanent marquee.

I love the long tree-lined driveway. You can ask your wedding chauffer to take you on a drive and get some photos in the fields of Notley Farm.