These Questions & Answers are based on clients’ previous questions. If something’s not covered below, please do get in touch!
Ceremonies
Are we able to have our legal wedding at Cott Farm?
Yes. We are licensed by Somerset Council to host legal marriages and civil partnerships.
May we have a celebrant-led ceremony instead?
You are welcome to choose a celebrant to conduct a symbolic ceremony at the farm. Please note, unlike registrars, celebrants aren’t able to conduct legal ceremonies in England.
Can we insist on an outdoor ceremony, whatever the weather?
We will always try to make everything happen as you want it on your big day. This includes your preference to have your wedding outside, but unfortunately the weather is one of the things we cannot control. However, we do have the perfect back up plan in place as the barn itself is licensed for ceremonies.
There’ll be no other weddings taking place anywhere at the venue, so we can leave the location decision until the last possible moment, with all our fingers crossed, but please note the Registrars may insist you have your ceremony inside if the weather is awful, and we can’t overrule them. Please do trust our experienced team – we will always try and work to your wishes and will help you make a decision in the best interests of everyone!
Capacity
What is the capacity of the barn?
The barn can seat 60 to 150 people for your meal, and has capacity for 80 to 250 guests in the evening.
We offer a stretch tent hire option to create additional covered space for events with more than 150 daytime or 250 evening guests.
Catering & Bar
Can we bring our own caterers?
Similar to a hotel or restaurant, we have our own team and all food and drink consumed on the premises must be provided by the venue. The menus in our brochure are examples of popular dishes, but you are welcome to write your own menu instead. Just let us know what you’d like to eat and we can provide a bespoke quote.
What is provided by the venue for the tables?
Our menu pricing includes tableware for your chosen menu and drinks, including serviettes, cutlery, crockery and glasses. We also provide salt & pepper, water jugs, serving equipment and wine coolers for each table, and we will set and prepare the tables for your meal.
Do you have a licensed bar?
Yes. Our licensed, staffed and fully-stocked bar has a good selection of local and popular drinks, which are reasonably priced. The bar is a ‘cash bar’, meaning guests buy their own drinks, but you are able to provide drinks tokens or a bar tab, should you wish. The bar accepts cash and card payments.
The bar closes at Midnight on Saturdays, 11pm Monday to Friday and 10pm on Sundays.
Decorations
Can I decorate The Barn?
The venue is beautifully decorated, furnished, and lit (including fairy lights on the beams and paper lanterns for the roof lights). For a weekend wedding, you will have access to the venue all day on Friday to decorate and set up (and until Sunday lunchtime to remove your decor, cards and gifts). We can also take care of all venue and table styling for you – please ask to see our additional styling options.
Are we able to set off Chinese lanterns and/or fireworks in the grounds?
Sorry, no.
May we use confetti in the grounds?
You may use real flower confetti outside. We do not allow any synthetic (including that labelled ‘biodegradable’) confetti anywhere within the grounds, including ‘table confetti’ inside the barn.
Accessibility
Is The Barn wheelchair accessible?
The Barn is all at ground level and is accessed by a gradual ramp so is suitable for wheelchair users. There is a level access toilet located in The Nook.
Pricing
How much does The Barn at Cott Farm cost?
The cost will depend on your specific requirements, including the venue hire duration, the exact number of guests you choose to invite, and your food and drink choices. Please do request our brochure if you haven’t already; it includes very clear pricing.
Do summer dates cost more?
No. We don’t hike our prices up for ‘peak’ season and our lovely outdoor spaces make us the most perfect summer venue.
Do prices include VAT?
Yes. The Barn at Cott Farm is VAT registered and the pricing in our wedding brochure includes 20% VAT, which we collect from you and pay to HMRC.
Are toilet facilities included?
Our luxury toilet facilities in our unique, handmade shepherd’s hut are included for all weddings and events at Cott Farm. There are three cubicles in the ladies and a cubicle and three urinals in the gents. There is also The Nook, our couple’s dressing room with level-access toilet, shower and baby-changing station.
Other
Do you have restrictions on children?
Children must be supervised at all times.
We do not restrict the number of children you may invite. However, you must arrange a suitably qualified and insured creche or childminding service for the duration of the wedding if more than 10% of your guests are under 14 years old.
Is the venue heated?
Yes. Our very effective heating makes the barn ideal for weddings and events on cooler days. The building is fully insulated against cold (or hot!) outdoor temperatures, making it a comfortable indoor space in all weathers.
Can we bring our dog?
All members of the couple’s family, including dogs, are welcome! Doggie guests are limited to the bride(s) and groom(s)’s pets only. Dogs are not permitted inside our bell tents.
Do you have public liability insurance?
The Barn at Cott Farm and the suppliers we commission for your wedding or event have public liability insurance. Any suppliers you commission directly for your wedding or event need to have their own cover, and will be required to supply evidence of this insurance in advance of your wedding or event.
I have another question…
Contact us if you’d like to know anything we’ve not covered here!