Restored flint barns in the South Downs National Park · West Dean, near Chichester, West Sussex
5.02 reviewsRestored barns and outhouses, once an old dairy, in the South Downs near Chichester, linked so a wedding moves from one space to the next.
Farbridge is a series of barns and outhouses in West Dean, near Chichester, within the South Downs National Park. Once an old dairy, the buildings have been restored to create a light, warm and airy atmosphere, and they are interconnected so that the day moves from one space to the next. The Lavant Valley Barn has a neutral colour palette, the Meadow Barn is light-filled and atmospheric, and the bright interiors can take any design or are beautiful just as they are. Underfloor heating runs throughout the barn spaces, powered by a biomass boiler. Farbridge is offered on an exclusive-use basis, and guests are welcome to walk in the fields just across the River Lavant, which change with the seasons.
The ceremony and later the dancing take place in the Meadow Barn, and drinks and the sit-down meal are in the Lavant Valley Barn. Couples have a private suite in its own secret garden, and guests stay in bedrooms arranged around the Courtyard. Planning is supported by the events team, with an event manager on the wedding day, and couples can visit as often as they like. Event managers help with ideas for table settings and menus and with suggested suppliers and services, so the detail of the day is looked after from the first visit.
Farbridge
Images courtesy of Farbridge
Facts checked 5 October 2026
The Meadow Barn is licensed for marriages and partnerships, with seating for up to 135. The Courtyard is also licensed, set against the South Downs hills. Ceremonies can begin any time from 2pm. Couples structure their own ceremony, from promises and readings to the aisle song, with live or recorded music, and choose where guests arrive and gather. Styling can include floral meadows or hanging installations. Confetti is allowed only in the Meadow Barn and must be made of real petals, fresh or dried. Registrars are booked through West Sussex County Council, and celebrant-led ceremonies are not legal ones.
After the ceremony the Meadow Barn is cleared and transformed into a dance floor without inconveniencing guests. Bands or DJs can set up there while guests eat and listen to speeches next door, so the preparations for the evening go unnoticed. A sound system runs throughout, including the Courtyard, with microphones for speeches, a projector and screen and soft uplighting. The Courtyard suits group photos on the lawn, drinks and games, and the planted borders have standing space for photographers. Sparklers must be used in the car park rather than the Courtyard, and fireworks are largely not permitted because of livestock nearby. Dogs are welcome for part of the day, on a lead and supervised because of the livestock.
There are seven en-suite guest bedrooms and a private suite for the couple. The Suite has an open-plan bedroom and sitting room, and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and rainfall showerhead. A connected preparation room has full-length and make-up mirrors, natural light and a bathroom, and it is a short walk through the secret garden to the aisle. Breakfast is served in the Breakfast Room, cooked fresh to order from local and seasonal ingredients. Guest bedrooms have not yet been adapted for wheelchair users.
Catering is in-house only. The kitchen follows the seasons, using the freshest ingredients and serving restaurant-quality dishes straight from the kitchen, and makes as much as it can from scratch, from bread to chutneys to ice creams. Wedding breakfasts range from tasting dishes to sharing boards, and couples meet the head chef to design their own menu. There is no corkage fee on drinks couples supply until 7:30pm. A fully stocked pay bar can open any time after the ceremony and takes cash and all major cards.
Seats 135 for the ceremony, then is cleared for dancing while dinner is served next door.
The Meadow BarnBenches and a planted aisle on the courtyard lawn, with the downs beyond the flint wall.
The courtyard
Flint walls and oak trusses, with round or banqueting tables already on site.
Lavant Valley BarnThe couple's suite in its own garden and seven en-suite double rooms on the courtyard.
Staying
An open-plan bedroom and sitting room with an en-suite walk-in rainfall shower, plus a connected preparation room with full-length and make-up mirrors. Included in venue hire; open from 11am on the day.
Enquire
Double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee, toiletries and hairdryers, for two adults each. Booked through the couple at £1,550 for all seven with breakfast; ready from 1pm.
Enquire
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Share a few details about your wedding at Farbridge and your enquiry will be passed on to them. A reply cannot be promised, and no time can be given for it.
Farbridge is in West Dean, near Chichester. A tarmac drive suits most vehicles, from a vintage car to a double decker bus, and parking is ample and lit at night. Taxis and coaches can be pre-booked, and cars may be left overnight in the car park. The barns have ramps for steps, and the Lavant Valley Barn has an accessible toilet.
Farbridge, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0JT, United Kingdom
Transfers. Taxis and coaches can be pre-booked, and private buses and coaches can use the tarmac drive.
Parking. Ample on-site parking, lit at night. Cars may be left overnight and collected by 11am the next morning.
Fishbourne (Govia Thameslink Railway (Southern)) is the nearest station, about 4.0 miles from the venue in a straight line.
Venue hire includes:
The seven guest bedrooms with breakfast are an extra £1,550.
The menu price (from £87.50 per person plus VAT) includes:
Canapés are £9, £13 or £17 per person for 4, 6 or 8 varieties.
Where to start with leaving a review of Farbridge?! My husband(!) and I got married here in September and had the most perfect day. It's no surprise that this beautiful venue and its fantastic team have won awards. It is everything you hope for in a wedding venue, and more! Ells, our coordinator and event manager, was so friendly and professional - we couldn't have wished for a better person to help with the planning in the lead-up to our special day. We always looked forward to our meetings with her, and communication was brilliant right from the start. On the day itself, Ells and Imogen were amazing. They ensured everything flowed seamlessly and every little detail had been considered. The food... just WOW! It was delicious, thanks to Simon and his very talented team at Cuckoo Catering. We received so many compliments. Having the option to create our bespoke menu with Simon was such a great experience. We honestly cannot recommend Farbridge enough and are so thankful to the entire team for making our wedding day so special. From Ells, Imogen, Simon and Nickie to all the staff working hard behind the scenes to ensure we had a perfect day, THANK YOU. Farbridge will always hold a special place in our hearts.
A ceremony at Farbridge takes up to 135 guests.
Weddings at Farbridge start from £3,400 for venue hire.
No. Catering at Farbridge is in house.
Ask for a place, a name, a trade or the whole wedding. Every answer comes from checked records.
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