Tucked away along the unspoilt Norfolk coastline, Great Waxham Barn is a breathtakingly beautiful 16th-century thatched barn, offering couples a truly unique and atmospheric setting for their wedding. One of the longest barns of its kind in the country, this Grade I listed building is steeped in history, character, and rustic charm, making it a remarkable backdrop for an unforgettable celebration.
Originally built in the late 1500s, Great Waxham Barn has been lovingly restored, retaining its original Tudor architecture—soaring timber beams, flint and brick walls, and its immense thatched roof—while also offering modern amenities to support a seamless wedding experience. The barn’s sheer scale and historic grandeur create a sense of occasion from the moment you arrive.
What sets Great Waxham Barn apart is its completely flexible, “blank canvas” approach. The venue operates as a dry hire space, giving couples full creative control to design their wedding exactly how they envision it. From bespoke florals and décor to food trucks, formal dining, live music, or boho beach picnics, the barn offers endless possibilities. With no corkage fees, you’re free to supply your own drinks, and there’s an on-site wedding coordinator to help bring everything together.
Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, the barn caters to all styles—whether you dream of walking down the aisle under exposed beams or exchanging vows in the open-air courtyard. The space accommodates up to 150 guests for the ceremony and up to 250 for the reception, offering flexibility for both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.
Its location is another huge draw. Just a short stroll from the venue lies Waxham Sands beach—an idyllic setting for romantic wedding photos or a sunset walk on your special day. The combination of countryside calm and coastal beauty gives your celebration a unique atmosphere rarely found elsewhere.
Couples hiring Great Waxham Barn typically enjoy exclusive use for a full three days, giving plenty of time for setup, celebration, and a relaxed pack-down. The venue is pet-friendly, accessible, and includes practical facilities such as parking and optional on-site accommodation in a charming three-bedroom barn.
Time and again, couples who marry at Great Waxham Barn praise its relaxed atmosphere, incredible setting, and the freedom to truly make it their own. It’s a venue that feels both grand and down-to-earth—perfect for those looking to combine rustic elegance with a personal touch.
Whether your dream wedding is bohemian and beachy, timeless and elegant, or something completely unique, Great Waxham Barn provides the space, the setting, and the story to make it truly yours.
The Wedding
Lucy and Callum
Great Waxham Barn, Norfolk
Saturday 7 June 2025
Music for Drinks Reception
Today was our first visit to Great Waxham Barn and we were there to provide music during Lucy and Callum’s drinks reception. Despite a hot spell recently, the weather decided to play another game today with rain threatened throughout the afternoon. As a result it was decided by the venue that the drinks would be served indoors.
In some ways this makes our lives easier as we could set up inside without the threat of rain cutting our set short or damaging our instruments. We are always very happy to play outside but it is very much weather dependent!
We really enjoyed being a part of this wedding and it was nice to see a few moments pre ceremony with Lucy getting ready to enter the ceremony space with her bridesmaids.
Music Setlist during the drinks reception
Jurassic Park
My heart with go on- titanic
Can you feel the love tonight- lion king
Lord of the rings- shire song
Accidentally in love- counting crows
Your song- Elton John
Yellow – Coldplay
Canon in D
Million Dreams (Greatest Showman)
I’ll be there for you – friends theme
Unwritten – Natasha Beddingfield
Halo – Beyoncé
Angels – Robbie Williams
Bitter sweet symphony – the verve
Never enough (greatest showman)
Dancing in the moonlight – top loader
500 miles – proclaimers
High – lighthouse family
Love story – Taylor swift
One day like this – elbow
Wonderwall – oasis
Rule the world – take that
Friday I’m in love – the cure
The cave – Mumford and sons
If I ain’t got you – Alicia keys
How deep is your love – Beegees
Brown eyed girl- van Morrison
All about you- Mcfly
I say a little prayer for you- Aretha Franklin
See you again- Charlie puth
A sky full of stars Coldplay
Jupiter – gustav holst
Before the wedding as we weren’t starting until a little later today we took the chance to explore nearby Horsey Windmill.
Horsey Windpump, often referred to as Horsey Windmill, is an iconic red-brick tower mill located near Horsey Mere on the Norfolk Broads. Built in 1912 by the renowned millwright Dan England, it was constructed to replace an earlier 18th-century mill known as the “Black Mill.” Its primary purpose was to drain excess water from the surrounding marshes into the tidal channels, helping to protect valuable farmland from flooding.
The windpump operated until 1943, when it was struck by lightning and rendered inoperable. It later came under the care of the National Trust in 1948, which has worked diligently to preserve and restore the structure. A major restoration completed in 2019 saw the sails turning once more, restoring part of its original function and beauty.
Today, Horsey Windpump is a Grade II* listed building and a beloved feature of the Norfolk landscape. Visitors can climb the internal staircase for breathtaking views over Horsey Mere and the Broads, or enjoy the nearby tea room and scenic walking trails. It is also a haven for wildlife, particularly during seal-pupping season at nearby Horsey Gap, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those interested in Norfolk’s unique heritage.
