The Great Tythe Barn Nick & Lizzie’s Wedding
Where Did You Get Married?
We married at The Great Tythe Barn in Tetbury, located in the picturesque Cotswolds. We knew we didn’t want to marry in Kent, where we were from. I dreamed of a wedding in Italy, where we got engaged, but it wasn’t practical. Many close family members have children, and we wanted them all there, so asking them to travel abroad felt unfair. The Cotswolds offered the perfect balance of beauty and accessibility for our guests.
After deciding on the Cotswolds, we focused on two priorities: venues with onsite accommodations and no corkage fees. We viewed five venues before finding The Great Tythe Barn, which instantly felt right. It checked all our boxes—beautiful, spacious, and relaxed. Since our wedding was in October, we needed enough indoor space in case of bad weather, and this venue had it all. The stunning Tythe House, with eight bedrooms for the bridal party, 10 self-catering cottages, and an onsite B&B for guests, made it perfect.
Most guests stayed for two or three nights, allowing us to extend the celebrations beyond the wedding day. This was important since many had traveled a distance. Plus, the venue’s three pet pigs and two donkeys added a quirky charm that sealed the deal for us!
Did You Have a Theme for Your Wedding Day?
We didn’t follow a strict theme but instead blended everything we love. Our goal was for everyone to relax, have fun, and enjoy great food and drinks. As it was an autumn wedding, we embraced rich gem tones for the bridesmaids’ dresses, with flowers to match. We leaned into the season with touches like toffee apples and sparklers for the evening.
The tables were named after villages around Lake Como, a nod to our engagement trip. To reflect our love for Italy, we started dinner with large antipasti sharing platters. For entertainment, we hired a DJ and saxophonist, incorporating an “Ibiza hour” of classic dance hits at 10:30 p.m. Both musicians had worked in Ibiza clubs, so they were perfect for the vibe we wanted. Face gems for guests during this part of the evening were a huge hit and made the dance floor even more lively.
How Did the Day Go Overall?
The day couldn’t have gone better. Well, Nick might regret the last beer that inspired him to give me a strip tease on the dance floor, but it’s a hilarious memory we’ll never forget.
The weather had been grey and wet leading up to the wedding, but we woke to sunshine and clear skies. We couldn’t believe our luck—October in England is always a gamble, but it felt like a perfect autumn day, unusually warm too!
Everything ran smoothly. We scheduled the speeches before dinner so everyone could relax and enjoy the meal. The best man surprised us with video messages from relatives and friends who couldn’t attend, which added a special touch.
Documentary Wedding Photography
Timings went slightly off track after dinner because everyone was having so much fun, but we didn’t mind at all. The venue team and suppliers were incredible, ensuring we didn’t have to worry about anything. The dance floor stayed full all night, and we had the best time celebrating with our guests. We wish we could relive it all!
What’s Your Top Tip for Couples Planning Their Wedding?
Don’t stress over minor details—let yourself fully enjoy the magic of the day because it’s the best feeling ever. Also, plan something to look forward to, like a honeymoon, to soften the post-wedding blues. They’re real, trust us!
