Everything, Explained

Frequently Asked Questions

Because Every Question Deserves An Answe

Your Budget

Question: I’m trying to calculate pricing for different wedding options. What is the easiest way to do this?

Answer: Use our new wedding pricing calculator—“The ‘I Do’ Budget Builder.” This online tool generates an instant wedding quote by letting you select your desired package, wedding date, and catering options. (Read more)

Question: We are on a fixed budget but love The BarnYard. Is there any way we can still get married at the venue?

Answer: If you have a specific budget or a guest count below our minimum, we can often tailor our offerings to help you work within your budget. We strive to accommodate your wishes so that your wedding day can still be a reality.

Question: Do you offer payment plans?

Answer: Yes. To reserve your date, a deposit of £1,250 is required. We offer a flexible payment plan with two additional instalments: the second payment is due eight months before the wedding date and the final balance must be settled six weeks prior to the event.

Question: Do you offer inclusive packages?

Answer: Absolutely. We provide fully inclusive wedding packages (Traditional, Twilight, Intimate, and Signature) designed to suit a range of styles and budgets – and there are no hidden costs. (Read more)

Question: Are there any ‘hidden’ costs?

Answer: There are no hidden costs at all. Our pricing is fully transparent!

The Booking Process

Question: What happens once I have viewed the venue, fallen in love with it, and want to book?

Answer: The process begins by checking availability via email, phone, or in person. We then pencil in a provisional booking for seven days without obligation. To pre-confirm, reply to our email with your estimated guest numbers. After that, you’ll receive access to our booking portal to sign the Terms & Conditions, pay your £1,250 reservation fee, and complete any required ceremony details.

Question: Will I have a team at The BarnYard to support me throughout the process?

Answer: Yes, you will be supported by our team of wedding coordinators throughout the planning process. You’ll have regular contact and access to our online booking portal for a seamless experience.

Question: When do I let you know exactly what our requirements are (menu choice, final numbers, etc.)?

Answer: Your final wedding meeting is scheduled before the payment deadline. Prior to that, you can use your personalised booking portal to select menus, drinks, extras, and more. At the meeting, we’ll review all the details together.

Question: How do I find appropriate suppliers for my wedding?

Answer: We offer a list of recommended suppliers – including florists, photographers, entertainers, etc. – who know the venue well. You can check our recommended suppliers here. Alternatively, you are welcome to use your own suppliers, provided they are properly insured (with public liability up to £5M) and have PAT-tested equipment.

The Ceremony

Question: Is there a separate fee for KCC to perform our wedding ceremony at The BarnYard?

Answer: Yes. KCC charges an additional fee on top of the site hire. We handle the booking with KCC once your wedding is confirmed. For current fees, please click here.

Question: Do you have indoor and outdoor ceremony areas?

Answer: Yes. You can choose from both indoor and outdoor options. Outdoor ceremony settings include the romantic Lavender Walk, the picturesque Orchard Garden, or the charming Courtyard. Indoor options include the elegant Arboretum marquee and the rustic, fairy‑lit Apple Barn – each offering a stunning backdrop.

Question: Is confetti allowed to be thrown after our wedding ceremony?

Answer: Biodegradable confetti is welcome in designated outdoor areas (please refer to our terms and conditions or ask our team). However, we request that confetti cannons are not used indoors or on the venue grounds.

Food & Drink

Question: I would like cocktails for my reception drinks. What are my options?

Answer: For Traditional Weddings, your package includes reception drinks with a wide variety of cocktail options available through your online portal. For Twilight Weddings, drinks can be added to your booking with choices from our drinks menu available upon confirmation.

Question: What food is served for the children?

Answer: We offer a special children’s menu with kid‑approved options. Alternatively, you can choose to serve a smaller portion of the adult meals for your little guests.

Question: I have vegetarian and vegan guests. Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Answer: Yes. We gladly accommodate all dietary needs. Simply inform us via the booking portal or during your final meeting, and we will ensure that everyone is well catered for.

Question: Where is the food prepared?

Answer: All food is prepared and cooked on‑site using fresh local produce as much as possible, with supplies sourced from local vendors.

Question: What catering is included with my Traditional Wedding in The Arboretum?

Answer: The package includes waitress‑served canapés with a reception drink, a three‑course wedding breakfast or daytime BBQ (luxury upgrades available), speciality coffee and tea with artisan marshmallows, a drinks package (half a bottle of wine per person, table mineral water, and a Prosecco toast – with a Champagne upgrade available) and an optional evening party menu at £20 per head for additional guests. Download our brochure for more details.

Question: Which menus can I choose from for my Twilight Wedding?

Answer: Twilight weddings are served buffet‑style. You can choose from various menus, with popular options including a Classic Evening BBQ or a Build‑Your‑Own Burger Bar. See more options here.

Question: Can I create my own menu?

Answer: Yes – flexibility is key. We’re happy to help create a bespoke menu if you have unique ideas or specific requests for either Traditional or Twilight weddings.

Question: How many people can fit around your round tables?

Answer: Our round tables (6’ in diameter) comfortably seat 10 guests, with a maximum capacity of 12 guests for Arboretum Weddings featuring a sit‑down breakfast.

Question: How many people can fit behind the long top table?

Answer: We recommend no more than 12 people at the long top table, though we can accommodate more guests if required (note: this applies to Arboretum Weddings with a sit‑down wedding breakfast).

The Reception

Question: Does the bar accept credit/debit cards?

Answer: Yes. Our bar accepts both cash and card payments.

Question: Can we put money behind the bar for our guests?

Answer: Yes. Bar managers are experienced in managing various bar tab arrangements, so you can set up a dedicated tab for your guests.

Question: Are tealights/candles allowed to be lit in the function rooms?

Answer: Naked flame tealights, candles, and candelabras are not permitted. However, battery‑operated LED versions are acceptable.

Question: What are my options for evening entertainment?

Answer: For Twilight Weddings, an in‑house DJ is included. If you prefer your own DJ or wish to hire a live band, please note that all entertainers must be insured (public liability up to £5M) and have PAT‑tested equipment. We also monitor noise levels after 11pm for the comfort of nearby residents.

Question: What time do I have the venue until?

Answer: Venue hire is included until midnight, with the bar closing at 11:30pm. Extensions of 30 or 60 minutes may be added on after date confirmation.

Question: Is the bar already staffed?

Answer: Yes. The bar is fully staffed throughout the evening.

Question: Do you offer corkage?

Answer: While our bar is fully stocked and we can accommodate specific drink requests, you cannot bring your own alcohol onto the premises. Check out our latest bar menu here.

Additional Information

Question: What is the ‘I Do’ Club?

Answer: Once you book your wedding with us, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive members‑only ‘I Do’ Club. Membership includes benefits such as supplier discounts, complimentary vouchers, invitations to Wedding Workshops, access to our Members Area, and early‑bird tickets for special seasonal events like Mixed Christmas Parties and our Christmas Eve Breakfast Buffet.

Question: Do you offer menu tastings?

Answer: For Traditional Weddings in The Arboretum, you can book a menu tasting for £25 per person in The Rooster Restaurant for up to six people (including you as the couple). Menu tastings are not available for Twilight Weddings, as these are typically buffet‑style.

Question: Do you offer in‑house extras to add on to my booking?

Answer: Yes. Once you log into your personalised booking portal, you can add various extra options such as LED Letters, giant outdoor games, bar extensions, and even additional bridal/groomsmen suites.

Venue & Planning

Question: I’m trying to calculate pricing for different wedding options. What is the easiest way to do this?

Answer: Use our new wedding pricing calculator—“The ‘I Do’ Budget Builder.” This online tool generates an instant wedding quote by letting you select your desired package, wedding date, and catering options. (Read more)

Question: We are on a fixed budget but love The BarnYard. Is there any way we can still get married at the venue?

Answer: If you have a specific budget or a guest count below our minimum, we can often tailor our offerings to help you work within your budget. We strive to accommodate your wishes so that your wedding day can still be a reality.

Question: Do you offer payment plans?

Answer: To reserve your date, a deposit of £1,250 is required. We offer a flexible payment plan with two additional instalments: the second payment is due eight months before the wedding date and the final balance must be settled six weeks prior to the event.

Question: Do you offer inclusive packages?

Answer: Absolutely. We provide fully inclusive wedding packages (Traditional, Twilight, Intimate, and Signature) designed to suit a range of styles and budgets – and there are no hidden costs. (Read more)

Question: Are there any ‘hidden’ costs?

Answer: Our pricing is fully transparent and divided into four areas: venue hire, catering, optional extras, and a refundable £500 damage deposit (applied only for physical damage, excluding minor items such as broken glasses).

Question: What happens once I have viewed the venue, fallen in love with it, and want to book?

Answer: The process begins by checking availability via email, phone, or in person. We then pencil in a provisional booking for seven days without obligation. To pre‑confirm, reply to our email with your estimated guest numbers. After that, you’ll receive access to our booking portal to sign the Terms & Conditions, pay your £1,250 reservation fee, and complete any required ceremony details.

Question: Will I have a team at The BarnYard to support me throughout the process?

Answer: You will be supported by our team of wedding coordinators throughout the planning process. You’ll have regular contact and access to our online booking portal for a seamless experience.

Question: When do I let you know exactly what our requirements are (menu choice, final numbers, etc.)?

Answer: Your final wedding meeting is scheduled before the payment deadline. Prior to that, you can use your personalised booking portal to select menus, drinks, extras, and more. At the meeting, we’ll review all the details together.

Question: How do I find appropriate suppliers for my wedding?

Answer: We offer a list of recommended suppliers – including florists, photographers, entertainers, etc. – who know the venue well. You can check our recommended suppliers here. Alternatively, you are welcome to use your own suppliers, provided they are properly insured (with public liability up to £5M) and have PAT‑tested equipment.

Question: Is there a separate fee for KCC to perform our wedding ceremony at The BarnYard?

Answer: KCC charges an additional fee on top of the site hire. We handle the booking with KCC once your wedding is confirmed. For current fees, please click here.

Question: Do you have indoor and outdoor ceremony areas?

Answer: You can choose from both indoor and outdoor options. Outdoor ceremony settings include the romantic Lavender Walk, the picturesque Orchard Garden, or the charming Courtyard. Indoor options include the elegant Arboretum marquee and the rustic, fairy‑lit Apple Barn – each offering a stunning backdrop.

Question: Is confetti allowed to be thrown after our wedding ceremony?

Answer: Biodegradable confetti is welcome in designated outdoor areas (please refer to our terms and conditions or ask our team). However, we request that confetti cannons are not used indoors or on the venue grounds.

Food & Drink

Question: I would like cocktails for my reception drinks. What are my options?

Answer: For Traditional Weddings, your package includes reception drinks with a wide variety of cocktail options available through your online portal. For Twilight Weddings, drinks can be added to your booking with choices from our drinks menu available upon confirmation.

Question: What food is served for the children?

Answer: We offer a special children’s menu with kid‑approved options. Alternatively, you can choose to serve a smaller portion of the adult meals for your little guests.

Question: I have vegetarian and vegan guests. Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Answer: We gladly accommodate all dietary needs. Simply inform us via the booking portal or during your final meeting, and we will ensure that everyone is well catered for.

Question: Where is the food prepared?

Answer: All food is prepared and cooked on‑site using fresh local produce as much as possible, with supplies sourced from local vendors.

Question: What catering is included with my Traditional Wedding in The Arboretum?

Answer: The package includes waitress‑served canapés with a reception drink, a three‑course wedding breakfast or daytime BBQ (luxury upgrades available), speciality coffee and tea with artisan marshmallows, a drinks package (half a bottle of wine per person, table mineral water, and a Prosecco toast – with a Champagne upgrade available) and an optional evening party menu at £20 per head for additional guests. Download our brochure for more details.

Question: Which menus can I choose from for my Twilight Wedding?

Answer: Twilight weddings are served buffet‑style. You can choose from various menus, with popular options including a Classic Evening BBQ or a Build‑Your‑Own Burger Bar. See more options here.

Question: Can I create my own menu?

Answer: Yes – flexibility is key. We’re happy to help create a bespoke menu if you have unique ideas or specific requests for either Traditional or Twilight weddings.

Question: How many people can fit around your round tables?

Answer: Our round tables (6’ in diameter) comfortably seat 10 guests, with a maximum capacity of 12 guests for Arboretum Weddings featuring a sit‑down breakfast.

Question: How many people can fit behind the long top table?

Answer: We recommend no more than 12 people at the long top table, though we can accommodate more guests if required (note: this applies to Arboretum Weddings with a sit‑down wedding breakfast).

The Reception

Question: Does the bar accept credit/debit cards?

Answer: Our bar accepts both cash and card payments.

Question: Can we put money behind the bar for our guests?

Answer: Yes. Bar managers are experienced in managing various bar tab arrangements, so you can set up a dedicated tab for your guests.

Question: Are tealights/candles allowed to be lit in the function rooms?

Answer: Naked flame tealights, candles, and candelabras are not permitted. However, battery‑operated LED versions are acceptable.

Question: What are my options for evening entertainment?

Answer: For Twilight Weddings, an in‑house DJ is included. If you prefer your own DJ or wish to hire a live band, please note that all entertainers must be insured (public liability up to £5M) and have PAT‑tested equipment. We also monitor noise levels after 11pm for the comfort of nearby residents.

Question: What time do I have the venue until?

Answer: Venue hire is included until midnight, with the bar closing at 11:30pm. Extensions of 30 or 60 minutes may be added on after date confirmation.

Question: Is the bar already staffed?

Answer: The bar is fully staffed throughout the evening.

Question: Do you offer corkage?

Answer: While our bar is fully stocked and we can accommodate specific drink requests, you cannot bring your own alcohol onto the premises. Check out our latest bar menu here.

Additional Information

Question: What is the ‘I Do’ Club?

Answer: Once you book your wedding with us, you’ll be invited to join our exclusive members‑only ‘I Do’ Club. Membership includes benefits such as supplier discounts, complimentary vouchers, invitations to Wedding Workshops, access to our Members Area, and early‑bird tickets for special seasonal events like Mixed Christmas Parties and our Christmas Eve Breakfast Buffet.

Question: Do you offer menu tastings?

Answer: For Traditional Weddings in The Arboretum, you can book a menu tasting for £25 per person in The Rooster Restaurant for up to six people (including you as the couple). Menu tastings are not available for Twilight Weddings, as these are typically buffet‑style.

Question: Do you offer in‑house extras to add on to my booking?

Answer: Once you log into your personalised booking portal, you can add various extra options such as LED Letters, giant outdoor games, bar extensions, and even additional bridal/groomsmen suites.

Dining Spaces

Question: What is The Rooster?

Answer: The Rooster is our main restaurant, located in the heart of our venue within a beautifully renovated barn. Although it has been a long‑standing feature at The BarnYard, our new owners, Joanne and David, have reimagined the dining experience by offering a modern yet cosy atmosphere.

Question: What is The Roost?

Answer: The Roost is an extension of The Rooster, ideally suited for private dining events such as baby showers or wakes, as well as accommodating larger parties when The Rooster is at full capacity. It features its own fully stocked bar and a private courtyard entrance, and is also included in our Twilight Wedding packages.

Question: What is The Courtyard?

Answer: The Courtyard is a spacious outdoor patio located just in front of The Rooster. It is perfect for alfresco dining during the summer months and features comfortable seating along with umbrellas for sun protection. To reserve an outdoor table, please contact our management team or mention your preference when booking.

Question: What are the opening times of the restaurant?

Answer: The BarnYard Restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm. We specialise in traditional afternoon teas and classic Sunday roasts, complemented by a seasonal breakfast and lunch menu. All dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients that reflect the fresh, rustic flavours of the Kent countryside.

Booking a Table

Question: I want to book a table in The Rooster – what’s the easiest way?

Answer: The easiest way to book a table is via our online booking widget. Alternatively, you can make a reservation over the phone or by email. Please note that while walk‑ins are welcome, we may need to turn guests away when we are at full capacity. Additionally, we cannot guarantee a table in The Rooster, and you might be seated in its extension, The Roost.

Question: Is there a deposit required for booking?

Answer: No deposit is required for securing a table for breakfast or lunch. However, for afternoon tea bookings, we request a minimum of 48 hours’ notice and a deposit of £10 per person.

Question: I’d prefer a private area for my booking. What are my options?

Answer: We offer five unique spaces at The BarnYard, each designed to suit various event types, guest numbers, and timings. Our dedicated management team can help you select the perfect space. You can contact our team directly via our enquiry page or click the appropriate link to learn more about hosting your event.

Menus

Question: What’s on the menu?

Answer: Our seasonal breakfast and lunch menus change throughout the year. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted by John, our Head Chef, who tailors the offerings to reflect the countryside setting and the use of locally sourced ingredients. You can view the current menus by clicking on the provided link.

Question: Do you have a children’s menu?

Answer: Yes, we do! Our menus include specially designed options for children, including variations for our afternoon tea. The children’s menu is available for you to view online.

Question: What about options for vegetarians and vegans?

Answer: We cater to a range of dietary requirements. Although some dishes are meat‑based, our menus feature a selection of delicious plant‑based and gluten‑free options. Look for the dietary symbols on the menu to easily identify selections suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten sensitivities.

Question: Where is the food prepared?

Answer: All of our food is prepared and cooked on site using fresh, locally sourced produce and supplies from local vendors wherever possible.

Additional Information

Question: Is there parking on‑site?

Answer: Yes, we have two large car parks with ample space for our customers’ vehicles.

Question: Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?

Answer: Yes. Wheelchair access is available via The Roost’s entrance, ensuring ease of entry. Please note that while most areas are accessible, the mezzanine is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Question: Can I bring my dog?

Answer: Absolutely! The BarnYard welcomes your dog in our Courtyard (located just outside The Rooster). However, for the comfort and safety of all guests, dogs are not permitted inside the main buildings.

Question: What payment methods are accepted?

Answer: We accept both card and cash payments. Please note that due to the restaurant’s busy nature, we do not allow bill splitting, so we ask that bills be settled in full at the time of payment.

Question: Can I order takeaway?

Answer: While we don’t offer a traditional takeaway service, if you have unfinished meals you’d like to take home, you are welcome to do so. We kindly ask that you complete a take‑home form when requesting this service.

Question: We are celebrating a special occasion. Is there any extra service available?

Answer: Let us help make your celebration unforgettable! Simply leave a note when booking, or contact our management team, and we’ll work with you to organise the details that will make your special occasion even more memorable.

Question: What events do you host throughout the year?

Answer: The BarnYard is one of Kent’s top destinations for annual celebrations. From Mother’s and Father’s Day to Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and more, our in‑house events are designed to create memorable experiences. Check our events page to see what’s coming up and join us for the next celebration!