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A Weekend of Love & Luxury: The Ultimate Wedding Experience

Picture this: a weekend-long celebration filled with exquisite dining, breathtaking surroundings, and an unforgettable atmosphere of love and luxury.

Friday: Meet, Mingle & Make Memories

Your dream weekend kicks off in the most relaxed and indulgent way. From 2 o’clock, the wedding couple and close family gain exclusive access to Southend Barns, setting the tone for a truly immersive experience.

The first order of business? Tea, coffee, scones and cakes, all served under our charming peaks or alongside our friendly alpacas.

As the evening unfolds, your guests will gather for an unforgettable Sussex Farm Feast – a locally sourced grazing banquet served in our traditional Maypole tent. And what’s a Friday night celebration without drinks? Our bar service is open from 6–10pm, offering bespoke cocktails, bubbles, our own Southend Lager and Southend Cider for guests to enjoy.

Thinking about inviting additional guests beyond the included 28? Not a problem – they can be added for an additional fee.

Saturday: Your Wedding Day, Elevated

Wake up to a continental-style breakfast, elegantly served to your group of 28 guests. A special wedding party breakfast hamper is delivered to the suite, ensuring the wedding morning is as relaxed as possible.

Then comes the main event… your wedding day.

Choose from a ceremony inside our rustic yet elegant Dairy Barn, or step into the Secret Garden for a stunning outdoor “I do.”

From here, the celebrations continue with pre-ceremony drinks to set the mood, followed by arrival drinks and gourmet canapés. Indulge in a sumptuous three-course wedding breakfast or opt for a tapas or festival-style feast – all complemented by curated wine selections from our Chef’s Edition List.

As the evening progresses, enjoy a sophisticated cocktail hour featuring two signature cocktails served on our terrace, before treating guests to late-night street food snacks from our renowned Outside Roots Kitchen.

With our experienced wedding team and incredible Roots Chefs managing every detail, you can focus on enjoying every magical moment.

Hosting more than 75 guests? Additional guests can be added – the more, the merrier!

Sunday: A Farewell Brunch to Remember

After a weekend of love, your guests will wake up to a luxurious farewell brunch, ensuring your wedding weekend ends on the highest note.

Served from 10am to 1pm, the spread includes traditional cooked breakfast and continental options, freshly brewed teas and coffee, and fresh juices.

Thinking about elevating the drinks selection further? You can upgrade to Mimosas, Bloody Marys and a smoothie bar. Live music can also be arranged to create the perfect Sunday vibe.

And because we know no one will want to leave, check-out is extended until 2pm, allowing for a leisurely departure and final goodbyes.

Additional brunch attendees are welcome for an additional fee.

The Luxe Experience

This one-of-a-kind wedding package is priced at £49,995 (including VAT), offering an exclusive celebration like no other.

Every step of your journey is expertly guided by our dedicated Senior Event Managers, ensuring your wedding unfolds seamlessly and stress-free.

At the heart of this experience is an unforgettable culinary journey. You and your partner, along with four of your nearest and dearest, will enjoy a personalised menu meeting with Executive Chef Dan Clarke, followed by a private tasting where you’ll sample exquisite dishes paired with fine wines and handcrafted cocktails.

To bring your vision to life, planning meetings and styling consultations will help you curate a bespoke wedding aesthetic that reflects your style and personality.

For the ultimate in comfort, luxury on-site accommodation is provided for up to 28 guests across our beautifully appointed Bell Tents, Shepherd’s Hut and Milking Parlour. Looking to extend the guest list? Our charming Southend Farmhouse can accommodate an additional 12 guests at an extra cost.

Want to make your weekend even more extraordinary? We can arrange a range of bespoke activities and unforgettable experiences tailored just for you – from live entertainment and spa treatments to personalised touches that make your day truly one-of-a-kind.

Your Love Story, Told Over a Weekend

The Wedding Weekend LUXE Edition at Southend Barns isn’t just a wedding – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that unfolds over three days.

Let’s start planning your love story, Luxe Edition style!

Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for more details and availability.

WhatsApp us today!
Phone: 01243 641247
Email: enquiries@southendfarms.co.uk
Visit our Southend Barns website
Take a look at our Luxe Weekend Wedding page for more details
Check out our Roots Food page and Drinks page

Daniel Clarke, promoted to CEO (Chief Executive Officer)

We are thrilled to announce that Daniel Clarke has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Southend Farms Ltd, which encompasses Southend Barns Wedding Venue and Roots Catering. Previously, Dan served as General Manager and Executive Chef.

Mariella and William Fleming, the founders, commented on Dan’s new appointment: “In the past couple of years, Dan has started to oversee the entire business, so it was a natural progression to elevate him to Chief Executive Officer. Dan provides long-term support and oversight to everyone at Southend Farms Ltd. Not only does he engage in day-to-day planning and execution, but he also focuses on our long-term growth and the development of new enterprises. He has introduced exciting new plans for the business that have inspired the entire team and brought new vitality to Southend Farms Ltd.”

Dan’s journey to this promotion is quite remarkable, and he often reflects on it: “I was only meant to be here for three months.” Join us as we explore how those three months turned into seven years.

Dan joined Southend Barns in August 2018 after hosting a couple of pop-up events at Tinwood Estate near Chichester. Mariella’s brother, Art Tukker, suggested to Dan that his sister might be looking for help with the barns and designing a new kitchen—an area where Dan has expertise and was eager to expand his skills.

After a meeting between Dan, Mariella, and William to discuss their plans, an agreement was reached for Dan to join as a consultant for three months. During this period, their relationship flourished, driven by their shared passion for local, seasonal, and exciting food. Dan initially designed the new kitchen, established processes and food safety systems, and then recruited a team to provide restaurant-style food and service for weddings.

The partnership developed swiftly, leading Mariella and William to offer Dan a full-time position as Executive Chef. This role included overseeing the entire food and beverage department, which involved creating cocktails, developing drink and wine lists, and implementing training modules and recipes.

You might think Dan would have been satisfied with that, but his immense passion and desire for progress—not just for himself but for the entire team—drove him to take on more responsibilities. He began overseeing many commercial aspects of the business, including insurance, utilities, contractors, recruitment, and leading a team of 18 full-time staff and 30 part-time employees.

Once again, Mariella and William approached Dan, asking him to also assume the role of General Manager while continuing as Executive Chef. He was excited about this opportunity, especially since he had built and nurtured a strong kitchen team that had worked together for nearly four years.

For the past two years, Dan has overseen more aspects of the business and is, as he puts it, guiding the organisation in the right direction. He works closely with his wife, Sophie, who manages the office and all accounts.

In response to his new title, Dan remarked, Well, I am thrilled and honoured to be offered the position of CEO. I never thought I would achieve such a prestigious title. At nearly 50, I remain as passionate about food and service as I was at 25. I want to keep progressing, leading, and developing the business along with the people in it. Our goal as a team is to be the best at what we do, and my personal ambition is to help everyone within the business reach their full potential.”

 

 

 

The Wedding of Mr & Mrs Graham

We had the absolute pleasure of hosting the unforgettable wedding of Mr & Mrs Graham at Southend Barns—a day filled with love, laughter, and truly incredible moments. Their celebration was a perfect reflection of their love story, bringing family and friends together in the most magical way.

A Dreamy Beginning

Threshing Barn Setup

Zoe’s vision for the décor was simple yet stunning—there could never be too many candles!

The day started bright and early as our fabulous layup team transformed the Threshing Barn with six-foot round tables dressed in sleek black linen and a stunning long top table.

The tables were beautifully styled with bespoke black napkins, hired from Crystal Hire, and paired with elegant smoke grey tumblers, goblet chalices, and matching charger plates, adding depth and drama to the overall look. Gold-rimmed wine glasses and our signature Southend Barns gold cutlery provided a luxurious contrast that really made the table settings pop.

The floral arrangements, created by the incredibly talented See Rose Floral Design, were a striking mix of black and beige pampas intertwined with exquisite black and white fresh florals. To complement the centrepieces, black tapered Southend Barns candles cast a soft, intimate glow over the tables.

Adding a personal touch, the stunning stationery, including place names and table numbers, was designed by the amazing Birdhouse 197. Each guest was also treated to a beautifully crafted biscuit from Baked by Steph, shaped like a cupid’s angel to complement Zoe and Rory’s love story.

The Driveway & Entrance

The entrance to Southend Barns was nothing short of enchanting. The long driveway was decorated with pumpkins in warm autumnal hues and glowing lanterns, creating the perfect first impression.

As guests made their way into the Collecting Yard, tiered lanterns filled with flickering candles lined the steps, setting a beautifully romantic tone for the day ahead.

Pre-Ceremony Delights

The celebrations began with pre-ceremony drinks served from our Roots Terrace Bar in the picturesque Collecting Yard.

Guests sipped on chilled Prosecco and refreshing Elderflower Spritz while soaking up the relaxed yet exciting atmosphere.

The sun was shining, the drinks were flowing, and the air was filled with anticipation for the ceremony.

The Stunning Ceremony

A Magical Setting

The Dairy Barn was transformed into an intimate and elegant haven.

Dramatic black drapes cascaded from the original oak beams, providing a striking contrast against the barn’s soft, neutral tones. The aisle was lined with a breathtaking abundance of candles, leading to two grand floral podiums overflowing with roses and lush greenery—a picture-perfect backdrop for Mr & Mrs Graham as they exchanged their vows.

The combination of flickering candlelight and fragrant florals created an enchanting atmosphere, making it a moment to remember.

A Feast for the Senses

Culinary Excellence by Roots Catering

A huge shout-out to our incredible Roots Catering chefs, who truly brought Zoe and Rory’s vision to life with a spectacular menu.

Guests enjoyed a delicious selection of canapés, including Roots pork belly nuggets, pea & mint risotto balls, and Thai fishcakes, all perfectly paired with Prosecco and Elderflower Spritz from our Southend Barns drinks package.

The Wedding Breakfast

Zoe and Rory wanted their wedding breakfast to be a nostalgic nod to the 80s—a retro-inspired feast with all the classic flavours. Our chefs had so much fun bringing their vision to life with a menu that truly delivered on flavour and nostalgia:

• Starter: Classic prawn cocktail with brown bread and fresh lemon wedges
• Main: Roast sirloin of beef with all the trimmings, complete with lots of gravy jugs
• Dessert: Vanilla & tonka bean crème brûlée

And the verdict? Simply delicious!

Guests raved about the food, with many saying it was one of the best wedding meals they had ever had.

Evening Delights

As the evening unfolded, guests were treated to a fun and vibrant cocktail hour, featuring personalised cocktails crafted by our expert Roots Bar Team.

Mr & Mrs Graham chose two of their favourites:

• The Apple-Kraktwister, a fun twist on the classic Dark & Stormy
• The Mojito Piña Colada, our signature house cocktail and a crowd favourite, served with a personalised Alice in Wonderland topper—Zoe’s childhood favourite, adding a sentimental touch.

Meanwhile, in the Collecting Yard, the fire pit crackled as guests gathered around our interactive s’mores bar. With giant pink and white marshmallows, melted chocolate sauces, and biscuits, it was the perfect sweet treat for a cosy autumn evening.

A Night to Remember

The Threshing Barn Party

As the sun set, the Threshing Barn was transformed into the ultimate party space. With live entertainment taking centre stage, guests danced the night away under the rustic beams, celebrating love.

Outside, the scent of wood-fired pizzas filled the air as our outdoor kitchen served up delicious Roots BBQ Chicken & Chorizo and Roots New Yorker pizzas—perfect for guests to grab a slice and keep the party going.

Fireworks Finale

To round off the night in spectacular fashion, Selstar Fireworks lit up the sky with a breathtaking display, adding one final touch of magic to an already perfect day.

Heartfelt Words from Mr & Mrs Graham

“Every aspect of our wedding, from start to finish, was handled with professionalism and care. The team went above and beyond to bring our vision to life. From the stunning décor to the delicious food, everything was perfect. We couldn’t recommend Southend Barns enough – thank you for making our day so special!”
Mr & Mrs Graham xx
Rag n bone man & Zoe

A Grateful Farewell

Mr & Mrs Graham, it was an absolute honour to host your incredible wedding day at Southend Barns.

Every moment was a joy to bring to life. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and unforgettable memories!

Planning your dream wedding and in need of a little inspiration? Well, look no further, we’ve got you covered! Join us for a fun-filled day of wedding magic at our Annual Wedding Fair on Sunday 23rd February 2025 from 10.30am to 3pm.

We’ve handpicked a fantastic group of top-tier wedding suppliers, all ready to help you turn your vision into reality. Every vendor has been tried, tested, and loved by our past couples, so you can trust you’re in great hands!

At our Southend Barns Wedding Fair, you’ll get to explore everything you need to make your big day extra special. Wander through the Dairy Barn, Threshing Barn, and Bridal Suite, where you’ll discover everything from stunning photographers and videographers to mouthwatering cakes, live music, and jaw-dropping styling ideas.

Our expert team will be on hand to answer your questions, offer advice, or just share a friendly smile to help you with those important decisions. And while you’re exploring, feel free to purchase a glass of bubbly, a refreshing Tinwood, or a warm cup of tea or coffee from our Roots Terrace bar and take it along with you.

So come along and book your place at our FREE ticketed Wedding Fair. We can’t wait have a chat, gather some ideas, and help you bring your dream wedding to life.