Weddings

Do we get exclusive use of the venue? 

Yes. You have exclusive use of our two beautiful barns and the adjoining enclosed courtyard for the duration of your hire. These spaces are entirely yours for the day.  

Earth Trust is set within a wider landscape, including visitor areas that remain open to the public. These areas are separate from the barns, so your celebration space stays private while the rest of the site continues to operate as normal.   

How many guests can the venue accommodate? 

Fison Barn can accommodate up to 85 guests seated for a wedding breakfast   

Maximum capacity between the two barns and the courtyard is up to 200, allowing opportunity for additional guests for the evening celebrations  

Is the venue accessible? 

Yes. The venue is on the ground floor and includes accessible toilets and disabled parking.   

Is there accommodation on site? 

There is no accommodation at Earth Trust, but there are many nearby options in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon and Oxford. 

Is there parking available? 

Yes, there is on-site parking available for guests.   

What spaces are available for weddings? 

Weddings at Earth Trust take place across the two adjoining 19th Century barns and an enclosed private courtyard.   

Fison Barn is the larger of the two spaces and is typically used for the main parts of your celebration, such as the ceremony (if indoors) and the wedding breakfast. Later in the evening it offers space for music, dancing and socialising.    

Poem Tree Barn connects with Fison Barn and usually serves as the bar area, creating a natural gathering space for guests throughout the day.   

Many couples choose to hold their ceremony in the courtyard, which sits alongside the barns and provides a beautiful outdoor setting. In the Summer months the courtyard is covered by a stretch tent, offering shelter and shade while still allowing guests to enjoy the open, relaxed atmosphere.   

Where is the venue located? 

Earth Trust is located in South Oxfordshire, close to Wallingford, Abingdon, and Didcot and around 11 miles from Oxford. The venue sits in beautiful countryside at the foot of the Wittenham Clumps. 

Can we hold our ceremony at Earth Trust? 

Yes. Both the barn and the courtyard are licensed for civil ceremonies. You will need to book your ceremony direct with Oxfordshire County Council.   

Can we have an outdoor ceremony? 

Yes. Our courtyard is a licensed wedding ceremony space and many couples choose to host their ceremonies in the courtyard throughout the summer, where a stretch tent can provide shelter from the sun. 

Can we have a celebrant or humanist ceremony? 

Absolutely. Celebrant led ceremonies, blessings and handfasting ceremonies are welcome at the venue. These ceremonies are not subject to a ceremony fee. Such ceremonies may also take place at one of our green spaces if there are not conservation activities taking place. Please be advised however that unlike the barns and courtyard, these areas cannot be shut off and will remain open to the public during your ceremony. 

Can we bring our own drinks? 

Yes. Couples are welcome to provide their own drinks for the reception and wedding breakfast. Many couples choose to work with a bar supplier who can manage the service on the day, and we can share details of bar providers who have previously worked at the venue if that’s helpful.  

Can we create our own style of food and drink? 

Absolutely. One of the advantages of a dry-hire venue is the freedom to shape the food and drink around what matters most to you — whether that’s a formal three-course meal, relaxed sharing plates, street food, or something completely unique.  

Can you help us find caterers and other suppliers? 

Yes. Over the years many couples have worked with local caterers, bar providers and wedding suppliers who are familiar with the venue.

If you’re not sure where to begin, our events team is very happy to talk you through our known suppliers and their offerings, and help you narrow down the options to something that best suits your wants and needs for your wedding menu.  

Do we have to use suppliers from your list? 

No. You’re welcome to choose any suppliers you’d like for your wedding. That said, we’re very happy to discuss suppliers who’ve worked wedding at our barns in the past, to help those couples who would like a starting point aren’t sure where to begin.  

Do you provide catering? 

Earth Trust is a dry-hire venue, which means we don’t offer catering as an additional service. This means you’re free to choose the catering that suits your day best. Many couples bring in their own caterers or street food vendors to create a menu that reflects their tastes.  

We like the idea of dry hire but aren’t sure where to start – can you help? 

Absolutely. While Earth Trust is a dry-hire venue, you won’t be left to plan everything on your own. Our events team will guide you through the process and can share ideas, suppliers who are familiar with the venue, and package options to help you build your day step by step. Many couples find this gives them a great balance between flexibility and support. 

Are candles or confetti allowed? 

Candles are welcome when placed in covered glass holders. Natural biodegradable confetti can be used outside.   

Can we decorate the venue? 

Yes. The barns are a beautiful starting point of characterful oak beams and clean white walls, perfect as a blank canvas to suit your wedding theme. We just ask that decorations are safe for the building and environment. 

Do you offer a clear and clean service? 

Yes. As part of our dryhire approach, we ask that the barns are left clear and clean, and we include the following day in your hire so you have plenty of time to do this. If you’d prefer us to take care of it, we offer a tiered clear-and-clean service starting from £150. 

What are the timings on the day? 

Your day can start whenever you wish. In the event of a civil ceremony, you will need to confirm this with the Registrar. As part of caring for the site and our neighbours, music and bar service finish at 11pm, with all guests offsite by midnight.  

When can we access the venue to set up? 

You’ll normally have access the day before your wedding to decorate and prepare the space.  

How does our wedding support Earth Trust? 

Earth Trust is an environmental charity. Hiring the venue directly supports our work caring for local landscapes and helping more people connect with nature. 

Is the venue environmentally friendly? 

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and the Trust operates on a carbon-neutral basis. The venue is powered by renewable energy, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting and a biomass heating system. 

We invite couples to join us in caring for this special place; simple choices around catering, décor and waste can make a real difference, and we’re always happy to offer guidance. 

Can we come and view the venue? 

Yes! We’d be delighted to show you around. The best way to experience the venue is in person, so you can explore the barns, courtyard and surrounding landscape. Email the team via [email protected] or fill out our enquiry form to arrange a viewing at a convenient time for you.   

How do we book our wedding at Earth Trust? 

Once you’ve visited and decided that Earth Trust is the right venue for you, we will send you a booking form and the terms and conditions of hire and then raise a deposit covering 25% of the final hire. The date is secured once we have received payment of the deposit. We are happy to hold a date whilst you confirm arrangements with Oxfordshire County Council Registration Services for a ceremony.   

How far in advance should we book? 

Many couples book 12–24 months in advance, particularly for popular summer and weekend dates. However, we sometimes have availability sooner, so it’s always worth checking.   

What is included in the venue hire fee? 

Venue hire includes exclusive use of the barn and courtyard, tables and chairs, and time to set up and clear down. You’ll typically have access the day before your wedding to decorate and the following day to pack down.