The Great Barn, in its ideal setting and tranquil location, provides the perfect place to have your wedding, wedding reception, civil wedding ceremony, civil wedding partnership, wedding activities or private party.

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About Us

The Great Barn is located at Upper Aynho Grounds, near Aynho just outside Banbury. The Great Barn has been owned by The Stephenson Family since 1986 and was originally built in 1770 as part of The Cartwright Estate. The beautiful 18th century stone barns were converted by the Stephenson Family, especially for weddings and corporate events. The barn has been sympathetically converted to retain many of its original charm, along with the arrow slit windows, natural stone and exposed beams, The Great Barn has a gothic feel that a lot of venues lack.

The Family still own and run the weddings and all corporate events with Jerry Stephenson and his sister Caroline managing all of the weddings and being personally responsible for all meetings and contact with the brides and grooms. Jerry or Caroline will co-ordinate the event and have detailed meetings during the run up to the wedding, and during the day either Jerry or Caroline will attend to ensure everything runs smoothly. This ensures the weddings are always run to the high standard that the family expects. This is all included in the facility hire cost.

Jerry and Caroline’s Father, Dr Richard Stephenson who originally converted the barn is responsible for maintaining all the grounds and gardens and can be seen regularly cutting the grass and helping to park the many cars that visit The Great Barn for weddings. Jerry and Caroline’s Mother, Di Stephenson, is still very much involved being responsible for quality control including the toilet facilities. Di still keeps her hand in by getting involved with the Wedding Show rounds and also the flower arranging of the two complimentary arrangements in the Aynho Room and Entrance Hall.