5 Reasons to Have an Autumn Wedding

Autumn is arguably one of the most beautiful times of the year here in the Oxfordshire countryside. Our 250 acres of working farmland really comes into its own during the autumn months, the leaves begin to change and the autumnal light highlights the beauty of the rolling countryside and 18th century barn. 

If you’ve just got engaged but are unsure when to book your big day, here are five great reasons to have an autumnal wedding!

1. The best natural light for your photographs

The ‘golden hour’ glow is truly at its best in the Autumn, creating the perfect lighting for your wedding photos, coupled with a multitude of picture perfect locations across the estate, will result in a breathtaking wedding album.

2. Delicious food and drink choices

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience for your wedding guests, choosing an autumnal wedding could be the best choice for you. With a host of delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables, creating an exciting menu is a breeze. Autumn dishes have lots of variety, and are packed with rich flavours. Delicious, hearty dishes, with a full-bodied glass of red create a fantastic, seasonal meal.

Arguably, what you serve to your guests is one of the most important, and memorable, parts of a wedding. Kearney’s, our sole caterer at The Great Barn, has put together a sample Autumnal menu, using the best of the seasons offerings: 

Canapes 

• Locally Made Mini Cumberland Sausages with Kearney’s Sticky Glaze (GF)
• Home Made Herb Scones topped with Sautéed Leeks & Cheddar (v)
• Pulled Pork & Black Pudding Croquette with Burnt Apple Jelly
• Seared Fresh Figs with Oxford Blue Emulsion (v) (GF)
• Spiced Crab & Ginger Blini
• Whipped Goats Cheese Tart with Sweet Apple (v)

Starters

• Roasted Parsnip & Spiced Bramley Apple Soup with Sour Cream & Chives (v) (GF)
• Pan Fried Cornish King Scallops with Crispy Pancetta (GF)
• Butternut Squash & Barkham Blue Tart (v) 
• Charcuterie Plate with Celeriac & Apple Remoulade (GF)

Mains

• Sticky Pork Belly with Sage & Cider Sauce (GF) Pressed Herb Potato, Baked Apple, Butternut Puree
• Roast Fillet of Oxfordshire Beef with Rich Madeira & Shallot Sauce (GF) Dauphinoise Potatoes, Heritage Carrots, Steamed Tenderstem Broccoli
• Roast Loin of English Pork, Pan Gravy (GF) Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, Spiced Red Cabbage, Fine Beans
• Flash Fried Gnocchi Spinach, Butternut Squash, Confit Tomatoes, Peas, Truffle Oil and Pea Shoots
• Mushroom Wellington Red Wine Gravy, Olive Oil Roast Potatoes (vg)
• Butternut Squash, Cauliflower & Stilton Crumble

Desserts

• Glazed Fresh Fig Tart with Apple Jam & Burnt Orange Sauce
• Blackberry & Apple Crumble With Custard
• Sticky Date & Ginger Pudding with Cinnamon Custard
• Sticky Toffee Pudding with Hot Butterscotch Sauce Local Cream or Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Autumn is a great season when it comes to drinks; think apple, cinnamon, cranberry and fig. In terms of alcohol, whiskey, brandy, vodka and cider are perfect to rustle up a cocktail, or two! We suggest hot mulled cider, apple brandy hot toddies, cranberry and cinnamon whiskey sours and a fig Moscow mule. 

As the party goes on, you may choose to serve evening food. In keeping with your autumnal theme, Kearney’s suggests a pig roast and a cake of cheeses to keep your guests going into the night. 

You can view Kearney’s full menu here  

3. Out of peak holiday season

Whilst a summer wedding is a fantastic option, it is also a peak holiday time for many, meaning fewer of your guests will be able to join you on your special day. The autumn months are a perfect time to have your wedding to ensure all your nearest and dearest will be able to attend your wedding. 

4. The autumnal colour palette 

Both our farm and barn accentuate the gorgeous natural colour palette that comes with the autumn months. Bright reds and oranges, rustic browns and deep greens are the basis of a stunning colour palette; combined with golden accents for the pièce de résistance. 

 You can read more about autumn wedding colour schemes here. 

5. Opportunity to secure better rates 

Choosing to have your big day in the autumn months can also mean you get the opportunity to consider mid and low season rates. Our mid season covers October, whilst November is part of our low season. This means you get to book the venue outside of peak season.

You can see the full breakdown of our rates here.