Dunstall Barn | Wedding Venue Guide
Charlotte & Greg got married at Dunstall Barn last August, on a properly scorching day — the sort where everyone’s hunting shade by two o’clock. Ribbons hung the length of the pergola, confetti out in the farmyard, giant Connect 4 on the lawn, and a walk down to the field as the sun dropped.
It’s a lovely venue to photograph and a straightforward one to plan a day around. So here’s what I picked up from a full day there — where the light’s good, where to put your garden games, and why I love it.
Real Dunstall Barn Weddings
“The photos are absolutely incredible! Dave captured so many memories of our day and moments which we didn’t even see as the busy bride and groom. Thank you so much for your kindness and being a part of our wedding.”
Charlotte & Greg
Why I love Dunstall Barn Weddings so much
Dunstall is a close, contained venue rather than a sprawling estate, and that’s its best quality. Your guests aren’t scattered across three fields and two bars — they’re around you all day. You actually get to see everyone, and the atmosphere concentrates instead of thinning out. Selfishly, it also means far more of the day happens within reach of me, which is exactly what you want from someone documenting it.
It’s a proper working farm — original brick, timber beams, big windows that keep the barn lit through the afternoon. Ceremony, wedding breakfast and dancing all happen in there, which does mean a turnaround while the room gets reset between the ceremony and the meal. That’s not a problem, though. It becomes your drinks reception out in the walled garden, and it’s when a lot of the best unguarded stuff happens — people finding each other, kids let loose, the pace dropping for an hour.
Charlotte & Greg got married outside on the lawn, under the wooden pergola. It takes decoration really well — they ran ribbons the full length of it — and it throws a bit of shade, which they were properly grateful for on a day that hot. The lawn’s big enough to seat everyone comfortably and gives me room to work around the edges without getting in anyone’s eyeline.
Karen, Kate and the rest of the staff are the other thing worth mentioing. They were genuinely helpful all day, sorting things and coordinating without needing to be asked twice, and at one point the owner appeared with bubbles and a giant Connect 4 to keep the kids busy. Every venue’s website tells you its team is lovely. Fewer of them send someone out with bubbles.
Essential information:
Where is Dunstall Barn?
Dunstall Lodge Farm, Grassthorpe Road, Sutton on Trent, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 6QX — a working farm just off the A1, roughly 35–40 minutes northeast of Nottingham.
How many guests can attend a wedding at Dunstall Barn?
Up to 120 seated for the wedding breakfast, with room to grow for the evening.
Food & drink
Charlotte & Greg had a sit-down wedding breakfast and pizza in the evening, and both went down brilliantly.
Is there parking at Dunstall Barn?
Yes, ample on-site parking is available for wedding guests.
What accommodation options are available on-site or locally?
Two self-catering barns on site through Dunstall Farm — The Old Dairy (sleeps up to 6) and The Parlour (up to 4), both en-suite. Charlotte got ready in The Parlour.
Getting ready spaces:
The Parlour & The Old Dairy
There are two lovely little cottages meters from the ceremony locations. Charlotte and her bridesmaids got ready in these and as they were so close even had time for a quick run-through of walking down the aisle and checking everything was set up as they’d hoped which it was.
Ceremony options:
Dunstall Barn is licensed for civil ceremonies, either inside the barn or outdoors under the pergola.
Outdoor - under the pagoda
Charlotte & Greg got married outside on the lawn, under the wooden pergola. It takes decoration really well — they ran ribbons the full length of it — and it throws a bit of shade, which they were properly grateful for on a day that hot. The lawn’s big enough to seat everyone comfortably and gives me room to work around the edges without getting in anyone’s eyeline.
The Main Barn
The beautiful barn makes an alternative, equally lovely, option for the ceremony, with windows on both sides there is plenty of light and the original brick and wooden beams would make a great backdrop for ceremony photos.
Confetti
Charlotte & Greg did theirs just outside the venue, out in the farmyard with the barn behind them. Worth checking Dunstall’s current policy when you book.
For those wanting an outdoor ceremony (I love an outdoor ceremony!), the floral archway set within the natural beauty of the farm, offers a romantic setting.
Suppliers from Charlotte & Greg's Day
Venue – Dunstall Barn | Dress – Brooklyn Bridal
Flowers – Allington Petal | Hair – Hair By Shannon
Makeup – Rachelle Wan Make Up | Band – Rewind
Top tips from a Dunstall Barn photographer (aka me!)
– Get down to the field for sunset. It’s a short walk from the barn and the light out there is some of the best I’ve shot at any venue. Ten or fifteen minutes is plenty — worth pencilling in around sunset rather than leaving it to chance.
– Use the lawn properly. It’s the natural home for garden games, and it’s where people gravitate during the turnaround. Giant Connect 4 and bubble wands did a lot of heavy lifting at Charlotte & Greg’s but it was also used as a place for classic playground games by the kids.
– The pergola does two jobs. It’s the focal point for an outdoor ceremony and it’s much needed shade on a hot sunny day – we did the smaller group shots under here.
– Confetti works best out in the farmyard, just outside the venue, with the barn as the backdrop. Simple, and it gives everyone room to line up either side of you.
– For group shots, head for the shade by the farm doors on a sunny day. The farm building makes a proper backdrop and you’re not walking your family miles from their drinks. On an overcast day there are plenty of places around the lawn to do group shots depending on the size and your preferred backdrop.
– The driveway fairy lights are your after-dark spot. Whilst we didn’t make use of it on Charlotte & Greg’s day before it wasn’t dark yet by the time I left, once the sun’s gone they make a lovely backdrop, and it’s a two-minute walk from the party.
– Have a wander when you visit. There are a few nice backdrops dotted around the grounds that aren’t obvious from the main areas — worth clocking them before the day and chatting to the staff at the venue about them too.
Looking for a Dunstall Barn Wedding photographer?
If you’re planning a wedding here, I’d love to hear about it. I know the venue well and would love to help capture your day there too.