Venue Spotlight: Old Gore Barn
Old Gore Barn, Cirencester
When planning a wedding, the sheer number of venues in the UK can be completely overwhelming- especially if you do not have a specific location in mind. For my husband and I, with family scattered all over the country, narrowing down the search was incredibly difficult.
We simply did not know where to begin!
Word-of-mouth recommendations hold great value, as people are naturally attracted to venues and suppliers that have earned the love and approval of others they know. So, as your friendly Independent Wedding Celebrant (and recent bride!), I thought I would share my personal experiences of wedding venues across the UK — whether I’ve been there as a celebrant, a bride, a bridesmaid, or a guest.
And where better to begin than the place I got married…
Why We Chose Old Gore Barn for Our Cotswolds Wedding
Venue Name: Old Gore Barn- part of the famous Cripps & Co wedding venues
Location: Fosse Cross, near Cirencester, Gloucestershire
My Affiliation: It’s where I got married!
If you’re searching for a relaxed but stylish Cotswolds wedding venue, Old Gore Barn is something special.
Old Gore Barn (by Yard Space Events) strikes the perfect balance between cool, laid-back countryside vibes and an unforgettable party atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a winter black-tie wedding or a summer garden celebration, the space is so adaptable — and it will look incredible either way.
The Venue Vibe & Aesthetic
My husband’s entrance down the stunning driveway
Your experience at Old Gore starts with a beautiful driveway through the fields of the Cotswold Valley, the perfect spot for couple and group photos. Or even better, a showstopping entrance!
The barn itself is built from iconic Cotswold stone — giving you that warm, neutral backdrop that feels both rustic and elevated. Inside, the high-ceilinged ceremony space is flooded with natural light during the day.
And by night?
It transforms into the ultimate party venue — especially when the disco ball drops…trust me, unreal!
Outside, the open courtyard overlooks gorgeous countryside views. In the sunshine, our guests drank Aperol Spritz on tap, enjoyed garden games and even played Beer Pong!
It sets the tone of your wedding day perfectly: relaxed, social, joyful.
When I recently caught up with Emily, the venue manager, she described Old Gore as the venue couples choose when they want incredible food, relaxed vibes, and a seriously good time.
I couldn’t agree more.
Live band + disco ball + coloured sunglasses = ultimate party vibes
The Food
(It Deserves Its Own Section)
Outside Firepit
Guests did not stop complimenting us on how good the food was!
Street food cooked over an open flame. Intrigued? You should be.
Old Gore Barn is renowned for its fire-pit cooking and feast-style dining. It was one of the biggest draws for us.
The 8-hour Asado lamb? Unbelievably good.
Guests gather, chat, watch the chefs at work — it becomes part of the entertainment. And to keep their hunger at bay, guests were treated to a selection of fabulous canapés. This allows a relaxed vibe, as opposed to formal and rigid.
From Aperol Spritz receptions to after dinner gelato, the food and drink offering feels fun, generous and completely unpretentious — yet still beautifully done. Cute but classy- my favourite vibe!
If you’re a foodie couple looking for a Gloucestershire wedding venue with standout catering, this is one to visit- especially for the late night, stone baked pizzas for your evening food (so good!).
Location & Accessibility
Old Gore Barn is nestled between Cirencester and Cheltenham in the heart of the Cotswolds.
There’s no on-site accommodation — but don’t let that put you off. The same owners also run:
The Stump (less than 5 minutes away)
The New Inn (around 18 minutes away)
Both are fantastic options. We had our parents stay with us at the New Inn and having breakfast the day after the wedding all together is one of our favourite memories.
Because it’s close to Cirencester, there are plenty of additional accommodation options nearby — although I would always recommend booking early, especially during peak wedding season.
Our wedding was on a Friday, and many guests turned it into a full weekend getaway in the Cotswolds — which was exactly what we’d hoped for. The area is stunning and packed with things to do. Some of our guests (huge fans of Clarkson's Farm) were thrilled that Diddly Squat Farm Shop was less than an hour away — and several even bumped into each other there!
Accessibility-wise, Old Gore Barn is all on one level. There are accessible options for the stairs (a gradual slope outside and a small lift to access the bar). The only thing I’d suggest being mindful of is dinner seating layout — if you have guests with mobility needs, seat them with easy access (we put my grandad and his dodgy hip close to the top table for exactly this reason!).
Relaxed, summer vibes
Why You Should Consider Old Gore Barn for Your Wedding
As both a bride and a celebrant, here’s my honest take on why this venue stands out:
It’s stunning inside and out (so if it rains, it doesn’t matter!)
The ceremony space transforms seamlessly into a party venue
The disco ball. Enough said.
The food is an experience in itself
The team (especially Emily) are genuinely amazing
It feels relaxed without ever feeling basic
Your guests will talk about it for years…
Planning Your Old Gore Barn Wedding Ceremony
As a celebrant, I can confidently say it’s a dream space for a bespoke ceremony.
The light.
The acoustics.
The layout.
The atmosphere.
If you’re planning a wedding at Old Gore Barn (or anywhere in the Cotswolds) and you’re looking for a modern, relaxed celebrant-led ceremony that feels completely personal, I would absolutely love to chat.
Just simply…
Your ceremony, your way.
Your Ceremony, Your Way
That ‘just married your best friend feeling’
A big thank you to our wonderful suppliers…
Venue: www.crippsandco.com/old-gore
Photographer: www.patrickpartidge.com
Content creator: www.mbevents.co.uk
Live Music: www.tuxfizz.co.uk
Hair: www.vivwoodfordhair.com
Make Up: www.makeupbyhollypaige.com
Car: www.kushicars.co.uk