Civil Ceremonies in Kent
Your legal ceremony,
in a setting that suits you
A civil ceremony is the legal heart of your wedding day, the moment you actually become married. Because The BarnYard is a fully licensed wedding venue in Kent, it all happens here on site, conducted by a registrar from the Kent Registrars, with no separate trip on the day. No religious content is required, so the vows, readings and music are entirely yours to choose.
Choose your
ceremony setting
A lavender-lined walk, a clearing in the orchard, a courtyard framed by the barns, the glass Arboretum or the oak-beamed Apple Barn, each setting has its own personality. Tap through them and picture your day in each. Our team will help you choose.
The legal bit,
made simple
Being a licensed venue means your whole ceremony happens here, with a registrar, no register-office trip on the day. Here's exactly how it works, in three easy steps.
- 01
Give notice of marriage
Book an appointment at your own local register office, wherever you live, to give notice at least 29 days before your wedding (and within the previous 12 months). It's a legal step every couple takes, wherever they marry.
- 02
We book your registrar
Our team arranges everything with the Kent Registrars on your behalf, so that's one less thing to chase. Their fee is paid directly to the Registrars, separate from your BarnYard package, and we'll tell you exactly what to expect.
- 03
Say your vows
On the day, your registrar leads the ceremony in the setting you've chosen, your vows, your readings, your music. Around twenty to forty minutes later, you're married.
Want the finer detail? Read Everything Explained, every question about getting married here, answered honestly. Still weighing up the two routes? Read civil ceremony vs church wedding: which is right for you?
What our ceremonies actually look like
Real photos from real ceremony days. Browse by space.
What couples say about saying 'I do' here
With love and excitement, The BarnYard FamilyRated 4.4 from over 970 Google reviewsA huge thank you to Kirstie and T for making our wedding day so special. Having viewed many venues, we chose The BarnYard for its wonderful atmosphere and charm, and knew we had found the perfect place. My makeup artist said the lighting in the Blossom dressing room was the best she has ever worked with, and it was reassuring that the Apple Barn could be used if the weather turned. Truly a hidden gem we cannot recommend highly enough.
We had a Twilight wedding at the Apple Barn in June. The barn itself is so beautiful with fairy lights throughout, and the courtyard is great for photos and for guests to mingle. Tscharna was our coordinator and could not have done more for us, calming any nerves and keeping everything running smoothly. We went for the evening BBQ and had lots of guests praising their meal. Would definitely recommend The BarnYard.
We had our wedding on the hottest day ever recorded for a May bank holiday. From our first visit, to booking, to the big day and afterwards, I have not got a single complaint. They were always on hand and no question was ever too much. All our guests commented on the staff, the beautiful setting and the food especially. We had literally the perfect day.
We had our wedding at the BarnYard in September and it was the most magical day, the perfect venue and setting for what we were after. We had so many compliments from guests on the venue being stunning, beautiful Kent countryside, gorgeous outside ceremony area and idyllic orchards.
Simply WOW. Such a beautiful and incredible venue. We had the Apple Barn for our ceremony and the pavilion for the breakfast and reception, and both were just truly amazing. All the staff went above and beyond, never rushed anyone, always helped where needed. Worth every single penny.
Thank you all so much for turning our dream wedding into reality. Our guests still rave about how incredible the day was and how breathtaking your venue is. We wouldn't change a single thing about it. Everything was beyond perfect, and we are forever grateful.
The service on the day was absolutely impeccable. The staff truly went above and beyond to help us achieve our dream, from extensive planning to helping me surprise my groom, helping me walk in my dress, and coordinating between the live pianist and our music. I truly wish we could do the whole thing again.
Fell in love with The BarnYard on our first viewing and knew it was 'The One'. We were shown around by the lovely Kirsty and she remained with us every step of the way, a touch that was really very special. Our twilight wedding in the Apple Barn was honestly magical.
Part of every
BarnYard wedding
Your civil ceremony in one of our five settings is included in every wedding package. Choose the package that fits your day, and your ceremony comes with it.
Traditional
A full day from mid-morning to midnight, for up to 200 guests in the Arboretum.
View package
Twilight
An afternoon and evening celebration from 4pm in the Apple Barn, Roost and Courtyard.
View package
Intimate
A private five-hour hire for up to 30 guests in the Apple Barn.
View package
Signature
Exclusive sole use of the entire venue for one couple, one day.
View packageYour ceremony is included,
now price up the whole day
MatchMaker builds you a personalised, all-inclusive quote in under a minute, your package, your guest count, your date and the details that matter. Your civil ceremony in one of our five settings is built right in.
Come and see The BarnYard for yourself
The BarnYard truly has to be seen to be believed, especially once the sun sets and thousands of fairy lights bring the venue to life. Book a viewing with our wedding team.