Description
Welcome to Church Farm Ardeley: Your Countryside Wedding Venue
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, authentic wedding surrounded by nature, Church Farm Ardeley in Hertfordshire is the perfect choice. This not-for-profit ecological farm spans nearly 200 acres of beautiful countryside, offering a peaceful and memorable setting for your special day. Whether you envision a festival-style celebration under the stars or an intimate gathering with close family and friends, this venue blends natural beauty, wildlife, and community spirit to create a truly unique wedding experience.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces Tailored to You
Church Farm Ardeley offers a range of flexible spaces that can be customized to fit your wedding size and style, from cozy indoor rooms to expansive outdoor fields.
- Marquee Fields: Choose from secluded fields like Squitmore and Beards Oak to host a private marquee wedding. These open-air spaces are perfect for a laid-back vibe, complete with bonfires, live music, and dancing beneath the stars.
- The Jolly Waggoner Pub: For a wedding with historic charm, this 17th-century pub offers a warm and intimate setting. It includes a restaurant, bar, and garden, comfortably seating up to 30 guests for a formal meal or welcoming up to 80 for a casual reception.
- The Events Room: Once the old sow barn, this versatile indoor space can be styled to your liking and holds up to 70 guests. It also comes equipped with audio-visual gear if you need it for speeches or presentations.
- Farm Café and Garden Room: Ideal for smaller celebrations or evening gatherings, these cozy spaces can be hired separately or together, offering a relaxed atmosphere right at the heart of the farm.
Catering and Accommodation That Embrace the Farm-to-Table Lifestyle
Church Farm Ardeley takes pride in its farm-to-fork approach. Much of the food served is grown or raised right on the farm, ensuring fresh, seasonal ingredients for your wedding menu. The farm team can provide breakfasts, lunches, and teas, or for larger events, you can collaborate with preferred caterers who offer everything from casual hog roasts to elegant silver service dinners—often featuring the farm’s own meat and bread.
Extend your celebration by staying overnight on the farm. Guests can camp in the fields to keep the party going under the stars. For more comfort, there are four rustic cabins equipped with cozy log burners and beds. Alternatively, you can rent glamping tents like tipis or yurts for a stylish countryside retreat.
A Venue with Heart and Purpose
Choosing Church Farm Ardeley means supporting a not-for-profit dedicated to ecological farming, conservation, and creating opportunities for people with special needs. This venue offers more than just a beautiful backdrop—it’s a community-focused space where your wedding helps sustain a meaningful cause. Friendly staff, peaceful surroundings, and the chance for your guests to meet farm animals and explore nature make this a truly special place to say “I do.”
Overview of Church Farm Ardeley
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Venue Details
Wedding Catering
Location & Contact Details for Church Farm Ardeley
What types of wedding venue spaces are available at Church Farm Ardeley?
Church Farm Ardeley offers a variety of flexible spaces to suit your wedding style and guest count, including:
- Marquee Fields: Secluded open-air fields like Squitmore and Beards Oak, ideal for marquee weddings with a laid-back, festival vibe.
- The Jolly Waggoner Pub: A 17th-century historic pub with restaurant, bar, and garden for intimate weddings seating up to 30 for formal meals or 80 for casual receptions.
- The Events Room: A versatile indoor space holding up to 70 guests, equipped with audio-visual gear for speeches or presentations.
- Farm Café and Garden Room: Cozy locations perfect for smaller gatherings or evening events, available separately or combined.
Can Church Farm Ardeley accommodate both large and small wedding celebrations?
Yes, Church Farm Ardeley is adaptable for weddings of various sizes. From intimate family gatherings in the Jolly Waggoner Pub and Farm Café to larger celebrations in marquee fields or The Events Room, the venue can be tailored to fit your guest list and preferred atmosphere.
Does Church Farm Ardeley offer catering services for weddings?
Yes. The farm embraces a farm-to-fork approach, with much of the menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients grown or raised on-site. They provide options including breakfasts, lunches, teas, casual hog roasts, and elegant silver service dinners. For larger events, preferred caterers who incorporate farm-sourced meat and bread can be arranged.
Are there accommodation options available for wedding guests at Church Farm Ardeley?
Guests can enjoy unique countryside stays including:
- Camping in the farm fields for an authentic outdoor experience under the stars.
- Rustic cabins with cozy log burners and comfortable beds.
- Stylish glamping tents such as tipis and yurts for a blend of comfort and nature.
Where is Church Farm Ardeley located?
Church Farm Ardeley is located in Hertfordshire, England with the postal code SG2 7AH, near Stevenage. It offers a peaceful countryside setting ideal for weddings surrounded by nature.
Is Church Farm Ardeley a for-profit wedding venue?
No, Church Farm Ardeley is a not-for-profit ecological farm. Your wedding supports its mission focused on ecological farming, conservation, and providing opportunities for people with special needs, making your celebration meaningful and purpose-driven.
Can weddings at Church Farm Ardeley include interactions with farm animals and nature walks?
Yes. The venue encourages guests to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, including meeting farm animals and exploring the nearly 200 acres of countryside nature, adding a unique and memorable touch to your wedding experience.
Is it possible to host an outdoor festival-style wedding at Church Farm Ardeley?
Absolutely. The marquee fields such as Squitmore and Beards Oak are perfect for laid-back, festival-style weddings featuring bonfires, live music, and dancing beneath the stars in a beautiful countryside backdrop.
Does Church Farm Ardeley provide audio-visual equipment for wedding events?
Yes, The Events Room is equipped with audio-visual gear suitable for speeches, presentations, or other wedding multimedia needs, ensuring your event runs smoothly and professionally.
Can I customize my wedding celebration at Church Farm Ardeley?
Yes. The venue offers versatile indoor and outdoor spaces that can be styled and arranged to your preferences, from intimate dinners to vibrant celebrations, providing flexibility to create your dream countryside wedding.
