Tucked deep within the rolling countryside of Devon lies a venue that feels as though it has stepped out of a storybook. The Great Barn Devon is more than just a place for weddings or celebration. It is a setting that embodies the full charm of rural England while offering the style, sophistication, and experience today’s couples expect.
If you’re searching for your dream wedding venue, The Great Barn, Devon delivers a space and atmosphere that is at once historic and contemporary, intimate yet expansive, grand but never overwhelming. There is a reason it has become one of Devon’s most talked-about countryside venues and I was lucky enough to work lead three ceremonies there in 2025.
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THE GREAT BARN nestled in rural devon IS A CLASS ACT
Part of the magic of The Great Barn is its location. Surrounded by acres of lush, undisturbed farmland, the venue sits comfortably in the village of Higher Ashton within a pastoral landscape of rolling hills, hedgerows, and sun-washed stone buildings. The sense of escape begins well before you even arrive: To reach it you need to navigate winding country lanes and a steep descent but are still only 30 or so minutes from Exeter City Centre.
The Great Barn therefore maintains convenience, striking a rare balance between rural beauty and modern accessibility. It feels miles away from everything but is not difficult to get to. It’s beautifully placed striking the perfect balance of privacy and exclusivity yet remaining practical and easy for guests to reach.
Once there the character of the Great Barn becomes immediately apparent. Traditional stonework, beautifully restored architecture, and a tasteful combination of old-world charm and contemporary design create an atmosphere that is both warm and refined. Every corner feels intentional, yet nothing is contrived.
The great barn is a barn WEDDING VENUE like no other
While many barns serve as wedding venues today, few do it with the level of authenticity and grace found here. The Great Barn is, quite literally, great. It’s vast in scale, breathtaking in its height, and stunningly atmospheric.
Inside, exposed beams stretch across the ceiling like the ribs of a cathedral, giving the barn an almost spiritual sense of space. Natural light pours in softly during the day, while evenings transform the interior into something deeply romantic, with warm lighting and candlelit details that accentuate the texture of the centuries-old timbers.
Unlike many barn venues that emphasise rustic minimalism, The Great Barn blends old and new beautifully. It is elegant without being fussy, rustic without feeling rough, and incredibly versatile without losing its identity. However it is styled the barn adapts seamlessly. One of its greatest strengths, though, is that even without any decoration at all, it remains exquisite.
The People behind The Great Barn
What truly sets The Great Barn apart is the involvement of John and Emma Birkin, the couple who meticulously restored the site and remain embedded in its daily rhythm.
When you visit, you’re likely greeted by Emma, whose natural warmth immediately puts you at ease. She’s deeply involved, entirely hands-on, and knows every detail of how the venue works. Not from a distance, but from years of practical experience shaping the flow of each event.
On the day, John steps into a role shaped by his background as a television and production manager, orchestrating the lighting, sound, and timing with quiet mastery. But John and Emma aren’t running The Great Barn alone. They are supported by the most brilliant team. Together, they create a seamless, calm, and beautifully managed experience that couples and guests feel from start to finish.
Ceremony Spaces at The Great Barn to Suit Every Couple
One of the things that makes The Great Barn Devon so special is the choice of ceremony settings, each with its own character. First of course is the main barn itself. With its soaring beams, warm timber, and centuries-old structure, the space carries a quiet reverence. It holds the ceremony with a natural gravity and warmth that feels deeply meaningful, without belonging to any single tradition. The acoustics are fabulous. I love leading ceremonies here. Never a need for a microphone whether there are 50 or 150 guests.
Furthermore it adapts flawlessly to accommodate banquet-style dinners. It really is the perfect event space.
In the walled garden, couples can marry beneath the elegant arbour. A private, beautifully tended space enclosed by stone walls and soft planting. It feels intimate and romantic. Ideal for those wanting the outdoor wedding ceremony experience.
And for couples wishing for a religious ceremony, the local parish church just minutes away provides a traditional and deeply meaningful setting before guests return to the barns for the celebrations. Whatever your vision each ceremony space blends authenticity, practicality and beauty.
Additional Areas at The Great Barn Devon Worth Highlighting
The West Barn
A stunning counterpart to the main barn, the West Barn is a versatile, beautifully restored space often used for drinks receptions, ceremony alternatives, or as a relaxed breakout area. It has a more intimate feel and gives couples and guests additional room to flow comfortably throughout the day. The beams, stonework, and natural light make it a perfect compliment to the main barn.
The Courtyard
One of the most inviting parts of the venue, the courtyard acts as the social heart of the day and is a place where guests gather, mingle, and soak up the countryside atmosphere. At night, this area feels magical with subtle lighting and a calm rural stillness.
On-site Accommodation
One of the venue’s greatest strengths is its on-site accommodation, allowing couples and a number of guests to stay right on site. The rooms are stylish, comfortable, and beauitifully appointed
Having accommodation on the grounds adds an additional layer of calm to the wedding experience. There’s no rushing, no travel logistics, and no need for taxis. Instead, the celebration unfolds gently, and the evening ends with everyone already exactly where they need to be.
The Bridal room
Hidden away from the main flow of the venue is a serene, private bridal room. It’s a peaceful retreat where couples can prepare, take a breath, or enjoy a quiet moment amidst the celebrations.
The Bar
The dedicated bar area ensures that the rhythm of the day remains smooth and natural. It supports the transition from meal to evening celebrations perfectly, keeping guests refreshed and the atmosphere lively.
In-House Catering at The Great Barn
At The Great Barn, food is a central part of the celebration. The talented in-house chefs create indulgently delicious menus from vibrant canapés to generous, crowd-pleasing main courses. All are crafted with an emphasis on locally sourced and, wherever possible, organic produce. Every dish is brimming with flavour, beautifully presented, and designed to be thoroughly enjoyed.
Menus are carefully curated but wonderfully flexible, and the chefs are always happy to make tweaks if you have something special in mind.
THE GREAT BARN IS A PHOTOGRAPHER’S DREAM
For couples who prioritise photography, The Great Barn is a dream. From natural backdrops and dynamic lighting to striking architectural features, every setting becomes an opportunity for stunning imagery.
Golden hour over the fields creates some of the most cherished portraits, while the interior of the barn lends itself to atmospheric, warm-toned evening shots. Whether crisp and editorial or soft and romantic, every photography style finds its perfect canvas here.
Even the candid moments guests laughing in the courtyard, embraces beneath fairy lights, quiet reflections near the old stone walls become cinematic there.
Why the Great Barn is one of my favourite venues
There are countless reasons The Great Barn is one of my favourite venues, but perhaps the most significant is the feeling it creates from the moment you arrive. It is a venue that doesn’t just host an event; it enriches it. I love how it effortlessly blends history with elegance, creating an atmosphere that feels both grounded and magical. The barn itself holds this gentle sense of grandeur, sophistication and class whilst also not being remotely intimidating. It’s impressive in scale, yet incredibly welcoming. And let’s not forget Emma and John are utterly charming and their team are fantastic as well.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Great Barn Devon stands out not just because of its undeniable beauty, but because of the feeling it evokes. If you are planning a wedding and looking for a wedding than exudes sophistication elegance and charm then The Great Barn is an ideal choice. Click here to head straight to their website.
Emma, John and the team are great supporters of celebrant led ceremonies so if you are looking for a celebrant who matches The Great Barn’s charm look no further. Here’s the link to my contact page.
My thanks to the photographers who I worked with at The Great Barn and for all the images they have generously allowed me to use in this blog GRW Photography, Laura Rosemary Photography and James Robertson Photography
