Friars Court

“Tranquil” and “idyllic” are the two words we hear most from visitors to Friars Court, frequently followed by “… and we didn’t even know you were here” – even though we’re only 30 – 40 minutes from Oxford, Swindon and the M4/ M40. The Cotswold stone house has stood for the best part of 400 years enclosed by the three remaining arms of a 16th century moat. Within the three acres of lawns, borders and garden ‘rooms’ surrounding the house are three marquee sites and three outdoor licensed civil ceremony locations – including the ever-popular moat-side Rose Arbour. A short distance from the house is the magnificent 19th century Cotswold stone grain barn, currently our most popular reception option. “Currently” because 2020 is set to be our last season hosting large receptions – from 2021 we’re concentrating on hosting wedding ceremonies and small, daytime, wedding receptions (for up to 40 guests) so we can devote more time to planning an exciting new venture. Friars Court is a dry hire ‘blank canvas’ venue – almost the very definition of “your wedding your way”. Sourcing and managing outside suppliers entails more planning and organising but it brings freedom, flexibility and control: ‘freedom’ from set packages, set menus and set suppliers; ‘flexibility’ to create a wedding which truly reflects each couple and ‘control’ not only over the structure of the wedding but also the budget. With nearly 20 years’ experience and well over 500 weddings we’ve managed almost every eventuality and formed strong relationships with many excellent suppliers so ‘blank canvas’ needn’t be as daunting as it may sound: we can advise, guide and recommend on marquees; caterers; photographers; florists; cake-makers and so on to whatever extent suits the couple. To get into a little finer detail: our civil ceremony options range from 20 guests in the intimacy of The Red Dining Room to 150 in the Stone Barn and almost any location for a ‘personal’ (non-legal) Celebrant ceremony. Depending on