We interviewed Katrina Boydon, the owner of Shropshire wedding venue Barnutopia

We interviewed Katrina Boydon, the owner of Shropshire wedding venue Barnutopia.

Q – Tell us about your venue
Barnutopia is a barn wedding venue licensed for wedding ceremonies located in the stunning Shropshire countryside. Most couples who marry here take advantage of the outdoor ceremony areas on either the yurt field, with the Gryn Moelfre mountain as the backdrop or the dell, next to a stream that forms the border between England and Wales. The ex-farm set-up is practical and lovely. The barn can seat up to 120 headcount and has power, a dry bar, dancefloor and an adjacent Dutch barn perfect for campfires and supper in the evening. Excellent facilities include two camp kitchens and a purpose-built bathroom block with unlimited hot water for showers. The luxury glamping yurts and cabins are fully furnished with real beds ready to sleep in, power, light and heaters. There is sitewide free WiFi.

Q – What wedding packages do you offer couples?
Currently, we offer exclusive hire packages for up to 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 headcount. The basic package is for two nights and includes the venue, all glamping accommodation and campsite, event staff (over 15 headcount formal events only), outside spaces, car park, event barn, access to a selection of barn decorations, self-catering kitchens, private dressing room, outdoor ceremony areas, BYO alcohol (no corkage), fire pits and firewood, free site-wide WiFi and more). Most couples also choose to add our all-day tea and fresh coffee station, glassware and bar equipment, hay bale aisle seating, banqueting tables, chairs, cloths and covers for a modest additional charge. Couples are free to arrange their own catering, bring in mobile caterers or enquire about Barnutopia catering. Our outdoor griddle or our full afternoon tea are popular choices.

Q – What's your favourite part of the venue?
The venue itself is lovely and has views in every direction. On quiet evenings, I love sitting on the veranda of Ranch House Ray with a cup of tea. If my animals qualify as part of the venue, I would have to say they are my favourite part. My horse, donkeys, pigs, dogs and cats are my babies and add to the Barnutopia experience. Guests love them, and we can even dress the donkeys for a photo opportunity.

Q – What should couples expect when booking your venue?
Couples can expect a good attitude and prompt and helpful responses to queries and requests. We do our best to create the wedding you want. We had a horse as a bridesmaid and several dogs and a tortoise as ring-bearers. Hand-fasting, a sand ceremony and a tree-planting ceremony were features of other ceremonies.

Q – What's your favourite wedding that you've worked on and why?
No two weddings are alike, and all are unique in some way. I love all the weddings at Barnutopia, and my face aches from smiling on a wedding day. We have so much fun, and it is wonderful seeing everything come together as planned.

Q – How long before the wedding should couples book?
Typically, couples view and book around 12 to 18 months before their actual wedding day.
 
Q – Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a venue?
Book Barnutopia and a Shropshire registrar or celebrant, and don’t stress about anything else. As long as you, your partner and witnesses turn up on the day, you WILL get married, and that’s all that really matters. As a bonus, you’ll have a fabulous party and event to remember.

To find out more, visit www.barnutopia.com, email MrsB@Barnutopia.com or call 01691 791 624.