Your wedding day timeline
Take a walk through a timeline of your wedding day at Rivervale Barn.
Each wedding is unique and the following won’t be the same for all couples. Please speak to the Events Team for a clearer guide on your day dependent on your ceremony time, the package you choose and your guest numbers.
9am –
Time to get ready
Arrive on site with your wedding party from 9 am and head to The Pamper Room to start getting ready. Peaceful and light-filled with mirrors, hanging space, and room for hair and make up artists, everything has been designed to make your morning effortless. Add a grazing board and refreshments to keep everyone fuelled and the excitement flowing as the day begins.
12pm –
Your exclusive hire begins
Rivervale Barn is exclusively yours from 12 pm. As you’re finishing getting ready in the Cottage, our Events Team will greet your guests as they arrive. Our licensed bar will be open for guests to purchase refreshments before the ceremony. The bar will close 30 minutes before the start time to give guests time to finish their drinks and take their seats.
1.30pm –
Guests take their seats
Once the bar closes, our Events Team will direct your guests to The Ceremony Barn or The Spinney, ready for your ceremony.
1.45pm –
Meet with your registrar
Just before the ceremony, you will both (separately) answer a few questions with your registrar. This is an informal chat so you are both prepared for the next steps.
2pm –
Say ‘I do’
Your nearest and dearest will be seated and awaiting your imminent arrival. Get ready to exchange vows and officially get married!
2.30pm –
Your drinks reception
After your ceremony, mingle with your loved ones in the Garden and the Courtyard and treat them to a memorable drinks reception. Choose from showstopping cocktail stations to crowd-pleasing beer drums whilst our team pass round delicious canapés.
3pm –
Camera ready
Your photographer will whisk you away to some of the most romantic spots at Rivervale Barn, some of our favourites being our iconic red bridge and beautiful heart seat.
4pm –
Take your seats
It’s time for your guests to take their seats for a showstopping dining experience served by our in-house catering team. Your wedding breakfast can be completely personalised to match your vision.
6.30pm –
Say a few words
Rivervale Barn is yours to enjoy as you wish, so it is up to you whether you hold your speeches before or after the wedding breakfast. Once you have finished your meal, head back into The Courtyard or bar while you await the arrival of your evening guests. Your evening entertainment can take this opportunity to discreetly set up and get everything ready for the perfect party.
7.30pm –
Evening guests arrive
Your evening guests will arrive and start to join the party. Start the evening with a cocktail bar or a welcome drink for them, for more information ask the events team.
8.30pm –
Get the party started & cake cutting
Now all your friends and family have gathered and are ready to witness you cut the cake and come together for your first dance. After this take to the dance-floor and dance the night away with the ones you love. Any additional entertainment that you may want to offer, such as a photo booth, can easily be accommodated.
9pm –
Incredible evening food
As evening falls, you can treat your guests to an array of stunning food options from our outdoor food choices. The chefs will cook anything from wood-fired pizzas to American barbecue and fragrant wok food all before your eyes, which can either be served outside as the sun sets or indoors should the weather take a turn for the worse.
11.15pm –
The wind down
Your Bar Manager will call last orders at 11.15 pm and the bar will officially close at 11.30 pm. Your music will will come to an end at 11.30 pm giving you the chance to say our final goodbyes to guests.
12 Midnight –
The journey home
We ask that all guests who are not staying on site for the night to vacate the venue by midnight. We recommend local taxis are booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
The following day
8-9am –
Breakfast
A continental breakfast will be served in Rivervale Lodge’s Breakfast Room for all guests who stayed overnight. This is a wonderful way to end your time at Rivervale Barn as you reminisce about your big day with family and friends.
10am –
Checkout time
Your items from the day before will be collated and ready for you when you leave, so it is time to say your final goodbyes to your guests, our team and to Rivervale Barn. We wish you the best of luck with married life!
Your love story at Rivervale Barn
If you can picture your perfect day at Rivervale Barn, discover the wedding options waiting for you at our beautiful barn and gardens. Download our wedding brochure, or see the venue in person by booking a show round. Ready to start planning? Explore our available dates and prices.
