Laura & Adam’s Family-Focused Celebration at Hendall Manor Barns
At Hendall Manor Barns, we’re proud to be known as a child-friendly Sussex wedding venue. A place where families can celebrate together, without compromise. And Laura and Adam’s beautiful wedding is the perfect example of how a day can be both effortlessly stylish and completely family-friendly.
After 16 years together, these two finally tied the knot here with their baby boy Ollie by their side, in a relaxed and joyful celebration filled with laughter, music, and personal touches.
A Love Story with History
Laura and Adam’s story began at university in Lancashire. They were on the same course and had mutual friends, but it was a shared love for music — especially The Killers — that brought them closer. Ten years later, Adam proposed at the stunning Foyers Falls in Scotland.
Like many couples, the pandemic shifted their wedding plans — so they bought a house, welcomed their much-loved chocolate spaniel Stan, and began thinking about starting a family. Soon after booking Hendall, they received some wonderful news: baby Ollie was on the way. It made their wedding journey even more meaningful.
Finding the Right Wedding Venue — for the Whole Family
Laura and Adam discovered us on Hitched after visiting a few other venues. While the others had charm, none quite felt like home. When they arrived at Hendall Manor Barns and turned the corner from the car park, they knew they’d found something special.
They later told us how much they appreciated the balance we offer — a beautiful, blank canvas with everything needed for a seamless celebration. And as a Sussex wedding venue that truly welcomes children, it gave them the freedom to plan a day that worked for every guest, young and old.
A Child-Friendly Wedding That Still Felt Sophisticated
From the beginning, Laura and Adam knew they wanted a wedding with a relaxed, garden-party feel. With baby Ollie in the mix, it was important to choose a venue that allowed their family to be at the heart of it — without sacrificing style or atmosphere.
That’s one of the things couples love most about Hendall. Our enclosed courtyard and flexible indoor/outdoor layout mean children can explore safely while grown-ups relax and enjoy the day. With onsite accommodation, nappy changes and buggy walks were easy and stress-free and Ollie made the most of it, partying right through until the end with family and friends on hand for cuddles.
It’s this balance – the ability to host a beautifully elegant wedding that’s also practical for families; that sets us apart as a truly child-friendly Sussex wedding venue.
A BYO Celebration (With a Few Leftovers!)
Laura and Adam also made the most of our bring-your-own drinks policy, which allowed them to really treat their guests without stretching the budget. Our team provided them with a handy drinks guide to make sure quantities were spot-on… although by their own admission, they may have gone slightly overboard… their drinks cupboard is still well-stocked!
They told us how much they appreciated our hands-on approach, from guiding them through decisions to gently reigning in any “rogue” ideas. Planning a wedding with a baby on the way is no small task, and our experienced team is always here to help make it feel manageable and fun.
The Dream Team: Photographer & Caterer
Photography was something Laura (especially!) was a little nervous about but that changed the moment they met Danni, one of our trusted local suppliers. Her relaxed, candid style was exactly what they were looking for. She made them feel comfortable, captured every heartfelt moment, and blended into the day like a guest.
Their caterer, Amuse, was another standout. Found through our recommended list, she made planning the food feel effortless even helping with last-minute dietary tweaks. The tasting experience was a highlight, and the final menu was one their guests still rave about. They’ve even become fans of Sarah’s monthly specials since!
Why Hendall is the Ideal Child-Friendly Sussex Wedding Venue
Laura and Adam’s day perfectly shows how a wedding can be:
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Relaxed and family-focused
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Beautifully styled without stress
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Thoughtfully designed for guests of all ages
Having children at your wedding shouldn’t mean sacrificing comfort, elegance, or ease. With flexible spaces, onsite accommodation, and a team that genuinely cares, Hendall Manor Barns is one of Sussex’s best child-friendly wedding venues and we’re so proud to have helped bring this incredible day to life.
To Laura, Adam, Ollie (and of course, Stan) — thank you for sharing your story with us. We loved every minute of your day, and we’re honoured you chose Hendall as the place to celebrate your next chapter.
With love,
The Hendall Team
Thank you to everyone involved!
Photography – Danni Beach Photography
Caterer – Amuse
Florist – Fern Cottage
Band – Kickback
Décor – To have and to hire
