Why we love photographing weddings at The Octagon Barn | Lisa & Neil

Written by Lisa & Neil Wedding Photographers

Find out why The Octagon Barn is a favourite wedding venue for photographers, known for its light, space, and relaxed atmosphere.

The Octagon Barn has always had space, practicality and architecture on its side. In fact it's literally a 19th Century architect's interpretation of 'best barn in the world'. Whilst achingly Norfolk and cute, it'll also seat up to 200 guests without a fuss. There aren't many wedding gigs that'll pull that off so casually! Actually, we're pretty sure OB is the only one?

The Octagon Barn for TLDR fans

OK, before all the vibes. We need to chat about things that make a venue worthy of our appreciation in practical terms. Blunt and straightforward stuff that we see from behind the scenes. Highlighting why a venue is a solid choice for weddings. The Octagon Barn offers;

1. A versatile space that can adapt easily to changing weather conditions.

2. Easy to travel to and park, in a beautiful region.

3. One of the most switched on and fun coordinators in the business. Looking at you, Wedding Pixie.

4. 200 guest seated capacity for larger weddings but can be really cosy for smaller days.

5. Loads of space, light and photo options.

6. Facilities and flow are top drawer.

1. Never mind the weather.

We’re not trying to tempt fate here of course, good weather is…good. But, a great wedding venue is one where the weather can’t beat you or your plans for the day. The Octagon Barn scores highly here. We have actually been there during a named storm where (in the area) trees fell down and severe flooding occurred. The barn was dry and cosy. Importantly, it had enough room for it not to feel too cosy.

2. Travel and arrive in style.

For couples and their guests it’s always going to be exciting to travel to the Norfolk Broads. Norwich is a little under 25 minutes away. The barn is less than 3 hours from central London by car. All but five minutes of the approach is modern dual carriageway. Sorry to be a bit practical and dull sounding but this influences the feel of the day and makes for stress free transit. Parking is generous on arrival. 

3. The Wedding Pixie - ensuring your day runs beautifully

All of this magic is crafted and steered by the one and only - 'The wedding pixie', Ella.. We were first to use that phrase. We noticed her crouching on a step laughing along to the Groom's speech after dinner. That's really unusual. It was obvious Ella not only pays scrupulous attention to the day having helped plan and arrange it; but was totally engaged in the magic of it all too. Having fun. That's a space we understand totally and we feel it makes such a difference in how we work. Feeling that you're really engaged in these events, not just a viewer or supplier of them is a big deal. Though Ella is fun and easy to get along with she also brings years of experience to the table. This Pixie knows how to plan and ensure the plan goes ahead. Her staff are well trained and lovely to be around too. 

4. Space to breathe.

The Octagon Barn and its grounds offer heaps of space. The barn itself can seat 200 guests and that’s in comfort. For larger weddings that extra space to move around and to dine in style makes such a difference. We don’t know another venue that’ll deal with numbers like that whilst also feeling relaxed. All this said, we’ve seen the venue laid out for much smaller arrangements and it quickly becomes an airy but cosy environment with stacks of rustic charm. 

5. A choice of beautiful outdoor photo opportunities.

We’ve gotta mention photos. Getting  your wedding portrait photos taken is often perceived as a bit awkward. Having a series of options for spaces to go to do this means your guests aren't watching the process. Everyone knows that quality wedding guests would definitely heckle a bit during photos! 

Being able to find pretty places away from that madding crowd but not so far as to take ages - is a big bonus of OB. There are a heap of outdoor options for photos, woodland, fields, meadow, stables, agricultural buildings. If the weather is truly horrible there/ loads of space inside too.

Having photo options is a big deal on the wedding day. Allowing couples to chill a bit and enjoy natural  moments without feeling self-conscious. It also gives flexibility depending on the weather, seasonal planting and sunshine direction. Win. 

6. Facilities and flow 

One of the features that makes life easy at weddings is time. The Octagon barn is available for 3 day exclusive hire for weddings. This means you have some breathing space before and after your big day to arrange and then clear down. It’s a luxury compared to some venues where there’ll be a wedding the day before and after with all the associated mucking about to get stuff done quickly. 

You’ll also get proper tables and chairs, a quality dancefloor and well appointed toilets. It’s a canvas you can plan pretty much whatever you like on! Don’t forget you’ll have a dedicated Pixie with you to plan and deliver on the day too. Catering isn’t our area of expertise but the venue is set up to accommodate everything your caterers will need comfortably. 

Flow is a big deal and OB is sufficiently large and sufficiently diverse in environment. This means that you can move the day and your guests round in a really seamless manner.  It’s easy to arrange a series of comfortable, natural feeling setting changes that keep the optimum rhythm of the day.

Other stuff we can’t think of a title for

There have been some changes at OB since we first shot there. Most importantly, in the outdoor spaces. For weddings in better weather you can choose to have your ceremony outdoors. Options are not just on a well tended lawn or Rose garden but now in Barn Wood. 

Barn Wood is a carefully curated but atmospherically wild and natural feeling new space. It feels like nothing else we've worked in before. We were lucky to have been the first wedding photographers to shoot the space for a live wedding too!

With guests comfortable in the dappled shade, couples are married in the most whimsical of spots. It's informal and fun while feeling altogether magical. We LOVE it.

Summary

Some magic has occurred in the last year or so that's transformed a thoroughly pleasant and competent venue into something with more soul and immersion. We really felt the difference and we know the couple and their guests felt it too. That move from being a place we’d happily work at to being a place we look forward to working at is pretty significant. Credit to all at The Octagon Barn, especially that Pixie. 

So that's our take on The Octagon Barn - we're Lisa and Neil, Norfolk wedding photographers. We're all disco, no panic. We've been making intuitive, funny, creative and human photos as a wife and husband duo for 400 weddings. If your wedding is at The Octagon Barn - we'd love to come see it!