My Most Popular Wedding Venues as a Wedding Harpist

​I’ve played at roughly 250 weddings in and around the East Midlands, for couple’s wedding ceremonies, drinks receptions and sometimes wedding breakfasts so I feel like I’ve got a pretty good handle on venues. As wedding suppliers, we definitely have our favourite venues to work at. For me it’s all about the acoustic, access and whether the staff will sneak me a canape or two! 

But for all you couples getting married, there are so many more things to take into consideration when booking your wedding venue. So I thought I would share my top 5 most popular venues to play at since I started as a wedding harpist over 10 years ago!
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So here we go with the 5 venues I’ve performed at the most…

Irnham Hall, Lincolnshire
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I remember my first time at Irnham, I was spellbound! There’s so much character to this venue, not least from its owners Jamie & Leila Benton-Jones. From the ceremony spaces of The Orangery, The Great Hall or the outside structures to drinks in the amazing walled gardens, you have so many beautiful backdrops for photos. It’s no surprise that the harp fits in so well to this grand yet intimate venue which is glorious in the sunshine or the autumnal glow. 

The Barnsdale, Rutland
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Formerly Barnsdale Lodge, The Barnsdale is about to undergo a big change to its wedding offering. But I have performed here so much over the past few years and I just love it. The weddings team are so passionate about what they do and I’m so excited to see what the new venue has in store for us all! My favourite place to play here is definitely in the Courtyard for a drinks reception – nothing better than the champagne flowing with harp accompaniment! 

Blackwell Grange, Warwickshire
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Ah, beautiful Blackwell Grange! The first time I played here I was wowed by the level of detail and thought that has gone into every single element of this glorious, eco-friendly venue. From the Thatch Barn where your ceremony is held (ahem, most amazing acoustic ever) to the modern Orchard Barn for your Wedding Breakfast, everywhere you look there’s something interesting, quirky or beautiful to see. I absolutely love playing here and am so proud to be a Recommended Supplier.

Bassmead Manor Barns, Cambridgeshire
Whenever I’m playing in the Rickety Barn and couples walk in for a viewing, they gasp. And I’m not surprised. Some barns can be built to look old and have little nooks and crannies designed into them, but the Rickety Barn has it all without even trying! It’s such an interesting building and I’m yet to discover all its secrets but I do know that a wedding ceremony here is unlike any other. I also love the Courtyard for a drinks reception, especially with garden games, and I always have so much fun performing here. 

Normanton Church, Rutland

​I don’t have many words to describe Normanton Church but I do know that I have performed here over 27 times! So it’s well deserving of the top spot. This is the most iconic wedding venue in Rutland and every single time I play here I fall in love with my job a little bit more. I just love how you never feel rushed, even though sometimes the venue can host 3 wedding ceremonies a day, and you just can’t capture that view! I’m so proud to have been a Recommended Supplier here for a number of years and hope that I play for many more wedding ceremonies here! 

You can read more about why I love a Normanton Church wedding so much by clicking here

So if you’re still looking for your perfect wedding venue, why not start with one of these? All with their own individual quirks and character, you won’t be disappointed! Plus, I can guarantee the harp sounds amazing in each of them!
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Harriet x 

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Venue Details:
Irnham Hall
The Barnsdale
Blackwell Grange 
​Bassmead Manor Barns 
Normanton Church 

​Photographers:
​Chris Snowden Photography
​Melissa Mayes Photography
Amanda Forman Photography
BGS Weddings
Russell Croucher 
Marcus Charter Photography
​Amy Cutliffe Photography
Matt Horan Photography
Nick Grove Photography