At Ash Barton Estate, no two weddings are ever the same, and that’s exactly how we like it.

When you hire the estate, you get so much more than a wedding venue. You get a blank canvas for the entire weekend. That means freedom to personalise, to make it feel like you, and to create an experience your guests will be talking about for years.

Here are 10 creative (and often easy!) ways couples have personalised their wedding weekend at Ash Barton… everything from the welcome drinks to the final dance.

DIY Signage That Tells Your Story

Whether it’s a wooden signpost with arrows pointing to “The Barn”, “Ceremony”, and “Dancefloor”, or hand-painted quotes from your favourite films, DIY signage brings personality to your wedding journey. Chalkboards, pallet wood, or even hanging mirrors it all works.

We have some signage already in place, which you’ll see when you come for a visit, but we recommend setting up a “Welcome to Our Weekend” sign at the gate to start the experience as soon as guests arrive.

Custom Entertainment for Guests of All Ages

From giant Jenga and ring toss to cornhole boards painted with your initials, lawn games aren’t just fun; they’re photo-worthy. Set them up in the courtyard or out by the lawn to keep guests entertained while you sneak off for portraits. We’ve seen lots of guests really lean into the space and the opportunity they face when all their loved ones are in one place. Why not turn games into a mini tournament and assign your guests to “Team Bride” vs. “Team Groom”.

But remember, it’s your weekend, so why not go all in? We’ve also seen couples host courtyard karaoke sessions after dinner or the night before the wedding. With festoon lights overhead, a glass of wine in hand, and your best friend belting out 90s bangers? It’s a memory waiting to be made.

A “Get to Know Us” Wall

Use a wall or easel to create a fun timeline of your relationship, complete with photos, key milestones, and a few funny facts. Guests who don’t know your full story will love it, and it gives people something to explore during the welcome drinks or downtime.

At Ash Barton, you’re not limited to a one-size-fits-all ceremony space. Whether you want to say “I do” under the old oak tree, inside the chapel with candles flickering, or in a tipi surrounded by nature, you can design a ceremony space that reflects your style and values.

Some couples even create a circular setup so they’re surrounded by their guests, literally. The space you have across the entire estate allows you to have a truly bespoke ceremony and wedding weekend, fit for you.

A DIY Drinks Station or Cocktail Bar

Create a self-serve cocktail station with your signature drinks, or set up a prosecco wall with edible flowers and mixers. Add handwritten tags, a “Pimp Your Prosecco” sign, and let your guests get creative.

Bonus: It keeps people mingling while you’re off getting a couple of photos.

As well as your cocktail bar to keep your guests entertained, think a little deeper… Since you’ve got the estate for the whole weekend, welcome bags are a lovely touch. Include essentials (mini hangover kits, water bottles, snacks) and fun extras like personalised playlists, local goodies, or an itinerary of the weekend’s events.

It’s a small gesture that makes a big impression, especially for out-of-town guests.

A Fire Pit Moment (With Toasting Kits!)

Ash Barton’s fire pit is a favourite for a reason. Turn it into an experience by setting out s’mores kits, hot chocolate mugs, marshmallow skewers, and cosy blankets. Cue the deep chats, acoustic guitar sessions, and unexpected bonding moments.

Music sets the tone, so make it yours. Curate playlists for different parts of the weekend: arrival drinks, setup day, the morning of the wedding, and the late-night party. Share them with guests before or after the weekend to bring back the memories.

We’ve seen everything from soft folk breakfasts to Beyoncé-only dance floors.

A Morning-After Moment

The beauty of Ash Barton is that no one has to rush off the morning after. So why not make that part of the plan?

Host a casual breakfast or brunch with bacon butties, fresh coffee, and music from the night before. It’s the perfect time to reflect, relax, and soak up those final wedding weekend moments with your favourite people.

 

At Ash Barton, your wedding doesn’t have to follow a script. It can be joyful, messy, emotional, playful, and perfectly yours. From the moment your guests arrive to the final wave goodbye.

So go ahead, bring your karaoke mic, your DIY signs, your custom cocktails, and marshmallow kits. We can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.