A family farm in Herefordshire has received approval to establish a permanent wedding venue. Great Demesne Farm, located in Garway within the scenic Monnow Valley, had previously hosted weddings on a temporary basis, and owner Cheryl Sparey sought to make it a year-round location for couples to celebrate their nuptials.
Herefordshire Council has granted permission for the farm to operate as a full-time wedding venue. The plans include converting a 120-square-metre threshing barn into an event space. Additionally, areas of the farm will be designated for wedding ceremonies, with a parking area and portable toilets in the style of shepherd’s huts.
Outside of wedding events, the ceremony and reception spaces, as well as the event tent areas, will remain unused for the majority of the year. To limit disruptions to the local community, the venue will host a maximum of 60 weddings annually. Events will be required to conclude by 11pm, and the use of fireworks and Chinese lanterns will be prohibited to minimize noise and light pollution.
Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on local road traffic and the highways network, but Herefordshire Council expressed satisfaction with the plans. Although some residents had noise concerns, the council’s Environmental Health Officer did not raise any objections.
Furthermore, the farm will implement strict delivery regulations, with service vehicle loading and unloading restricted to the hours between 8am and 6pm on any given day.
Cheryl Sparey, who brings 13 years of experience in hospitality management aboard private yachts and jets, has emphasized that while weddings will be the primary focus, the venue may also host other events such as parties, corporate functions, and various workshops.
