This site is part of the South West Heritage Trust.
Hire our beautiful venues for your special day
Our authentic historic venues offer an atmospheric setting for celebrant-led weddings and handfasting ceremonies. Choose from period locations that evoke Saxon England or take your vows within a true piece of medieval Glastonbury. Create a memorable occasion for you and your guests with a bespoke ceremony in an unexpected venue that will make your special day a unique occasion to treasure.
The Saxon Longhall is a lovingly-crafted recreation of Somerset’s heritage in the heart of the Avalon Marshes. Immerse your wedding party in history brought to life through richly decorated hand-crafted furniture and authentic art as you say your vows at the high-table.
The Saxon Longhall is best suited to intimate weddings.
The stunning medieval Abbey Barn was once part of the Glastonbury Abbey estate. Take your vows in one of the West Country’s finest historic buildings surrounded by fine stone carving and beneath the magnificent timber crucks roof.
The Abbey Barn is within the rustic surrounds of Somerset Rural Life Museum.
Saxon Longhall – Prices
Package (total price): £850*
Number of guests included: 40
What’s Included?
Wedding Venue Details
*A 50% deposit is required on booking, with the remainder to be paid 3 months before your wedding day. If your wedding is less than 3 months away, the full amount is required on booking.
More About the Saxon Longhall
At Avalon Archaeology history is brought to life through richly decorated archaeological reconstructions from Iron Age, Roman, Saxon and Viking Somerset. As well as the Saxon Longhall, where your ceremony will take place, your guests can explore the Roman Villa. Gather your guests in the Viking Longship for an unforgettable wedding photo!
The reconstructions are based on local archaeological excavations and discoveries offering an authentic window on Somerset’s history. The Saxon Longhall is based on the late 9th-century palace excavated in Cheddar which was probably owned by Saxon royalty.
Avalon Archaeology is part of the Avalon Marshes Centre surrounded by captivating wetlands that includes stunning nature reserves to explore nearby.
Abbey Barn – Prices
Packages (total price) £1,250*
Number of guests included: 100
What’s Included?
Wedding Venue Details
*A 50% deposit is required on booking, with the remainder to be paid 3 months before your wedding day. If your wedding is less than 3 months away, the full amount is required on booking.
More About the Abbey Barn
The Abbey Barn is part of Somerset Rural Life Museum and offers a grand space, packed with rustic charm, that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
The large lawned area in front of the barn offers views across Glastonbury Tor and a wonderful backdrop for your photos. Your guests are welcome to explore the Museum galleries before the ceremony providing a memorable wedding-day experience for everyone, and perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.
The Tor and town centre are within easy walking distance.
Is the ceremony a legal marriage?
Our sites are not licensed wedding venues, so a legal marriage or civil partnership at the registry office is necessary. Most people have this legal ceremony either the day before, or on the morning of the celebrant-led wedding ceremony.
Find out more on the Somerset Wedding registration service website.
What does the ceremony involve?
As your ceremony with us is not the legal ceremony, it offers flexibility and can cater for a variety of cultures and traditions. It can be as traditional or alternative as you like. There are a wide variety of celebrants who can help create your unique occasion. As the law stands in the UK, independent celebrants cannot yet conduct legally binding ceremonies.
Can you host my wedding reception?
Sorry, we do not host wedding receptions.
When are the venues available?
Saxon Longhall at Avalon Archaeology
Generally, weddings can take place during daylight hours on any day of the week except for Wednesdays and Sundays.
Abbey Barn at Somerset Rural Life Museum
Generally, weddings can take place at the start or end of the day, before 10.00 am, and after 4.00 pm. Weddings can also take place anytime on days we are closed to the public which are Mondays (year-round) and Sundays (1 Nov – Easter).
We are happy to discuss your requirements.
What is the cost and what’s included
You’ll find everything you need to know on the Packages and Prices section.
