It’s time for another venue review from Vikki Richman (Your Wedding Friend),
this week Vikki is going to be breaking down why South Farm in Cambridge is so popular.

When researching venues in the four counties area (Herts, Beds, Bucks and Cambs), South Farm has always ranked highly. It’s one of those venues that’s been on my, and many other suppliers, bucket list for years. So, what makes it so great? Read on to find out more about this stunning Cambridgeshire wedding venue.

This busy, quirky and much loved venue has hosting weddings since 2005 and since then has gone from strength to strength. And they continue to expand and adapt their offer even today. 

You know a venue is popular when they have a storage space with days of the week shelves, which they use for dropping off and collecting all the bits and pieces that are left for that days booking. South Farm is one such venue. For starters this means that should any of your display items or something unexpected be left behind after the clear up, you know the venue will store it safely for you. But with on-the-day set up usually required you can also drop a limited number of items to the venue in advance; things that the staff might be able to put out for you or save for one of your entourage to set up for you.

This is just one small example of South Farms attention to detail. From the moment you arrive along a stunning driveways immaculately tended lawns, lined with lights for the evening, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. From there you arrive at the farmhouse in all its splendour, as seen in all their advertising. It feels homely, enchanting and welcoming. 

There is ample car parking available nearby however the driveway and car park routes are made using gravel, so be aware that wheelchair users may need to be dropped off next to the stone pathways, of which plenty are available and well maintained. On a grassy area next to the car park are South Farms famous and gorgeous Romany style caravans. There is a limited amount of accommodation across the caravans and farmhouse, and a lovely clean toilet and shower block for campers.

The main forecourt is also laid with gravel however it is raked into a lovely decorative pattern, more evidence of their attention to detail. Wedding guests will usually be welcomed on arrival in the Old Dairy, which is a fun rustic narrow room with a bar and seating; the ideal setting for a live musician or two to set the musical tone to your big day. South Farm has been licensed for civil ceremonies since 2005, so they’re experienced in hosting ceremonies of all sizes. Depending on the size of your guest list you could opt for the smaller library-esque Drawing Room. The space is quirky and small, and perfect if you have up to 35 guests.

For larger ceremonies you’ve got the choice between The Barn with its draped ceiling and the Old Dairy, and for outdoor ceremonies you could chose the Summer House for up to 146 people. South Farm is and exclusive use venue so there should never be another wedding happening at the same time as yours. Restrictions apply so if you are planning a small wedding, make sure you clear this with them in advance.

As mentioned, the grounds are immaculately kept with seasonal planting and with lots of pretty garden area to use for your photographs. You have the arboretum and the kitchen garden as well as the flower garden, but pretty much everywhere is a beautiful backdrop, inside and outside.

The big selling point for many couples, is the Barn Yard. Pigs, chickens, and whatever wildlife feels like dropping in, will all be wandering around during your wedding day. It’s worth remembering that this is a working farm, so if rural location and farmy smells aren’t your thing than either go with an open mind to see that it’s not that bad, or keep looking. 

Thinking about your menu, they are traditional but with the option of a Fusion menu, which has a Thai/Asian/Japanese theme. Prices are reasonable and food is organic, fresh and locally sourced. The chefs use seasonal offerings from the farm and kitchen gardens when they can – you don’t get fresher or a lower environmental impact than that!

We’ve talked about the Romany caravans already, with a bridal suite and further rooms available, South Farm can accommodate up to 24 guests and allows additional camping in the grounds if required. It is also not too far from further hotels and B & B’s. The bars are a good size and stocked with a great range, with locally produced options for the extra wow factor. Drinks package are available to take the pain out of planning how much to order for each part of the day. 

Between the attention to detail, the fabulous barn styling with all modern considerations, and the fabulous farm animals for company, South Farm is well worth considering for your lux rustic or DIY wedding. Peak season it isn’t one of the cheaper venues but if you love it as much as I do then consider holding your big day on alternate days and months and there are amazing discounts to be had. You will be well looked after by the team at South Farm and if you have any doubts, take a look at their large number of happy customer reviews!

For all things wedding planning Vikki is the person to contact!
See Vikki’s other venue reviews here.