What is a 'dry hire' venue?
A dry hire venue is a blank canvas that gives you the freedom to handpick your suppliers and decor to suit your unique style, taste and budget. The potential is off the charts when the only limitation is your imagination.
Check out our Recommended Suppliers for some suggestions, but there are no restrictions on what you choose.
What's included in the venue hire?
- From 2026 hire includes the new Stable Honeymoon Suite and two additional guest bedrooms for two nights each
- For 2025 hire includes one night’s stay in The Glamping Pod Honeymoon Suite
- Matching trestle tables and crossback chairs for your wedding breakfast
- Ceremony seating
- Ten outdoor picnic benches
- Sound equipment for ceremony music, background music and speeches
- The use of all function rooms and ceremony areas: The Top Barn, The Hayloft, The Covered Yard, The Lakeside Gazebo
- The Paddock for garden games, siting your marquee/tipi and bell tents
- Use of the catering area for your chosen caterer to prepare your wedding meal
- The toilets which includes a disabled toilet and baby change facilities
- Renewable, solar-powered heating where available
- Ample car parking space including two electric car charging points
How involved will the Moat Hall Barns team be in our wedding?
While we are a dry hire venue, we don’t just pass over the key and leave you to it. We want to make sure your set-up day and wedding run smoothly and are as stress free as possible:
On your set-up day:
- Required quantity of tables and chairs will be brought into the barn for you to arrange into your preferred dining layout.
- We will welcome you in to the barn and answer any initial questions.
- Hand over meeting at the end of the day to ensure you know the plan for your arrival on your wedding day. We will also demonstrate how to use the sound system and go over any necessary details before you depart.
On your wedding day:
- If you’re getting legally married at Moat Hall Barns there is an obligation for us to be present during the duration that the registrars are on-site. We will be on hand to make sure your interviews with the registrar happens on time and there are no disruptions to your ceremony.
- If your ceremony is by The Lakeside or in The Covered Yard we will pack the ceremony chairs away when you are finished with them.
- After your wedding breakfast we will facilitate moving dining furniture out of the barn to make room for your dance floor and evening reception.
If you would like us to be more involved in your day, please check out our Wedding Coordination option.
How many guests can I have?
We can accommodate 120 daytime guests seated and up to 150 guests for an evening reception. Please see Our Spaces for more details on the capacities of different areas for ceremonies, dining and an evening reception.
How long do we have the venue for?
Moat Hall Barns can be exclusively yours over 3 days. Weekend wedding ceremonies are held on Saturdays and mid-week wedding ceremonies are held on Thursdays. If you’d like an alternative wedding day, then just ask and we will do our best to accommodate it.
The venue hire is available for you to decorate and set-up between 11am and 5pm on the first day of your hire period.
Check-out time from the venue and the Glamping Pod Honeymoon Suite is 12pm for a weekend wedding and 10am for a mid-week wedding.
What else do we need to think about?
- Organising a registrar or Church for your legal wedding ceremony
- Catering
- Crockery and cutlery hire – these are often supplied by your caterer
- Bar hire
- Entertainment
- Photographer and/or videographer
- Decorating the venue
To find out who is available locally to fulfil these roles, check out our Recommended Suppliers.
Do you charge a corkage fee?
No, we do not charge for corkage.
A ‘corkage charge’ is a fee that a venue can charge customers who bring their own wine or other alcoholic drinks to their venue.
What time can the party go on until?
For a weekend wedding music can be played until midnight and the premises vacated by all guests by 12.30am.
For a midweek wedding music can be played until 11.30pm and the premises vacated by all guests by midnight.
How do I hold my date?
We will provisionally hold your date for 7 days after which a £1000 deposit is required to confirm the booking.
The remaining balance is to be paid in two equal instalments, due 12 months and 6 months before your wedding date.
Do you need a damage deposit?
Yes, we require a refundable damage deposit of £500 which is due with your final instalment. Provided no damage is found after your event this will be reimbursed within 5 working days.
I want to get married outside, but what if it rains?
Although the outdoor ceremony at The Lake takes place under cover, your guests will be exposed to the elements and if the weather isn’t looking favourable you may have to move things indoors. But don’t worry, The Covered Yard, The Hayloft or The Top Barn can be used for your ceremony instead.
Do you charge a fee for hosting ceremonies?
No, we do not charge a fee for use of the ceremony areas.
It is a legal requirement for a representative of Moat Hall Barns to be present during your ceremony, but there is no additional charge for this.
You will however need to pay a fee to Shropshire Registrars if you would like a legal ceremony on site. For more information on legal ceremonies please visit shropshire.gov.uk/births-and-marriages/ceremonies-in-shropshire/
Is there a church nearby?
Yes, Christ Church, Annscroft is under a mile away. If you are interested in having a church ceremony please let us know as soon as possible and we will put you in touch with Revd. Graham Philips.
For more information on church weddings, please visit yourchurchwedding.org
Are there any disabled facilities?
Yes, all of the ground floor space has disabled access and we have a disabled toilet. Unfortunately, The Hayloft does not have disabled access.
Can we have confetti?
Yes, natural petal confetti is allowed.
Can we have fireworks or Chinese lanterns?
No, we have livestock too close to the venue for fireworks or Chinese lanterns.
Can we bring our dog?
We understand that your dog is part of the family too! The hirer is very welcome to bring their dog. Apart from during an indoor ceremony and drinks reception, it is preferable that dogs are kept to The Paddock and The Covered Yard.
You will be responsible for clearing up any mess and as there is livestock nearby, they will need to be kept on a lead at all times .
Is smoking / vaping allowed?
Yes, smoking and vaping is allowed in the designated smoking area.
Anything else?
You will have a lot of questions that we haven’t covered, so for anything else please contact us and we will be happy to help.
What are the options for guest accommodation?
With the historic market town of Shrewsbury under 5 miles away, there are lots of great options in the area for a range of budgets. Check out our comprehensive list of Local Accommodation. The Paddock can be used for complementary camping and we can suggest bell tent suppliers to take the hassle of camping away. We also allow campervans and caravans to stay on the car park.
We do not have any showers on site but campers will have access to our toilets.
Can guests leave their cars overnight?
Yes, we have ample overnight parking spaces for your guests but vehicles are left at the owners’ risk. We kindly ask that vehicles are collected by 12pm the day after the wedding.
Can wedding guests bring their dog?
As long as wedding guests have permission from the couple then their dog is welcome on The Paddock and in The Covered Yard. Guests dogs are not permitted in The Top Barn or The Hayloft, unless they are guide dogs. All owners are responsible for clearing up after their dog and they must be kept on a lead at all times.
