A NEW wedding venue has come to Hampshire.

The Old Barn at Old Michelmersh Farm in Romsey has held grain and machinery over the years but, until recently, had not witnessed its first wedding.

The barn is more than 200 years old and is one of a group of historic buildings opened by the Old Michelmersh Farm Trust. The barn’s restoration was completed for the beginning of December, and saw its first wedding on December 8, between Andy Manton and Klaudia Labus.

Elaine Roberts, who runs the Old Michelmersh Farm Trust which owns these historic buildings, said: “We’ve held a few wedding receptions here for years but so many couples wanted to marry in the barns that we’ve now been granted our licence.

“Our style is truly rustic, and many brides fall in love with the unique, wild look of the place.

“No matter how much tidier gardeners want us to cut the ivy, brides beg us to leave it!

“We’re looking forward to holding more marriage ceremonies, as well as parties, exhibitions and other events.”

Klaudia, the new Mrs Manton, said: “My wedding barn looked amazing and unique, so simple and beautiful with drapes and flowers.

“Everyone loved it and thought it was so special.

“I want to say how lovely it was to work with such supportive staff too. It was a wonderful day.”

The Church Road barn holds 60 people and the two nearby Long Barns are licensed for 200 guests.

The first wedding ceremony in the Long Barns was held late in the summer, when Brooke Sessions and Tom King tied the knot.

The barns were part of a working farm until the late 1970’s.

It then went on to be featured in the classic children’s TV show Worzel Gummidge, starring John Pertwee, and were even the site of the episode The Scarecrows’ Wedding.

Since the episode, it has gained a cult following, and many fans visit the area to see where the series was filmed.