About
Historic Essex Wedding Barn
Colville Hall lies within the remains of an ancient moated site, containing several medieval and post medieval timber framed and thatched barns and other traditional farm structures originally used by a wealthy farmstead. Together they form a well preserved group of spectacular barns, an ideal setting for the perfect romantic wedding.
The site on which Colville Hall occupies even shows signs of an adjacent medieval deserted village and is an area of great interest from many archaeological societies.
Colville Hall is steeped in history. It is still possible to see where the original moat runs which pre dates most of the existing farmstead and can be seen as a large dry ditch and shallow depression and a further part is perpetuated as one of the ponds.
Roman artefacts were collected by former farmer Robert Judd at Colville Hall in 1846 – these dated from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD – and included coins dating from Emperors Nero to Gratian, burial urns, oil lamps and some unusually designed metal keys.
In the medieval period Colville Hall was part of the manor of ‘Merks’ or White Roding and was an important moated farmstead centred around an earlier hall predating the existing Colville Hall. The barns and farm buildings date back to the 12th century.
Rich in Essex History
In 1537 Colville Hall was established as a manor in its own right when John Browne purchased it from his uncle Sir Humphrey Browne. Around this time the existing Colville Hall was built to replace the original medieval house – common place in the 16th century. The hall stayed in the Browne family for two generations and then passed to the Everards.
In 1701 Mrs Prisca Coburne left the farm to the Seaman’s Widow Charity which held the property until 1914. The trustees of the Seaman’s widow charity sold the farm to Mr J N Lunkies in 1914. In 1965 the farm was again up for auction but was withdrawn from sale.
By 1996 farming had ceased and the buildings were in desperate need of refurbishment. Richard and Philippa Marriage purchased Colville Hall in 2010 and have since started the refurbishment works bringing it to how you see it today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can you accommodate in the day and the evening?
200 total, during the day or night.
Is the venue licensed for Civil Ceremonies?
Yes, the licence was just renewed this August.
Is the wedding venue available for exclusive hire?
Absolutely, Yes the grounds will be yours without any other event running at the same time.
Who will be the point of contact in the lead-up to the wedding?
We have 2 co-ordinators: Karen (Senior Wedding Co-ordinator), and Lucy. Your coordinator will be decided when your date gets closer so you will have a direct number to contact them on. In the meantime, the office can help with all your wedding related questions.
Do I have to use your recommended suppliers?
You can use your own suppliers with the exception of caterers. We work exclusively with Limeberry Catering.
We do offer a dry hire option, where you can use your own caterers, supply your own drinks for the day, and we provide the evening bar. This is limited to certain dates – please ask for info.
Do you have accommodation on-site?
Yes, we can sleep up to 20 people in our fabulous accommodation blocks – The Bridal Suite, The Stables and The Old Dairy. You can get ready on site in our prep room if you book our accommodation.
Is there enough parking for all of our guests?
Yes, we have a large car park and overflow too. Cars can be securely left overnight for collection the following day (by 10am)
From what time can we access the venue?
9:00 am
Are there areas for both of us to get ready in the morning?
If you hire the accommodation, you can get ready on site in the prep room and accommodation blocks.
How flexible are you with timings of the day?
Fully Flexible, It is your big day, please let us know what you timing/plans are and we’ll make sure all goes smoothly.
Can we get married outside?
Yes. There is a barn available if the weather turns last minute and you need to bring everything inside.
Are there any décor restrictions?
Not at all, no restrictions on temporary decorations. However, no naked flames/candles allowed. An LED alternative is absolutely fine.
Are fireworks/confetti allowed?
Unfortunately not. We cannot have fireworks due to the thatched roof, but confetti is ok as long as inside.
Do you allow dry hire?
Yes – please message us to enquire as we do offer dry hire on certain months / days of the week.
Are pets allowed at the wedding?
Of course, but please keep an eye on them.
Are drone cameras allowed on site?
Unfortunately not, due to the site being a working farm and private residence.