The Tythe Barn
Licensed Civil Ceremony Wedding Venue
Looking for a licensed civil ceremony wedding venue in Oxfordshire with indoor and outdoor options?
Tythe is an exclusive-use barn venue on the Oxfordshire edge of the Cotswolds, licensed for civil ceremonies in the thatched barn and in our gardens. With capacity for 150 seated by day and 200 guests in the evening, registrar-led ceremonies here feel calm, beautifully run and completely you.
Civil Ceremonies at Tythe:
Licensed indoors (barn) and outdoors (gardens). Exclusive-use estate near Bicester, Oxfordshire. Capacity up to 150 seated (day); up to 200 evening.
Indoor & Outdoor Licensed Civil Ceremony Options
Under the beams (indoors).
The thatched barn is all honeyed stone, soaring oak and soft, natural light. It frames a graceful aisle and creates a warm, intimate acoustic for strings, piano or the registrar’s words. Styling can be as minimal or as grand as you like—meadow aisles, candlelit lanterns or a sculptural floral focal point at the top. Tythe is approved premises for civil ceremonies with registrar-approved indoor and garden ceremony spaces.
Under the sky (outdoors).
Our manicured lawns and secluded gardens deliver the ceremony many couples dream of—surrounded by greenery, with space for family, friends and the kind of relaxed photographs that never feel staged. If the forecast shifts, the barn is ready within minutes: same music, same styling cues, no loss of atmosphere.
Imagine a theatre with two perfect stages—one inside, one out. The cast is the same, the script is yours; we set the scene around you.
How a Civil Ceremony Works at Tythe (simple, calm, clear)
Check your date with us.
Secure your exclusive-use booking for the estate.
Book your registrars.
You’ll confirm your ceremony with the local registration service (typically Oxfordshire). We’ll guide you through timings so everything aligns.
Shape the ceremony.
Choose readings, music and personal touches (within the registrar’s guidelines). We’ll help with aisle length, seating layout and sound placement.
Rehearse the flow.
Walk-throughs for key moments (processional cues, where to stand, when to sign). Your coordinator keeps everyone calm and on time.
Enjoy the moment.
Arrive, breathe, and let it happen. From the first note to confetti and congratulations—we’ll host and quietly problem-solve so you don’t have to.
Booking Registrars for Your Civil Ceremony
We’ll share the contact details, ideal time windows and practicalities the registrars prefer, then coordinate room setup and sound so everything runs to cue. We also host civil partnerships with the same care and coordination. Your ceremony is registrar-led and non-religious; we’ll help shape readings and music in line with the registrar’s guidance.
Styling the Aisle (and keeping it you)
Aisle florals: low meadow runners for an organic look; pedestals for height without blocking sightlines.
Chairs & textiles: soft linens and ribbons add movement in photographs.
A focal point: an asymmetric arch, clustered urns or candles under the beams—coherent indoors or outdoors.
Sound: discreet speaker placement for music and spoken word that feels close, never harsh.
Three high-impact, low-stress ideas
Garden-to-Barn continuity: repeat a key flower or colour outdoors and in for a curated feel.
Tablescape textures: stoneware, linen and candle clusters echo the barn’s materials.
Layered lighting: pin-spots + dimmable practicals + candlelight for depth on camera.
Music, Readings and the Feel of the Room
Live or recorded music works beautifully in the barn; strings, piano, guitar or a simple playlist.
Readings bring in loved ones—keep them short and personal for pace.
Micro-moments: a glance, a pause, a laugh—our team will cue music and doors so the ceremony breathes.
Real example: a niece read a poem outdoors; five minutes before, a breeze picked up. We moved the lectern, re-clipped the microphone and shifted seating by one row. The reading carried perfectly—and the moment felt intentional, not improvised.
Confetti, Photos and the Seamless Switch
After the register is signed, your ceremony flows into celebration:
Confetti & congratulations: we’ll suggest the best spot (light, space, backdrop) and marshal the throw so it looks gorgeous on camera.
Drinks & canapés: served in the gardens or Cowshed courtyard while the barn is subtly re-set.
Portraits & groups: short, natural sessions—guests never feel “in transit”.
Typical ceremony-to-celebration flow
Moment | Where | Why it works |
Ceremony | Barn or Gardens | Both are fully styled; same soundtrack, same feeling |
Confetti & hugs | Gardens/Courtyard | Beautiful light, easy movement |
Drinks & canapés | Gardens/Cowshed | Guests relax; you get time together |
Room turn | Barn | Quick, polished reset—no disruption |
Wedding breakfast | Barn | Warm acoustics; speeches feel close |
Pair Your Ceremony with the Full Tythe Experience
Reception & evening: dine and dance under the rafters; lighting and sound are tuned for atmosphere and energy—making Tythe a standout wedding reception venue in Oxfordshire.
On-site stays: keep your favourites close—wedding venue with accommodation including The Farmhouse (group) and The Shepherd’s Hut (couple).
Outdoors: golden-hour portraits in the fields and garden games—discover our outdoor wedding venue with gardens.
Whole-estate privacy: learn more about our exclusive-use wedding venue in Oxfordshire.
Local & accessible: plan from the city with our Oxfordshire barn wedding venue guide.
Capacity guide: 150 seated for ceremony and wedding breakfast; 200 guests for the evening.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We welcome everyone. Step-free routes are available, we can reserve front-row seating, and we’ll plan quiet spaces for small children or sensory breaks if helpful. Tell us what would make the day easier for you or your guests—we’ll build it in.
The Farmhouse
Ready to See It?
Come and stand under the beams, walk the garden aisle, hear your music in the space and picture the moment you’ll remember forever. We’ll answer questions, share ideas and give you time to decide—no pressure.
Arrange a private tour of Tythe—a licensed civil ceremony wedding venue in Oxfordshire.
FAQs: Civil Ceremonies at Tythe
Are you licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes—both the barn and the gardens are licensed, giving you a beautiful indoor or outdoor option.
How do we book registrars?
You’ll confirm your ceremony with the local registration service (typically Oxfordshire). We’ll share the steps and ideal timings so everything aligns perfectly.
Can civil ceremonies include religious readings or songs?
Civil ceremonies in England are non-religious. We’ll help you choose readings and music that fit the registrar’s guidelines while keeping the moment personal.
Can we marry outdoors and switch inside if it rains?
Yes. We track the forecast with you and maintain a ready-to-go indoor plan so the ceremony stays on time and keeps its atmosphere.
What’s the ceremony capacity?
As a guide, up to 150 seated for your ceremony (and for the wedding breakfast), with up to 200 guests for the evening celebration.
Can we write our own vows and include readings/music?
Absolutely—within the registrar’s guidelines. We’ll help with pacing, sound and cueing so it feels natural.
Do you allow confetti?
Yes—biodegradable confetti is welcomed. We’ll suggest the best spot for light and photographs.
Is there space for a string quartet or small ensemble?
Yes. The barn’s acoustics suit strings and piano beautifully; we’ll advise on placement.
Can guests with limited mobility access the ceremony easily?
Yes. Step-free routes are available and we can reserve front-row seating as needed.