E | J

1st August 2025

Dear Friends and Family, 

We are delighted to be sharing this beautiful and special moment of our lives with you all. 

In order to prepare for the big day, we have created this website where all important information will be shared with you. Please make sure to read all information below, as well as RSVP and confirm your meal choices by 1st April.  

We can't wait to celebrate our big day with you all!

Love from

Joe & Ellie x

Countdown to the big day

0

months

15

days

Important Notice

Just a quick note to say that we encourage all guests to park at The Barnsdale Hotel and use the transport we will be providing. 
A coach will be departing The Barnsdale Hotel at 12:00pm and taking our guests to the Holy Cross Church at Burley on the Hill, just a 5 minute drive. And then returning to The Barnsdale Hotel at 3:45pm for the evening reception. 

Order of the Day

12:00pm - Coach for guests departs The Barnsdale Hotel 

12:30pm -  Wedding Ceremony at Holy Cross Church, Burley on the Hill 

1:30pm –  Drinks & Canapes in The Mansion House, Burley on the Hill 

3:30pm - Coach for guests departs Burley on the Hill

3:40pm – Arrive at The Barnsdale Hotel for welcome drinks 

4:45pm -   Speeches 

5:15pm –  Wedding Breakfast

7:45pm -  Evening Reception 

9:30pm - BBQ Served

12:00pm -  Carriages 

FAQ's

WHAT IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE BARNSDALE?
The Barnsdale Rutland
The Avenue
Exton, Oakham
Rutland, LE15 8AH

HOW DO WE BOOK ACCOMODATION?
We are glad to hear you are wanting to stay at our venue to celebrate our special day! Please simply head to the "guest info" tab which has hotel information.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Formal / Black tie. However, we want all our guests to feel comfortable so please wear something you can enjoy yourself in!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE AS A WEDDING GIFT?
We've been asked by some of our loved ones about our gift preferences, and we wanted to share our thoughts with you all. Please know that your presence on our special day is the most meaningful gift you could give us. However, if you still wish to honour us with a gift, we would be truly grateful for any contributions towards our honeymoon.

CAN I BRING A PLUS 1?
We kindly ask that only those on the invitation RSVP. If you would really like a plus one, and weren't given one, then please contact us prior to RSVP'ing and we will see what we can do.

CAN WE BRING OUR CHILDREN?
If your children are named on the invite then they are more than welcome. 

WILL THE WEDDING BE INDOORS OR OUTSIDE?
The wedding will be inside, unless the sun decides to shine and then we will make the most of the outdoor areas.

IS THERE PARKING AT THE VENUE(S)?
Yes. There is plenty of parking at The Barnsdale which is why we recommend parking there and using the coach provided. 

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE AT THE CEREMONY?

The Church ceremony will start at 12:30pm. Please ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before to ensure you are seated. Those getting the coach from The Barnsdale, will need to be ready for a 12:00pm departure.

CAN I TAKE AND POST PICTURES OF THE WEDDING?
Absolutely! We would love for you to capture our special day. All that we ask is that there is no filming in the church, this way you are fully present with us. We also ask that no posts of us are made on social media until we have posted our first picture as Mr & Mrs Watson but please feel free to post any other images.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE CEREMONY?
After the ceremony we will be walking round the corner to the Mansion House for drinks, canapes and music. There will also be some group photo shots taken.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THE RECEPTION?

The reception will be held at The Barnsdale Hotel. Guests will receive a welcome drink  in the sun (hopefully!) and then head to the barn where you will be seated. This is where there will be speeches, followed by a 3 course meal. We will then be getting the night going with a live sax & DJ, followed by a BBQ later in the evening. Carriages will be at 12pm. 

The Wedding

When

1st August 2025, 12:00 - 23:45

Where

Holy Cross Church , Burley on The Hill, Burley, LE15 7SU, United Kingdom

RSVP

Please let us know if you can make our special day.
RSVP now

Hotel Recommendations

It is great news you are wanting to stay to celebrate our special day. Please see below some local hotel suggestions.

The Barnsdale - As this is the venue for our evening reception. If you would like to book a room here please quote our names when booking. The venue have reserved rooms for our guests, which will not be on booking.com or their website. The number for Hotel Reception is 01572 724678. 
The Barnsdale | Luxury Boutique Hotel in Rutland (barnsdalerutland.com)



Alternatively there is The Rutland Hall Hotel just down the road.
Rutland Hall Hotel | Unique Resort Hotel in Rutland



The Finches Arms - this is a lovely hotel and around a 5 minute drive from our reception venue. For those that aren't local, this was the venue for our engagement party.
The Finch's Arms (finchsarms.co.uk)

The Finchs Arms

1.91 miles More details