Wedding Venue Review: Houchins

August 3, 2017 Eleth Mageehan

A popular, modern, rural venue to make your own

Houchins is a beautiful and unique venue in Coggeshall, blending the charm of old farm buildings with modern, stylish updates that will delight all of your guests. The venue is divided into three main areas: the House, the Marquee, and the Barn. The House is perfect for your wedding preparations, offering a comfortable and elegant space to get ready for the day ahead, as well as accommodation to unwind at the end of the day. The Marquee and the Barn provide stunning backdrops for your ceremony and reception, each with its own unique character and charm.

In this review, I'll share my experiences as a local wedding photographer who has had the pleasure of capturing many beautiful moments at Houchins. From the picturesque settings to the thoughtful details, I’ll give you an insider’s perspective on what makes this venue truly special.

Where you say I Do

The Marquee is a popular choice for ceremonies at Houchins, offering a light and bright space that can accommodate up to 150 guests. With an abundance of natural light, it's the perfect setting for capturing beautiful photos of the important promises you’ll be making.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, Houchins also offers a magical woodland setting among the trees. This enchanting option brings you closer to nature, providing a serene and picturesque backdrop for your vows. Both options have plently of light and plenty of space for your photographer to move around and get a variety of beautiful photos.

The Grounds

The Barn at Houchins opens onto a spacious terrace and courtyard, creating a perfect spot for your guests to enjoy the drinks reception. The gardens offer ample room for garden games, which we always recommend for keeping guests entertained.

The large pond set within an adjoining field is a secluded location for the couple to use for outdoor photos. Whether it’s the charming farmhouse itself, the well-kept gardens, or the expansive open fields across the way, you’ll find the perfect backdrop to match your style.

Personally, I love using the driveway for portraits; in just one place, close by to the wedding, we have a wide range of photo opportunities available. Oh and of course, we can't forget the swing - that's a must-have! With so many beautiful options, Houchins ensures stunning memories from every angle.

See this content in the original post

Dancing the night away

Inside, the Coach House is a large, traditional barn with stunning exposed brick and beams. The building itself oozes natural character and charm, but you can add your personal touch with additional decor. Fairy lights create a romantic atmosphere, while white drapes add a touch of sophistication.

Though the room doesn’t get a lot of natural light, the clean, neutral decor helps maintain a beautiful space for photos. For the wedding breakfast, I recommend not filling to maximum capacity, as it can get tight and make it difficult to move around for photos during speeches.

Once the tables are cleared, there's plenty of space for a fantastic evening disco. Alternatively, you could move through to the smaller, more intimate room for the disco. It's great that there are a few different areas, allowing those who prefer a quieter environment to find a comfortable spot away from the loud music, ensuring everyone enjoys the evening.

A thumbs up from us!

Houchins is an excellent venue for a relaxed and stylish wedding day. It is self-contained, catering for every aspect of the day (getting ready, ceremony, reception, evening celebrations) so takes some of the stress out of organising a large wedding. It is a very popular venue but as it is still relatively new, it has the ‘wow’ factor that everyone wants for their day! Mae Photography really recommends Houchins and you will be providing a stunning backdrop for all your photographs too.

The ideal venue if you’re looking for: