One of the most common (and sometimes emotional) questions couples face when planning their wedding is whether or not to invite children. For some, the idea of a family-filled celebration feels completely right; for others, a more grown-up atmosphere is what they’ve always envisioned.

The truth is, there’s no right or wrong answer, only what feels right for you.

You are the heart of your wedding and your day should reflect your personalities, priorities, and the kind of celebration you want to create. With that in mind, here’s a look at the options, along with some practical suggestions to help you plan with confidence.

It’s Your Day, Your Choice

First and foremost, it’s important to say this clearly: it is your wedding, and the decision about children is entirely yours.

Whether you choose a child-friendly celebration, an adults-only day, or something in between, your choice should be based on what will allow you to relax and enjoy the experience. Every family dynamic is different, every guest list is unique, and every wedding has its own atmosphere.

Why Some Couples Choose to Include Children

For many couples, including children feels natural. Weddings are family occasions, and having little ones present can add warmth, laughter, and some wonderfully candid moments.

Children can:

Play meaningful roles in the ceremony
Help create a relaxed, informal atmosphere
Make the day feel inclusive for families travelling together

There are various elements of our venue in particular that lends itself to having children. Our spacious interiors and a selection of barns to move between, alongside our fully enclosed courtyard garden are perfect for children.

Making a Child-Friendly Wedding Work

If you do decide to invite children, a little planning goes a long way. Thoughtful touches can help everyone enjoy the day, children included.

Our Granary couples often take advantage of:

Kids tipi area package, available through our Prop Shop, which can be styled to fit seamlessly into your day and gives younger guests a space of their own
Garden games, either from our prop shop or via a trusted supplier, which are just as popular with adults as they are with children
Quiet or cosy spaces, allowing children to take a break from the excitement when needed

These small considerations can make a big difference, helping parents relax and ensuring children feel included without becoming overwhelmed.

Why Some Couples Prefer an Adults-Only Wedding

On the other hand, many couples choose to host a child-free wedding, and that choice is just as valid.

Common reasons include:

Wanting a calm, uninterrupted ceremony
Planning an evening-focused celebration with music, dancing, and alcohol
Creating a more formal or intimate atmosphere
Simply wanting guests to fully relax and enjoy a rare night off

Choosing an adults-only celebration isn’t about excluding families, it’s about shaping the experience you want for your day.

A Middle Ground: Flexible Options

For couples who feel torn, there are plenty of ways to strike a balance:

Inviting children to the ceremony and wedding breakfast, but not the evening
Including only immediate family children
Setting an age limit

Another popular option is providing support for parents so children can be nearby without being part of every moment.

Many of our couples choose to:

Set up our projector in the Milling Room for the evening, creating a cosy movie space with cushions and popcorn
Arrange trusted nanny or childcare services, which we’re happy to recommend, allowing parents to enjoy the celebration while knowing their children are close and well cared for

This approach often offers the best of both worlds.

Communicating Your Decision Clearly

Whatever you decide, clear and kind communication is key. Let guests know early, be consistent with your wording, and remember that you don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation.

Most guests are understanding, especially when expectations are set from the start.

There truly is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to children at weddings. Whether your vision includes little ones running across the lawn, or a grown-ups-only evening of celebration, the most important thing is that your day feels right for you.

With thoughtful planning and the right support, any choice can work beautifully, and we’re always here to help you create a wedding day that reflects you, from start to finish.

Get in touch with our team today

Children at Weddings: Finding the Right Balance for Your Big Day