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About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2021
Last update: April 2026
Let Barrie James Art Take the Hassle Out of Entertaining Your Guests
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but keeping your guests entertained doesn’t have to be.
Barrie James Art provides unforgettable live caricature entertainment that keeps your guests laughing, interacting, and fully part of your day. While you’re off enjoying your wedding, whether that’s having photos taken or spending time together, your guests are entertained, engaged, and making memories of their own.
Unlike traditional caricaturists who sit behind an easel, Barrie mixes and mingles with your guests, chatting, joking, and creating quick-fire caricatures in just a few minutes. It’s natural, interactive entertainment that fits seamlessly into your day and creates a real buzz around the room.
Guests don’t just watch, they become part of the experience. Each person drawn leaves with a personalised keepsake they’ll treasure long after your wedding, and moments your photographer and videographer will love capturing.
With over a decade of full-time experience, Barrie is proud to be one of the UK’s leading caricaturists, winner of the Caricon International Caricature Convention (2018) and multiple-time Hitched award winner.
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Why couples love it:
• Breaks the ice and gets guests talking
• Fills those quieter moments with laughter and energy
• Fast drawings = more guests included (around 2–3 minutes each)
• A personalised keepsake for your guests to take home
• Relaxed, friendly approach that fits naturally into your day
Frequently asked questions
Type of entertainment offered:
For children
For adults
Comedy
What is included in the wedding package?
Mix and mingle caricature entertainment, fast 2–3 minute drawings, a personalised keepsake for each guest drawn, and a fun, engaging atmosphere throughout your wedding
How far in advance should I contact you?
My service is very popular I get booked 2 years in advance particularly on weekends so if you are looking to have me entertain at your wedding you should book as early as possible
What other services to you provide?
Other
Are you able to travel?
Yes, i mainly cover the Northumberland, North Yorkshire and Cumbria. But will travel further afield
Is there a charge for travelling?
Yes, there are charges for travel depending on the distance required. Generally there is no travel cost for travel within 40 miles of Newcastle
Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?
No
How long is the act?
A typical performance lasts 2 hours great for a drinks reception or evening event. I can do longer on request
How much time do you need to prepare for an act?
I usually arrive half an hour before I am due to perform. I don’t need to set up anything as I am a mobile act
Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?
Alone
Do you do open-air acts?
Yes
Do you charge per hour or per event?
Per event
If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?
Yes
How do you charge extra time?
If you want me to do an extra hour at your event just ask- I am always happy to stay a bit longer if I don’t have another event to go to
What are the forms of payment?
You can pay by credit/Debit card, bank transfer or cash
Served in
Cumbria, Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and West Yorkshire
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for Barrie James Art
Candice Sent on 02/07/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Memorable Entertainment
Barrie was a pleasure to deal with from the first message we sent to him. He commands the attention of your wedding guests, he gave them memories to treasure forever and plenty of laughs along the way too!!!
Always wanted Barrie at my wedding from the moment we booked and I would recommend him to everyone. Thanks Barrie!!
Always wanted Barrie at my wedding from the moment we booked and I would recommend him to everyone. Thanks Barrie!!
Poppy Sent on 24/05/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Engagement party
We had Barrie. at our engagement party and he was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. He was so friendly and approachable, made everyone feel comfortable, and really engaged with all of our guests throughout the evening. His energy added such a fun atmosphere to the party, and people were constantly laughing and gathering around to watch the drawings come to life.
The caricatures themselves were brilliant — quick, creative, and incredibly well done. Guests loved having something personal and memorable to take home, and so many people commented afterwards on how talented he was. He interacted so well with everyone and genuinely became part of the entertainment for the night.
We couldn’t have asked for a better addition to our engagement party and would highly recommend him for any event!
The caricatures themselves were brilliant — quick, creative, and incredibly well done. Guests loved having something personal and memorable to take home, and so many people commented afterwards on how talented he was. He interacted so well with everyone and genuinely became part of the entertainment for the night.
We couldn’t have asked for a better addition to our engagement party and would highly recommend him for any event!
Maria Sent on 28/04/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Great fun!
As soon as I saw Barrie tagged in an Instagram post from our venue I knew we had to book him! Our guests loved the experience and Barrie made the time between the ceremony and wedding meal so fun for everyone. I'd definitely recommend to anyone wanting something a little bit different to entertain their guests.
Annabelle Sent on 11/04/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Whatever you are planning for your wedding, book Barrie!!!! Don’t do the Temu favours, give everyone a laugh instead 💗
Barrie’s art is the most talked about part of my wedding, everyone absolutely loved the surprise and he was worth every penny! The only regret I have from my wedding is not booking all day with Barrie! We have a caricature to cherish forever and so do all our guests! He has a crowd around him when he is drawing and the laughter that roars from wherever he is, is truly beautiful!
Sarah Sent on 07/03/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Sarah & Gordon Feb 2026
Barrie was absolutely incredible on our wedding day, both adults and kids loved it and our picture is sitting proudly on the book case. Barrie handled the long line of kids waiting to see him like a dream (20+) and made everyone laugh throughout the evening. Would 1000% recommend.
Andrea Sent on 21/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Fantastic artist and entertainer
Barrie was absolutely fantastic, we were looking for something to keep our guests entertained at our evening wedding reception and Barrie james art definitely did that. The drawings were fantastic and he certainly knows how to entertain the crowd. We are so glad we paid for a longer time frame as it ensured that everyone who wanted a caricature got one, even though some got more than they bargined for. Would definitely recommend. Felt the price was good as well as its in line with what photobooths charge but you are getting a unique drawing so we were happy to ditch the booth idea for Barrie. He arrived right on time as arranged, would definitely recommend.
Levi Sent on 06/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Such a great addition to my wedding
Absolutely would recommend Barrie for any event, he brings humour, joy, and laughter to the day! My guests were so happy with this and our wedding photo was class! He’s such a lovely person generally as well and would do anything to make the day special.
Moureen Sent on 06/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
We had an amazing experience.
Barry managed to squeeze as in with a short notice and we are glad he did because he was wonderful!. Our guests loved him and their caricatures, we loved how he mingled and interacted with everyone. it was definitely worth it!
Katrina Sent on 04/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely brilliant
Have used Barrie for School Proms so was a natural choice when my daughter became engaged and Barrie was at the venues open day and drew son in law to a tee - Provided excellent service on the day of the wedding in November at Charlton Hall - guests where queuing to be subject of his fabulous artistic abilities which he cleverly incorporates aspect of their lives. Highly recommend as a fantastic entertainment for any event especially weddings as each guest gets to take an A4 drawing home, and the married couple received a framed drawing of themselves. No limit to number of guests.
Megan Sent on 29/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Super fun!
Barrie was a fantastic addition to our wedding day as something a bit different for after ceremony entertainment for our guests. Everybody absolutely loved having their caricature done and there was lots of laughter and smiles. I'd definitely recommend booking him as we had such a blast with him!
Kirsty Sent on 01/11/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Great entertainment!
Barrie was friendly and engaging with the guests, his drawings were brilliant and had us all laughing 😆
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Barrie James Art Real Weddings
Nicole & Richard
7 photos · 21/10/2024
Natalie & Chris
13 photos · 22/08/2022
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Meet the team
Barrie James
Chief Scribbler
Hi, I’m Barrie – award-winning caricaturist, professional guest-charmer, and part-time wizard (the pen is my wand). I’ve been drawing funny faces for over a decade, and somehow people keep asking me back – possibly because I’m good, possibly because they enjoy watching their uncle cry-laugh at his giant ears.
Based in the North East, I travel all over the UK turning weddings, parties, and corporate events into mini comedy festivals—armed with nothing but a sketchpad, some pens, and a cheeky sense of humour. I draw fast, I draw funny, and I do it while making your guests feel like the stars of the show.
When I’m not drawing at weddings, I’m probably being bossed around by my kids, arguing with my dog about whose bed it is, or eating biscuits in the bath (don’t judge me).
Winner of the Caricon International Convention and Hitched Entertainer of the Year four years in a row, I take my job seriously—just not myself.
Let’s make your event hilarious. I’ll bring the pens. You bring the faces.
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