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About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2021
Last update: July 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?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!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!!
Zoe Sent on 25/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating
HUGE Thank You Barrie!
Barrie was one of the biggest talking points of our wedding at Runa Farm! From the moment guests realised there was a caricaturist, there was a constant queue of people excited to have their portraits drawn.
Not only is Barrie incredibly talented, but the whole experience was hilarious. The caricatures had everyone laughing, and it was so much fun seeing people’s reactions when they collected their drawings. Barrie captured everyone’s personalities perfectly, creating keepsakes that our guests will treasure long after the wedding.
Barrie was friendly, professional and blended seamlessly into the day, entertaining guests without ever interrupting the flow of the celebrations. It was such a unique addition to our wedding and gave everyone something fun and interactive to enjoy.
If you’re looking for something a little different that will have your guests talking, laughing and leaving with a brilliant memento, we couldn’t recommend Barrie highly enough. Thank you for adding so much fun to our wedding day and for capturing some of the funniest moments in such a creative way!
Not only is Barrie incredibly talented, but the whole experience was hilarious. The caricatures had everyone laughing, and it was so much fun seeing people’s reactions when they collected their drawings. Barrie captured everyone’s personalities perfectly, creating keepsakes that our guests will treasure long after the wedding.
Barrie was friendly, professional and blended seamlessly into the day, entertaining guests without ever interrupting the flow of the celebrations. It was such a unique addition to our wedding and gave everyone something fun and interactive to enjoy.
If you’re looking for something a little different that will have your guests talking, laughing and leaving with a brilliant memento, we couldn’t recommend Barrie highly enough. Thank you for adding so much fun to our wedding day and for capturing some of the funniest moments in such a creative way!
Olivia Sent on 12/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Barrie James - Wedding Caricaturist
I couldn’t recommend Barrie more.
Our wedding guests loved his hilarious caricature drawings and he really brought people together, in such a fun way.
Brilliant!
Our wedding guests loved his hilarious caricature drawings and he really brought people together, in such a fun way.
Brilliant!
Brogan Sent on 30/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating
The best caricature artist!
We honestly couldn’t recommend Barrie enough. He has been amazing since we first spoke right up until the big day. Our guests loved him, it made the evening so much more fun! Would definitely recommend booking him for your special occasion!
Scott Sent on 18/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Definitely Recommend
What a day, and it was made better with Barrie. Excellent fun, quests loved the pictures and I would definitely recommend. Nothing was a problem.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Victoria Sent on 14/06/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Wow wow wow barrie james art is amazing 🎨🖌️👨🏼🎨
Huge shoutout to the incredibly talented Barrie James Art! 🎨✨
If you are looking for unique, unforgettable entertainment for your wedding day, look no further. Barrie recently did the caricatures at our wedding, and to say he was unreal is an understatement!
Every single one of our guests went away with a personalised drawing that captured their absolute individuality and character perfectly. He didn’t just stand in a corner either—Barrie mingled seamlessly amongst our guests, laughing and joking, making his live drawings a brilliant experience in itself and a wonderful keepsake for everyone to take away.
The fun and energy he created and captured was simply brilliant. As the bride and groom, the amount of compliments we received about him was unbelievable! Our guests absolutely loved the uniqueness of this wedding gift and they are still talking about it now. 🙌🏾
We are still waiting on the professional pictures from our photographer, so in the meantime, here are a couple of photos sent over by our guests to show off how great his artwork really is! 👇🏾👇🏾
Thank you so much, Barrie! You made our day so extra special. 🥂🍾👰🏾♀️🤵🏼♂️
#WeddingEntertainment #WeddingCaricaturist #BarrieJamesArt #LiveWeddingArtist #WeddingKeepsake #BestWeddingFavours
If you are looking for unique, unforgettable entertainment for your wedding day, look no further. Barrie recently did the caricatures at our wedding, and to say he was unreal is an understatement!
Every single one of our guests went away with a personalised drawing that captured their absolute individuality and character perfectly. He didn’t just stand in a corner either—Barrie mingled seamlessly amongst our guests, laughing and joking, making his live drawings a brilliant experience in itself and a wonderful keepsake for everyone to take away.
The fun and energy he created and captured was simply brilliant. As the bride and groom, the amount of compliments we received about him was unbelievable! Our guests absolutely loved the uniqueness of this wedding gift and they are still talking about it now. 🙌🏾
We are still waiting on the professional pictures from our photographer, so in the meantime, here are a couple of photos sent over by our guests to show off how great his artwork really is! 👇🏾👇🏾
Thank you so much, Barrie! You made our day so extra special. 🥂🍾👰🏾♀️🤵🏼♂️
#WeddingEntertainment #WeddingCaricaturist #BarrieJamesArt #LiveWeddingArtist #WeddingKeepsake #BestWeddingFavours
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!
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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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