bride and groom having first kiss at cosy winter wedding at cripps barn. guests clapping

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in the Cotswolds (From a Local Wedding Photographer)

Golden sunsets in summer, cosy fires in winter, autumnal trees and springtime meadows so pretty you’ll wonder if Mother Nature had a wedding planner on speed dial.

The Cotswolds covers an eye-watering 800 square miles and stretches across five counties — Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire. It’s packed full of rolling countryside, ancient woodlands, wildflower meadows, and charming corners that make your wedding photos look effortlessly dreamy. Add in amazing hospitality, locally sourced food and drink, and honestly, it’s just a bloody lovely place to hang out with the people you love — without feeling like you’ve signed up for a logistical obstacle course. Weddings here? They’re basically an instant vibe.

  • Getting Married in the Cotswolds
  • different styes of table scales you can have at cotswold weddings. Beautiful pink and orange flowers from Jenny Fleur.
  • flat lay of wedding invitations, stationary and flowers. Pale pinks and greys used with a satin grey bow and a golden tassels.
  • 3 images together, top one of a bride and groom walking away from the camera, with the bride looking back at aManor by the Lake, the one underneath on the left is 2 grooms outside at Elmore Court and the bottom right image is a bride and groom holding hands together, outside at Reckless Barn.
  • bride and groom walking into a marquee holding umbrellas with the groom holding the brides dress up
  • bride and groom kissing in the arboretum at Kingscote Barn Wedding with setting sun behind them
  • 7 groomsmen in tuxedos walking down the stairs of Manor By The Lake in Cheltenham

Being a Cotswolds wedding photographer, I’m based locally, in Gloucestershire, so while I cover weddings anywhere in the UK, I get the lucky privilege of spending most of my time in some of these incredible, recommended venues right on my doorstep (and yes, I still occasionally pinch myself that this is actually my job).

For this guide, I’m sharing tips from my absolute favourites and those I’m recommended at: Elmore Court, Cripps Barn, Stone Barn, Matara, Kingscote Barn, and Old Gore. But there are loads of other gems I’ve shot at too — definitely worth checking out if you want to explore: Barnsley House, Euridge Manor, Lapstone Barn, Gauntly Court, Blackfriars Priory, and the shiny new Ivy Lodge.

Whether you’re local, travelling in for a destination-style celebration, or planning your wedding from abroad, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting married in the Cotswolds — from venues and seasons to light, timings, and how to make the most of your day (and your photos) without losing your mind in the process.

  • The Cotswolds is basically England’s best-kept “romantic escape” secret… except not so secret anymore.
  • Even if it rains (which, let’s face it, sometimes happens), the stone barns, cosy corners, and stunning views make it look intentional.
  • If you like hills, hedgerows, and scenery that makes everyone go “oh wow, can we just move here?”, you’re in luck.

Why Couples Choose The Cotswolds?

One of the biggest reasons couples choose the Cotswolds is because it’s honestly so convenient. It’s that perfect sweet spot: close enough that people don’t have to spend all day travelling, but far enough that it feels like a proper escape.

Table set up for a wedding breakfast at Stanway Barn, the back of two chairs, wine glasses, a jug with some summer colourful flowers and a wooden sign with 'the cotswold way' written on it
table set up idea for a wedding breakfast at Stanway House and Barn

If you’re coming from London, it’s usually around two hours. Guests can hop straight on a Paddington train and be in the countryside in no time. And for the family or friends flying in? Birmingham, Bristol and Heathrow airports are all within easy reach, again, 60 mins to 2hrs roughly. It makes the Cotswolds one of the easiest countryside wedding destinations for mixed groups of UK-based and international guests, which can just be a deal breaker in itself.

So no matter where people are travelling from — north, south, abroad — it’s a stress(ish!)-free journey. And the win there is that you get to relax knowing more guests are likely to say yes!! but also, we all know what a massive deal it is to be asked to travel to go to someones wedding. Time, money, commitments….it’s a lot! but when you know they can make a ‘mini-break’ out of it too, it just lands softer!

A Little Note on Cotswolds Transport (aka: Why Your Guests Might Need Saving)

Okay, let’s talk about something very real for a moment: Cotswolds taxis.
Or more specifically… the mystical, elusive, possibly imaginary concept of Cotswolds taxis.

If your guests are expecting London-style convenience — where you click a button and five Ubers sprint towards you like eager puppies — the Cotswolds will humble them quickly.

Here, taxis are more like rare woodland creatures:
you might spot one…
you might not.
Sometimes they appear.
Sometimes they vanish.
Sometimes they say, “Sorry love, we’re fully booked until Tuesday.”

Which is hilarious until it’s 11:45pm and you’ve got 60 wedding guests standing outside a barn in the dark, dressed in their best outfits, wondering whether they now live here permanently.

So — trust me on this — it’s genuinely worth organising group transport.

A couple of minibuses shuttling people to and from local hotels or a central pick-up point can save:

  • stress/time
  • a lot of drunk uncles trying to bunk in with your hot uni mates
  • and at least three friendship-ending arguments in the car park

There’s a venue for every vibe (and every couple)

The Cotswolds is known for having some of the most diverse and beautiful wedding venues in the UK. Whether couples want a rustic stone barn, a grand manor house, a modern countryside space, or an outdoor ceremony with sweeping views, there is genuinely something for every taste.

Many venues offer different room options, on-site catering, accommodation, and beautiful landscapes — making weddings feel cohesive and easy to plan. That means whatever your personality — intimate, rustic, luxe, modern, minimal, dramatic, cosy — there’s a spot that will feel like “yes… this is us.”

And the best part is: most places are already beautiful as they are.
You don’t need to go heavy on decor or staging. The character, craftsmanship and countryside do a lot of the work for you.

For photography, this is a dream — because it means your story is told in spaces that feel real, textured and emotional. But because every couple and story is unique, nothing is ever replayed.

  • full view of the inside of Cripps barn main hall, facing the lit fire. chairs are out and the fire is lit. There are flowers in the flower ring. showing beams and ceiling and how beautiful the inside is
  • bride and groom walking away from tipi and having confetti thrown on them by guests at Maisemore Lakeside Wedding. There is colourful bunting on the tipi
  • outside ceremony with guests sat on chairs under the trees at Broadfield Court for two grooms and the celebrant is standing in front of them. Its a photo taken from the side to show the whole scene
  • the back of Cripps Barn beyond the cotswold stone wall, taken in Winter from the meadow. It's taken late in the day so it's dusk and you can see the fire lanterns lit and the lights inside the ban. Trees are nearly bare with a few brown leaves hanging on
  • bride and groom kissing whilst bride is holding a white bouquet of flowers on the grass outside the Painswick
  • bride and groom after ceremony at Cheltenham Town Hall, walking through confetti with all their guests outside the backdoor
  • Inside wedding breakfast set up for a wedding at Stanway Barn. Showing the rustic, cosy barn lit up with hired lighting and with flower garlands decorations hanging from the ceiling.
  • The ceremony area at Matara. Its covered in Jasmine flowers and the is a pond of water in the middle

A Region Known for Weddings — Reliable, Polished and Experienced

The Cotswolds has earned its spot as one of the UK’s most sought-after wedding regions — and it’s not hard to see why. Over the years, the local wedding industry has grown into a well-oiled machine: planners, florists, caterers, venues, photographers… all working together like a slightly glamorous, very organised circus.

I’ve been photographing weddings here for over 15 years, and in that time I’ve met some truly incredible talent. More importantly, these are people who are experienced, reliable, and actually nice to work with (you’d be surprised how rare that is!). We support each other, swap tips, and make sure weddings run smoothly. And honestly? In today’s world, that network matters more than ever.

  • cake maker using a spirit level to make sure top of cake is live at a Matara Wedding. The cake is a two tier, orange and white with simple flowers on it and she is taking. picture of the spirit level reading.
  • darren Campbell the magician, performing at a Cripps Barn Wedding with cards in his mouth and his hands out flat in front of him.
  • bride and her bridesmaids ebeing greeted by staff outside Cripps barn on arrival for her wedding. Bridesmaid is carrying the back of her dress and the father of the bride is holding a box of wedding flowers
  • image of bride laughing with her hair dresser at a Great Tythe Barn wedding. Bride is wearing bright red lipstick and wearing white PJ's and the hairdresser is brushing the brides hair and is out of focus

Since Covid, the rise of styled shoots, AI-generated imagery, and curated Instagram feeds has made navigating wedding suppliers feel a bit like trying to find your way through a maze while blindfolded, wearing heels. Some images are real, some are “stock-photo chic,” and some are so heavily styled you wonder if the bride even existed. My advice? Do your homework. Check venue recommendations, ask questions, and most importantly, always ask to see full galleries from anyone you’re considering — not just the 12 perfectly polished shots that make you question your entire life.

The result? Couples get a smooth, calm, polished experience — one that’s designed for a mind-blowing, unforgettable day rather than just a “nice set of photos.” You get the laughter, the little moments, the emotional highs, and the kind of memories that stay with you forever. That’s the magic of choosing experienced, local suppliers who really know what they’re doing.

It feels like a mini getaway for your guests and its ridiculously beautiful.

When people arrive in the Cotswolds, they instantly switch into “weekend mode.” You’ve got cosy pubs, gorgeous hotels, little B&Bs, countryside walks, amazing food — just a slower, more grounded pace.

That’s why so many couples turn their wedding into a whole weekend experience rather than a single day. Welcome drinks, brunches, gatherings, slow mornings… it all fits perfectly here.

It means your wedding becomes a memory your guests actually live in — not a rushed in-and-out event.

Top Cotswolds Wedding Venues (Photographer-Approved)

Elmore Court

The front of Elmore Court in the Autumn with the yellow leaves on the tree in the foreground and all on the floor.
The sweeping drive way of Elmore Court in the autumn with golden leaves dropping off the tree

Elegance meets eclectic style and flare. Elmore is gold standard if you want it all: ceremony, reception, and overnight stay all in one place. Great for big weekends, multi‑day celebrations, or guests coming from afar. It’s also s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g. You move seamlessly from the Coach House, through the house during the day, ending up in the Gillyflower for dinner and the party. Perfect for a flowing wedding that doesn’t start/stop and having to push guests around whilst rooms get turned around. The food is ‘chefskiss’.

  • The outside of Elmore Court in spring time. a wide shot that shows lots of little snowdrops on the ground. Spring Wedding
  • the main hall of Elmore Court set up for a spring wedding, with daffodils in jars along the floor on the aisle. Taken from the back of the hall, it shows the two statues and spring light entering the room from the right hand side
  • bride and groom celebrating after getting married at an indoor wedding at Elmore court. They are holding their hands up in the air together and their guests are standing on the side of the aisle
  • the main hall at Elmore court, set up ready for an indoor ceremony in Spring time with flower displays along the aisle on the floor and in small jars at the top of the aisle. The flowers are a mix of blues and pranks predominately
  • 1 portrait image on left side of an wedding breakfast set up in the Gillyflower at Elmore Court with long tables and a pale blue runner with spring flower display on the floor. The top right picture is the silly flower set up for a wedding breakfast with round tables and the bottom right image is a shot of the whole of the gillyflower showing 2 long tables set up for a spring wedding breakfast
  • bride and groom staying underneath the magnolia tree in the walled garden at Elmore Court. They are cuddling, resting their heads on each other and have their eyes closed.
  • bride and groom exit from a wedding ceremony at Elmore Court, taken from behind the couple, so you see their backs. The guests are stood up and singing whilst throwing white confetti. It is a bright shot with the sun shining in the room.
  • family group shot at a Christmas wedding at Elmore Court. The bridesmaids have green dresses and are holding their bouquets and the groomsmen are wearing tuxedos. This is a generational shot with grandparents and grandchildren too
  • 3 images 2 on top and one below. Top right shows a vase of daffodils on the aisle floor at Elmore Couty. The top right is showing just the top of the aisle display during a December wedding, with dried flowers and candles and the bottom image is a wide shot of the main hall that shows all the chairs and room at Elmore set up with chairs and flowers ready for guests to join.
  • speeches during the wedding breakfast in the gillyflower showing the guests all sat down at two long tables, listening to the two best men talking. The Best men are wearing black tails and are facing the guests. The sun is streaming through the windows at the top and creating an atmospheric scene
  • two images, one on top of the other. both of a bride and groom in the main hall at Elmore during a wedding ceremony. The top image is of a bride and groom holding their hands up high in celebration as they walk back down the aisle. Guests are standing up and clapping and looking at them and there are flowers displays of white flowers on the floor. The bottom image is of a bride and groom having their first kiss in the main hall at Elmore Court
  • two images of the gillyflower during a wedding full of wedding guests. The top image is of the bride and groom celebrating with their guests stood up, as they got to their seats when they were welcomed into their wedding breakfast room and the image below is the bride standing up next to the groom, and looking at her mum who has her hand in the air, whilst the bride is holding a microphone and making a speech.
  • two images on top and one below. The top left is of a man holding a knife and fork and cutting into a beef dish on a white plate and surrounded by candles and a wine glass of red wine. The image top right, is a waiter holding a wooden board with sausage roll canapés and the bottom image is take with shallow depth of field or someones arm and hand holding cutlery and cutting into a beef and mushroom dish at an Elmore Court wedding.
  • partial image of one of the sitting rooms at Elmore Court. The sofa is red and has velvet red and green cushions on it. There are large and long windows at the end of the room with another sofa in front
  • bridesmaid in turquoise dress holding flowers and walking down the aisle with two flower girls and with guests stood up either side of them. The flower girl at the front is running towards the groom with a flower wand and her arms open .

Insider Photography tips: The sun sets to the left of the house in winter and over the Gillyflower meadow in summer. Gorgeous Magnolia tree in the walled garden and wisteria growing up the near wall for spring time weddings. Under. the main tree offers interesting shade for couple shots and group shots are always easy infront of the main house in terms of space and shade.

Cripps Barn

  • table styling at Cripps Barn wedding with Rebecca Hobbs flowers
  • Black and white photo of a bride and groom walking in the meadow of Cripps Barn. The groom is wearing sunglasses and looking at the bride
  • Inside shots of Cripps Barn with suspended flower crown by Rebecca Hobbs at Cripps Barn wedding
  • black and white of a bride and groom first dance. The groom has picked up the bride and is spinning her around and her white dress is fanning out in a circle around them. All their guests are in front of them and watching them
  • View of Cripps, cotswold barn in the distance beyond yellow meadow and a cotswold stone wall in front. The sky is blue and it looks like a hot and sunny day
  • a collection of 3 images of the Cripps Barn building including their open kitchen
  • classic white rolls royce driving into Cripps Barn
  • Table plan written on a mirror and sitting on a wooden easel, in a cosy barn setting with candles in baubles hanging from the ceiling. Its next to the entrance to the wedding breakfast room at Cripps Barn
  • welcome wedding sign on an easel outside a barn wedding with a stone floor and you can see down the stone path to a man walking from left t right. There are autumunal brown trees in the background and steam coming out of the building from the heating system
  • Wedding breakfast room set up at Cripps Barn, with no people, with lots of candles lit and the tables laid ready for dinner. It has a large flower wheel hanging ff the ceiling with candles in it too.
  • Big Cripps Barn front doors, slightly open, letting in the winter light
  • bride and groom walking back up a Cripps barn aisle with confetti being thrown at them, holding hands and bride holding bouquet. Groom is wearing a tuxedo

If you’ve got a picture in your head of the ultimate, show-stopping Cotswold barn… this one absolutely has to be on the list. It’s a top favourite. I’ve photographed it in blazing sunshine, soft spring haze, weird blue winter light, sideways rain, four seasons in one day — honestly, I’ve seen every weather personality this place has, and it still looks ridiculous(ly good) in all of them.

Sometimes it’s almost annoying when the weather isn’t dramatic enough… not a drop of rain in sight so you can’t keep people in for those cosy, high ceiling, wow, barn vibes but not a break in the clouds to frolic endlessly in the glade and meadow. Basically: this barn is photogenic even when the weather can’t make up its mind.

You can dine in the main hall or the adjoining space, and you can marry inside the barn or outside in the glade. Let me just warn you: making that decision can feel like choosing a favourite child. Both are gorgeous. Both are atmospheric. Both will have you pacing the morning-of like, “but should we…?”

Insider Photography Tips:
If you get chance to have some golden hour shots in the meadow — go. Run. Skip. Sneak. Just get in there. The sun sets to the right (with the barn behind you), but it dips behind the treeline before your weather app says “sunset,” so don’t trust everything your watch is telling you. Keep checking the light with your actual eyeballs.

If it’s later in the year and golden hour rudely decides to happen during speeches, don’t panic — you can hop in the car, nip up the road for literally a minute, and grab those last few rays. Totally worth it.

Stone Barn

Stone Barn is one of Cripps & Co’s brilliant sister venues — and while they share the same slick professionalism, incredible food and seamless service, Stone definitely has her own personality. If Cripps Barn is the classic, Stone Barn is the effortlessly cool younger sister: refined, beautifully put-together, and always ready to turn the day into an unforgettable party. It has an open kitchen you can spot a mile off, and countryside views that feel like a film backdrop

Exterior full shot of Stone Barn taken from slightly behind a tree so there are brown autumnal leaves in the foreground. The sun is shining on the rusty looking corrugated barn and there are bushes in front of the main entrance

The largest wedding I’ve photographed here was for 200 guests and although the ceremony was definitely on the ‘intimate’ actually, with the large open area and high ceilings in the dining bit it absolutely works. That being said, I’ve also photographed a wedding of 50 guests and its a clever enough venue to make both feel intimate and full.

Even after years of shooting at Stone, I’m convinced this place is hiding secret photo spots just for fun. Golden hour often drops right in front of you, barn on your right, (mainly of course, but depending on the season), but with fields stretching out in every direction, it’s pretty much a photographer’s playground — endless ways to frame, shape and chase the light without ever running out of inspiration. If Its Autumn, say from end Sept to Oct you have to at some point use the incredible colour of the trees at the car park entrance. The sun can fall slightly behind them and bring out the warm autumnal tones like nothing else.

As with the other Cripps & Co venues there isn’t accommodation on site but they have loads of recommendations. My tip would be though, to make sure you advise guests to book early. I’ll also do a separate blog post soon on stunning getting ready places that I’ve been to that are all close by.

  • Bride and groom holding hands with them both laughing and not looking at each other. They are surrounded by their gusts who are clapping them. There is a table and white flower bouquet in front of of them and above them is a flower wheel.
  • Bride and groom having a first kiss at their indoor ceremony at Stone Barn. Bride is holding the grooms face and the groom has his hands around her waist. Their guests are behind them and clapping and looking at them. There is a red and orange flowered flower wheel hanging in the background from the ceiling.
  • Bride and groom walking together having confetti thrown at them. The confetti is real petals. The couple are looking in opposite directions at their guests on either side and smiling and the bride is holding a bright red and orange and purple flower bouquet.
  • black and white image of bride and groom walking down the corridor in Stone barn, The groom is looking straight at the camera and the bride is looking down. She has a pearl headband on and is carrying a bouquet of flowers. The groom is wearing a tuxedo and has his hand in his pocket
  • bride and groom hugging and facing each other whilst their bridal party are cheering around them. Bride is looking up at groom and holding bouquet in the air. Bridesmaids are dressed in yellow dresses and the groomsmen are in tuxedos.
  • bride and bridesmaids standing together in a line and holding throat green and white bouquets at waist height, The bride is in the middle and the bridesmaids are looking at her. The bridesmaids are wearing pale pink dresses
  • Bride and groom entrance into their wedding breakfast. Shot from above on the mezzanine and looking down and the bride is dancing and swooshing her dress from side to side. Groom is in a tweed suit and following behind
  • Open kitchen shot at Stone Barn. Showing the copper lights hanging down over the pass area and the chef is lit up with several plates in front of him and is plating up.
  • bride and groom snuggling into each other and burying in their faces whilst their guests either side and facing them and clapping them. They have a table with a bouquet in front of them and a plain green flower ring hanging from the ceiling above them. They are in front of main doors.
  • 3 photos together, two at the top and one underneath. The bottom one is a tuxedo groom getting out of a white convertible classic VW Beetle and looking off to his left. The top left is the bride and groom sat in the front seats of the classic white VW beetle with the roof down. It's taken from behind them and the bride is holding her colourful bouquet in the air. The top right shot is the bride and groom sat in the front of the same car, looking ay each other and smiling
  • groom in a white Indian outfit being lifted up by his male friends at a Stone barn wedding party
  • speeches at stone Barn. Taken from above from the mezzanine and from behind the groom giving the speech. Several people are wiping away tears and there are two long tables of guests, all looking at him. Long table have candles and glasses on it.
  • Outside shot at Stone Barn at night time. Long exposure, so there is a lot of blurry moving people and it shows the glow of light coming out of the barn.
  • bride and groom kissing in the hall at stone barn. Bride has Hollywood hairstyle and the groom is in a tuxedo. The brides dress is fanned out behind her
  • bride with a bow on her dress holding grooms hand and walking up the drive at stone Barn with the sun setting in front of them. They looking at each other and leaning in to each other.
  • bridal party lined up on the cut field of straw at Stone Barn. The bridesmaids are wearing different shades of pink and purple dresses and the groomsmen are wearing blue suits. There are two soldiers standing at the end on each end with brown military dress. All the party are looking at the camera
  • Bridesmaids lined up together. Bunched up close and holding their bouquets together. The bouquets have pale ribbons hanging down and are made from red and orange dried flowers. The girls are wearing either a green or burnt brown, satin long dress and one bridesmaid has her head on the brides shoulder.
  • wide shot of stone barn set up for a wedding breakfast, the are every round top tables and a long top table. There are fairy lights on the corrugated ceiling.
  • party at Stone Barn Wedding. Groom and groomsmen are performing a choreographed dance to the guests who have their hands in the air and are clapping. The boys are doing the same move with one hand stretched out and one hand on their heads.
  • bride and groom walking back towards Stone Barn at Golden hour in the autumn. Stone Barn is in the distance on the right hand side and they are holding hands and walking along a track made by vehicles
  • Wedding Singer band leader standing on a chair, dressed as Stone Barn waiter. He has a microphone and is holding one arm in the air and the guests are copying. Taken from the mezzanine at Stone that shows the whole of the barn below.
  • Bride and groom holding sparklers and walking through a sparkler tunnel from their guests. They are holding their sparklers in the air.
  • singer wearing a satin, long sleeved. thigh length, tea dress with her hair in a pony tail and singing into a microphone. She has several lights on her but noticeably one purple light. There is a keyboard player behind her.
  • The entrance way at Stone Barn at night time. Its lit up by candle lanterns on the floor and fairy lights all on the ceiling.


Matara

  • bride holding a large bouquet of flowers in her left arm whilst cuddled up to her groom who is wearing a blue suit. There under a sheltered ares at Matara, near some bushes and roses. They are looking elegant and at each other.
  • 2 flower girls looking into the pond at the far end of a pot at matara. There is foliage growing around the whole image and a Japanese structure on the left, partially blocked of sight behind some bushes
  • bride being walked down the covered aisle at Matara by an older gentleman, her father. There are people either side of them and it is a tight squeeze to fit through
  • elegant couple portrait of bride and groom holding hands and running towards the camera, looking at each other during golden hour at Matara in their gardens in front of of a regency, White House. The bride is holding the front of her dress up with her right hand
  • bride and groom holding a hand and looking at each other during an outdoor ceremony at Matara. Their guests are seated on chairs behind them on the grass and they have plants growing either side of them. The bride is holding her bouquet in her right hand
  • Exterior image of Matara on a sunny day showing two wooden doors and lots of plants growing in the courtyard
  • little blonde haired girl skipping on a stone floor at Matara, outside in the courtyard. She is facing away from the camera and you can see the back of her head.
  • close up shot of a servers hands holding two plates of canapés . the first like a croquette in a small bowl and the second, further away is bruschetta with chopped tomatoes on top.
  • dining hall in the morning of a wedding being set up for dinner at matara. Three long tables have been covered with white table cloths and there is foliage table runners being put in the middle of one of them. The other two already have them on. There is a dome shape in the ceiling that you can partially see is blue.
  • 3 images together. 2 squares on the left, on top of each other and a long one on the right. They all show the exterior of Matara in Tetbury. The green lush plants, the wild flowers and the image on the right has a giraffe in the garden.

Matara is completely in a league of its own. It has its own rhythm, energy, and pulse — stepping inside feels like entering a world of calm, spirituality, and nature… but don’t get me wrong, this isn’t some wild hippy hideout. It’s grand. Really posh. And somehow, you completely forget it’s someone’s home. If you love the Cotswolds but want something that isn’t your classic barn wedding, this is your place.

It comes with accommodation for up to 30 guests, ceremonies can be indoors or outdoors, from 25 to 200 guests, and yes… the food is as good as it looks.

Photography tips:
Matara’s obvious spots are beautiful, but don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten track. Hit the hot greenhouse (yes, I have no idea what the official name is), explore the main house, and of course, the Hilarium — funny name, right? You chose Matara for a reason, so lean into its quirky character and unique personality. Capture the little surprises, the hidden corners, the moments that make it feel uniquely your wedding.

Kingscote Barn

a wide shot of the exterior front of Kingscotebarn. showing a large roof and single storey, long barn. Its been shot through a birch tree, so there are leaves in the foreground

I shot my first wedding at Kingscote Barn back in 2013, and this place has been levelling up ever since. They could’ve happily stopped at “beautiful barn + epic views,” but no — every year they add something: glamping pods, a lake, new paths, more thoughtful little upgrades that make weddings run smoother and keep guests happy.

It’s tucked away on a working farm (you genuinely can’t see it from the road), which gives it that wonderfully private, middle-of-nowhere feel. Capacity sits roughly around the 130–150 mark, with on-site pods and accommodation for immediate family or the bridal party — not the whole guest list, but enough to make the morning prep feel easy and relaxed.

Outdoor ceremonies here are lush: fields on all sides, big skies, and occasionally the sound of ewes shouting for their lambs, which is weirdly soothing when you’re about to say your vows. One thing to note for summer weddings — it gets hot. No shade, full sun. Prep your guests: parasols, sunscreen, hats, whatever you can throw at them. You want them glowing… not slowly roasting.

  • 2 images, one on top of the other. The top shows a wedding set up outside at Kingscote on the grass with the groom and his Best Man, facing their guests. The bottom is the same outdoor wedding but taken from the bottom of the hill, so it shows the wedding sat outside, from the side and shows the cotswold stone barn in the background. It also shows a lot of tall trees in the back ground. Outdoor wedding ceremony on a sunny day with the guests sat on white chairs.
  • Wedding reception setup at Kingscote Barn with wooden tables, blue gauze runners, candles, and delicate floral centrepieces beneath hanging fairy light
  • bride and groom holding hands and walking into a lovely bit of low light, outside at Kingscote Barn, during golden hour
  • black and white phot of a bride and groom laughing together with the bride putting her hand on the grooms chest and theyre looking away from each other. they are standing gin front of the roses pagoda and Kingscote Barn
  • Interior view of a wedding set up at Kingscote Barn, There are wooden coloured chairs with an aisle space running up the middle. There is a gallery space with foliage decorations and fairy lights hanging from the ceiling
  • bride and groom cutting their wedding cake on the dance floor, in front of all their guests at a Kingscote barn wedding.
  • late summer evening exterior shot of the barn at Kingscote Barn
  • Wedding canapés being served to guests, including colourful bite-size starters and sharing boards during the drinks reception at Kingscote Barn
  • dancing night time shots with the band Tux Fizz at a Kingscote Barn wedding showing the guests singing and taking part.
  • rolling field view at the top road of Kingscote barn.

Kingscote is more of a “build-your-team” venue. You get brilliant event managers for planning and logistics, but on-the-day flow usually comes from your caterers and chosen suppliers. The upside? Freedom. You can bring in the people you genuinely want — not just whoever happens to be on a venue list.

Photography notes:
The top road is gold — literally — with the dropping sun creating perfect golden hour portraits. The rose pergola is beautiful year-round, but in summer it’s ridiculous (in the best way). I also love heading up the little tump just below the outdoor ceremony area — there’s a new gravel path now, so it’s less “hiking in heels.” The newest gravel courtyard halfway down the bank is a gem too: soft yellow tones, a break from all the green, and just a touch of “destination wedding energy.”

Old Gore by Yard Space

Old Gore is the cool foodie cousin in the Cripps & Co family, under the Yard and Space umbrella — the one who shows up to the party with unbelievable snacks and effortlessly steals the show. It’s modern, fun, and built for couples who want the energy of a great barn wedding without the “classic rustic” look.

This place was designed for atmosphere: open kitchens, outdoor grills, asado firepit, smoke, sizzle, big flavour… it’s basically a wedding venue for people who care deeply about food and want their guests talking about dinner for months. I still remember vividly tacos from here and that was about 2yrs ago. I’d not tasted ones like it. Amazing. Capacity sits comfortably around the 120–150 mark depending on layout, and the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces makes it feel bigger than it is.

It’s one of the newer barns, finished in 2021 and incorporates more design architectural pieces with large black framed, aluminium doors that let the light flood in. a photographers dream! Where their Asado pit is too, is totally sheltered, so it’s perfect for being able to get outdoors whatever the weather, which I would totally mark down as a bonus. Another barn that you can just rock up and not ‘do’ anything too and it

  • exterior shot of Old Gore barn, showing the fairy lights in the barn.
  • the front external view of old gore with the wooden cladding on the left hand barn.
  • bride being walked down the aisle by her mum in a cotswold stone barn at old gore.
  • bridal party walking towards the camera and laughing with each other, showing the big metal barn structure of old gore behind them.
  • interior room set up for a wedding breakfast using wooden and metal chairs and long wooden canteen style tables at Old Gore.
  • 2 pizza chefs making pizza. one spreading tomato sauce on a base and one spinning the dough in the air with his hands at Old Gore.
  • a waiter making and presenting Aperol spritz drinks using oranges and getting prosecco out of a piaggio truck
  • chef holding a flame and charring several tortilla wraps that are in front of him
  • food and desserts at Old Gore. girl carrying several chocolate ice creams in a holder.
  • exterior shot of old gore in the rain with festoon lights leading to the covered area. Table and chairs out in the rain are wet.
  • wedding ceremony set up in a cotswold stone barn with high ceilings and a green foliage flower wheel hanging from the ceiling at Old Gore.
  • bride and groom being welcomed into wedding breakfast by guests waving white napkins around at Old Gore
  • different part of the wedding evening being shown from the first dance to the groom really laughing with light trails around him.

It’s surrounded by countryside, but the building itself has a clean, contemporary edge — think polished concrete, big windows, nice architectural details. Perfect if you want “barn” but not “hay bales.”

IMAGE: Insert venue photo galleries or hero images here.

So… Where Do You Go From Here?

By now, you’ve probably realised that you have choices. Intimate barn? Grand manor? Quirky, modern, foodie-fuelled celebration? You genuinely can’t go wrong here, and that’s the beauty of it.

My biggest piece of advice?
Choose the place that makes you exhale.
The one where you stand in the ceremony space and think, “Yeah… I can see us here.”

The rest — the logistics, the light, the timings, the suppliers — that’s what people like me are here for. You do the dreaming; I’ll help with the making it a reality and keeping it stress free.

And whether you’re planning a huge party, a relaxed weekend celebration, or a simple “us and our favourite people” kind of day, the Cotswolds has a way of making it feel effortless, grounded, and a little bit magical (even in sideways rain).

A Final Little Note From Me

I’ve spent the last 15+ years photographing weddings in this corner of the world, and I still get that same little spark every time I drive up to a venue — the quiet before the chaos, the nerves, the excitement, the ridiculous amount of love in one place. It never gets old.

Personally, I dont think you need a photographer who has shot at a venue before but you definitely need to do your homework to make sure they’re competent to shoot in different environments Especially the barns, they are utterly gorgeous but unless you know what you’re doing, light can be tricky. Make sure the work you see doesn’t feel like templated sessions, just in different locations. Every wedding is unique. Even if I had 20 weddings in succession at Elmore for example, you’ll never see me following the same pattern as you are different and who you are is unique and thats what story telling photography is about.

If you’re planning your Cotswolds wedding and want photos that feel real, relaxed, emotional, and you, I’d absolutely love to be part of your day.

But even if you’re just here for venue ideas — I hope this guide helps you feel grounded, excited, and a little more confident about a snippet of whats available to you.

Because you’re getting married in one of the most beautiful regions in the UK.
And trust me — it’s going to be incredible.

If you’ve made it this far, we’re basically friends already.
Planning a Cotswolds wedding?
Message me and let’s create photos you’ll want to wallpaper your whole house with.