My top 10 wedding venues: Devon, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire & West Sussex

I am lucky enough to live on the beautiful South Coast of England, surrounded by stunning forests, beautiful beaches and of course the South Downs National Park. I have shot weddings at so many fantastic venues…narrowing the list down to my top ten wasn’t easy!

*River Cottage ~ Axminster, Devon

River Cottage is a stunning venue on a 100 acre organic farm in Devon. The venue itself is a beautifully decorated rustic barn, which offers both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. The Threshing Barn can  seat up to 70 guests, and can also accommodate overnight guests on-site. The food is to die for (as you’d expect from the creation of celeb chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall!) and the chef comes out to explain each course to the wedding guests. If the barn, courtyard and farm isn’t enough for you, they offer a ride up the hill in one of their Land Rovers to allow the couples and photographers to capture the breathtaking views. I can’t recommend this place enough, it really is the perfect venue for a countryside wedding.

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*Silchester Farm ~ Hampshire

Silchester Farm sits on the border between Hampshire and Berkshire, in a beautiful historic rural area. It is perfectly picturesque, offering The Threshing Barn for ceremonies (as well as the option to tie the knot Lakeside under the willow trees); countless pretty spots around the grounds for photo opportunities; and The Cow Shed – a large cabin-style indoor space for couples to enjoy their wedding breakfast and then a party afterwards. The Dutch Barn is a favourite of mine, to capture some rustic romantic shots with the haybales! The food is spectacular, and the venue also offers adorable cottages for bridal prep and overnight stays.

* Ufton Court ~ Berkshire

I’ve shot at Ufton Court a few times, and it really is a wonderful place for a wedding! Another venue that sits between Hampshire and Berkshire, Ufton Court offers a Grade 1 listed manor house as well as the historic Tithe Barn – both make absolutely stunning backdrops for weddings! The 16 acres of land surrounding the venue are really something to see, especially as the sun is setting behind the trees. They offer a room for bridal prep, and couples have the option of indoor and outdoor ceremonies in two locations on the property.

Finally, something that I think makes Ufton Court quite unique, is that profits from all the weddings held there are donated to the venue’s children’s education charity.

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*Farbridge ~ West Sussex

Farbridge is tucked away in the beautiful landscape of the South Downs National park in Chichester. They can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests, and offer two barns to host the ceremony as well as the reception afterwards. The gardens are perfectly manicured, and there is a lovely courtyard area for guests to enjoy drinks and canapes. The rolling hills (complete with sheep!) surrounding the venue provide a truly stunning backdrop for photos all year round. The staff are wonderful, and the food is delicious!

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*Elmers Court Hotel & Resort ~ Lymington, Hampshire

Elmers Court is a large 19th century manor house in Lymington, Hampshire. It has been very well maintained, and therefore has all its original features and historic character. If you take a short stroll to the bottom of the gorgeous gardens, you can enjoy the view across the Solent. The building itself provides a classy and picturesque backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and romantic couple portraits, as does the lovely Queen Mary Lawn and shaded areas under the trees. They offer a large bridal prep room and plenty of on-site accommodation for guests.

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*Southend Barns ~ West Sussex

Southend Barns is a gorgeous wedding venue in West Sussex, designed specifically with weddings in mind! Combining the original features of the buildings with a few lovely modern additions, they’ve created a truly exquisite place to tie the knot. As another exclusive-use venue, wedding parties can make full use of the barns & outdoor reception area (and cozy undercover area with an outdoor cocktail bar), as well as the charming gardens and idyllic fields around the barns (don’t forget to say hi to the friendly alpacas!). The firepit and twinkling lights create a really inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect wedding location for any season.

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*Clock Barn ~ Hampshire

Clock Barn is a luxuriously rustic countryside wedding venue in the centre of Hampshire. It boasts a spacious 19th century barn as well as some beautiful gardens (I love the weeping willows) and picturesque rolling hills. The Stable Room provides the perfect ‘getting ready’ space, even for larger bridal parties. They even have a room for groom prep too! Their elegant gardens look striking at any time of year (I’ve shot there in all seasons, and it always looks lovely!) I like to take couples to the top of the hill for some final sunset portraits…it’s really quite a magical spot, watching the hares playing in the fields as the sun goes down. The venue also offers accommodation on-site in the traditional Farmhouse or the newly built Rose Barn.

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*Weddings in the Wood ~ New Forest, Hampshire

Weddings in the Wood is an exclusive, magical little venue nestled in amongst the trees in the New Forest, Hampshire. It’s so unique, and perfectly located for a secluded ceremony in nature. Their indoor space can accommodate up to 150 people, and they pride themselves on being flexible when it comes to fun and creativity. As well as the outdoor canopy-covered area, they offer The Carpenters Barn for indoor ceremonies. The whole place feels wonderfully enchanting – if you’re a nature-loving couple, this ethereal spot would be ideal for your wedding!

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*Worton Hall ~ Oxfordshire

Worton Hall is a fantastic rural venue on the edge of the Cotswolds, originally a farm and grain barn. It offers three areas for couples to choose from depending on the size of their wedding: The Main Hall, Cresswell Lounge and the Hayloft Gallery. Ceremonies can be held indoors or out. Everything oozes rustic charm, and feels homely and luxurious at the same time. There’s plenty of space for both bride and groom to get ready on site. The gardens, woods and weeping willow trees make for a very scenic backdrop, and the farm buildings help to create a real ‘countryside wedding’ feel. A beautiful earthy place to say I do!

*Burley Manor ~ New Forest, Hampshire

Burley Manor is set on an 800 year old estate: a grand old Grade II listed property surrounded by the beauty of the New Forest. Deer play in the fields to the front of the building, and gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed across the fields. The barn looks stunning; it’s well-lit (makes us photographers happy!) and very spacious. Outside, guests can enjoy a Pimms whilst playing lawn games in the garden. The front of the manor house is very striking, especially when the wisteria is in bloom. One of my favourite areas was in the fields that surround the property – there is a lovely old Land Rover sitting under the trees, which provided a very chic yet rustic prop for the couple portraits! I loved it!

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