Autumn weddings – make the most of cool temps and bright colours – mother nature palette

At Rivervale Barn you really are spoilt for choice when it comes to picture perfect locations for wedding photos. There may be many wedding venues in Hampshire but at Rivervale, everything you could possibly want is all in one place. Stunning barns, beautiful interiors, gorgeous gardens, a fabulous courtyard and luxurious accommodation all combine to create something very special. To make sure that you don’t miss a fabulous photo opportunity, take a look at our guide to the best locations for amazing wedding photos here at Rivervale Barn.

Before your ceremony

Photos of the bridal preparations have become more and more popular and at Rivervale Barn, you have two superb settings for these wedding photos. The Pamper Room is yours from 9am and it’s the perfect place for hair and makeup. It’s also a fab backdrop for fun photos as you get ready with your girls. From 12 noon, Cornstore Cottage is exclusively yours and these luxurious surroundings suit those pre-wedding photos perfectly. Don’t miss the emotional moments as your friends and parents see you in your dress for the first time!

The ‘first look’ is also something that we’re starting to see more of. This has come to us from the US and it means that instead of seeing your partner for the first time in the Ceremony Barn, you meet beforehand for a few emotional moments together ahead of your vows. Cornstore Cottage is an idyllic spot for a ‘first look’ or we can suggest a hidden spot in the gardens if you prefer.

The ceremony

The most important element of the day, the Ceremony Barn at Rivervale gives you a truly breath-taking backdrop for your vows. Your photographer can use the gallery above the barn to capture some wonderful shots of proceedings and the floor-to-ceiling windows provide gorgeous views into the gardens beyond and ensure there’s lots of light for fab wedding photos.

Of course, if you’re hosting an outdoor wedding here at Rivervale Barn, The Spinney is a dreamy setting for ceremonies and photos. Dappled sunlight in the woods, an elegant oak frame and space for your nearest and dearest – The Spinney is a photographer’s dream!

Moments to capture include your partner waiting for you before the ceremony, your arrival (the reactions of your partner and guests) and, of course, the ceremony itself. There’s also your first kiss as a married couple, any guests who give readings, signing the register (check with your registrar exactly what they allow here) and the moment that you exit your ceremony after the vows.

The reception

After your ceremony, step outside into our glorious gardens for your drinks reception. This really is an idyllic spot to mingle with guests and let your photographer capture lots of fabulous un-posed shots – you can be sure that the background of every image will look brilliant! More formal group shots also work really well in the gardens – you can subtly change the setting for each shot to give a different look to each of your wedding photos and everyone can stay together whilst the photos are being taken.

The gardens also provide a romantic setting for your couple shots too. The bridge over the lake is always popular and the gardens look spectacular right through the year. Of course, you also have the Courtyard too and the copper wishing tree is a brilliant focal point for photographs.

The Dining Barn will also be looking its best with all your decorations and details, so make sure that your photographer doesn’t miss the opportunity to capture this before all your guests make their way to the wedding breakfast. When the fairy lights and chandeliers are lit there will be a very special feeling indeed inside the Barn. You’ll also want photos of the speeches, the cake-cutting and the delicious food and drink that everyone will be enjoying.

Your evening reception will give you so many fantastic photos. You might have a band or DJ, uplighters or light-up letters, a cool dance floor or alternative entertainments, all of which need to be captured. Your first dance, surrounded by your friends and family often provides iconic shots and you’ll definitely want photos showing everyone on the dance floor! The Courtyard also comes alive in the evening, particularly if you’ve opted for street food, a firepit or BBQ.

As you can see, a Rivervale Barn wedding day will provide you with wedding photos that you’ll love for a lifetime.

To view on the best wedding venues in Hampshire, why not arrange a time to visit us? Our team would love to give you a personal tour of Rivervale Barn and you can see for yourself just what makes it so special. In the meantime, take a look at all the wonderful real weddings on our blog.