Planning Your Wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn
Having shot many weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn, I’m not exaggerating when I say I really believe this venue has its own micro-climate! It must be something to do with the expanse of the Cheshire countryside, along with the beautiful lakes on site, which give this wedding barn a completely different feel to all the rest. If you’re looking for dramatic skies and sometimes four seasons in one day, Sandhole is definitely the place for you!
Aside from the incredible scenery, the Oak Barn itself is simply beautiful. There are two main sections, one which is used for the ceremony and the other for the wedding breakfast… with the two combined in the evening for partying and chilling at the same time.
At the time of writing, I believe Sandhole has had an update to the pre-ceremony spaces. I’ve been shooting weddings here for over a decade, and the facilities just seem to keep growing and improving as the years go by. There are separate areas for both parties to get ready, and there is also a designated space for guests to relax and have a coffee before the ceremony begins.
This guide should highlight some of the best features of this incredible venue, and will show the barn, and its impressive surroundings, at different times of the year.
Capturing Your Preparations
Lots of high-end venues have realised that it is super important for both parties to have a space of their own to get ready and take a moment to breathe and relax, before the ceremony begins. The dressing room has had a recent re-vamp, with a dedicated space for those all-important bridal preparations.
The Shepherd’s Hut is a cool little independent outbuilding close to the lake, which makes a perfect backdrop for some shots with the groomsmen, before heading over to the main barn to greet the guests.
Ceremonies at Sandhole Oak Barn
The Oak Barn at Sandhole manages somehow to be both luxurious, yet warm and inviting at the same time. There is the option to be married under the clock tower by the lake, but the barn itself has full size windows with views of the lake, bringing the outside in… without the weather.
This is one of those venues where you can really tailor the space to your own taste. It looks wonderful when decorated, but also has a simplistic elegance which means you can keep the extras minimal and just enjoy the atmosphere of the barn itself.
The confetti exit is a classic at Sandhole, with the oak beams and the backlight from the lakeside making everything “pop” as it should. We usually head straight outside for drinks and canapes, but if that is not an option, then the barn itself works beautifully for the drinks reception.
Couple’s Portraits at Sandhole Oak Barn
This is the section where I could display literally hundreds of images. The size and scope for the couple’s shots at Sandhole are immense, and this is the reason why no two weddings here ever look the same.
The lake itself is obviously stunning, but it’s the incredible countryside and the vastness of the skies which make this venue so exciting to photograph. All venues look different in different seasons, but Sandhole has so many areas to explore, that we can vary the backdrops and the light, just by taking a little stroll around the grounds.
There are of course the quirky farm features, such as barn doors and tractors, to play with if you are so inclined… and for those who would rather chill on the decking and drink in the views along with their cocktails, that is also a very feasible option!
Evenings at Sandhole
I try to vary these guides as much as possible, so that they don’t all sound the same. Sandhole is a wonderful place for a party, with the classic cake cutting and first-dance shots all being a joy to capture, but as the place is so well run, there is also time for something a little different, in the space between the wedding breakfast and the evening fun.
You could practice your dancing on the lawn, breathe in the sunset and pose for some silhouettes, have a little smooch at golden hour or just kick off your shoes before the barn dancing begins.
Conclusion & Next Steps
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this venue, and even though it is literally five minutes from my house, it has to be one of my favourites of all time!
If you would like to discuss your plans or for more information, reach out at any time and I’ll get back to you very soon.
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