Jess & Tom
Jess & Tom’s Cripps Barn Wedding
A laid-back, sunshine-filled day in the Cotswolds
Some wedding days just flow. Jess and Tom’s celebration at Cripps Barn was one of them—effortless, elegant, and full of quiet joy.
Set against the rustic charm of Cripps Barn in the heart of the Cotswolds, the day opened with blue skies and soft sun—a dream backdrop for their ceremony and portraits. The weather stayed perfect throughout, bathing the stone barn, the surrounding fields, and every moment in warm natural light.
Getting Ready
Jess got ready with her closest friends in a calm, light-filled space, laughter echoing between makeup brushes and playlists. The details were simple but considered—shoes kicked off early, a soft veil, and an atmosphere of excitement without rush. Meanwhile, Tom and the groomsmen kept things relaxed, sharp suits paired with a good amount of banter and maybe one or two misplaced cufflinks.
The Ceremony
Held inside the barn, the ceremony had all the Cripps Barn hallmarks: timber beams, soft candlelight, and a sense of something both rustic and timeless. Jess entered looking entirely at ease—calm, radiant, and walking straight into a room full of love. It wasn’t about spectacle—it was about presence.
The Details
There was no fuss, no over-staging—just personal touches that felt completely them. Long tables, seasonal flowers, and a layout that made conversation easy. It was less about following trends and more about creating a space that felt real.
The Evening
As the sun dipped, we took a moment outside with Jess and Tom—just the two of them, some soft golden light, and space to breathe. No stiff posing, no interruptions. Just a short walk, a couple of laughs, and some of the most relaxed portraits of the day.
Back inside, the party picked up fast. Drinks flowed, speeches hit the right notes, and the dancefloor filled up before dessert was even done.
Final Thoughts
Jess and Tom’s wedding was a reminder that the best celebrations don’t need to be complicated. With the right people, a thoughtful space like Cripps Barn, and a couple who value the real moments, everything else falls into place.
We were there to document, not direct—and the result is a gallery that feels honest, relaxed, and full of life. Just like the day itself.
Top 10 Wedding Venues in the Cotswolds
1. Cripps Barn
A rustic stone barn surrounded by woodland and open fields. Soft natural light enters the
barn through tall windows, making it perfect for warm and romantic photographs. The cosy
fire pit area also creates beautiful evening shots.
2. Sudeley Castle
A historic castle steeped in heritage with landscaped gardens, dramatic archways, and
elegant interiors. From its ivy covered walls to its royal history, every angle offers an
opportunity for breathtaking images.
3. The Great Tythe Barn
This 16th century barn venue sits within charming gardens and a peaceful courtyard. Its high
ceilings and exposed beams create a classic country feel, while the surrounding grounds are
ideal for natural outdoor portraits.
4. Elmore Court
A grand country house with a modern event space known as The Gillyflower. The contrast of
historic architecture and contemporary design gives photographers a range of creative
possibilities from soft classic portraits to stylish editorial shots.
5. Stone Barn
A dramatic and atmospheric barn with high ceilings, textured stone walls, and a striking open
kitchen. The long aisle and glowing chandeliers create incredible ceremony imagery.
6. Manor by the Lake
A Victorian manor surrounded by beautiful lakeside scenery, ornate gardens, and elegant
interiors. It offers multiple backdrops in one location, ideal for varied and dynamic photo sets.
7. Kingscote Barn
Set on a secluded hilltop with panoramic countryside views. Sunset photos here are
especially captivating as the light falls across the rolling fields.
8. Hyde House
A chic venue that blends country charm with modern finishes. The clean architectural lines,
bright ceremony barn, and outdoor lawns provide endless opportunities for timeless and airy
photos.
9. Lapstone Barn
A contemporary Cotswold stone barn that mixes warm textures with stylish details. The
surrounding lavender fields and open landscapes make it ideal for romantic couple portraits.
10. Blackwell Grange
A luxurious farm style venue with a blend of rustic and elegant design features. Its Orchard
Barn is especially popular for ceremonies filled with soft natural light.
Meridian’s Pro Tips for Capturing Picture Perfect Wedding Moments
Photography plays a major role in preserving the magic of a Cotswolds wedding. Here are
Meridian’s expert tips for achieving natural and memorable images:
● Make the most of golden hour. The Cotswolds countryside glows beautifully in the
late afternoon, which is perfect for soft, romantic portraits.
● Use the venue’s architectural features. Doorways, stone arches, staircases, and
barn frames help shape stunning compositions.
● Look for natural frames. Trees, floral arches, and garden pathways guide the
viewer’s eye and add depth to the shot.
● Keep movement natural. Walking shots, spins, veil lifts, and candid interactions
bring authenticity to every frame.
● Embrace the British weather. Cloudy skies create diffused light ideal for flattering
portraits, while light rain can produce cinematic, cosy moments under umbrellas.
Real World Inspiration: Candid Moments from Real Weddings
Many of the most meaningful photographs come from unplanned and genuine interactions.
In the Cotswolds, these moments often include:
● Couples walking through a meadow at sunset.
● Laughter on the manor steps after the ceremony.
● Guests enjoying the courtyard during cocktail hour.
● Tearful vows inside a candle lit barn.
● A child running through the gardens during group photos.
These small scenes capture the heart of the day and show the true beauty of Cotswolds
weddings.
Turning Your Cotswolds Wedding into Picture Perfect Memories
Choosing a wedding photography and videography team that aligns with your vision is paramount. At Meridian photography we pride ourselves on transparent communication, extensive experience, and a commitment to capturing your unique story with a blend of candid, documentary, and cinematic styles.
From clear contracts to seamless day-of logistics and timely deliverables, we ensure a stress-free experience. We offer modern trends like drone footage and same-day social reels, backed by comprehensive insurance and robust backup plans.
Let us help you create timeless wedding images and films.
For final preparations, create an interview script and shot checklist. Request written contracts and insurance certificates before deposit.
These steps ensure your wedding imagery reflects your day and remains secure.
