Picture perfect locations at our barn wedding venue in Hampshire

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.

Introducing The Spinney – Rivervale Barns’ New Outdoor Ceremony Space

We are delighted to now be able to share an enchanting new addition to Rivervale Barn, and a truly breathtaking setting to say ‘I do’.

1§§§Nestled amid the woodland in the idyllic gardens, the Spinney provides a magical location for an outdoor wedding on your special day. There’s a delightful feeling of privacy and seclusion beneath the trees, making it the perfect place for a fairy-tale wedding or woodland theme. Now you can make full use of the wonderful outside space at Rivervale Barn, exchange your vows and have an unforgettable ceremony in the great outdoors.

The owners of Rivervale Barn, Moyra and John Illsley, are always searching for ways to make their Hampshire wedding venue stand out from the crowd, as well as providing couples with everything they could wish for to make their dream wedding a reality. They knew that creating an awe-inspiring space for brides and grooms to marry surrounded by the atmospheric woodland would mean they could offer something unique and memorable.

“We wanted to create a beautiful and romantic location which would make an outdoor ceremony just perfect whatever the season. Our lovely wooded area was just too perfect, so we decided that was the best place for the structure to be built.” – John

“We took a great deal of time planning the build and sourcing a quality European wood, and wanted something that was unique to make a real statement. We’re delighted with the ethically-sourced materials and the finished product is just what we were hoping to achieve.” – John

When you walk around Rivervale Barn, you can feel the love and passion that has gone into creating it at every turn. The Spinney is no different, and there’s even a sentimental reason behind the name.

“When I was young, I lived in a house that had a wooded copse we called the Spinney, at the bottom of our garden. The Rivervale Barn gardens are renowned for the array of blue bells and primroses in the spring in our wooded copse here at Rivervale. Wandering through it always takes me back to my childhood and reminds me very much of our spinney then as a child. We thought it would be the perfect name to suit this peaceful and picturesque setting.” – John

You can begin your day relaxing with friends and preparing in Rivervale’s Pamper Room before putting the finishing touches to your look in the Cornstore Cottage. Once you’re ready, a path leads all the way from here to the Spinney, giving you a few moments to compose yourself and spend some time in the company of your nearest and dearest. As you approach, with birds singing in the trees, floral scents on the breeze, and all your guests sat in the dappled sunlight, you couldn’t wish for a more picturesque place to tie the knot.

“It will be a pleasure to see our couples enjoy, celebrate and embrace the Spinney, and we feel it’s very much at one with the gardens and our hearts. It’s humbling to know that a couple’s new journey has begun at our venue and we’re delighted to play a part in making sure their day is full of love and laughter. Making people smile is a wonderful business to be in!” – John

Why Choose A Barn Wedding Venue?

A barn wedding venue such as Rivervale Barn offers to host your wedding ceremony and reception in one place. This can save the hassle of having to book two separate venues and find availability to suit your diary. Plus you don’t have to worry how guests will travel from one venue to another.

Rustic styling

Rivervale Barn offers pretty rustic styling and gives you full control over designing your décor. Choosing a barn wedding venue gives you the freedom to add your own unique touches, whether you want to go for simple, understated style or adorn the barn with lots of decorations.

Beautiful gardens make the perfect photo opportunities

Beautiful landscaped gardens and a courtyard offer you and your guests the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs. You may also choose to dine al fresco if you are having a summer wedding or host your drinks reception and canapés amongst the flowers, trees and tranquil lake. The courtyard and gardens offer a perfect place for your wedding guests to mingle.

Spacious but modest

Host your ceremony and reception at Rivervale Barn for up to 150 guests. There’s plenty of space for up to 200 guests for evening celebrations. Our barn manages to be spacious enough to accommodate for so many guests, yet still maintain a modest and intimate feel.

Gorgeous country views

Set on the banks of the River Blackwater in Yateley, our barn wedding venue provides stunning surroundings for your big day. If you’re having a summer wedding take full advantage of the gardens and courtyard as you circulate with guests and take in the breath-taking Hampshire countryside.

Bridal accommodation for your wedding night

At Rivervale Barn, complimentary accommodation for your wedding night is provided. Spend your first night of married life in our romantic cottage, which is lovingly tailored to match your wedding colour scheme. Enjoy a continental breakfast for two in the morning, either in the 450-year-old cottage or outside in the charming courtyard.

Traditional or contemporary catering

With a barn wedding, you can opt for a more traditional, three course sit down meal such as a roast dinner or go for a contemporary choice such as a barbecue, a great option for a summer wedding. Our expert on-site catering team, have a wide range of delicious dishes to choose from. Attend a free tasting event to ensure you get it completely right. Make it as formal or informal as you like.