If you’re dreaming of an outdoor wedding Kington, The Rodd (part of the Sidney Nolan Trust) is one of those places that feels quietly magical: meadows, gardens, and that open, wild-border-country atmosphere that instantly makes everything feel more real.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). You might recognise us from TWIA – we won in 2023 as “The Mays”, and we’re now TWIA judges. Our signature is DOCU-ART: candid documentary moments first, with cinematic portraits when the light is gorgeous.
Last updated: March 2026
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For an outdoor wedding at The Rodd near Kington, the biggest wins are simple: choose a ceremony spot with clean light, build in a little buffer time (so nobody rushes), and plan one short portrait pocket in the best light, then let the rest be documentary and real.
KEY FACTS
Venue: The Rodd (Sidney Nolan Trust), near Presteigne/Kington on the England–Wales border
Why it works: gardens + meadows + space to breathe (perfect for outdoor ceremonies)
Story: Ellen + Joshua planned from Australia; outdoor celebrant ceremony + legal registry signing later
Style: DOCU-ART (real moments + cinematic portraits)
A quick legal note (because this has changed since older blog posts): in England & Wales, civil ceremonies can be held outdoors at approved premises in linked outdoor areas, under registrar rules. Celebrant-led ceremonies are still usually not legally binding in England & Wales, so some couples do the legal bit separately at a register office.
Venue snapshot: The Rodd (Sidney Nolan Trust) in 30 seconds
- Where it is
The Rodd is the Sidney Nolan Trust estate in the Hindwell Valley, close to Presteigne, right on the England–Wales border.
- What it feels like
A creative, peaceful estate with gardens and grounds – proper “breathe out” countryside energy.
- Why it works for outdoor weddings
Space, nature, and a relaxed flow – which makes outdoor ceremonies feel natural and photos feel story-led (not staged).
Outdoor wedding ceremony: meadow, bunting, and that unreal feeling
Ellen and Joshua’s outdoor wedding ceremony took place at The Rodd (Sidney Nolan Trust) near Kington on the English–Welsh border. Imagine a beautiful meadow, bunting, and all your favourite people around you – the kind of atmosphere that instantly makes everyone soften and smile. That’s exactly what happened here.
This is why we love outdoor ceremonies: the reactions feel bigger, the energy feels lighter, and the story photographs itself.
Wedding planning from Australia (and why it worked so well)
Ellen and Joshua planned their wedding from Australia, and it’s still one of the most special ceremonies we’ve photographed. Their day was also unusual (especially at the time) because it was led by a celebrant, and then they did the legal part separately at the Hereford Registry Office a week later.
That “two-part” approach is still really popular for couples who want a ceremony that feels personal and outdoorsy, while keeping the legal registration simple.
Getting married outdoors in England & Wales (updated, and less confusing)
This is the bit that has changed since older blog posts. Today, outdoor civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can take place at “Approved Premises” (for example venues approved by the local council), in linked outdoor areas, as long as conditions are met and the venue can comply.
However, in England & Wales, a legal civil ceremony still needs a registrar to carry out (or be present at) the ceremony, and the venue needs to be approved.
That’s why some couples choose:
A) legal ceremony at an approved venue with a registrar, outdoors where permitted, or
B) a celebrant-led outdoor celebration that’s personal and flexible, plus the legal registration separately at a register office.
A simple photo plan for an outdoor wedding at The Rodd
- Ceremony spot
Choose a spot with even light and a clean background (trees/meadow behind you, not parked cars or busy signage).
- Portrait pocket
Plan one short pocket (5–10 minutes) when the light is soft – it keeps everything natural and you’re not away from guests for ages.
- Group photos
Pick one place with open shade or even light. Keep the list short and the energy high.
- If it rains
Have a Plan B location on the venue grounds (or indoors). The secret is not “perfect weather” – it’s having a calm backup so nobody panics.
Publications
This wedding was featured on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings. Below you’ll find more photos – enjoy.
Contact your wedding photographers
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding at The Rodd / near Kington (or anywhere on the Herefordshire + Welsh border), we’d love to hear your plans. Tell us your date, your vibe, and what matters most – and we’ll help you keep the day calm and beautifully “you”.
