Cripps Barn wedding photography is at its best when it’s photographed like it felt – cosy candlelight on Cotswold stone, big belly laughs during the feast, and that golden hour glow when the fields turn into a literal film set. Cripps Barn is one of those venues where the atmosphere does half the work for you, and the other half is just letting the day unfold naturally.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). You might recognise the name The Mays from TWIA – we were TWIA National Winners (as The Mays) and we’re now TWIA judges. Our approach is DOCU-ART: real documentary moments first, then relaxed, cinematic portraits that still feel like you (not like a photoshoot).
QUICK ANSWER
If you want a Cripps Barn wedding photographer who captures the real stuff (the nerves, the joy, the chaos, and the hugs you didn’t even notice), this venue is a dream. You get warm, flattering candlelight inside, gorgeous countryside light outside, and a flow that keeps everyone together. We keep portraits quick and easy, so you’re never missing your own wedding, and your photos feel like the day, not a performance.
KEY FACTS
Venue feel: 18th-century Cotswold stone barn, candles, fireplace, rustic warmth
Ceremony options: indoor barn ceremony, woodland/Oak Pavilion ceremony, or celebrate at Cripps after a local church ceremony
Guest numbers: up to 150 for ceremony + dining; larger numbers possible for the evening
Evening vibe: big party energy, great sound, late-night dancing
Best photo moments: golden hour in the fields, candlelit dinner reactions, and the “everyone’s relaxed now” dance floor
In this post, we’re sharing real Cripps Barn weddings we’ve photographed, plus the simple tips that help your day run smoothly and your photos look incredible, whatever the weather decides to do.
WHY CRIPPS BARN IS A DREAM WEDDING VENUE
Step inside Cripps Barn and it instantly makes sense why couples fall for it. You’ve got flagstone floors, chunky wooden beams, and that soft candlelight bouncing off Cotswold stone – cosy, romantic, and timeless in the best possible way.
What we love most is how easy it feels. Cripps Barn has that perfect mix of rustic warmth and big countryside romance, so it works for everything from laid-back, boho celebrations to black-tie candlelit dinners. It doesn’t force a “look” – it just elevates whatever vibe you bring.
1) The setting: rustic charm with proper Cotswolds views
Cripps Barn sits in the heart of the Cotswolds, wrapped in rolling fields and golden-stone villages that look like they were made for wedding photos. Every direction gives you a backdrop that feels natural and cinematic – especially around golden hour when the light turns soft and glowy.
2) The barn: intimate, warm, and full of character
Inside, everything feels close and connected (which is exactly what you want on a wedding day). The stone walls + candles create a flattering, moody atmosphere, and the layout keeps guests together so the energy builds naturally – from the first hugs to the speeches… and then into the proper party later.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT CRIPPS BARN
Cripps Barn is a gift for documentary-style wedding photography because the atmosphere does so much of the storytelling for you. You get soft, natural light through the big doors and windows, warm stone textures that photograph beautifully, and a layout that keeps everyone close, which means more real reactions, more laughter, and more of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments.
If you’re planning a winter wedding, the open fireplace turns everything cosy and romantic. In the evening, the fairy lights and chandeliers give the barn that intimate glow that makes the speeches feel extra emotional and the dance floor feel properly magical.
The outdoor spaces: ceremony + portrait spots that don’t feel “posed”
Whether you’re saying your vows inside the barn or outside at the Oak Pavilion, Cripps gives you loads of options without ever feeling like you’re trekking miles away from your guests. And for portraits, you really are spoilt, we can keep it quick, relaxed, and still get something cinematic.
Our favourite spots for Cripps Barn wedding photography:
- Oak Pavilion – a beautiful outdoor ceremony setting, surrounded by trees and open countryside
- Rolling fields – unbeatable at golden hour (soft light, big skies, proper Cotswolds romance)
- Terrace + fire pits – perfect for relaxed evening photos when everyone’s a little looser and the vibe is pure joy
Whether you’re planning a summer day with golden fields and blue skies or a cosy winter celebration with candles and a roaring fire, Cripps Barn has that rare thing: it looks incredible, but it still feels easy, which is exactly when the best photos happen.
HOW WE CAPTURE THE MAGIC AT CRIPPS BARN?
Let’s be real – your wedding day is going to fly by. One minute you’re slipping into your outfit, the next you’re on the dance floor throwing some questionable moves. And in between? All the little moments that make your day completely, beautifully, uniquely yours.
That’s why our approach to wedding photography at Cripps Barn is all about real, unscripted moments. We’re not here to pull you away from the party for hours of stiff posing. We’re here to capture the big, emotional moments, the tiny, in-between glances, and everything in between – so when you look back at your photos, you feel like you’re right back there.
What Does That Actually Mean?
- No awkward posing, no fake smiles – Just you, your love, and your people having the best day ever.
- We capture it all – big moments & small details – From the first look to your nan losing it on the dance floor.
- We blend in like guests – You won’t even notice we’re there half the time (but don’t worry, we’ll still catch all the good stuff!).
- We know how to use Cripps Barn’s light to its fullest – That dreamy golden hour glow? We’ve got it covered.
Best Spots for Wedding Photos at Cripps Barn
One of the best things about Cripps Barn? It’s an absolute dream for wedding photography. Here’s where the magic happens:
- Golden Hour in the Fields – When the sun starts to set, the surrounding countryside lights up like something out of a movie. Trust us, you’ll want to sneak out for five minutes for some couple shots!
- The Fire Pits & Terrace – Think cosy, intimate evening shots, with drinks in hand and fairy lights twinkling above.
- Inside the Barn – The warm candlelight, twinkling chandeliers, and stone walls create the perfect backdrop for those romantic, just-married moments.
- The Oak Pavilion – If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, this is where the magic happens, with nature all around you.
At the end of the day, we want you to be fully present, soak it all in, and just have the best time – while we capture every laugh, every tear, and every epic moment as it unfolds. No stress, no staging – just real, beautiful, joy-filled memories.
A CRIPPS BARN WEDDING DAY – WHAT TO EXPECT?
So, how does a wedding day at Cripps Barn actually unfold? Every wedding is unique, but there’s a certain magic to the way things flow at this venue. Here’s a little peek at what your day might look like – from the excited morning prep to the wild dance floor celebrations – see our general slideshow:
What if you have a rainy day..? It’s OK to have some of the pictures inside, and remember – it never rains all day!
What if your day is super hot and sunny like this one? Watch this summer Cripps Barn wedding photography slideshow:
Would you like to have some of your pictures taken in Bibury near Cripps Barn?
This is the first wedding we’ve ever photographed at Cripps Barn, have a look:
Slideshow number 5 – one of our favourite wedding dresses ever!
Getting Ready – The Calm Before the “I Do”
Your wedding day kicks off with pure excitement – a mix of nerves, joy, and maybe a little bit of bubbly! Since Cripps Barn doesn’t have on-site accommodation, couples usually get ready in nearby cosy spots like:
- Montreal House (Barnsley) – A stunning spot with tons of natural light (aka perfect for bridal prep photos).
- The New Inn (Coln St Aldwyns) – A charming pub with a warm, rustic atmosphere – great for the groom’s prep!
- Bothy & Sycamore (Arlington, Bibury) – Tucked away in a beautiful countryside setting, perfect for a relaxed morning.
Photo Tip: If you want a mix of getting ready shots from both the bride & groom’s morning, having two photographers is a game-changer! It means both sides of the story get captured without any rush.
The Ceremony – Saying “I Do” in Style
Whether you’re having an indoor ceremony in the barn or an outdoor wedding in the Oak Pavilion, Cripps Barn brings all the romantic vibes.
- Inside the Barn – Think medieval chandeliers, candlelit warmth, and stunning Cotswold stone walls. With space for 120 guests inside (plus extra in the Oak Room!), it’s the perfect blend of intimate and epic.
- Outdoor Weddings – If you’re dreaming of an open-air “I do”, the Oak Pavilion is surrounded by trees, fresh country air, and plenty of space for picture-perfect moments.
The light at Cripps Barn is incredible – but to make sure you and your partner look your best, stand a little further forward during the ceremony so you’re evenly lit. Trust us, it makes a difference!
Church ceremony
If you’ve got your heart set on a church ceremony, Cripps Barn still works beautifully. We often see couples marry in a nearby Cotswolds church (that emotional hush when the doors open never gets old), then everyone heads back to the barn for the candlelit feast and a proper party later. Best of both worlds: meaningful vows, then relaxed countryside celebration.
Confetti Time – The Ultimate Just-Married Moment
The moment you walk out as newlyweds? Pure magic. Guests lining up, cheers filling the air, and a shower of confetti as you take your first steps together – it’s the kind of moment you’ll never forget!
Cripps Barn allows only fresh petal confetti, so pick colours that will pop against the stone walls and greenery! Also, tell guests to throw the confetti up, not at your face (we’ve seen too many confetti-in-the-mouth moments).
Reception Drinks & Group Photos – Keeping It Fun
After the ceremony, everyone spills out into the beautiful gardens and terrace, where the champagne flows and the celebrations kick off!
- The Terrace & Fire Pits – A relaxed, social vibe where guests can mingle while the drinks and canapés are served.
- Group Photos Done Right – We keep these fun, natural, and quick – so you’re not stuck standing around while your guests sip all the champagne!
Want your group photos to feel relaxed and effortless? We’ll plan them in advance and use a few tricks to make sure everyone’s having fun, not just posing stiffly!
Couple’s Portraits – The Dreamiest Golden Hour Shots
As the sun starts to set, it’s time for the magic – just the two of you, soaking it all in, with the Cotswold countryside glowing in the background.
- The Rolling Fields – Wide, open landscapes and golden-hour light = photographer’s dream!
- The Big Barn Doors – That rustic, just-married glow with the fairy lights twinkling behind you.
- The Fire Pit at Night – A cosy, intimate setting for some of the most romantic evening portraits.
Photo Tip: You don’t need hours of couple’s photos – just 10-15 minutes at golden hour is enough to get some truly breathtaking shots!
The Wedding Breakfast & Speeches – Time to Celebrate!
Inside the barn, the long banquet tables are set, the candles are glowing, and it’s time to eat, drink, and be merry!
- The Food? Next Level. Cripps Barn is famous for its incredible feasts, cooked on an open rotisserie and BBQ – expect big portions, top-quality ingredients, and seriously happy guests.
- The Speeches? Pure Gold. Whether they’re tear-jerkers or belly-laugh-inducing, we’ll be there to capture every reaction.
The best time for candid guest photos? Between courses! When guests are chatting, toasting, and fully enjoying the moment.
The Party – Let’s Dance!
As the sun sets and the candles glow, the Oak Barntransforms into an epic dance floor – and let’s be honest, this is where some of the best moments happen!
- Live band or DJ? Either way, the acoustics in the barn are incredible, and the party vibes are next level.
- Evening Fire Pits & Marshmallows? Yes, please! One of the best things about Cripps Barn is how cosy and fun the evenings feel.
Photo Tip: Want those amazing, high-energy dance floor shots? Forget the bright venue lights – ask the DJ to use warmer tones and soft lighting for the best effect.
And Just Like That… You’re Married!
Cripps Barn weddings are full of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, and we’re always so honoured to capture them. Whether you’re planning a laid-back summer celebration or a cosy winter wedding, this venue has all the magic you could ever want.
And if you want a professional wedding photographer who knows exactly how to capture it all naturally, we’d love to chat! Let’s make some wedding magic happen.
7 top tips for Cripps Barn wedding photography
1. Golden hour is your secret weapon
Cripps is surrounded by open fields, so even 10 minutes at sunset gives you that soft, cinematic countryside glow.
2. Choose your ceremony time for faces, not just the schedule
If you’re indoors, standing a touch further forward helps keep faces evenly lit. Outdoors, avoid the harshest midday sun if you can.
3. Confetti works best just outside, with everyone close
Keep guests in a tight tunnel and throw up (not at faces). Petals photograph beautifully against the stone.
4. Keep group photos short and punchy
8–10 groups max is ideal. It keeps energy high and gets you back to the drinks faster.
5. Use the barn doors + stone textures for quick portraits
They’re perfect for “cinematic but natural” frames without walking miles.
6. Stay for the fire pits and the after-dark glow
This is where Cripps feels most like Cripps – cosy, relaxed, and full of real moments.
7. Give yourself permission to be in it
The best photos happen when you’re present. We’ll handle the storytelling while you enjoy your people.
Why we’d love to be your Cripps Barn wedding photographers
Choosing a photographer is a big deal. You’re trusting someone to notice the real stuff – the nerves before the ceremony, the happy tears, the hugs you didn’t even realise happened, and the glorious dance floor chaos later – and turn it into memories you can actually feel when you look back.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). Our style is DOCU-ART: candid documentary storytelling, with a touch of cinematic portrait magic when the light is doing something special.
1) We know Cripps Barn (and how it behaves)
Cripps has its own rhythm – warm candlelight inside, open fields outside, and a day that flows fast once guests arrive. Because we’ve photographed weddings here many times, we know where the light is kindest, where group photos work quickly, and how to get you beautiful portraits without disappearing for ages.
2) No stiff posing – just real moments
We won’t make you perform for the camera. We’ll guide you gently when you need it, but mostly we blend in and capture what’s real: the reactions during your vows, the squeeze of a hand, the “we just got married” look you give each other when you think no one’s watching.
3) Light is everything here – and we use it on purpose
Cripps Barn is famous for atmosphere, and the photos look best when the light is treated like part of the story – soft window light in the day, candlelit warmth during dinner, then that moody, energetic evening glow. We know how to keep skin tones flattering and the vibe intact, even when the light drops.
4) We stay for the party (because that’s when the real day shows up)
Once the music starts, the nerves disappear and everyone finally lets go. We love staying for that carefree joy – the spontaneous singalongs, the chaotic hugs, the questionable dance moves – because it’s the most honest, joyful part of the story.
5) Your photos should feel like you
At the end of the day, we don’t want you to just see your photos – we want you to feel the day all over again. Real moments, beautifully told.
To sum up – why choose us for Cripps Barn wedding photography?
We know Cripps Barn and how it “behaves” on a real wedding day – the light, the flow, the best spots, and how to keep everything feeling relaxed.
We focus on real moments – happy tears, belly laughs, reactions you didn’t even notice at the time, and the carefree dance-floor chaos later on.
We keep portraits quick and natural – so you actually get to enjoy your wedding instead of disappearing for photos.
And if you’d love your story told on film too, we offer wedding photography and wedding videography in the same DOCU-ART style, so it all feels consistent, not like two separate crews.
Final thoughts – your Cripps Barn wedding, exactly as it felt
A wedding day isn’t just a timeline. It’s the tiny, unforgettable moments: the nerves before you walk in, the first look you share, the laughter during the speeches, and that point in the evening when everyone finally lets go.
Cripps Barn is made for that. Candlelight on Cotswold stone. Open fields at golden hour. Fire pits and fresh air under the night sky. The venue keeps everything close, which means the atmosphere builds naturally, and the story almost tells itself.
That’s why choosing a photographer who understands Cripps (and can handle any light, any weather, any timeline wobble) matters. We don’t do stiff posing. We photograph in a DOCU-ART way – honest documentary moments, then a small slice of cinematic portrait magic when the light is beautiful.
FAQs about Cripps Barn wedding photography
Can you get married at Cripps Barn?
Yes. Cripps Barn is licensed for civil marriage ceremonies for up to 150 people, and ceremonies can take place in the barn or in the woodland glade.
Can we have a church ceremony and then celebrate at Cripps Barn?
Yes. If you’re having a church ceremony, Cripps Barn can host your wedding celebrations afterwards (drinks, feast, speeches, party).
How many guests can Cripps Barn hold?
Cripps Barn has capacity for 150 guests for the ceremony and dining, and up to 200 total including evening guests.
Where is Cripps Barn?
Cripps Barn is in the Coln Valley near Bibury, Cirencester (Gloucestershire), right in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Does Cripps Barn have accommodation on-site?
Cripps Barn doesn’t offer on-site accommodation in the way a hotel venue does, so most couples stay nearby. Cripps & Co highlight options like The Stump and The New Inn for local rooms.
What time does the party finish at Cripps Barn?
Cripps Barn has a late licence until 1am, so you can properly enjoy the evening (and the dance floor).
Can we have an outdoor ceremony at Cripps Barn?
Yes. Outdoor ceremonies can happen in the woodland glade at their Oak Pavilion, which is a gorgeous, tucked-away setting.
What happens if it rains?
Cripps is very weather-proof. The venue mentions advanced heating, roaring fires and candles for warmth and atmosphere, so the day still feels cosy even if it’s doing “classic British weather”.
Can we use our own caterers?
Cripps & Co handle food and drink in-house as part of how they run their weddings, and they encourage couples to attend a Feast Night to try the menu and see the barn.
What are the music options at Cripps Barn?
Cripps say you can use your own playlist (they have sound/lighting), or have a DJ, a live band, or a mix of both.
Are there fire pits at Cripps Barn?
Yes, Cripps Barn has outdoor fire pits, which are brilliant for that relaxed, late-evening atmosphere (and cosy photos).
How much time should we allow for couple portraits at Cripps Barn?
You don’t need ages. Most couples get gorgeous variety in 10–15 minutes, especially if we do it around golden hour or just after the ceremony when everything still feels buzzy and real.
When’s the best time for golden hour photos at Cripps Barn?
Golden hour changes by season, but the fields around Cripps are perfect for it. If you can spare a quick 10 minutes near sunset, you’ll get that soft, cinematic Cotswolds glow without missing your party.
Do you do both photography and videography at Cripps Barn?
Yes. We offer wedding photography and wedding films in the same DOCU-ART style, so the whole story feels consistent from start to finish.
Who are “The Mays” – is that the same as Marta May Photography?
Yes, it’s the same team. We’re Marta May Photography, also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). If you’ve seen “The Mays” on TWIA, that’s us too.
Get in touch today!
If you’re planning your day at Cripps Barn and you want relaxed, story-led Cripps Barn wedding photography, we’d love to hear what you’re planning.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). If you’ve seen The Mays on TWIA, that’s us too – we won TWIA in 2023 and we’re now judges.
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