Previously…
Autumn and Winter Weddings
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Can I stay the night at Sandhole?
Make more of your wedding with an overnight stay at Sandhole Oak Barn
The one piece of feedback we always get from couples who marry at Sandhole is that the day goes way too fast. One minute you’re getting ready with your favourite people, the next you’re on the dance floor, wondering how it’s suddenly evening. So, what if you could make your wedding last that little bit longer with an overnight stay?
At Sandhole, staying over is about much more than convenience. With space for up to 35 of your loved ones to stay overnight and a dedicated breakfast room for the morning after, a stay at Sandhole allows you to extend the celebrations and create lasting memories.
Image credit: Tom Groves
More time with your favourite people
While not every guest will stay overnight, that can actually make the experience feel even more special. Having space for your closest family and friends means the people staying on site are often the ones playing the biggest part in your wedding weekend -your wedding party, immediate family, and those nearest and dearest who you want a little more time with.
It creates a more intimate atmosphere, both on the night of the wedding and the morning after. Instead of everyone leaving at once and the celebration ending suddenly, there is a softer finish to the day, with a smaller group able to continue enjoying the setting together.
For many couples, that quieter time with their inner circle becomes one of the loveliest parts of the whole experience.
Image credit: PWM Photography
Your countryside honeymoon escape
At the end of your wedding day, The Granary Cottage gives you your own private and romantic retreat. Recently transformed into an even more luxurious honeymoon suite, this self-contained hideaway includes a spacious sitting room, super-king bed, beautiful bathroom, and your own veranda overlooking the lake and countryside. It’s the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in together.
Image credit: Magda K Photography
Image credit: Charlotte Giddings Photography
Keep your wedding feeling easy and relaxed
One of the biggest benefits of staying overnight is how much simpler it makes everything.
After an evening of celebrating, the last thing you and your nearest and dearest want is to be thinking about taxis, directions, collecting cars the next day, or getting everyone safely to different places.
Here at Sandhole, we have 16 dedicated guest bedrooms, including accessible rooms and family rooms, so every family member will be well cared for. You and 35 of your loved ones can enjoy the full experience together. The next morning, you can gather together in The Breakfast Room and enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast whilst you swap stories of the day before.
Image credit: Charlotte Giddings Photography
A relaxed option for the night before your wedding
It may also be possible to stay the night before your wedding, which can be a lovely way to begin the celebrations.
When you wake up in the morning, you’ll already be settled in and ready to start the day. You can wake up at the venue feeling calm and comfortable, with time to take everything in and enjoy those special pre-wedding hours.
For many couples, the night before is full of anticipation, and staying over can help turn that into something really positive. It gives you the chance to spend time with your nearest and dearest, enjoy a quieter evening before the excitement of the next day, and start your wedding morning in a much more relaxed frame of mind.
It can also make practical things easier, from getting ready on time to knowing you are already exactly where you need to be. If this is something you would like to explore, our events team can talk you through the options and let you know what may be possible.
Image credit: Lee Brown Photography
Image credit: Becc Photography
A better experience for your guests, too
On-site accommodation is not only a lovely option for couples, but it can also make a real difference for guests.
For those travelling some distance, it removes the pressure of a late journey home. For close family and the wedding party, it means they can stay close by and enjoy every moment without worrying about logistics. For everyone, it creates a more relaxed, sociable atmosphere, allowing people to fully settle in and celebrate.
It is especially helpful for guests who want to make it a trip, whether that means spending the next day exploring the local area, heading out for lunch together, or simply taking their time before travelling home.
Image credit: PWM Photography
Extend the celebrations by planning a day out in the Cheshire countryside: things to do in the local area
One of the loveliest parts of staying overnight is that your wedding does not have to feel over the moment you wake up. You’re already in a beautiful part of Cheshire, so the next day can become part of the experience too.
Nearby walks
If you and your guests fancy some fresh air and a slower start to the day, there are some lovely local walking spots nearby.
The Mow Cop Loop is a great option if you want countryside views and a proper post-wedding walk to blow away the cobwebs.
Biddulph Valley Way offers a gentler route, ideal for an easy-going morning outdoors.
Bosley Cloud is another beautiful local spot, known for its views and peaceful surroundings.
These walks are a great reminder of one of the joys of getting married in the countryside. You can slow down, let people wander, and really enjoy the setting rather than rushing straight back into everyday life.
Bossley Cloud, image from Great British Life Magazine
Days out nearby
If your guests are making a bit of a stay of it, or if you would like to turn the morning after into something more, there are also some brilliant places to visit nearby.
Little Moreton Hall is full of character and makes a lovely day out for anyone who enjoys history and beautiful buildings.
Biddulph Grange Garden is a wonderful choice if you are looking for somewhere peaceful to stroll and enjoy a slower pace after the excitement of the wedding day.
Jodrell Bank offers something a little different and can be a great option for families or guests who want to do something memorable before heading home.
Little Moreton Hall, image from National Trust
A pub lunch the next day
Another lovely idea is to gather a few of your favourite people for a relaxed pub lunch before everyone heads off. Two lovely local options are The Plough Inn and The Davenport Arms.
After all the excitement of the wedding, this can be such a nice way to round everything off. There is no formal schedule, no pressure, just good food, good company, and the chance to spend a little more time together.
It is a simple but really special way to end the celebrations and enjoy one last get-together before everyone heads home.
Image credit: Lee Brown Photography
More than just somewhere to stay
When you look at the full picture, accommodation becomes about much more than having a room for the night.
It helps keep your wedding feeling smooth and stress-free. It gives you extra time with loved ones. It makes things easier for guests. It creates space for a calm build-up the night before and a more relaxed finish the next day.
Most of all, it helps your wedding feel like more than a single day. It becomes a fuller experience, one where everyone can settle in, enjoy the countryside setting, and make the very most of being together.
At Sandhole Oak Barn, that fits perfectly with the way weddings feel here: warm, welcoming, personal and relaxed.
Image credit: PWM Photography
Find out more about weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn
If you would like to find out more about staying overnight, or ask about the possibility of booking the night before your wedding, please speak to our events team.
Previously…
Why autumn & winter weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn are truly special
There’s something quietly magical about an autumn or winter wedding. While summer will always be popular, more and more couples are discovering that the cooler months offer something a little bit outside the ordinary. Autumn and winter celebrations feel more relaxed, more atmospheric, and often more affordable too.
There’s a different kind of atmosphere at this time of year. The colours are richer, the setting feels calmer, and the whole day often has a more relaxed, intimate feel. It’s also a time when you can make the most of better availability and often better value, too.
At Sandhole, the cooler months bring out a quieter kind of beauty. It’s welcoming, peaceful and full of character.
A cosy, welcoming setting, whatever the weather
One of the things couples love most about Sandhole is how comfortable it feels as soon as you arrive. The oak barn naturally creates a warm, homely space where everyone can settle in and enjoy the day.
There’s plenty of room to move between spaces without feeling rushed. Guests can wander, find a quiet corner, or gather together with a drink. Everything flows easily, which makes a real difference on the day.
The layout has been thoughtfully designed, so whatever the weather is doing outside, your celebration still feels seamless and relaxed. Because everything is under one roof, you don’t need to worry about moving between spaces in the cold. Your ceremony, dining and celebrations all take place indoors, so the day feels seamless and comfortable for everyone.
Beautiful photography, all year round
Autumn and winter weddings have a look and feel that’s hard to recreate at any other time of year.
In autumn, the landscape shifts into warm, earthy tones. Deep reds, burnt oranges and soft golden light reflect across the lake and through the trees. The natural colours of the season work beautifully with the barn itself, complementing the oak and adding to that rich, autumnal feel.
Winter has its own kind of charm. Mornings can feel still and quiet, sometimes with a light frost across the ground. The light is softer, which makes for beautifully atmospheric photographs, especially later in the afternoon as the sun begins to set. On colder days, the lake and surrounding fields can be dusted with frost or snow, creating a calm, almost magical backdrop for photographs.
One of the most striking features in the darker months is the tree over the lake, which lights up in the evening. It reflects across the water and creates a beautiful focal point, especially for those later, more atmospheric photos.
The lakeside setting stays green year-round, so you always have a sense of space and openness. It means your photos feel just as striking in December as they do in September.
But what about the weather?!
It’s one of the first questions couples ask, and understandably so. The reality is that British weather is unpredictable in every season. A summer wedding doesn’t guarantee sunshine, just as a winter wedding doesn’t mean rain all day. In Cheshire, rainfall tends to be fairly consistent throughout the year.
The difference is that autumn and winter weddings are planned with this in mind. You’re not relying on the weather to create the atmosphere. Instead, the setting, the barn, and the way the day is structured do that for you.
At Sandhole, everything is designed to work beautifully whatever the conditions, so you can focus on enjoying the day rather than worrying about the forecast.
Styling your day
Seasonal colours that work beautifully
The time of year naturally shapes the look and feel of your wedding.
Autumn works beautifully with warm, rich tones. Reds, oranges, browns and deep greens all complement the countryside setting and the rustic feel of the barn.
Winter tends to lean towards something a little more refined. Dark green, metallic accents, and black-tie styling create a clean, elegant look. Candlelight and simple details can make a big impact without needing too much. During the festive season, the barn also takes on a lovely Christmas feel, with a tree that adds to the atmosphere and makes winter weddings feel even more special.
Both seasons give you the freedom to create something that feels like you.
The best seasonal food that brings everyone together…
Food always plays a big part in a wedding, but it feels even more important in the cooler months.
Menus at this time of year are full of flavour and warmth. You might find slow-cooked meats with rich sauces, roasted vegetables at their best, and comforting combinations that feel generous and satisfying. There’s a depth to autumn and winter dishes, with hints of spice, herbs and sweetness running through them. Vegetarian and vegan options are just as thoughtful, with seasonal ingredients used in creative ways that feel just as indulgent.
Desserts tend to be the kind people really look forward to. Warm puddings, soft pastries, spiced fruits and creamy custards all bring a sense of familiarity and comfort. It’s the sort of food that encourages people to slow down, chat and enjoy the moment.
It’s not just about the meal itself. It’s about creating something that brings everyone together and feels personal to you.
…plus deliciously warming drinks to match
the atmosphere
Drinks are another way to lean into the season and make your day feel a little different.
Guests might arrive to a glass of mulled cider or warm spiced wine, which immediately sets the tone. For something lighter, a cloudy apple cosmopolitan or a spiced apple mojito works beautifully. There’s also room to have a bit of fun with it, with options like a pumpkin spice martini adding a seasonal twist.
As the evening goes on, the bar offers a range of cocktails and drinks that can be tailored to your tastes. Whether you prefer something classic or something a little more creative, it all feels in keeping with the time of year.
…and more time with your favourite people
Autumn and winter weddings often have a slightly different pace. Outside of the summer months, guests are usually more available, which can make it easier for the people you care about most to be there. On the day itself, people tend to stay close, chat more and spend longer together.
There’s a sense of everyone settling in and making the most of the time. It feels less rushed and more connected.
You could save yourself some money with an autumn or winter wedding
Are autumn and winter weddings cheaper? In many cases, they can be. Because these months sit outside of peak wedding season, there’s often more flexibility when it comes to dates and pricing. It gives you the chance to plan a beautiful day in a stunning setting, while making your budget go a little further.
It can also open up more options when you’re choosing suppliers or finalising details, simply because there’s more availability across the board.
Start planning your autumn or winter wedding at Sandhole Oak Barn
If you’re looking for a wedding that feels relaxed, welcoming and full of atmosphere, autumn and winter are well worth considering.
Sandhole Oak Barn offers a peaceful countryside setting where everything is designed to feel easy and natural. It’s a place where you can bring everyone together, enjoy the moment, and create something that feels truly your own.
If you’d like to see it for yourself, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.
Ready to start planning…
Latest news and updates from Sandhole Oak Barn
We’re always looking for ways to make weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn even more memorable.
This year has already seen some big changes at Sandhole, with more on the way!
We’ve updated four of our key spaces – the Kitchen, our guest accommodation Breakfast Room, The Dressing Room, and The Granary Cottage. Each has been carefully considered to enhance your day from start to finish, with comfort, atmosphere, and those all-important little details at the heart of every change.
Plus, we’ve introduced Sandy, our purpose-built food truck! This new outdoor kitchen serves delicious food and drink options in a relaxed and social setting.
Read on to find out more about each of our exciting developments.
Shepherds Bar
A woodland welcome
Plans are underway at Sandhole to transform our Shepherd’s Hut into the Shepherd’s Bar. Tucked among silver birch and rowan trees with views across the lake, it will offer guests another outdoor spot to gather and raise a glass.
Previously used as a preparation space, we always felt the hut was made for something livelier. Separate preparation rooms in the main building are still available, so you and your partner each have somewhere calm and spacious to get ready.
When it opens, the Shepherd’s Bar will be the first stop for your guests, welcoming them with a drink the moment they arrive. As day turns to night, the bar will reopen, creating a relaxed, sociable space for conversation and celebration.
Keep an eye on our socials to see this exciting chapter unfold!
Introducing Sandy, the food truck
Meet Sandy, our brand-new outdoor kitchen and the latest addition to life at Sandhole. This beautiful, purpose-built food truck brings all the charm of the countryside and the buzz of modern food theatre. Painted cream and dressed with rustic bistro furniture and planters, Sandy fits seamlessly into our lakeside setting. She’ll make the perfect backdrop for wood-fired pizzas, sizzling BBQ favourites and pre-ceremony drinks in the open air.
If you’re looking for something a little different for your wedding day, you’ll love the relaxed, festival-style atmosphere Sandy brings. Relaxed yet refined, full of energy, flavour and that irresistible ‘wow’ factor, she really does have it all! From live cooking to laid-back mingling beneath the sky, Sandy transforms dining into a sensory experience – authentic, sociable, and unmistakably Sandhole.
The Dressing Room
Prepare in style
The morning of your wedding should be a calming, tranquil experience surrounded by your loved ones. That’s why The Dressing Room has been completely reimagined to bring a stronger sense of peace and serenity.
This new-look space is filled with natural light and styled with gorgeous new furniture and furnishings, creating a serene, elegant atmosphere. Every detail has been chosen to keep the space both practical and tranquil, creating the perfect backdrop for those all-important pre-ceremony moments.
It’s a setting that not only supports the flow of your day but also photographs beautifully, giving you memories to treasure long after the moment has passed.
Food & Drink
We’ve brought catering in-house
At the start of 2026, a new era of food and drink at Sandhole began. We brought our catering in-house, with an incredible local team who are highly experienced in creating wedding and event menus. To support this change, we installed a brand-new, state-of-the-art kitchen. This means we’ll now be preparing everything on site, using the freshest, most flavourful British produce. You can work with our team to design a menu that perfectly reflects your vision and personalities with expert help and advice along the way.
Granary Cottage
Your wedding night retreat
When your wedding day draws to a close, what could be better than spending the night in a private, cosy hideaway that’s just a few steps away from the celebrations? We’ve recently transformed The Granary Cottage, our honeymoon suite, into an even more luxurious retreat for newlyweds.
We’ve enhanced the space with a soft, neutral palette and thoughtful touches that create an elegant, restful atmosphere, including a cosy living room that offers the perfect place to unwind together. The result is a private haven where you can relax, reflect, and savour your first night as newlyweds in comfort and style.
The Breakfast Room
Levelling up the morning after
The last impression of your wedding is just as important as the first. That’s why we’ve redesigned the Breakfast Room into a space that feels sociable, welcoming and full of farmhouse charm. Banquet-style tables make it easy for families and friends to come together one last time, while rustic touches like wooden display tables and country-inspired artwork create a homely, relaxed atmosphere.
We want you to feel reassured that your loved ones will leave Sandhole with warm memories, smiles, and perhaps even a few final photos in a space that feels as charming as the rest of
the venue.
Designed with you in mind
Every update is about more than just appearances. They’re about making sure that the journey through your wedding at Sandhole feels seamless, authentic and personal from beginning to end. Whether it’s getting ready in style in The Dressing Room, enjoying food freshly prepared in our new kitchen, gathering together in the warmth of the Breakfast Room, or ending the night in our Granary Cottage, these are the moments that add up to lasting memories.
Ready to start planning…
Tis the Season to be Jolly (& get Married)!
Christmas is such a magical time of year to tie the knot – with crisp weather and festive entertainment, glamorous colour schemes and sparkles galore, there’s just so much to embrace.
Winter weddings, especially around Christmas time are fast catching up with the summer months as the most popular time to say ‘I do’. The nights might be darker, but the sparkles are brighter, the atmosphere merrier and the whole day is bursting with romance.
Winter weddings can undoubtedly be some of the most romantic, with exceptional wedding food and festive wedding ideas. And, while you might not spend a lot of time outside, the great outdoors still proves to be a wonderful backdrop to your magical day and spectacular photographs.
To have and to hold away from the cold!
The Stunning Ceremony Room awash with natural light and spectacular lakeside views means there is no compromise for an indoor wedding. The intimacy and romance will engulf you as soon as you walk through the beautiful Oak Porch to make your grand entrance and glide down the aisle ready to exchange “I do’s”. Think candles, twinkly lights, festive essence in the air.
When you’ve walked back down the aisle and got that all important confetti shot, the chairs will be whisked away so you have a cosy spacious area for your guests to enjoy reception drinks, whilst the wedding party are taking spectacular, crisp, winter photographs in the beautiful outdoor surroundings.
A little bit of Twinkle
And when it’s time to dine, throw back the curtains and reveal luxurious colour schemes, plenty of candlelight and fun little touches like snowflakes – anything that will enhance that all important feeling of enchantment and wonder that Christmastime already offers.
There’s something truly charming about soft candlelight, twinkly lights and icy-cool décor. Synonymous with togetherness and joy, the decorations that come hand in hand with Christmas time are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Time for some Winter Warmers
Arguably one of the most important elements of any Christmas wedding theme is the food and drink. A winter wonderland wedding is the perfect opportunity for a host of treats.
Is it even Christmas time if there’s not Mulled wine? A fantastic warming arrival drink. Or a festive signature cocktails (or both). Instead of just serving Champagne for your toast, how about adding a splash of pomegranate juice or Cointreau? Rhubarb negronis, chai latte martinis, and ginger margaritas all have that Christmassy-spice twist.
Give your guests a winter hug with a hot chocolate station, you might even decide to offer boozy hot chocolate spiked with a liqueur of your choice. Mmmmm Baileys!!!
When it comes to Christmas themed canapés, Yioda Boyd at Top Table Weddings and Events suggests shots of warming spicy butternut squash soup, filled miniature Yorkshire puddings or brie and cranberry filo baskets. Not forgetting the sticky honey and wholegrain mustard glazed chipolata sausages – delicious treats to delight your guests.
Moving in to dine, a Christmas menu offers an abundance of seasonal delights. You might consider a soup for starter, honey roasted parsnip being a particular favourite of Top Table. For your main course, roast turkey with all the trimmings is an absolute crowd pleaser at this time of year, or you might opt for beef bourguignon or fillet steak, often considered too ‘heavy’ for a summer wedding but a wonderful choice for a cold winters day.
As for pudding… “Sticky toffee pudding is a firm favourite,” says Yioda. “Our homemade Christmas pudding ice cream goes down a storm, as does bread and butter pudding or apple and toffee crumble with custard.
Dance the night away!
The sun has set, the cake is cut, the speeches have been done to the sound of raucous laughter, the blanket of night sky with twinkling stars has set the mood to party & dance the rest of the night away……………
You will go to the (Charity) Ball!
Here at Sandhole Oak Barn we like to give back to the community when we can and when Emily first came to us to discuss her idea it was something we passionately wanted to support her with.
Emily worked for Top Table Wedding and Events at Sandhole Oak Barn and when Emily lost her Grandad to Cancer she wanted to do something and her Boss and Head Chef Dave Ross gave her the idea of a Charity Ball. She approached Sandhole about hosting the event and they fully supported the idea and offered the venue free of charge and Top table would provide the catering. Emily’s parents at first thought this was a crazy idea which made her even more determined to make it happen.
Tickets were sold on Facebook and sold out in 24 hours (180 people) and the money was being raised for Douglas Macmillan who had looked after Emily’s Grandad and they raised an amazing £12,500. When presenting the cheque to the charity it became apparent that this amount of money would only provide half a day’s support and made Emily even more driven to raise more and planned another ball.
While planning the second ball, Emily lost her Auntie to cancer and decided to dedicate this Ball in memory of her and raised £17,000 with another sell out.
Then in June the following year Emily’s Dad who is a key part of the team helping to find sponsors for the event, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and started treatment at Macclesfield Cancer Unit. It was during one of their visits they realised that the hospice family room had very few facilities for patients and their families, so they decided to donate the £15,000 raised from the third ball to help improve the facilities. This money bought items such as a coffee machine and microwave and a prostate machine. This machine analyses urine samples and can provide a diagnosis within 24 hours as opposed to the two weeks patients usually have to wait for results.
Then with Covid there was break for a year before the fourth ball which raised £14,000. This time Emily had seen a Go Fund Me page on Facebook for a local lady from Congleton who was trying to raise funds for cancer treatment and time was running out. Having spoken to the lady Emily discovered that she had already endured a double mastectomy, but not all the cancerous cells were removed and there was no NHS funding for any further treatment. Emily made the decision to donate the money needed for the treatment and the lady is now 6 months in remission.
2023 is the fifth year and raised £14,500 which is helping a local family from Macclesfield. Kyle has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and needs £70,000 for innovative radiotherapy treatment in Austria. Kyle’s family have already managed to raise £60,000 and so with the additional £14,500 they now have enough for the treatment and some money left over for his aftercare. His operation is scheduled for 10th February. The Chronicle are also sharing Emily’s story about how her fundraising all began and the difference this money has made to so many lives in our local community.
Emily feels very fortunate to have such great sponsors that have supported her events year on year and we here at Sandhole feel very privileged to have hosted these Charity Balls and support Emily with her fundraising, she is truly remarkable.
You can find out more about Emily and what she does by following her on Instagram.
We are honoured to be able to continue supporting her and all the amazing things she is doing for such an important cause.
Sandhole – With Family at it’s Heart.
Let us tell you the story of where it all began…
On the 27th October 2023 we had the pleasure of hosting the beautiful wedding of Jessica & Shane Craig. Rewind to exactly 28 years earlier we were extremely excited to be hosting our very first wedding here at Sandhole, the wedding of Jessica’s Mum & Dad, Kim & Andrew Rae.
Let us tell you the story of where it all began for Sandhole & the Rae family…
Family has always been at the heart of Sandhole, starting with David and Veronica Worth and now passing down to the next generation of Worths, Jenny, Roger and Matthew, their children. Once a working farm in the stunning cheshire countryside, in 1989 they decided to diversify and tastefully converted some of the farm buildings to create attractive guest accommodation. This idyllic, rural setting that Sandhole boasts is the perfect location to “Tie the knot”. When the law was passed in 1995 that granted permission to hold civil weddings in places other than a Registry Office, David and Veronica wasted no time in applying and successfully becoming the first farm in the country to hold a wedding license.
27th October 1995 is such a special milestone in the Sandhole story as that was not just the start of our wedding journey, but also the journey for Kim and Andrew Rae who chose the venue for its rustic country atmosphere with the added appeal of having everything in one location. Their civil wedding took place in the Small Barn (now our guest lounge) followed by a Reception for 60 guests in the Farmhouse Conservatory. Surrounded by their close friends and family, little did we know then that their 10-month-old daughter Jessica would decide Sandhole was going to be where she chose to say “I do” 28 years later.
Photography by Andy Griffiths
Welcoming the Rae family back to Sandhole after all these years was such a privilege and hearing their story and seeing the beautiful photographs of Kim and Andrew’s intimate wedding brought back such happy memories. At the same time it showed us just how much we have evolved since 1995, with the creation of the Sandhole Oak Barn in 2005, a stunning bespoke wedding venue overlooking a tranquil 6 acre lake with a constantly changing view.
Photography by Andy Griffiths
It was perhaps even more poignant that Jessica’s lovely Dad, Andrew, had passed away and very sadly didn’t get to see his beloved daughter follow in his footsteps, saying ‘I Do’ at Sandhole. For obvious reasons this made Jessica and Shane’s day even more emotional for all the Rae family. We’re sure that Andrew was looking down on them with immense pride.
Jessica and Shane were able to make the most of the lakeside setting and stunning backdrop for their gorgeous photographs. Another addition since the first Rae wedding is the lakeside Clocktower built and licensed in 2008 allowing our couples to choose whether to have an indoor or outdoor ceremony, also perfect for celebrating with a bottle of fizz.
Photography by Andy Griffiths
With the creation of the bespoke bridal Dressing Room, Jessica and her mum Kim were able to spend lovely, quality time together with her bridesmaids getting ready for Jessica’s big day. Jessica and Shane stayed in the beautiful Granary Cottage which is adjacent to the Dressing Room on their wedding night, which bore similarities to Kim and Andrew who stayed in the Bridal Suite which was then located in the Farmhouse.
Photography by Andy Griffiths
Photography by Andy Griffiths
We are so proud of how Sandhole has continued to evolve and are delighted to see more families fall in love with Sandhole, just like the Rae family.
Photography by Andy Griffiths
Photography by Andy Griffiths
Sandhole – Where family values run deep…
Fabulous Wedding Ideas For Your Barn Wedding Part 2
A passion for pallets
If someone asks you if you can make use of their old wooden pallets… just says yes! They provide a great way to let your guests know the order of the day – get creative with paints, photographs, fairy lights or other decorations you may already have. It can be a great DIY wedding project with the added bonus that this piece of your theme hasn’t cost a penny.
image taken by Rachel [photo of pallet sign at wedding]
Centre piece candelabra
Add candles to your tables to complement your venue’s existing style and enhance the glittering effect of any overhead lighting. Candelabras give a super chic and luxurious feel to a barn wedding.
Stylish back drops
Fabric drapes are a simple way to lavish a decadent feel upon any space. Sheer fabrics will retain a breezy feel, while a glittering fabric ramps up the glamour. In larger spaces consider coloured options too, which can be used to frame your top table area.
Flower power
Why not frame the “I do” moment in flowers for a completely perfect memory? A ceremonial arch way looks amazing for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. You can use artificial blooms for an option that is gentler on your budget, and even re-use the archway behind your top table or as a DIY photobooth later in the evening.
Dress it with a flower garland
Take advantage of your venue’s existing features such as Sandhole barn entrance. Trailing flowers and foliage wreaths add a real wow factor as your guests cross the threshold of your venue. Such decor works especially well when the indoor and outdoor space is exclusive to you, giving your guests the entire day to enjoy them.
Photo credit: The Flower House – Cheshire Entrance of Barn
Love letters
Worn metal with exposed Edison bulbs provides a more modern industrial vibe or choose wooden finishes for a country look. If the word is “love”, then spell it out for your guests. Use giant initials for your ceremony or “Mr & Mrs” for your evening reception area – a versatile wedding feature that is another great photo opp.
True love – It’s a sign
Charmingly hand-written signs provide important info for your guests whether it be letting them know they are in the right place or what to do at the right time. Consider using them to echo sentiments of love and your “happily ever after” around the venue, and to personalise the space.
Grazing tables
This wedding decoration idea is a real feast for the eyes. What could be more tantalising than fresh figs, grapes, pickles, cured meats and a display of cheeses on slates and wooden serving boards. A multitude of cakes can be complemented by pretty linens. Better than a bland buffet – this décor doubles up as dinner and guests will love it!
Flower walls
Trailing flowers, fragrant delphiniums, vines or even artificial petals create a picturesque backdrop for your cake table. Large or small, this versatile feature could liven up the smallest little nook at your venue and provide another space for those wedding selfies.
Evergreen centres
Most florists will be delighted to create a stunning table runner that will also fill your venue with fragrance. Eucalyptus or ferns are popular plant choices, either with or without flowers.
Image Photo credit: table runner taken by Top Table
For more inspiring ideas and real life wedding stories use the arrows to see more from our wedding blog archive.
Fabulous Wedding Ideas For Your Barn Wedding Part 3
Rural details
Why not make use of the charms of your rustic venue, whether it’s an old milk churn or an old cart wheel – make it part of the outdoor display. Agricultural bits and bobs or containers can still create show-stopping style. Country cottage flowers in milk bottles or even in the basket of a vintage bike enhance the genuine charms of a rural barn wedding.
Image taken by Rachel photo of milk bottles in a floral display
Trestle tables
Many venues will have the dining space should you choose to hire trestle tables as an alternative to round. They’re ideal for more informal weddings with intimate numbers, but also look ever so stylish however you chose to dress them. Simple floral centrepieces, lace or hessian work brilliantly – remember less is often more.
Twinkling fairy lights
One of the simplest, yet most effective wedding decoration ideas is fairy lights. There’s nothing like their romantic glow, ever so slightly out of focus, as a backdrop for your first dance photos… A recommended lighting supplier or experienced venue dresser can drape them from the rafters above or skilfully wrap them evenly around beams. Alternatively, cluster them in vases as table centrepieces or in lanterns down the aisle.
Photo credit: Richard Milne
Take a seat
Chiavari chairs have featured for some time now in barn weddings with either white painted, lime washed, stained or natural wood finishes. Simple decoration can enhance a whimsical, country theme. Hessian bows with a spray of gypsophila can give an equally good result to a framed padded chair if you want to prioritise comfort and avoid the cost of hiring alternative chairs.
Formal arrangements
As soon as your guests walk into the room, tall floral arrangements create grandeur associated with a truly elegant wedding. Slender vases add a formal finish for country weddings, and classic roses evoke an English style for a truly classic barn wedding.
The Midas touch
The combined effect of reflective surfaces and the luxurious warmth of gold adds up to an ultra-glamorous effect. Every element of your reception can be tinged with gold – opt for gold-rimmed glassware, charger plates, and sequined table runners. Give your favours and desserts the Midas touch with chocolate coins and edible glitter.
Step by step
Whether it is for your guests to “pimp their prosecco” or garnish their G&Ts, a ladder filled with a selection of herbs and liqueurs transforms reception drinks into an unforgettable experience. They can also be dressed up in all manner of ways to add a sentimental touch to your reception décor, or a quirky table plan display.
A creative plan
Creative seating plans are a focal point for any wedding and the best ones reflect the story of you as a couple and your chosen interests. The Hogwarts Express travelling to each station or table, a globe with pins of your chosen destination tables or even photos of the two of you each year up to your teens provides an interesting talking point for your guests. You can read our blog on creative table plans here.
Photo memories
You could use them for your seating plan, or simply to share the story of your romance and relationship so far. Encourage guests to add their own polaroid pictures throughout the day to your photo board or personalise their place setting with a happy shared memory. A picture speaks a thousand words.
Image of couples photos displayed on a ladder
The best theme – YOU
We can discuss all the up-to-the-moment themes and trends for your day. How to “keep up with the Jones’” or that must have activity for your guest reception. But please remember that the best theme for your décor, wedding story and day is the two of you. Let your interests and imagination touch every aspect of your wedding. Simply pick all of the things that you both like and they will go together – because YOU go together. Let your personalities dictate your wedding choices, be bold when discussing your ideas with suppliers, and you and your guests will experience the most genuinely heart-warming, and unforgettable day. All about you…
For more inspiring ideas and real life wedding stories use the arrows to read more from our wedding blog archive.
It’s like rain, on your wedding day…
Did you know that rain on your wedding day is good luck because it signifies that your marriage will last, because a knot that becomes wet is extremely hard to untie and that being said. When you “tie the knot” on a rainy day, your marriage will allegedly just as hard to unravel.
Here are some reasons why a rainy wedding is great!
You won’t have to worry about overheated wedding guests.
If it’s raining, one thing you don’t have to worry about is overheated guests. Rain often brings freshness to the air and cools down the atmosphere around you, which is perfect if you’re suited and booted for the entire day.
Photo Credit: Frank Henshall Photography
It can reduce pollen and allergies in the air.
If you suffer from hay fever and other allergies the last thing you could want on your wedding day are hot and sunny skies, which are potentially the ideal conditions to kick-start, your allergies to turn your nose and eyes red.
You can take some truly amazing photos.
Photos in the rain can be utterly beautiful. From being close under shelter as the showers fall or showing pure joy as you jump over puddles. It has to be said there is something truly spectacular about shots taken at night while in the rain. It’s also a real opportunity for your photographer to show their skills and create real works of art.
Photo Credit: Joel Bickerton Photography
An opportunity for fun fashion!
So you may require a quick shopping trip to get hold of some rainy day accessories but there is something to be said about some jazzy wellington boots and a wedding dress! It is also a perfect opportunity to show off your personal style. There are even umbrellas in many colours and styles, from the classic to fabulously alternative.
Cuddle up.
Sure it’s raining, but it’s YOUR WEDDING DAY! Take the change in temperature as a great excuse to cuddle up. If the weather becomes a little chilly set out some cozy blankets in a basket for you and your guests – they will love that they can wrap up and still enjoy the day as the night draws in, without having to bring a spare jacket! They won’t even notice the slight chill in the air, plus it can produce a lovely rustic atmosphere.
Embrace the weather!
Just embrace it all! Remember the reason you are there is to marry the love of your life with all your friends and family surrounding you. Whatever the weather is doing you will still have the perfect day because it’s yours. So what if your dress gets a bit muddy it’s a sign you fully embraced every moment!
Photo Credit: Richard Milne Photograph
Top tips:
•Have a wet weather plan – another part of the venue, a covered tent, a flexible start time. Get as many options as possible.
•Hire some beautiful umbrellas, just in case!
•Don’t panic! We had the most thunderous downpour during our ceremony resulting in the whole thing being pulled from the grass and into our Plan B area – an outdoor but covered terrace, with a monsoon as our backdrop over the mountains. In the past 9 months since we have been married so many people have commented how incredible and dramatic our ceremony was – literally taking place in a storm! It is certainly not one that will soon be forgotten and it added a great element to our story.
•Enjoy it! I didn’t realise until I saw the pictures that I actually laughed coming down the aisle as it was all so insane – I’ve never seen rain like it and there in the midst of it all was all of our loved ones, and my husband waiting at the end of the aisle. Talk about an entrance!
•The pictures will be epic! The bigger the clouds, the more dramatic the photo!! Best make sure you hire Natalie who managed to shoot pictures of our ceremony, while standing out in the rain with a brolly balanced & covering her camera, and somehow managed to get clear, touching pictures with not a hint of raindrop. Not to mention all the photographs out in scenery, just as we had imagined.’
Photo Credit: Jonny Draper Photography
Beautiful Blooms for your Summer Wedding
With summer upon us, we can’t help but admire all the beautiful wedding flowers here at Sandhole Oak Barn. If you’re planning a summer wedding, nature offers an abundance of stunning blooms in season for your special day. Let’s take a look at some of our favourites.
Roses
A true wedding classic, with over 150 types of rose in the world, there is much to choose from. You’ll find roses in just about every colour you can imagine, from delicate shades of white, pink and ivory to deep, romantic reds. Think of Sandhole Oak Barn as a blank canvas upon which any colour will suit and carry roses through from your bouquets to your table decorations.
Embrace the country style using loose, hand-tied arrangements and ‘natural’ vessels from milk churns to glass jars.
Images Courtesy of Sarah Horton Photography
Peonies
Considered one of the most beautiful blooms, peonies are only in season between April and June, so they’re the perfect choice if you’re getting married in late spring or early summer. We love the delicate, soft pinks and vibrant coral shades, particularly in a beautiful bouquet for a wedding ceremony beneath the Clock Tower. Of course, you can use peonies on their own, or create a more natural look by combining them in arrangements with other seasonal wedding flowers. They also make fantastic buttonholes and cake decorations!
Images Courtesy of Gareth Newstead Photography
Sweet Peas
If you’re looking for the prettiest, most graceful flower with the sweetest scent… you’ll love the sweet pea. While you can use them on their own, their delicate nature means they are not very robust and often work better as part of a larger arrangement. Sweet peas don’t like to be out of water for too long so are best used in table arrangements or sparingly in your bouquet. Of course, if you would like to feature them on your wedding cake, sugar flowers are a stunning alternative.
Images Courtesy of Rosalind Miller Cakes
Hydrangeas
Undoubtedly one of our favourite wedding flowers, these large, extravagant blooms are generally found in beautiful shades of pink, purple, blue, green and white. We love to see the vintage hues used in rustic-style arrangements in our barn, as well as more elegant bouquets in clouds of white or delicate pastels. Add some vibrant foliage for a less formal look.
Image Courtesy of Suzi Wimbourne Photography
Dahlias
While they might not be the most familiar flower, dahlias are bang on trend with their elegant sophistication. In bloom throughout the summer, they’re also easy to find, affordable and available in a multitude of glorious colours, from white and pale yellow to hot pink and orange.
Image Courtesy of Adam Riley Photography
If you have yet to visit Sandhole Oak Barn, we would love to show you all we have to offer. Simply call our friendly team on 01260 540007 or 01260 224215 or contact us online. Meanwhile, if you’re planning a summer wedding, we think you’ll love the beautiful wild flowers at Hannah and Joe’s July wedding.