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Rivervale Barn- Your Wedding Venue?

Cat Brant
Jan 13
3 min read

Updated: Feb 4

Hey there, future bride or groom-to-be! 💕 First of all, congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time for you, and I’m beyond thrilled to be part of your journey (even if it’s just by helping you figure out where to say “I do”). If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re checking out Rivervale Barn as a potential wedding venue. Let me tell you, it’s an absolute gem.

As someone who’s had the privilege of photographing a wedding at Rivervale Barn, I want to give you the lowdown on what makes it so special. Plus, I’ll share a few tips to help you make the most of this beautiful venue.

I had the honor of capturing Beth & Evan's wedding in March 2024. Beth wore a gorgeous, unique black gown while the bridesmaids wore red. This was a lovely match for the little red footbridge at the bottom of the landscaped gardens at Rivervale Barn. They cut the cake with an axe, threw dried flower petals, and even had a little thumb war at the altar. Such a lovely pair of humans!

Why Rivervale Barn Is a Total Dream

From the moment you arrive, Rivervale Barn feels like stepping into a fairytale. It’s nestled in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by beautiful gardens and serene vibes. It’s the kind of place that instantly makes you take a deep breath and go, yes. You will find it really exclusive. You and your guests get the entire venue to yourselves—how amazing is that?

Spacious room with wooden beams, empty chairs, and large windows showing trees outside. Bright, natural light fills the space. — Rivervale Barn- Yateley. Before the ceremony

The ceremony room is just bathed in gorgeous light from large windows at the rear. I've seen the aisle decorated with beautiful trees in pots and lovely flowers.

The bride enters through a lovely wooden arch that I was a bit obsessed with as a frame.

Wooden arched door slightly open, revealing a warmly lit dining room with tables and chairs. Beige tiled floor, cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Tips for a Memorable Day

1. Make Time for the Gardens

After your ceremony, sneak off for a little photo session in the grounds. It’s a great way to grab some quiet time together. You can reflect on all the big moments of the morning. Trust me, the photos will be worth it.

2. Personalise Your Experience

Rivervale Barn is the ultimate blank canvas. Let your personalities shine! Add touches that feel like you. Whether that’s bold colors, sentimental decor, or a cake that screams fun, make it your own.

3. Don't Miss Golden Hour

If you can, plan your timeline to include photos at sunset. It’s one of the most magical times of the day here. Talk to the staff about closing times for the gardens. They're normally happy to allow you access again for golden hour. However, when I went, the gardens were closed to guests.

Here's one of Beth and Evan having a casual thumb war while the witnesses signed the register! They were so much fun. 😊

Bride and groom holding hands, laughing joyfully at a wedding ceremony. Guests seated behind them. Bride in flower crown and lace dress.

Why I Love Photographing at Rivervale Barn

As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I focus on capturing candid, emotive moments. Rivervale Barn offers many opportunities to do just that. From the romantic courtyard to the serene gardens, every corner of this venue tells a story.

The golden hour light here is simply magical—perfect for creating stunning portraits that you’ll treasure forever.

Couple embraces on a vibrant red bridge in a lush garden. The overcast sky adds a serene mood. Sign reads "Bridge Caution, Please Take Care."

Could This Be Your Venue?

If Rivervale Barn has stolen your heart (and I wouldn’t blame you if it has), I’d absolutely love to chat about your wedding plans! Having been here, I know all the best spots for those Pinterest-worthy shots. I also understand how to capture your day so it feels as amazing as it looked.

If you’re still in the early planning stages, have a peek at my portfolio for examples of weddings I’ve photographed at Rivervale Barn. Feel free to drop me a message if you’d like to chat. I’m here to help—whether it’s with photography or just a friendly nudge in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on Your Special Day

Weddings are a monumental occasion, and choosing the right venue is key. Rivervale Barn offers charm, beauty, and an unforgettable atmosphere. You don’t just get a location; you get a magical experience for you and your guests.

Happy Planning!

Always remember to enjoy the process. Your wedding is about you, your loved ones, and creating moments that last a lifetime. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need someone to bounce ideas off of. Together, we can make your dream wedding a reality!

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?
Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.