VENUE SPOTLIGHT

SOUTH FARM

Hidden in the Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire countryside, is this stunning 16^th century venue.

With a tree lined driveway, breath taking farmhouse and beautiful gardens, this is definitely one of my absolute favourite venues to shoot at.

The farm has been in the same family for 50 years. They have lovingly restored it to a wonderful standard and created an award-winning venue.

The venue has a rustic charm that would be very hard to beat, and I know how much all of my couples have loved having their wedding day here.

Let’s get to my favourite bits about South Farm!

The Farmhouse

We have to kick things off with the colourful exterior of the main farmhouse. With its yellow brickwork and renowned blue front door, there is nowhere better to take group shots, couples’ portraits and the all-important confetti photo!

If you’re lucky enough to get married in June and throughout the summer months – the red roses are in full bloom around the front door too. As South Farm is an eco venue, they then dry these rose petals later in the year and supply baskets of beautiful confetti for your wedding day (I mean what a bonus!)

Farm Location

As the name suggests, this is a farm venue! You will see pigs (and piglets if you time it right), chickens, ducks, sheep and of course my favourite – peacocks!

A lot of the food served at South Farm has been grown at the venue, so you will spot fruit trees, vegetable plots and other ingredients growing around the site.

Getting Ready

The venue has a beautiful bridal boudoir which is perfect for getting ready on the morning of your wedding. With two levels, there is plenty of room for all your bridal party. My favourite spot is upstairs, where natural light streams in through the windows making it wonderful to take bridal portraits. There are also other rooms on site where the groom and his guys can get ready too.

The perfect place to get ready for your big day.

The Tudor Barn

This rustic barn is licenced for wedding ceremonies for up to 146 people. I always love the homely feel of this space. Even though it can hold pretty big weddings, it still has an intimate feel to it. The barn is so beautiful in its own right, you don’t need to add much to it to make an impression. However, I have seen fairy lights, foliage and hanging lanterns adorning the beams, and it really does create something extra special.

The Tudor Barn can also be set up for your wedding breakfast, where you can sit and see all of your guests enjoying themselves.

A romantic setting for any wedding ceremony

On the subject of food (very important part of the day, right?) you won’t be disappointed with what you are served at South Farm. Many of the ingredients that are used in the dishes have been grown on site which I think is pretty awesome, and again relates back to this being an eco-friendly, sustainable venue. The food here is prepared to a really high standard, and no one will go hungry!

Service

The staff must be mentioned as a highlight to this venue. They are always very welcoming, explain the days overview on arrival and are always 100% available for their couples and the guests. It creates a very smooth-running day, which is always appreciated!

Outdoors Ceremony

If you’re wanting an outdoor ceremony, you’d struggle to beat the outdoor space at South Farm. The Garden Summerhouse at the bottom of the garden, overlooks the pond and lush garden.

When your ceremony seats are arranged in front of the summer house, it really does look special. So many guests are often blown away when they walk outside and see the ceremony set up.

A truly romantic location for an outdoors ceremony

So many options...

At South Farm you can also get married in The Dairy Barn, The Horse Barn and The Drawing Room. These are all perfect for smaller weddings.

If your guests are looking to stay on site – then why not let them check out the authentic Romany caravans? They are always a talking point when guests arrive at the venue and you’ll often spot people posing for photos on the steps.

Gardens

The surrounding gardens at this venue are stunning! From the beautiful trees, blooming flower beds, and landscaping – these gardens have everything. It’s the perfect location for your outdoor drinks reception and a great opportunity for any photographer for candid photos.

In late Spring, the doors at the rear of the house have wisteria growing around them, which is simply gorgeous. I love using the doors at South Farm to frame my couples for photographs.

Lush and varied gardens make the perfect backdrop to a range of photos

When is the best time of year to get married at South Farm?

I always think this venue is most beautiful in the Spring/Summer as this is when the gardens are really at their most colourful. I love using all the grounds, so the nice weather always plays a part in this.

I have shot here as late as October – the weather has still been fine, the ceremony was still able to take place outdoors, and the orchard and gardens still looked beautiful!

Secret Location

I love to take my couples for a little walk behind the main garden, where if you venture there in the early evening on a sunny day, you can capture the most stunning golden hour! There are apple trees, long grasses and wildflowers and its one of my favourite quiet spots for my couples.

A stunning venue

This venue is a must see for anyone looking to get married! It really is breath-taking in so many ways, and the service, food and overall vibe of this place will not disappoint. If you are looking for a relaxed, rustic atmosphere – this is definitely one to check out!