The Cotwolds wedding fairytale
A true Cotswolds Wedding fairytale!! Imagine yourself driving through winding country lanes on the morning of your wedding day. The sunlight dapples through branches overhead, butterflies fill your stomach and a soft breeze plays in your hair. You turn into an impressive tree-lined driveway, and up to a majestic stately home where your wedding party awaits. The afternoon is spent marrying the love of your life in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony, overlooking rolling hills, winding rivers, and ancient woodland. That’s the Cotswolds wedding fairy tale. And it really could be your wedding day!
Of all the places in the world to tie the knot, there are few places as photogenic, romantic, or downright-picture-perfect as the Cotswolds. Whether it’s the stunning clarity of light, the breathtaking scenery, or the near-endless supply of gorgeous venues and churches, it’s pretty much the perfect place to get married. But in case you still need a last little nudge, here’s 4 reasons you’ll love having a Cotswolds wedding.
1. Beautiful churches and Cotswolds wedding venues
Before we get into Cotswolds weddings, let’s start off with a little bit of Cotswolds history, shall we? Wait! Don’t go anywhere! I promise it’ll be interesting!
So back in the day, the Cotswolds region was packed with sheep and consequently awash with money. The valuable fleece of the Cotswolds sheep was exported all over the world, traded like soft, fluffy gold. I mean, these sheep farmers were raking it in. So what did they do with all that money? And what’s all this got to do with weddings?!
Well firstly, the wool merchants built themselves astonishingly impressive homes. And then they tried to buy their way into heaven by building some of the most beautiful, elaborate churches in the country (known as ‘wool churches’). And the result? Literally hundreds of stunning churches and impressive wedding venues, spread across 5 breathtakingly scenic counties.
From stately homes like the World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace, to the 120 foot tower of St James Church, to the drop-dead-gorgeous gardens of Kifsgate Court. The tricky part isn’t finding a gorgeous Cotswolds wedding venue. It’s choosing your favourite. In case you’re struggling, here’s a handy blog from Hitched to help you choose!
2. Biscuit tin beauty
The Cotswolds are ‘lid of a biscuit tin’ beautiful. It’s how Americans must think the whole of England looks, you know? That level of scenic, picturesque perfection that makes you do a double-take every time you turn a corner.
Quaint, picture-perfect villages nestled in unspoilt countryside, built from the local honey-coloured Cotswold Stone that glows in the sunshine. Gentle hills rolling into the distance and over the horizon, dissected by rivers as they make their way sleepily towards the sea. Nothing but treetops and church spires breaking the undulating skyline. There’s something so pure about the Cotswolds that never fails to take your breath away.
Of course, every wedding is special. But if you have yours in this idyllic, romantic corner of the world, your wedding will feel like a fairytale.
3. Have a destination wedding without leaving the UK
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, it’s sometimes easy to overlook the beauty we have right on our doorstep. And of all the places in the world, the Cotswolds are up there with the most beautiful. 38 million tourists come from all over the world to visit the Cotswolds every year. It’s a world-famous destination. So don’t overlook it just because it’s closer to home.
The honey-hued buildings look almost-foreign, the views are spectacular, the air is quiet and still. And in this blissfully serene, secluded part of the country, you can have the atmosphere of a destination wedding without asking anyone to catch a plane.
And this makes your Cotswolds wedding a holiday in its own right for you and your guests. Because with countless little villages, market towns and stately homes to visit, you could spend many happy months exploring the Cotswolds and never get bored. So whether your guests just stay an extra night or turn it into a proper holiday, it’s always a treat to visit the Cotswolds and make a trip of it. And if any of your guests are coming from abroad, they’ll be blown away. After all, you’re showcasing the best England has to offer.
4. Cotswolds wedding photography
From the beautiful clarity of light during the day, to some of the darkest skies in England at night, the Cotswolds are a wedding photographer’s dream. At any time of day, in any season.
Then you have the incredible uninterrupted views across gorgeous countryside as far as the eye can see. And because it’s an AONB, there’s no motorways spoiling the view, highrises or housing developments ruining the shot. It’s unspoilt, always photo-ready. And just perfect for wedding photos.
And then you have the beautiful churches, the stunning venues, and the incredibly talented local suppliers. Basically, a Cotswolds wedding is a visual firework of rub-your-eyes-to-check-it’s-real prettiness. And this will guarantee you some amazing wedding photos.
SOME OF MY FAVOURITE COTSWOLDS WEDDING VENUES
Brinsop Court Manor House & Barn
Looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer?
As a wedding photographer, I love working with couples who aren’t afraid to have a little fun, let a little loose, and jump feet first into a romantic adventure with me! And I can’t imagine anywhere in the world more romantic than the Cotswolds.
If you love my work and would love for me to capture your Cotswolds wedding, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch today and let’s have a chat and get to know each other.
