Oaks Farm Barn wedding photography

Ok, so first off, I’ll admit right off that we’re a bit partial to Oaks Farm…

For starters, the good folks at Oaks Farm are kind enough to list us as a recommended wedding photographer for the venue.  Secondly, being located in Shirley near Croydon, Oaks Farm is like a hidden local treasure.  Tucked away from the city streets that you’d never believe it was there unless it was pointed out to you.

This is a quite lovely wedding venue, with an intimate feel and plenty of charm on offer.  A wedding venue I always enjoy returning to.

There are three main reception rooms.  The Victorian Barn, the Stables and the Orangery.  The stables which is new building where the wedding ceremony is held boasts wooden beams overhead and a light and airy feel.

From a photographer’s point of view, although certainly not the darkest wedding venue we’ve seen, the fairly low ambient light does mean we have to stay on the ball to get the best pictures.

In addition to the three reception rooms, there is also a tiny cottage, perfect for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready in. This gives us another photo location for bridal portraits and detail shots of shoes, rings, and dress etc.  This also provides the bride a base where she can take a quiet moment if she needs to!  And if that’s not enough, even the family home for the owners also makes a lovely backdrop for a photograph:

Outside, there are two main gardens areas where guests can mingle and enjoy the wedding day. The first features a lovely pond area with fountain  (and a hidden lattice-work beneath the water level, to remain kid-friendly).  There is also a selection of small plants and shrubs, and a Wisteria covered Pergola/Arbour which looks absolutely beautiful when in full bloom around May. The second, larger lawn area is at the rear of the venue.  This has room for seating, with both open and shaded areas (very handy for your wedding photos when the sun is blazing brightly).

For the keen-eyed wedding photographer there are also a few other features around the venue which can be used to create some eye catching photos for your day.  The golf course next-door makes a lovely backdrop for a picture when not in use.

Drinks receptions are usually held at the back of the barn in the lovely gardens.  There’s plenty of space for all the guests.

Back inside, the wedding breakfast can be served either back in the main barn or (for smaller wedding parties).  Or there is the orangery, which is lovely and light throughout and makes photographing the speeches an absolute pleasure!

Once evening sets in, guests will generally gather again in the main barn for a few drinks and some dancing.  Your photographer can think about leaving you to enjoy your night – but only after we have everything well and truly covered, of course!

So there you have it.

All in all, Oaks Farm is a surprisingly charming and picturesque wedding venue nestled close to both Croydon and London.  This venue can make for some wonderful wedding photos when handled well. If you’re looking for a wedding venue for up to around 100 people in the Surrey area, and want a very intimate, relaxed and friendly feel to it I would definitely recommend checking it out.

Want to know more? Visit the Oaks Farm website

And if you’re also looking for a local, recommended wedding photographer who knows the venue very well indeed…drop us a line and ask us for a wedding information pack