A laid-back summer wedding at Bleaklow Farm, Peak District

If you’re dreaming of a wedding in the Peak District…

Picture this…Kicked-off heels on the sun-warm grass; beers in a bucket, and drinks with a view. Sunset kisses on the rolling hills. An off-the-hook party in a farmhouse barn. And I know, I know, it all sounds too good to be true. But Flo and Charlie’s wedding at Bleaklow Farm was all of this, and more…

F&C spent the August Bank Holiday weekend there- just the two of them, myself, and a handful of their favourite people. The weather was glorious (most of the time!). The styling was flawless, the vibes were immaculate.

Ahhh! I can’t wait to show you!

If you’re thinking of having an intimate wedding in Bleaklow Farm, come take a look. This is literally the Peak District wedding dream.

Bleaklow Farm wedding venue in The Peak District

Perched on a Peak District hilltop sits the lovingly-restored, family-run wedding venue of Bleaklow Farm.

And oh my, *what* a venue.

It’s basically a huge rental cottage, with a separate barn for weddings. And the view is just insane. Like, ‘pull up a chair, can’t take your eyes off it, “oh, are they cutting the cake already?”’ spectacular.

There’s the old stone barn (we do, we drink, we party). And 15 elegantly bougie bedrooms in the main house (we sleep, we wake, we self-pity). So you can get iconically-drunk with your besties, and stumble gratefully into bed.

And it’s intimate. Properly intimate. Away from the world, away from the crowds. Away from that second cousin twice-removed, whose name you barely remember.

It may not be big, or wildly ostentatious. But it’s welcoming, secluded, and beautiful. And if you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding in the Peak District, I can’t imagine a more perfect place.

Bridal styling for your wedding at Bleaklow Farm

We had a super-chilled morning in the cosy-and-beautiful rooms of Bleaklow Farm.

Warm August sunshine flooded through the windows; Flo and her bridesmaids told stories and chatted away. And it was really lovely, you know? Laid-back and quiet, hanging out in that gorgeous room with just a handful of well-chosen friends.

Flo looked stunning in her elegant silk gown from Nora Eve Bridal, with natural makeup, a cathedral-length veil, and a relaxed low bun. And to complete the look, a spectacular bouquet in blues, creams, and white; thistle, delphinium, dahlia and rose.

Oh, and did I mention? Flo is actually my friend from school! And honestly, it was so surreal seeing her all fancy and grown-up in a wedding dress! We both joked she felt like a child bride!

We had first looks with her mum, and her dad. And with the ceremony calling, we headed to the church to find Charlie.

An elegant sea of white and blue

Flo and Charlie said their vows at St Peter & St Paul Church, Old Brampton.

And as we were waiting for Flo to make her entrance, I was quietly obsessed with how their colour palette had come together.

Those gorgeous blue bridesmaids dresses; the groomsmen’s suits, the guests’ dresses and hats. Just like Flo’s bouquet, the room was awash with deep blues, and flashes of cream and white.

The ceremony was simple, and heartfelt. They kissed, they signed, they made it official (woo!) And before long, we were gathered outside in the churchyard.

The sun shone, the guests cheered, and white heart-shaped confetti filled the air.

Brewdog, wine, and favourite stories

A little while later, we were arriving back at Bleaklow Farm wedding venue.

We had to escape the rain temporarily (typical bank holiday weather!) But after a few minutes of “it’s supposed to be good luck” reassurances, the sun came out and we all bounded out onto the grass!

The guests mingled, and drank in the sunshine. We had live music, and tasty nibbles. And as a nice little touch, a personalised selection of Brewdogs.

Meanwhile, Charlie, his groomsmen, and the dads were sitting on the sofas inside.
They’d each brought a bottle of wine to open. Each telling stories, and sharing memories of when they’d shared that wine in the past.

And I think that’s the best thing about intimate weddings. You have time for these things.

There’s no pressure, no rush. It’s your day, to do with what you want. And you get to spend it making memories with the people who matter most.

Reception styling inspiration for your wedding at Bleaklow Farm

The barn at Bleaklow Farm is an incredible space.

Ancient, homely, uniquely beautiful; the flagstone floor, the high ceilings, and exposed stone walls. And I had a cosy vision of that log burner crackling away at a Christmas wedding!

F&C’s styling was perfect for the space. Understated, quietly colourful, and personal.

They had a horseshoe banqueting table, making it feel like a big family meal. The stationery was elegant, in simple gold frames, with anecdotes from their favourite holidays. And along the centre, mismatches vases of dahlias, daisies and thistles, in violet, magenta, and mauve.

The food was delicious, the speeches were hilarious, and super emotional. And with the warm glow of golden hour pouring through the window, I snuck F&C away for a stroll along the hillside.

Sunset kisses and Met Gala flash

The sunset was epic.

Sunlight blanketed the valley; the air was hazy, soft, and gold. Florence and Charlie laughed, and kissed, and danced on the grass. And as the sun finally disappeared behind the hills, we headed inside for some Met Gala fun!

Flo had challenged me to get some flash portraits in one of the fancy living rooms. And honestly, I’m SO glad she did!

Just F&C, living their best life. Having fun, being cool, getting sexy.

The photos were so different from what I usually shoot, and such a different vibe from the rest of the gallery. I was well out of my comfort zone, and I absolutely loved it!

It was always going to end this way…

We partied hard. Oh my goodness, we partied hard. Out there, in the empty valley; nothing for miles, but sheep, fields, and hedgerows. Yeah…it went off.

Music filled the barn, the drinks flowed. Guests of all ages threw shapes like toddlers in a play pen. There were inflatables, glowsticks, and LED sunnies; dancing feet on that flagstone floor.

It was just the perfect way to end the most incredible day. And best of all, I got to spend it with the most amazing bunch of people.

Looking for a wedding photographer at Bleaklow Farm? I’m in!

This was my first time shooting a wedding at Bleaklow Farm. And honestly, I’m absolutely dying to go back! The atmosphere, the energy, the vibes, the views…it’s basically the perfect venue!

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer at Bleaklow Farm, I’d be buzzing to hear from you. Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we’re a good fit.

Oh and if those photos weren’t quite enough for you, see below for a little highlight film I made for F&C whilst teaching myself how to video!