A super-fun, intimate wedding at Ashes Barns

All the DIY wedding inspiration you could ever need

Niamah and James had a super-intimate wedding at The Ashes Barns, in the Peak District. And oh my, it was awesome!

What was supposed to be a sunny August wedding felt like a rainy November day. But lucky for us, these guys had thought of *everything*.

There was always something fun to do- a game to play, a crafty indoor activity. They had mini-golf, a make-your-own florals stand, a Lego Man guestbook. They even had a play corner for the kids!

And to top it all off, they did almost all of it themselves.

If you’re looking for fun, DIY wedding inspiration, N&J’s wedding in Ashes Barns is an absolute goldmine of ideas.

Make a cuppa, grab a pen, and get ready to take some notes…

An intimate morning for an intimate wedding

Niamah had a super-chilled morning with her mum- getting ready together in the oh-so-comfy dressing room of Ashes Barns wedding venue.

And it was lovely, you know? That space, that closeness; that feeling of having all the time in the world. Niamah helping her mum with her makeup; her mum helping her into her dress. Earrings fixed with henna hands.

Niamah looked gorgeous in her elegant dress from Rembo Atelier. With delicate, dried flowers in her headpiece, natural makeup, and a relaxed low bun– it was the perfect look for the romantic, laid-back vibe of the day.

And oh man, that rainbow bouquet! Niamah and her mum did all of the florals themselves (I know, right?!) And as she scooped up her flowers and headed for the ceremony, I was buzzing to see all the other DIY gems they had in store…

The Ashes Barn wedding ceremony space

The Ceremony Barn at Ashes Barns is a breathtaking space.

The oak beams, and exposed brickwork; the canopy of lights, and flagstone floors. It’s warm, rustic, and modern all at once. And whether you have a hundred-and-fifty guests, or a cosy little handful, it’s an idyllic place to say your vows.

Rainbows of dahlias, daisies, viburnum and bellflowers welcomed us in, and filled the space with colour.

Cellists played as Niamah walked arm-in-arm with her dad down the aisle. And as soon as she reached James, it was *magic*.

They never stopped smiling, never stopped holding hands. They had personal vows, and readings from their friends. James was crying, Niamah was crying, I was crying. Basically everyone was crying!

And as the celebrant made it official, the biggest cheer filled the barn, and carried out into the August air.

Confetti in the courtyard, and golf in the rain

Across the cobbles, and through the archway…and then out into a shower of confetti.

We had champagne in the courtyard, and a few “quick! Before the rain comes!” groupshots. We putted, we nibbled, we chatted away. And then- in true English weather style- the rain came down in buckets!

But it didn’t dampen our spirits.

A few of the (braver) guests stayed outside, and played mini-golf in the rain. And the rest of us? Well, we hunkered down inside and got crafty…

Crafty ideas for your DIY wedding in Ashes Barns

You wanna know the best tip for a fun, relaxed, zero-pressure wedding? Give your guests something to do! Things to make, games to play. It makes their day more fun, and it takes the pressure off you to entertain.

Sounds good? Great! N&J’s reception was FULL of ideas…

There was a make-your-own flower station. So everyone got to put together their own floral arrangement- decorated the table with it, and took it home with them afterwards.

They had a DIY kids’ corner- with a bag of toys and games for each child.

And everyone’s favourite- the Lego Man guest book! Each guest had a personalised base, and got to ‘make themselves’ out of Lego. It was such a cute idea, and definitely something Niamah and James will be framing!

We had a lovely afternoon- chatting away, making lego, and making flowers. And when we sat down to eat, it felt more like a family gathering than a wedding. We had three delicious courses, and some wonderfully heartfelt speeches.

And as the rain cleared (briefly!), I headed outside with N&J for a little wander…

Couple shots and a present surprise

Ashes Barns wedding venue is a beautiful backdrop for your couple’s portraits.

Snuggled at the foothills of the Peak District, the 50 acre estate is a wedding photographer’s paradise! There’s a pond, a lake, a babbling brook- lawns, wheat fields, and orchards. And it was so special to be able to sneak away with N&J and give them a bit of ‘them’ time.

They strolled through the grounds; they hugged, they laughed, they kissed by the lake. And after a little while, Niamah’s brother came out to join us with a surprise.

Niamah had secretly had a painting made of a fell in the Peak District- somewhere special to them both.

It was such a wonderfully thoughtful gift (James’ face says it all!) And I love that when they take it home and hang it, it’ll be more than just a painting. It’ll be their painting, of their place, that she gave him on their day.

Cards and ceilidh

Then back to cosy up inside! We cut the adorable bunny cake, wiled away the rest of the afternoon with some very intense card games! And then it was time for the ceilidh to begin…

I’ve always been a sucker for a ceilidh! In case you don’t know, it’s a Scottish Barn dance. And it is SO much fun!

There was so much energy in the room- from the guests, from the amazing band. Adults of all ages were dancing, laughing; kids were swinging around. It was so joyful, and so fun, and so wonderfully silly! And just the perfect end to an amazing day.

Looking for a wedding photographer in Ashes Barns? Let’s chat!

I photograph weddings of all sizes, all kinds of love, all over the country. From happy little handfuls, to everyone you know- from the Peaks, to the Lakes to the Cornish Coast.

If you’re looking for someone to capture your wedding at Ashes Barns, I’d be so excited to hear from you.

Get in touch today for a chat, and let’s see if we hit it off.