HIDDEN RIVER BARNS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. RELAXED PORTRAITS. NO STAGING. NO SHOT LISTS. NO CHEESY POSING.
NATURAL STORYTELLING WITH A MODERN EDGE
Modern documentary photography for people who hate fuss!
No staging, no shot lists, no cheesy posing
getting married at the brand new and beautiful hidden river barns
If you’re like most couples getting married, you want your big day to be perfect. But with so much to plan and coordinate, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We’re here to help! The brand new Hidden River Barns is the perfect venue for a stress-free and beautiful wedding. Keep reading for everything you need to know about getting married at Hidden River Barns.
why getting married at the new and beautiful hidden river barns is a great idea
Getting married at the new and beautiful Hidden River Barns would be a spectacular choice for any couple in search of their fairytale wedding just like Cat + Laura. This stunning venue provides more than just picturesque views and luxury cabin acommodations; it provides an experience you will fondly remember for years to come. Their professional staff is always happy to accommodate whatever your needs may be, so your wedding day can be tailored to meet your exact specifications. Furthermore, the venue’s countryside landscape makes for beautiful wedding photography.
how to go about booking your wedding at hidden river barns
Planning a wedding can be an incredibly exciting but daunting task. Many couples need a little bit of direction when it comes to putting together the event, and Hidden River Barns are happy to help, making the process as easy and enjoyable for you as possible. If a rustic outdoor venue right on the banks of the River Lyne sounds like your dream setting, I suggest starting by having a look at their website and seeing what Hidden River Barns has to offer.
They have several different packages available ranging from a basic package to a more customised offering, so find one that best suits your needs! You can even reserve the entire barn just for your special day and enjoy exclusive access to their luxury amenities.
the wedding barn at hidden river
The Hidden River Barn was made specifically for special occasions like yours. It has the capacity to host up to 250 people, but it can feel just as intimate with 60 guests. Additionally, the barn is functional in all four seasons! There’s air conditioning for when it’s warm and two open fireplaces on the upper floor to keep you cozy during winter. Plus, a huge picture window and beautiful log fires make the first floor looking out across nature-filled woodlands an ideal setting to walk down the aisle.
You and your guests can enjoy drinks receptions both by the river and on the first floor, with stunning views of your preparation. Their integrated speakers across every level mean that you can connect your own device or hire a band/DJ to provide entertainment for the party. Dimmable lights throughout, including 11 chandeliers, allow you to set the mood according to your own style.
The Hidden River chefs have years of experience and can create a meal tailored to your specific vision, be it something more seafood-based or classical three courses. If you’re worried about guests getting hungry later on, they also offer wood fired pizzas – perfect for when the dancing has begun in earnest. Plus, the fully stocked bar will keep everyone supplied with drinks throughout the night, including cocktails, coffee, beer, wine and soft drinks.
The barn rental includes the use of silver candelabras, easels for your table plan, chairs, tables, cutlery and crockery. With a stunning backdrop like no other venue can provide, you can style the barn interior to fit your event perfectly. I’m a massive fan of the rustic tables for the wedding reception. Be gone white linen haha.
getting married at hidden river barns?
As I provide Hidden River Barns Wedding Photography – If you love my work and style and value an authentic and natural approach, please get in touch asap. I work throughout the UK and internationally for destination weddings so no matter the location please get in touch.
hidden river barns wedding photography
It’s a wedding, not a photo shoot and I treat it as such. On your wedding day I want you to be you and let the day unfold naturally, authentically and with genuine emotions, laughter, fun and some downright funky moves later in the evening of course.
From the time you book with me to the final delivery of your images, I am there for you and your story. Throughout the wedding day, I document beautiful moments in a very natural and unposed manner whilst adding creativity to deliver images that are unique to you and your story.
I love the feeling of leaving a wedding and feeling part of the family – there’s nothing better. It’s been said numerous times “it was like having a friend capture our day” – that’s the way it should be.
accommodation at hidden river
In 2023, Hidden River will be able to accommodate 90 people onsite. The Hidden River Cabins can provide you and your guests with everything you need for a memorable experience. With seven timeless handcrafted log cabins and a luxury farmhouse with en-suite bedrooms, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Choose from various cozy cabins, each with its own private outdoor hot tub. All of the buildings have been designed to be eco-friendly using wood from the property to fuel the heating and hot water supply.
Immerse yourself in nature with the Fishing Hideaway cabin! It’s located off the beaten path, powered by solar and wind energy, and engulfed by wild garlic, tree ferns, and wild bluebells in the spring. www.fishinghideaway.co.uk – The cabin comes fully furnished and equipped; you only need to bring food, clothes, and a swimsuit.
food and drink at hidden river barns
Thomas Towle, the Head Chef with 12 years of experience cooking in various Carlisle restaurants and well-known wedding venues throughout Cumbria, sources all his ingredients locally to ensure each dish is cooked perfectly. You can find him at the Hidden River Barn or Cafe.
Tom and his crew will work with you to make sure your event is exactly what you envisioned. From global sharing platters to innovative canapés, almost anything is possible. The facilities are fully staffed and the bar has a wide range of wines, beers, and spirits for all tastes.
the great outdoors at hidden river barns
During your stay, you can explore acres of land and take 4-mile walks along the river. The Hidden River habitat is home to otters, roe deer, squirrels, kingfishers, and many other species. If you’re interested in fishing while you’re there, they have rods that you can rent to use in the nearby river for trout or salmon.
Besides the outstanding views, another perk of the natural countryside location are the photo opportunities. No matter if it’s in the woods, by the river or in a field, we will get some amazing shots during golden hour while the sun is setting. And if that isn’t enough for you, there is also an outdoor lawn with games like rounders and croquet! If you’re looking to add something extra special to your event however, consider hiring a camper van Photo Booth and parking it outside the front doors!
mans best friend
All of the cabins are dog friendly, so not only can the bride and groom bring their own dogs to the wedding, but all guests are welcome to do so as well. Even if you just want them around for photos, they’re more than welcome to stay in the cabin with you – they just ask that they bring their own bedding.
Below are some of my portfolio images to give you a taste of my photographic style and approach – if you love what you see and would love to work with me for your wedding please get in touch.
" Ray was absolutely incredible and I would 100% recommend. On the day, he brought all the laughs and positive vibes, effortlessly putting all our guests at ease. The photos are absolutely incredible. Ray also created a highlight film for us which was amazing! He recorded so many great moments and it meant we didn’t need to book a videographer/content creator too. He really is amazing and we would definitely recommend. "
— Emma + Callum, Woodlands Hotel
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Right, let’s start by saying you’re not just buying ‘nice photos’ – we live in a world with so many nice instagram feeds, but it’s not just aesthetics. I’ve seen loads of photographers who have a large majority of their instagram feeds/website from content days, workshops etc. (no pressure, no time constraints, models, perfect setups)
A nice instagram grid or website doesn’t tell you if they can handle chaos, keep you from shitting your pants before you go down the aisle, read the room, move portraits later in the timeline as you booked a live singer for the reception and you actually want to listen to them. That stuff doesn’t live on pretty feeds – It lives in experience. (350+ weddings over 10 years, I got you covered)
The real risk isn’t just bad photos, it’s a bad fit. Feeling awkward, being dragged around, missing the good bits because someone was too busy staging ‘the perfect shot’. So here’s the meat and bones of it: don’t ask yourself ‘do we like their photos?’ – instead ask yourself ‘do we trust this person to show up on the day and smash it out the park’ (read my reviews).
Once you realise that, you stop scrolling for the prettiest grid and start looking for the person, the vibe, the energy you want to spend your entire day with, someone who will sing along to the fresh prince of bel air during bride prep, someone who will knock out some body popping on the dance floor before capturing the bridesmaid whacking out the perfect worm – and if that ends up being me – happy bloody days!!
I don’t direct the day, I document it!
Real moments over fake poses
My goal on your wedding day is simple, to tell your story creatively and authentically. From the moment you book until your gallery is delivered, I’m there for you, documenting every moment in a natural, unposed way while adding a touch of creativity to make the images truly yours.
I love leaving a wedding feeling like part of the family. Couples often say, “It felt like having a friend capture our day,” and that’s exactly how it should be. You’ll usually find me right in the action, laughing with guests and capturing moments from up close. I believe the best photos come from being fully immersed in the day, not hiding at the back with a long lens. When your friends and family feel comfortable with me, that’s when I can document the most genuine moments.
That’s why connection matters so much. I want to capture your wedding from within, like a friend who just happens to have some very expensive cameras.
" The BEST photographer and person ever. Ray really knows his stuff and his expertise and skills made for a seamless day. Ray provided hybrid coverage (photo + film), we are honestly both speechless. We knew the pictures would be good but they really were like something out of a magazine. How he had time to also capture the day via video. I’ll never know! Everyone at the wedding commented on how special Ray was and how he felt like part of the family! There wasn’t a person he didn’t make smile, he’s a true legend "
— Jasmine + Tom, Newton Hall
I also offer KICK-ASS highlight films. have a watch of this one.
FEATURED WEDDINGS
WHY NOT TAKE A GOOSEY GANDER
RAW, UN-STAGED, AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR. IT'S A WEDDING DAY, NOT A PHOTOSHOOT!
Work with me
I’d absolutely love to work with you, I love working with couples who understand my approach, love my work and just want to have a relaxed and fun wedding day. I work with about 20-25 couples per year and I’d love for you to become one of the few, so please fill out the contact form to get the ball rolling and we can jump on ZOOM, have a chat and go from there.
I’m eternally grateful for your time checking out my work etc. I understand there are thousands of photographers and if you do want to work with me… thanks so much you bloody legends!!