Wedding Accommodation In The Cotswolds
Bridal prep venues to wake up in
Are you embarking on what feels like an exciting but overwhelming journey? I am here to say don’t forget to start your day the right way. Plan your wedding accommodation in the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds are idyllic, seriously beautiful and people travel from all over the world to get married here. With a plethora of different options to choose from, hotels to castles, follys and fields the most popular place to celebrate is the iconic Cotswold Barn. Don’t be fooled into thinking this means you have to serve pimms and wrap people from head to toe in bunting if you dont want to. A Cotswold wedding is just the right place to have a dirty martini in one hand and your Manolos in the other.
So you’ve found your dream venue but…
… there’s no onsite accommodation! This doesn’t need to be a deal breaker, many venues will have a list of local Cotswold wedding accommodation. But what should you consider for the perfect place for your preparations? Think about who is going to be there. You may have 10 bridesmaids/men, the mums, possibly some little people, perhaps dad will make an appearance. Or maybe not but the chances are you’ll have a make-up artist and a hair stylist, I’ll gift you a list of the regions finest at the end of my blog, KEEP READING!
A photographer, videographer maybe even a content creator, and what these pros like for wedding prep is space and natural light. This doesn’t mean you have to find a huge neutral room with wall to wall windows. Search for venues with pockets of natural light for everyone to work in. It’s the magic light you’re looking for. Your make up artist will thank you for it and if it’s particularly pretty light the photographer or videographer will be beside themselves with creative joy!
(You can read about my favorite wedding venues HERE HERE and HERE )
Light is that it?
Prep is one of my favorite parts of the day. When I arrive at your wedding accommodation in the Cotswolds, as a cotswold wedding photographer I begin to read what your wedding is really about. The energy, the people, the vibe – it all starts there.
In my experience, having just a bit of space in the morning helps keep everything feeling calm. Not so much space that everyone’s off in different corners, but enough that people aren’t stepping over each other. There are so many beautiful places to stay in the Cotswolds, but our charming historic hotels and B&Bs can be cozy to say the least, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of environment you want to wake up in.
Because that moment matters. The planning is behind you. You’re about to be pampered, surrounded by your favourite people, and starting the best day of your life. Choosing the right place to stay, somewhere beautiful, relaxed, and light-filled, can set the tone in the most incredible way.
Eve’s recommendation for the perfect stay
Set the mood. Think playlist, scented candles and your favourite fizz.
Keep your details together. Rings, invites, shoes, perfume, heirlooms – place them in one spot so they’re easy to capture and nothing gets missed in the shuffle.
Eat something and stay hydrated – really! It’s all about you, if you want your coco pops have them. If you want fresh croissants and chocolate dipped strawberries go wild . You’ll be grateful you did.
Make sure all your suppliers have the full prep address including the What Three Words, our tiny Cotswold villages can be in a service black spot. Make sure everyone has all the correct info and timings.
Someone always needs a small pair of scissors.
Where are these hidden gems?
I’m going to give you the best locations, but it needs to be our secret – I don’t want all the other photographers treated to these gorgeous locations…
Stone Barn & Cripps Barn – Accommodation
These barns are straight out of the pages of interiors magazine, each one just a nice as the next. There are five in total, Grain Store, Bull Pen, The Stables, Card Shed and Old Hay Barn. Don’t be fooled by the charming names, they just radiate space, light and luxury.
If you want a smaller more homely feel then this is the place for you. Quintessentially Cotswoldy with roses around the door.
Ivy Lodge & Old Gore – Accommodation
This is the place to make a long weekend of it. A 17th century barn beautifully restored and furnished.
A boutique inn in the middle of cirencester, it boasts luxury spacious rooms and big windows.
A beautiful, private country retreat.
If you want a dream team of the finest hair and make up artists, these talented people are at the top of the industry and my recommendation list.
Make-Up Artists
Hair Stylists
These are flipping incredible!! You’re a magician!
If you would like to know more about my services as one of the leading wedding photographers in the Cotswolds please get in touch.
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