Sandhole Oak Barn Wedding Photography

Sandhole Oak Barn is a stunning wedding venue set in 400 acres of glorious Cheshire countryside. Designed specifically to cater for weddings, it’s one of those venues that you can instantly fall in love with. I certainly have following many visits there as a Sandhole Oak Barn wedding photographer. It really is the most amazing place to create lifelong memories!

The breath-taking lake and countryside views across Cheshire from Sandhole are something to marvel at, and one of the most appealing things about this venue is the fact that you can enjoy your entire wedding right there in one location, with exclusive use for your wedding party, and no one else.

About the venue

Sandhole Oak Barn is made up of two barns, outdoor space, a clock tower, prep rooms and luxury accommodation. Let’s take a tour around Sandhole Oak Barn, complete with a few of the wedding photographs I’ve taken along the way.

Wedding Preparation Rooms

The Dressing Room is just a few steps from the main wedding venue and provides the perfect space for the bride and her entourage to prepare. It’s a comfortable, relaxing place, complete with two full-length mirrors, a toilet and shower, WiFi and tea and coffee. I usually find that the bride likes to sit by the window and gaze out, spotting the guests as they arrive.

The Shepherd’s Hut is a separate, standalone space for the groom and his close party to get ready. It’s pretty cosy in there, but definitely not lacking in facilities. I’ve taken some shots in there and they captured the pensive pre-wedding mood perfectly. It’s great because it sits overlooking the lake, which always makes for an excellent wedding photography backdrop.

The Small Barn

The Small Barn is a separate building attached to the bridal prep room. There’s a lounge, which is spacious yet intimate, providing the perfect place for you and your guests to relax anytime you choose between your arrival and when you leave the next day.

There’s also a kitchen with free tea and coffee. French doors lead to a nice, fenced-off garden, so you can let the kids run around safely. I’ve seen some guests use the Small Barn as a crèche during the ceremony, or brides to use it as extra space to get dressed.

The Clock Tower

If you have your heart set on an outdoor Cheshire wedding, The Clock Tower at Sandhole Oak Barn could be a venue to consider. It’s licensed for civil ceremonies between April and October, and believe me, it can be very romantic!

Situated on the bank of the lake and with the wonderful countryside in sight, The Clock Tower is an idyllic setting. There’s a paved seating area and a space for canapés and drinks afterwards.

Even if you don’t tie the knot under The Clock Tower, it still makes for a superb setting for wedding photographs at Sandhole Oak Barn. Or maybe you could even settle your string quartet there! It’s a lovely place to sit at a night too, with the heaters keeping you warm as the sun goes down.

The Oak Barn

The Oak Barn offers a rustic setting beside a six-acre lake and nestled amongst rolling Cheshire countryside. 

Separated into the Ceremony Barn and the Dining Barn, this space is punctuated by floor to ceiling windows that afford magnificent views over the rippling waters of the lake. They also let plenty of natural light flood in, which for me as a wedding photographer at Sandhole Oak Barn is a dream. 

The ceremony space houses a grand piano, and leads on to the Dining Barn which can be sectioned off from the ceremony area during the nuptials. French doors open onto a veranda, where you get to sit and really appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The Barn is an elegantly decorated space, nice and neutral. I usually find that most couples don’t see a need to over-decorate the venue, because its natural appeal does the job for them. A bit of hessian here, some lace there maybe, but overall it’s one of those venues that doesn’t need too much fuss. I do love the locally crafted wrought iron chandeliers and wall lights though, they’re a lovely feature.

The Oak Barn can comfortably accommodate 140 for a wedding breakfast, although it still works well for smaller gatherings. For the evening, you get to invite up to 180 guests who can strut their stuff on the wooden dancefloor, or sit back and enjoy drinks on the veranda.

The Ceremony/Party space

Weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn in Cheshire

As a documentary wedding photographer, I love Sandhole Oak Barn because it’s a naturally beautiful venue with so many stunning backdrops, both inside and out. It’s so well thought-out, having been designed specifically for weddings.

It’s great too because everything’s in one place, so there’s no need for you, or your wedding photographer, to travel between getting ready, ceremony and reception.

I also like Sandhole Oak Barn because they exclusively use Top Table for their catering. I’ve photographed many, many weddings across North West England, and have never heard anything but exceptional feedback about them.

I’m Thomas Demol, a wedding photographer based in Manchester and photographing weddings throughout the North West of England. I’ve shot countless weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn, and would love to talk to you about capturing your special day.

My Latest Weddings at Sandhole Oak Barn

Here’s my Sandhole Oak Barn wedding photography portfolio. Many more coming soon!

Quick look at…Sandhole Oak Barn

Venue Type: Wedding barn

Location: Congleton, Cheshire

Features

• Onsite accommodation
• Bridal prep room
• Breath-taking view of the lake

Number of guests:
140 guests seated in the main Wedding Barn or 180 for the evening party

A Perfect Wedding Venue for…
A rustic looking venue with a natural beauty. Perfect a full day in one location.