The Ashes Wedding Venue

The Ashes – a rustic Staffordshire wedding venue

Just over the Cheshire border is one of my all time favourite wedding venues – The Ashes in Staffordshire. This rustic, award winning wedding venue is a real blank canvas and I love seeing how couples make it their own. I’ve photographed dozens of weddings at The Ashes and they all feel (and look) so different.

Weddings at The Ashes

Firstly I just want to give a big shout out to the wedding team at The Ashes. They are so accommodating and nothing is ever too much trouble for them. They appreciate that couples want great wedding photography and no area is out of bounds for pictures. This means that I always get to go exploring with couples and we capture amazing, unique photographs. 

The Ashes has to be one of the most picturesque venues in Staffordshire. With views out over the Staffordshire Moorlands and the hills of the Peak District there are amazing backdrops wherever you look. The mile long driveway is surrounded by fields. Depending on the time of year you could be driving past grassland, fields of yellow corn or even snow covered ground! 

Morning preparations take place in the Old Dairy or the Courtyard. Wherever you get ready the buildings are so lovely, with thick stone walls and incredible views. Inside each room is decorated stylishly and with all the touches you need for a relaxing morning. 

It’s just a short walk over to the West Barn for the wedding ceremony. This is the oldest building at The Ashes, a 17th century Grade II listed barn full of rustic charm and holds up to 150 guests. I just adore the stone flagged floor, exposed oak beams and original features. It has real character.

The Ashes wedding receptions

Wedding receptions take place in the Courtyard, surrounded by fields and the barns. The resident Highland Cows have been known to make an appearance in the fields next to the Courtyard, much to the delight of guests! The Ashes is also dog friendly and they are more than happy to welcome a family pet for a short time during the drinks reception. 

I photograph family groups on the lawn. This is such a lovely little spot, with views out over the lake and the Peak District. Once those family groups have been photographed and people have made their way back to the wedding reception I love to take couples for a little wander around the grounds. There are so many nooks and crannies for perfect portraits, whatever the time of year. 

Wedding breakfasts take place in the East Barn, a large open plan space with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. I love seeing how couples have chosen to decorate the Barn and all the little touches they bring to their day. 

I have to say, one of my favourite things about The Ashes is the amazing sunsets they always seem to get! I love taking couples out for a few minutes during Golden Hour – that time in the evening when the light is soft, golden and beautiful. It’s also the perfect opportunity for couples to have a little time together before the evening celebrations kick off and they get swept up in the celebrations again. 

Are you planning a wedding at The Ashes? If so please get in touch, I would love to chat to you about your wedding photography.

THE ASHES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY