A Stone Barn Wedding in the Cotswolds

Real Wedding: Hannah & Olly

Captured by London Wedding Photographer, Martin Sylvester

Weddings at Stone Barn in the Cotswolds have a special kind of atmosphere - warm, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful. Tucked into rolling countryside near Cheltenham, this rustic-luxe venue offered the perfect setting for Hannah and Olly’s relaxed and joy-filled summer wedding.

As a London wedding photographer, I’m often asked if I travel - and the answer is always yes. I love photographing weddings across the UK, especially in stunning countryside venues like this. This was actually my first time shooting in the Cotswolds, and I can safely say I’ll be back as often as I can.

Bridal & Groom Prep Coverage

The day started with a calm, gentle energy. I spent the morning with Hannah and her bridesmaids, capturing those quiet, emotional moments as they got ready. Meanwhile, my second shooter joined Olly and the groomsmen - allowing us to tell the full story of the day, from both sides.

Having two photographers means nothing is missed, and couples get a richer, more complete view of their wedding when they look back.

Hybrid Coverage – A Flexible, Budget-Friendly Option

Hannah and Olly chose a hybrid photo and video package - a great choice for couples who want the big moments captured on film without needing a full videography team. I used a discreet static camera to record the ceremony, the speeches, and the first dance, so they’ll have those key memories in motion, as well as in stills.

It’s an approach I often recommend to couples who are prioritising photography, but still want a few simple video clips to relive those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

An Indoor Confetti Exit with Direct Flash

The ceremony itself was held indoors at Stone Barn, surrounded by flickering candles and golden stone. One of the standout moments was the confetti toss - done indoors under a canopy of fairy lights. I used direct flash to create crisp, punchy images that captured the excitement in all its messy, beautiful chaos.

This modern flash technique is something I often bring into key parts of the day. It’s stylish, sharp, and brings a completely different energy to certain shots.

Golden Hour Portraits in the Cotswolds

As the sun dipped, we headed outside for portraits in that dreamy golden hour light. I kept things simple and relaxed, blending natural light with flash to bring out the soft glow of the landscape - and give a few images that cool, editorial feel my couples often love.

One of my favourite shots of the day was a slightly “drunken” pose walk with the two of them laughing, mid-step. No stiff posing, just real emotion, gently guided.

Dancefloor Moments with a Modern Edge

We set up a soft dual light system for the first dance - just enough to give contrast and depth without taking over the scene. After that, it was time to party. I used long exposure flash techniques on the dancefloor to capture the chaos and energy in a way that still felt polished.

These photos are some of the ones couples come back to again and again - the ones that feel like the soundtrack is still playing when you look at them.

Looking for a Cotswolds Wedding Photographer (or One Who’ll Travel)?

As a London wedding photographer who works all over the UK, I’m always excited to explore new venues and capture love stories in all their forms -whether you’re getting married in a Cotswolds barn, a Scottish castle, or a London rooftop.

Hannah and Olly’s wedding at Stone Barn was full of heart, laughter, and natural beauty. If you’re planning your own celebration - here in the Cotswolds or anywhere across the country - I’d love to hear from you!