“Jonny is the perfect wedding photographer, he made everyone feel at ease. So many guests commented on his lovely personality. 100% highly recommended!”
Real Weddings | Cripps Barn in Gloucestershire
Jo and Peter’s wedding at Cripps Barn was years in the making, quite literally. Having been friends for over 37 years before getting together 14 years ago, theirs is a love story built on history, trust and deep connection. After a romantic engagement weekend in Bruges, they finally tied the knot in the Cotswolds surrounded by the people who have been part of their journey for decades.
“You’ve got to be sure, right?” Jo laughed, and when you see their day unfold, you understand exactly what she means.
A Twinkly-Light Cotswold Barn Celebration
Their vision was clear from the start: a beautiful Cotswold barn, twinkling lights, stunning flowers and disco balls. Cripps Barn delivered all of it.
At the end of August, with the weather firmly on their side, Jo and Peter were able to host their ceremony outdoors beneath the oak canopy. The late summer light, the warmth of the stone barn, and a saxophonist playing during drinks created a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere that felt effortless.
If you’re considering getting married here, I’ve put together a full Cripps Barn wedding venue guide covering ceremony options, food and how the day flows from start to finish.
Why They Chose Cripps Barn
Jo had browsed countless London venues online without feeling that spark. Then one evening she came across Cripps Barn, and that was it.
From their first open day visit, it felt right. The barn itself was stunning, but it was also the warmth of the team that sealed the deal. Being able to attend feast nights before the wedding allowed them to see the space in full swing and sample the food, a huge bonus when planning such an important day.
“It was fabulous seeing the barn full of life before our own wedding,” Jo said.
An Emotional Walk Down the Aisle
One of the most powerful moments of the day came as Jo walked down the aisle with her two sons by her side.
“It was so emotional,” she said, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
The ceremony felt intimate and heartfelt, framed by flowers from Go Wild Flowers and the honey-coloured Cotswold stone glowing in the background.
The Fashion | Jenny Packham & Paul Smith
Jo wore a stunning beaded gown by Jenny Packham, elegant and timeless, chosen after building a detailed mood board to refine her vision. Peter wore a sharp Paul Smith suit, perfectly complementing the colour palette of gold, beige, green and white.
The wedding party reflected those tones beautifully, creating a cohesive yet relaxed aesthetic that suited the barn perfectly.
If you could relive one part of the day?
“The speeches. So emotional and funny. And dancing the night away with friends and family.”
As evening fell, Cripps Barn transformed once again. Candles flickered, disco balls caught the light, and the dance floor filled quickly. The saxophonist added another layer of energy, and the celebration carried on late into the night.
It was joyful, warm, and completely personal, exactly what they had imagined.
And Jo’s biggest piece of advice? “Enjoy every minute, it’s over too soon.”
They hosted guests the night before at Henry’s in Cirencester, which meant friendships were already forming before the wedding day even began. By the time the ceremony started, the atmosphere was incredibly warm and welcoming.
It’s a small planning choice that made a huge difference.
Shout out to the wedding suppliers
Venue & Catering: Cripps Barn | Florist: Go Wild Flowers | Make Up Artist: Emily Tarrant | Cake: Donna Louise Cake Design | Rings: Boutique Bijou, Cirencester
Planning Your Own Cripps Barn Wedding?
Jo and Peter’s day was a perfect example of what makes this venue so special, emotional, atmospheric and full of character. Cripps Barn offers incredible ceremony and reception options, see the full venue guide here.
If you want fun, natural and relaxed photography that captures moments over poses, I’d love to hear about your plans.
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