Bury Court Barn Wedding Photography: Esme & Kris' Hampshire Wedding

If you're searching for a wedding venue with a mix of rustic and contemporary style, Bury Court Barn in Hampshire is one of my favourite choices. As a wedding photographer covering Hampshire, I had the privilege of photographing Esme and Kris' wedding at this stunning venue. I’m excited to share their story and highlight the special moments from their day, and I hope it helps inspire and guide you in planning your own celebration.

Capturing a Relaxed and Fun Wedding in Hampshire

Esme and Kris first saw my work at a friend’s wedding and reached out to book me for their special day. They envisioned candid and casual photographs, focusing on capturing the fun moments with just a few group shots. Their wedding took place at Bury Court Barn in Hampshire, a truly stunning venue. It was my first time photographing there, so I made a point to visit beforehand to familiarize myself with the layout, lighting, and potential spots for portraits and group shots. Being well-prepared allows me to maximize the time for candid and couple portraits, even if timelines run tight.

Morning Preparations at Bury Court Barn

Esme and Kris chose full-day wedding photography coverage, starting with their relaxed morning preparations about two hours before the ceremony. They got ready in separate areas of the venue. Esme used the light-filled bridal prep room, with rustic beams and a large mirror, which was perfect for those getting ready shots. Her mum helped her with the dress, making it a special moment. Afterward, Esme shared a beautiful first look with her dad.

Kris, on the other hand, was getting ready with his groomsmen, sister, and parents. Being in the Army, he had everything perfectly organized. I loved the personal touches they added, like Cornish pasties and port— a nod to Kris’ time in Cornwall. He also opened a thoughtful gift from Esme and gave special presents to his groomsmen, which made for some great candid shots.

Outdoor Ceremony with Unique Army Traditions

The ceremony took place outdoors at 1:30 PM in perfect weather conditions—not too sunny, not too cloudy.—ideal conditions for wedding photography. Esme and Kris incorporated army traditions into their ceremony, which surprised and entertained their guests. Following the ceremony, the guests moved to the courtyard for confetti shots and reception drinks while I took candid shots of everyone enjoying the moment. where I captured plenty of candid shots of guests enjoying themselves.

We had plenty of time for a large group photo and relaxed couple portraits. The beautiful garden and fields around Bury Court Barn gave us the space and privacy we needed for some peaceful, stress-free couple portraits including family and bridal party grpiop shots . We had around 20 minutes for these portraits.

Group Shots and Couple Portraits

After the ceremony, we quickly arranged a large group shot and a confetti tunnel in the garden to make sure all guests were included. With two hours before the wedding breakfast, we had plenty of time for a relaxed mix of group shots (which took about 15-20 minutes) and couple portraits (around 20 minutes). The venue's secluded fields provided a peaceful, scenic backdrop for Esme and Kris’ portraits, giving them a quiet moment together. If you're a bit shy about having portraits in front of guests, this is the perfect spot to escape and enjoy some private time

Garden-Inspired Reception in the Barn

The wedding breakfast took place in the barn, which was beautifully decorated with vibrant garden flowers in rustic pots, creating a natural, garden-inspired atmosphere. The food, provided by @jacarandacatering, was outstanding, featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—a standout for many guests. After the meal, the speeches followed, filled with both humor and heartfelt moments.

Evening Entertainment and Sparklers

Kris and Esme went above and beyond to entertain their guests. Kris had handcrafted wooden garden games, which were a huge hit and made fun candid photos. Before their first dance, we captured extra portraits with confetti bombs and champagne sprays, adding vibrant energy to the collection. The evening wrapped up with a live band, dancing, and a sparkler send-off outside—a magical end to a fantastic day.

Wedding Vendors :

Venue @burycourtbarn

Flowers @verdleyflowers

Hair and make up Gina Trenches

Caterer @jacarandacatering 

Dress @mayandgracebridal @rosa_clara

Band and ceremony guitarist @rockitband

Why Choose Bury Court Barn for Your Wedding?

Bury Court Barn is an exceptional venue for couples looking for mix of rustic and modern style. With space for up to 160 guests for the ceremony and reception—or up to 200 guests for the evening reception—it offers the perfect setting for both intimate and larger celebrations.

The venue also provides 14 double rooms and a luxurious bridal suite for overnight accommodation, ensuring convenience and comfort for you and your guests. Its stunning grounds, historic barn, and incredible food make it great choice . Plus, their experienced wedding coordinator will be on hand to help everything run smoothly on your big day.