WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT MONKTON BARN?
It’s always unadvisable to call a venue “the perfect wedding venue”, because rather like a TV promo or a movie trailer (both of which in a past life I used to produce in return for payment of my mortgage) once you say something is the best, then logic dictates, everywhere else is not as good. And who defines what “best” actually is? I’ve photographed weddings at the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, numerous stately homes across the UK and the capital. Would you laugh if I said Monkton Barn was better than those venues? You might well. Would I rather be shooting there than at those venues? Well, probably yes is my answer.. Is Monkton Barn then the perfect wedding venue? Perhaps not. But in my experience it certainly is A perfect wedding venue and one that it was my absolute pleasure to work at.
Some of this may come down to the kind of wedding this was. This is my favourite kind of booking - a referral from a previous wedding. I don’t advertise a lot because I get referred a lot, because I always try to go the extra mile. So when Terri-Lee dropped me a line saying how much she loved my wedding photography for their friends Kat and Alex who tied the knot at Marwell Hotel, I knew this was a couple who would truly appreciate my style.
And here is what I found at Monkton Barn. As a photographer, Monkton Barn is a dream setting. Nestled on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, near the scenic riverside town of Marlow, this venue is a hidden gem. The centerpiece of the location is a beautifully converted traditional farm barn, complete with original beams and oak floors, providing a warm and authentic backdrop for any celebration. The surrounding meadows, bathed in natural light, offer an expansive canvas for outdoor events, while a secluded dell adds a magical touch for woodland weddings.
Monkton Barn is incredibly versatile, allowing you to craft your celebration exactly as you envision it. Whether it’s a relaxed, intimate barn ceremony, an open-air reception in a marquee, or a large-scale party, this venue offers the flexibility and charm to match your style. Photographing events here is a delight, from candid moments in the barn to the wide, sweeping views across the meadows and woodlands. The light filtering through the trees, the open skies, and the natural textures of the landscape all lend themselves to creating stunning, timeless images.
For me, it’s the outdoor spaces that truly shine. Imagine capturing a couple’s first dance under the stars, with fireworks or bonfires lighting up the night. Or documenting a festival-style celebration with live music, fairground rides, and guests mingling in a relaxed, playful atmosphere. Whether it’s the rustic charm of a woodland wedding or the elegance of a marquee reception, Monkton Barn allows for endless creativity.
The venue offers the opportunity for unique shots – from glamping under the stars to hot air balloon rides – creating moments that are not only beautiful but unforgettable. Each celebration here tells its own story, and I love being able to document every detail, from the intimacy of a cozy winter reception with fire pits and roasted chestnuts to the vibrancy of a West-End musical-themed party.
Now so far, so ChatGPT, right. But the truth is, the people who run this place are really on it. They are super helpful at all times and really lovely. They have taken real care to make every part of the venue feel special. For me, the real standout is how they have decorated and cared for the woodland glen, which feel genuinely a bit magical.
The owner is a talented wedding photographer, and, as someone who also shoots wedding videography, I really hope I get the chance to work alongside them one day. The little prep barns are small but perfectly comfy, the indoor dining and party spaces, likewise, so if rain stops play, there is ample space to host your wedding. But best of all is the woodland and countryside. Even on a wet day, a woodland wedding is still very much a possibility. And, for a wedding photographer and videographer anyway, on a sunny day, as you will see from the wedding group photos below, the light bounces up into the shade, giving a lovely glow to everyone’s skin.
And with such a beautiful backdrop, couple portrait photography becomes a real pleasure.
And the views really are that wonderful. Take a look abelow and see for yourself. The highlight for me on this wedding - apart from the adorable couple and their lovely friends and family of course, was that Terri-Lee and Casper had their first dance and party out in the open. A whole new experience and creative challenge for me as a wedding photographer, giving me the chance to experiment with all different kinds of lighting techniques and styles
