Capturing Love: A Summer Wedding at The Barn at Drovers with Engagement Highlights

I recently photographed a summer wedding at The Barn at Drovers, and it summed up everything I enjoy about working at this venue. It’s a place with plenty of character, open space, and a setting that naturally lends itself to relaxed photography — no need for forced poses or big productions.

Before the wedding, I spent an evening with the couple for their engagement session. They chose a quiet spot near home, close to sunset, which suited them perfectly. Nothing overly staged — just a walk, some conversation, and a chance for them to get used to the camera without feeling like they were “performing.” Those sessions always help the wedding day run more smoothly, and this was no exception.

Leigh & Tom | sunset in the Golden Valley

These images set the tone for the wedding — easygoing, outdoorsy, and very them.

Why Drovers Works So Well

The Barn at Drovers is one of those venues that doesn’t need much explanation if you’ve ever visited. It has the kind of layout and light that make photographing a wedding straightforward in the best way. A few things always stand out:

The Barn at Drovers bathed in summer sun

• The barns have a natural warmth to them — wood, stone, open areas.

• There’s space to spread out, so guests aren’t crammed into one spot all day.

• The light is consistently good, which makes a huge difference.

• You can walk a few steps and find a completely different backdrop — fields, gardens, woodland, farm buildings.

• It’s easy for couples and guests travelling from around Herefordshire or the wider West Midlands.

  
  

It’s a venue that feels lived-in and real, not dressed up to look rustic. That makes all the difference in photos.

The Wedding Day

The summer weather held, which meant the couple were able to hold their wedding outdoors in the woodland area. The couple and guests enjoyed a slow walk from the ceremony to the reception with confetti in the meadow and the opportunity to stop and chat with the ponies, ducks and alpacas.

Woodland ceremony at The Barn at Drovers

The reception carried that same relaxed feel with speeches taking place outside with friends and family sat on bales and sofas.

Relaxed speeches during the reception

And as always, the little details added plenty to the story: handmade signs, unfussy table settings, seasonal flowers, and touches that reflected the couple rather than a Pinterest board.

Planning a Wedding at Drovers?

A few things that tend to help:

• Visit around the same time of day as your ceremony — the light will tell you a lot.

• Use the barn’s features rather than hiding them.

• Have a plan for weather, even in summer — it’s still Herefordshire.

• Give yourself time for photos in different parts of the venue.

• Share a rough plan with your photographer, but don’t get hung up on lists. The real moments happen between the planned ones.

  
  

Working Together

Group photos don't need to be stuffy!

My approach is simple: keep things natural, keep things moving, and blend into the day so people forget about the camera. Engagement sessions help with that — they take the pressure off the wedding day and mean we’re not strangers when the morning arrives.

Working regularly at Drovers means I know where the good light falls, where to take a couple for a breather, and how the day usually flows there. All of that helps keep things relaxed and gives you photos that feel true to your day, not a version of someone else’s.

Leith & Tom | The Barn at Drovers in Herefordshire