Wedding Photography at The Barns at Redcoats is always a dream for me. f you’re planning a wedding at The Barns at Redcoats in Hertfordshire, you’ve chosen one of the my favourite barn venues in Hertfordshire! From the staff to the decor to the venue spaces, it is such a lovely venue and you get the best of the countryside feels with some fun modern elements too. The Barns are just outside Hitchin, so really easy to get to from London, and they are surrounded by beautiful fields and lanes. It’s a venues that feels relaxed, welcoming, and a little bit fun to celebrate in.
The barns were built in the 18th century and are now a purpose built wedding venue. They can host up to 120 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and up to 200 for the evening reception, and it works just as well for a small gathering as it does for a bigger full day event.
I love natural, fun and relaxed wedding photography, so wedding photography at The Barns at Redcoats is a job I always enjoy. The staff are amazing, the layout of the day flows really naturally, there are loads of great spots for photos (without having to disappear for ages), and it’s perfect for relaxed and laid-back couples who’d love beautiful photos but feel a little shy in front of the camera.
Wedding Spaces at The Barns at Redcoats
One of the reasons wedding photography at The Barns at Redcoats works so well is because guests can’t get too lost and spaced out – there a lots of different spaces to use, but your whole day can happen here without things ever feeling rushed or awkward.
Getting Ready
There is a dedicated “Getting Ready” room, which is included with the wedding booking. It’s designed specifically for wedding mornings and has:
- A king-size bed
- A separate dressing/seating area
- Plenty of space for hair and makeup artists
- Natural light for getting ready photos
- Access to a private roof terrace
It’s ideal for you and a few key people (like bridesmaids and close family) to relax, have breakfast and get ready together before the ceremony.
The Ceremony Spaces
You can choose between an indoor or an outdoor ceremony, depending on the time of year you are getting married.
The Wedding Barn
Inside, the main barn is a gorgeous ceremony space. All the oak beams and plenty of character give it a lovely atmosphere without needing too much decoration. It works especially well in autumn and winter when the barn feels cosy and atmospheric.
The Grain Store Outdoor Ceremony Area
In the warmer months, many couples choose the outdoor ceremony near the old grain store. It’s set by a lawns with views of the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside, which creates a lovely relaxed backdrop for your vows and confetti afterwards.
Drinks Reception
After the ceremony, guests usually spill out into the gardens or courtyard area for drinks and canapés. This is one of the best parts of the day for candid photos because everyone naturally spreads out and relaxes. In colder weather you still have the Cowshed bar area with the quirky portraits and comfy seats.
There are plenty of little pockets of space for guests to chat, which keeps the atmosphere lively without feeling crowded.
The Wedding Breakfast and Evening Party
The main barn transforms beautifully for the wedding breakfast and evening party, whilst guests can still have the quieter spaces to mix and chat in the bar and courtyard.
Real Wedding Photography at The Barns at Redcoats
Felix & Ellie – A glorious September Wedding filled with Sunflowers!
Felix and Ellie’s September wedding at The Barns at Redcoats was just so warm and full of autumn colour, relaxed moments and plenty of laughter from start to finish.
Ellie got ready on site with her bridesmaids, before guests arrived for a cosy early-afternoon ceremony inside the barn, complete with two personal readings. Straight after the “I do’s”, everyone headed outside for confetti and celebratory drinks in the garden, with a quick round of group photos. The afternoon unfolded with garden games (handmade by Felix!) cocktails and canapés before everyone gathered back in the barn for speeches and dinner. As the sun started to drop, we slipped out to the fields next to the venue for some golden hour portraits among the nearby sunflowers field!! We even got a bust of evening light so we got exactly the sunshine-filled photos they had hoped for. By evening, fire pits were lit and marshmallows were toasted outside, and then cake cutting, their first dance and a packed dance floor rounded off a joyful, relaxed day surrounded by friends, sunflowers and beautiful autumn light.
Tips for Wedding Photography at The Barns at Redcoats
The Best Spots for Couple Portraits
Some of my favourite portrait locations around the venue include:
- The meadow and surrounding countryside – lots of gates, footpaths and meadows (no guarantee of sunflowers though!)
- The pub gardens over the way from the barn
- The courtyard area and around the barns
Golden Hour
If the weather plays nicely, sunset in the fields around The Barns at Redcoats can be incredible. Having a flexible timetable so we can nip off when the light looks amazing is always worth it!
Wet Weather Options
The good news is this venue works really well in bad weather too.
If it rains:
- The barn interior is gorgeous for portraits
- Covered courtyard areas work well for confetti
- The Cowshed Bar provides great cosy documentary moments
Couples Often Ask About…
Travel and Location
The Barns at Redcoats is just outside Hitchin in Hertfordshire, making it really convenient for guests travelling from London or surrounding counties.
It’s roughly 30 minutes from London, and there’s plenty of parking on site for guests arriving by car.
Accommodation
One of the big advantages of this venue is the on-site accommodation at the Farmhouse. There are around 26 bedrooms across the farmhouse and converted barn rooms, which makes things much easier for close family and friends. It also means the morning preparations and the next-day breakfast can feel part of the whole wedding experience.
Photography Restrictions
The venue is very photographer-friendly and designed with weddings in mind. So nothing to worry about except planning that timetable to fit your photos in!
Who The Barns at Redcoats Is Perfect For
This venue is ideal if you love:
- Rustic barn weddings with a modern finish
- Relaxed countryside celebrations
- Beautiful outdoor spaces without losing indoor backup options
- A venue that feels private and exclusive
It works especially well for:
- Guest lists of 80–120 during the day
- Spring, summer and early autumn weddings
- Couples who want a laid-back, social atmosphere
Planning Your Wedding Photography at The Barns at Redcoats
I photograph weddings here in a natural, fun and relaxed way, especially for couples who might feel a little camera shy but still want beautiful photos of their day.
If you’re planning your wedding at The Barns at Redcoats, feel free to get in touch and check my availability – I’d love to hear about your plans.
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