Sheepdrove Organic Farm provides the perfect setting for an eco-conscious couple
I first met Katherine and Paul in April 2021 when we got together to do an engagement shoot. Later the same year, I photographed their official wedding ceremony in Oxfordshire.
The Oxfordshire wedding ceremony took place towards the end of lockdown but at the time of booking, there was still a lot of uncertainty around potential restrictions that could arise with the pandemic so they decided to split their wedding over two years.
Sheepdrove Organic Farm in Lambourn, Berkshire, was the venue they chose for their second, much larger wedding celebration. The fact that the venue is a carbon neutral site had a major influence on their decision as they’re both keen environmentalists.
Set on a twenty-acre site, and surrounded by some two thousand acres of organic farmland, Sheepdrove Organic Farm is one of the most picturesque countryside wedding venues you could hope to find in Berkshire.
The boathouse and lake at Sheepdrove Organic Farm | Berkshire wedding photographer
Because this was the second celebration of their marriage, Katherine and Paul’s day didn’t follow the usual format for wedding photography. We did start the day with a few bridal prep photos but after that the bride and groom wanted a portrait session around the grounds of the farm, ahead of guests arriving.
I took the next few photos on the route down to the boathouse.
A lot of newlyweds spend their wedding night in the boathouse at Sheepdrove Organic Farm but since Katherine and Paul had already been married a year, they decided not to do that. Unfortunately, this did mean we couldn’t take photos at the lake because the boathouse had been booked by people that weren’t attending their celebration.
Hopefully, I’ll get the opportunity to photograph another wedding celebration at Sheepdrove very soon but in the meantime, here’s how it looks down at the boathouse. I took these photos on a scouting trip to Sheepdrove earlier in the year. I’m sure you can see why I’d want to go back.
Apart from the lake, Sheepdrove Organic Farm has lots of other excellent locations for photography, including a generously-stocked garden to the rear of the main building.
Better known as the Physic Garden, the garden is choc-full of colour and fragrance; it also gives you the perfect hideaway if you need a few private moments alone with your new spouse.
Opposite the main entrance to the venue, Sheepdrove has several pieces of vintage farm machinery and this little caravan. As we made our way to the machinery for the last few pics that the couple wanted, guests started to arrive so it was perfect timing.
The last photo above was in fact the first image I took of Katherine and Paul. I love the brightly coloured paintwork of the tower.
If you’ve visited Sheepdrove Organic Farm, you’ll know there’s quite a long and slightly wild drive into the property.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take any pics of this area as I knew we wouldn’t have time to cover it at Katherine and Paul’s celebration. It would definitely be an area I’d like to photograph with a bride and groom if I’m lucky enough to get another wedding at the farm.
A wedding blessing in the Physic Garden at Sheepdrove Organic Farm
To make their celebration as inclusive as possible, Katherine and Paul invited guests to take part in a wedding blessing in the Physic Garden. After a brief ceremony, guests were treated to drinks and canopies in the garden before the celebration meal.
A few guests asked for couple and group photos but most of my photos were candid from this point forward.
Katherine and Paul’s celebration at Sheepdrove was just a six-hour booking for me as they’d split their celebrations over two years to allow for the pandemic.
For a full-day wedding at Sheepdrove Organic Farm, I’d recommend booking at least eight hours coverage with your wedding photographer. During the summer months of June to August, you’ll probably need nine hours to get you through to sunset.
For more information on my photography services, select one of the menu headings above and for information on Sheepdrove visit the Sheepdrove Organic Farm website
Sheepdrove Organic Farm
Warren Farm,
Sheepdrove Road,
Lambourn,
Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 7UU
[email protected]
01488 674 747
Who owns Sheepdrove Farm?
Sheepdrove farm is owned by Peter and Juliet Kindersley – co-founders of the famous publishing house Dorling Kindersley.
Sheepdrove Organic Farm accommodation
Sheepdrove has on-site accommodation for up to 20 people. The Woodend cottage has nine en-suite doubles and the off-grid boathouse has one double with shower.
You can see more of my work by visiting my Berkshire wedding photographer page.