Romantic Oxford engagement shoot at Old Luxters Barn
When I met Catriona and Arran at Old Luxters Barn, it was a perfect autumn day for a romantic Oxford engagement shoot in the sunshine.
After our initial phone consultation and booking, I always try to meet couples at their wedding venue for a kind-of ‘getting to know you’ session. It’s a great opportunity to scout the venue together and it also gives them the chance to share any concerns they may have about being photographed.
Which of course, is very common.
If you’re getting married in Oxfordshire and you are a little nervous about being photographed – perhaps you don’t know what to expect – having an engagement shoot can really help with those nerves.
A bit about Old Luxters Barn | Oxford engagement shoot
Arran and Catriona met at Reading University so they’ve spent a lot of time in Oxfordshire; they also have family in the area which made Luxters Barn both a romantic and practical choice for their wedding celebrations.
In case you’re not familiar with the venue, Old Luxters Barn is a charming, rustic wedding venue located just outside the village of Hambleden in Oxfordshire.
The venue is part of the Chiltern Valley Winery, Brewery & Vineyard and comprises an 18th century barn with paved courtyard and a selection of outbuildings. The main barn was renovated in the late eighties and has been used as a wedding and events venue since 1990.
Here’s one of the pics I took in the courtyard of Old Luxters Barn. On a summer’s wedding day this will be filled with guests so it might not be quite as easy to get a clean background but for this Oxford engagement shoot, it was perfect.
In the autumn, the gardens and vineyards surrounding the barn look absolutely stunning. If I could turn back the clock and get married at Old Luxters, I think I’d choose early to mid-October to capture all those beautiful colours in my wedding photos.
When you get married at Luxters, you can also have access to the vineyard and gardens of the Chiltern Valley Winery.
I did my Oxford engagement shoot with Arran and Catriona at the end of October. There were still a lot of beautiful colours in the vineyard but not many leaves on the vines – something worth remembering if you’re planning a winter wedding at the barn.
The vineyard and gardens of Chiltern Valley Winery sit to the east of the property where they get most of their sunshine earlier in the day. Having said that, I did find some pleasing warm light on one side of the garden as the golden hour approached.
For their winter wedding, Arran and Catriona were thinking they might like some family photos in the gardens with the house in the background (as you see above).
One of the great things about scouting a venue is finding the spots that will work for portraits and other photos you’d like to have taken.
In the lead-up to your wedding day, I’ll put together an outline plan of the photography I’m going to provide, based on what we’ve discussed at our initial consultation and our venue scout. All of which is negotiable.
We’ll also agree any family and friends’ photos you’d like, along with any location we’ve scouted. Of course, if you are having a winter wedding, it’s worth thinking about whether the ground may be wet and potentially slippery for you and your guests.
Wedding photography in Hambleden Valley | Oxford engagement shoot photos
The car parking for Old Luxters Barn is just opposite the entrance to the property. On the same side as the car park, you’ll find a leafy pathway leading into the woods.
If you follow this pathway for 12-15 minutes, the Oxfordshire countryside opens up ahead and rewards you with some glorious panoramic views. And dare I say a beautiful backdrop for sunset and golden hour portraits.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a quicker way of getting to this spot so if you don’t want to be away from your wedding guests for a long time, it may not be for you.
Getting married at Old Luxters Barn | Oxford wedding photographer
Meanwhile back at Old Luxters Barn. If you are thinking of getting married at the venue, you’ll want to know it can accommodate all your guests.
The barn is licensed for wedding ceremonies with up to 114 guests. It also has an orchard with space for a marquee although I didn’t see the orchard on my Oxford engagement shoot so I’m not sure how large a marquee you could fit.
Within the main barn, you can host both your ceremony and reception; you’ll also find a bar and raised gallery with DJ console in the barn.
During the summer months, guests can retire to the courtyard for cocktails whilst the barn setup is changed over for your wedding breakfast.
In cold and wet weather, guests can enjoy a drinks reception in the heated yurt next to the barn; don’t worry about getting wet, Old Luxters has a good selection of umbrellas you can borrow if it’s raining.
Where is Old Luxters Barn?
Old Luxters Barn is part of the Chiltern Valley Winery, Brewery & Vineyard based in Hambleden Valley, near Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. Hambleden Valley sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The property is reached via a single-track lane with several passing points. There’s a car park opposite the barn where parking is free of charge.
You can find more information on Old Luxters Barn and Chiltern Valley Winery, Brewery & vineyard, visit Old Luxters Barn website.
Old Luxters Barn, Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6JW
Telephone: 01491 638 985
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Oxfordshire, you can find information on the services I offer by visiting my Oxford wedding photographer page.
To see more examples of my work, view my wedding gallery and for see my pricing page for options and fees.