The leaves are on the turn and the smell of Autumn in the air, so we decided it's the perfect time to reminisce about the beautiful summer weddings we’ve had...

Our hearts have been full this summer watching the venue come alive once again! After so much uncertainty in the wedding industry, I know not only for us but for all of the wonderful suppliers we work with - it has been a pleasure and relief to get back to doing what we do best!

It’s been a particularly special season as not only have we had some magical weddings - we have been the destination that these families reunite. It has been so lovely to witness the joy on each couples face as their dream wedding comes together and to see the love on the faces of families who have spent 18 months apart.

And with the Great British Summer comes the array of Great British weather. One word of advice when planning your wedding day is to have every weather eventuality covered. Here at Happy Valley there’s a beautiful space come rain or shine for every aspect of your day. This year we’ve seen it all but in true HV style the sun has shone down for all the outdoor “I dos”.

We want to share with you our favourite moments so far…

The Courtyard

Alfresco dining in the most colourful setting you can imagine, the barns as the backdrop and the sun shining down. This really is the spot for outdoor lovers - there is no better way to appreciate the outdoors than to sit, eat and revel in its’ greatness.

Jarek Lepak Photography

Sam Gee Photography

Jarek Lepak Photography

Thyme Lane Photography

Jarek Lepak Photography

The Dutch Barn

It was so refreshing to see the Dutch Barn full to the brim with love and laughter on this special day!

The Dutch Barn is the ideal place to gather and watch the sun go down…the golden haze captured here encapsulates the warmth we hope every couple experiences on their big day.

With space to seat 175 people, it’s a great spot to escape the weather and admire the panoramic views of Happy Valley.

Thyme Lane Photography

The Hay Barn

The snug ambience of the Hay Barn is the perfect place for intimate weddings! We were and still are completely in awe of the Hay Barn set up for this micro-wedding. The walls have such character that only minimal decor is needed to make it a really special place.

Throw open the doors and dance until your heart in content no matter the weather! The cosy atmosphere of the Hay Barn is perfect for when the nights draw in and the air becomes frosty.

Killer Filler Workshops

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Photo Credits - Aurora Grey Photography, Tori Hancock Photography, Sam Gee Photography, Killer Filler Workshop

Suppliers - Wildfolk Flowers, Hannah Hunnam, Charlotte Rowland,

Living in todays world where communication has become virtual and we’re spinning multiples plates, you would not be alone if you felt somewhat overwhelmed. As our wise friend Austen once said “Life is but a quick succession of busy nothings” and though we embrace the wonders of technology and love the chaos of family life, there are times when we’d all like to press pause and get lost in the moment.

As a wilderness retreat, Happy Valley promotes the health benefits of a woodland wedding and we love nothing more than to transform those “busy nothings” into one, special something: a-once-in-a-lifetime memory.

Undoubtedly our nature backdrop is beautiful and the wedding photos will be stunning but there is now scientific evidence to suggest that hanging up your stilettos and opting to be a Barefoot Bride/Groom will lead to a happier, healthier you.

Even if the great British weather decides to interrupt your outdoor plans then there’s not one but the choice of two barns to take cover in. The Hay barn is the perfect mix of history and character with a roaring great wood burner, bar area and chill out. The acoustics are magical and it can be easily remodel into a night club. Alternatively the Dutch Barn is a large industrial space which can be transformed into anything your heart desires. With panoramic views of the little lake and willow island there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the most magical day of your lives immersed in Nature.

Forest Bathing

At Happy Valley, guests are encouraged to swap a soak in the bath for a bathe in the forest. Taken from the Japanese name, Shinrin Yoku, forest bathing encourages you to dip your toes into nature’s surroundings and appreciate life’s precious moments unplugged: phone-free, tablet-free but most importantly, stress-free. Or you can have the best of both worlds bathing in the wood fired hot tub in the forest

Simply put, it’s about slowing down the pace. Walking barefoot through the woods permits you to feel empowered, knowing there are no rules to follow, no deadlines to meet and no expectations to fulfil. You take off your shoes and then breathe deeply, laugh loudly and live freely.

The Benefits For Your Wedding Party

Just what the doctor ordered - walking through woodlands is proven to lower stress levels, strengthen the immune system and improve your mood. If you want your guests to be happy, healthy and full of party energy, this is the venue for you.
A spa for the senses - there’s no better way to feel grounded and present in the moment than discovering all that Happy Valley has to see, smell, hear and touch. Even the taste of the air is crisp and pure.
Space to explore - embrace the freedom that comes with roaming acres of land. Couples can stroll hand-in-hand, parents can wander aimlessly and children can hurtle at top speed. With nine acres there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Space to create - there are no limits to your imagination with a barn or outdoor, woodland wedding. There are several locations for your ceremony and every colour in nature to inspire you. An added bonus, according to the University of Utah, is being in the forest helps your problem-solving part of the brain increase by 50%. Your guests can go away feeling both relaxed and ready to take on a new challenge (Bill Gates watch this space!).

So take off your heels and leave the weight of the world behind you. Shoeless but still full of soul, we offer our Barefoot Brides/Grooms a carefree wedding to remember forever.

With love,

Katy, Scott and our Little Team at Happy Valley

xxx

Tori Hancock Photography Hannah Hunnam Flowers