The Woodlands at Hothorpe – A Wedding Venue Straight Out of a Fairytale
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels like a hidden woodland retreat, The Woodlands at Hothorpe might be the one for you. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm with a clean and modern touch, set in a beautiful, secluded location. With twinkling festoon lights in the trees, a scenic outdoor ceremony space by a small stream, and a cosy tipi with a firepit for evening celebrations, the atmosphere here is so relaxed and intimate.
We had the pleasure of photographing Joy & Alex’s wedding here on 9th September 2024, and their day was truly incredible. They chose a rich autumnal colour palette of deep reds and oranges, incorporated hand-painted bird-themed décor, and had one of the most incredible wedding cakes we’ve ever seen. It was a beautiful day full of so many personal touches.
There’s something truly special about The Woodlands. The venue is located in the countryside on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicester and it feels so peaceful and exclusive. The outdoor ceremony space called ‘The Hideaway’ is set in a clearing among the trees with a gentle flowing stream nearby. The tipi is a warm and cozy space for guests to enjoy as the evening sets in. You can relax by the fire, toast marshmallows, and enjoy the celebrations in a setting that feels authentic and relaxed.
For couples who love indoor ceremony options, The Woodlands also has a bright and modern reception space with plenty of natural light to flood in throughout the day.
Joy & Alex’s Wedding – A Beautiful Blend of Nature and Personal Touches
Joy & Alex’s wedding was a stunning mix of rustic charm and elegance with so many thoughtful elements that really reflected their personalities. Joy, an incredibly talented artist, hand-painted birds for each of the table centrepieces, creating a unique and personal touch! The reception tables were also decorated with brass animal figurines—rabbits, deer, and hedgehogs—paired with gold candle holders and pastel-coloured candlesticks, giving the space a warm, enchanted woodland feel.
Their wedding cake was a work of art! A three-tier white cake, held up by clear resin pillars, intricately detailed with handcrafted icing flowers and two small birds nestled under a heart with their initials. The cake stand was surrounded by matching autumnal flowers, tying everything together beautifully!
They incorporated a mix of ceremony traditions, with a civil ceremony followed by a religious blessing. Before the ceremony, Joy & Alex chose to have a first look, a quiet, emotional moment for them to take in the day together before walking down the aisle. They also chose to incorporate live music into their wedding day with bagpipes playing as guests arrived and during Joy’s entrance, followed by an acoustic guitarist and singer throughout the ceremony and drinks reception.
When it comes to photography, The Woodlands is full of incredible backdrops! The trees surrounding the outdoor ceremony space create a natural frame for romantic couples portraits. Theres plenty of large, open fields surrounding the venue with a horizon line that created a magnificent sunset backdrop where we captured some beautiful golden-hour portraits.
Incredible Wedding Suppliers
A huge thank you to the amazing wedding suppliers who brought Joy & Alex’s vision to life!
✨ Venue – @hothorpe
✨ Videographer – @black_rock_films_leicester
✨ Makeup – @makeupbysophiealice
✨ Hair – @charlotteheather_bridalhair
✨ Flowers – @juliadilworthflorals
✨ Cake – @mylittlecakestudio
✨ Venue Stylist – @nerissaeveweddings
If you’re looking for an intimate wedding venue surrounded by nature, The Woodlands at Hothorpe is an incredible choice. It’s a place that looks stunning in every season of the year. Being able to hear the sound of the stream and birdsong during the ceremony really adds to the peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful places to exchange vows.
The reception space is bright, modern, and full of natural light, perfect for speeches and capturing candid moments throughout the day. As the evening draws in, the festoon lights and firepit create a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes guests want to stay and celebrate long into the night.
One of the biggest advantages of this venue is its onsite accommodation. With The Treehouse Suite for the newlyweds and additional guest lodgings, there’s no need to worry about late-night travel. There’s also North Lodge, a six-bedroom house available for wedding parties the night before, providing plenty of space for morning preparations.
Getting Married at The Woodlands? We’d Love to Capture Your Day!
We love photographing weddings at The Woodlands at Hothorpe, and if you’re planning your wedding here, we’d love to hear all about it. If you’re looking for natural, storytelling wedding photography that captures the magic of your day in a creative and relaxed way, get in touch—we’d love to be part of your story!
Nat & Lizzy x
