Ivy Lodge Wedding Venue - Cirencester Park

Cat
Mar 21
3 min read

Ivy Lodge - A Historic Cotswold stone building with arched windows, trees in background, and a path leading through a manicured lawn, under a cloudy sky.

We are so lucky in the Cotswolds to have so many venues that are beautiful.

And then there are the ones where you arrive, take a deep breath, and quietly think… oh this is going to be good.

Ivy Lodge is very much one of those. I have followed the latest Cotswolds offering in the Cripps & Co offering from the start, watched the loving restoration with excitement and boy it doesn't disappoint!

Ivy Lodge Wedding Venue is basically a dream backdrop

(without trying too hard!)

Set in the middle of the beautiful Cirencester Park, Ivy Lodge wedding venue has that effortless, slightly wild English countryside feel, the kind you can’t fake and definitely can’t rush.

Think long grass, ancient trees, soft rolling views… and a building that looks like it’s been sitting there minding its own business for a couple of centuries (in the best way).

You don’t need to find pretty spots, they’re just… there. Which means we can spend less time wandering around looking for “the perfect backdrop” and more time capturing you actually enjoying your day.

The Ceremony

Ceremonies are usually held in The Lodge (up to 139 people, you can also have a ceremony in The Barn or on the lawn). This beautiful, intimate space is candle lit but with plenty of natural light and has the most amazing vaulted ceiling. A space that is special enough it doesn't need a huge amount of decoration, but equally looks STUNNING when filled with flowers, like the beautiful wild meadow aisle below.

The Barn

Inside, things get cosy in the best possible way.

The barn is full of warm Cotswold stone, soft light, and that slightly glowy atmosphere that makes everyone relax. It’s rustic, but not in a themed way, like all the Cripps venues it has their unique, relaxed and understated vibe that is just perfect for every type of wedding day. Basically—it looks good at every stage of the day without needing loads of styling or fuss.

A wedding day that actually flows

One of my favourite things about Ivy Lodge is how easy the day feels.

You can have your ceremony outside on the lawn or inside if the British weather does its thing (we love a backup plan that’s just as pretty). Then it’s straight into drinks outside, guests wandering, chatting, laughing—no awkward transitions or standing around wondering what’s next. And honestly? That’s where the best photos happen. When no one’s being rushed. When no one’s being told where to stand. When everything just unfolds naturally.

Golden hour here hits different

I have to mention this, because… wow.

When the sun starts to dip, the whole place softens. The light stretches across the grass, the trees glow a little, and everything slows down just enough for us to sneak off for a few minutes.

No big production. No disappearing for ages.

Just a little wander, a bit of quiet, and some ridiculously good light.

The overall vibe? Effortless (the good kind)

If I had to sum Ivy Lodge up, I’d say it’s elegant—but in a very relaxed, unfussy way.

It’s not trying to be anything it’s not.It doesn’t need loads of extras to make it look good.And it gives you space to actually enjoy your wedding.

Which, from my side of the camera, is exactly what you want.

Because when you’re having a genuinely good time, your photos just… fall into place.

Final thoughts

Would I recommend Ivy Lodge? Absolutely. No doubt at all!

Ivy Lodge is one of those venues that quietly does everything right—beautiful setting, lovely light, a natural flow to the day, and just enough atmosphere to make everything feel special without overcomplicating it. And for photography? It’s kind of a dream.