Your Award-Winning Winters Tale Country Barn Wedding Photography Specialists

Welcome to SimplyGreatShots Photography, your experienced Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographers. As an award-winning husband and wife team, we have had the privilege of capturing love stories at this stunning Buckinghamshire venue. Our intimate knowledge and expertise of Winters Tale Country Barn ensures we capture every magical moment of your wedding day with artistry and precision.


Winters Tale Country Barn holds a special place in our hearts as one of Buckinghamshire's most enchanting wedding venues. This exclusive-use rustic barn venue, nestled in the peaceful countryside near Steeple Claydon, perfectly blends modern elegance with countryside charm. Set on the grounds of a 17th-century farmhouse with a third of an acre of gardens, Winters Tale Country Barn offers everything couples dream of for their perfect Buckinghamshire barn wedding celebration.

Why Choose SimplyGreatShots for Your Winters Tale Country Barn Wedding

As experienced Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographers, we understand that selecting the right photographer is one of the most important decisions for your wedding day. Here's why couples trust us to capture their Winters Tale Country Barn celebrations:


Award-Winning Excellence: Our work has been recognised with multiple industry awards, reflecting our commitment to exceptional wedding photography that tells your unique love story with artistry and emotion.


Husband and Wife Team: Working as a married couple gives us a unique perspective on love and relationships. We understand the emotions of your wedding day because we've experienced them ourselves. This allows us to capture authentic moments with genuine sensitivity whilst providing comprehensive coverage from two professional perspectives.


Venue Expertise: We have photographed weddings at Winters Tale Country Barn and know every corner of this beautiful venue. From the Secret Garden to the festoon-lit courtyard, from the vaulted barn interior to the surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside, we understand the best lighting conditions throughout the day and the most romantic photography locations.


Natural, Timeless Style: Our photography style is natural, romantic, and timeless – perfect for Winters Tale Country Barn's rustic elegance. We focus on capturing genuine emotions and candid moments whilst also creating beautiful posed portraits that showcase the venue's unique character and countryside setting.


For more images from this stunning venue please see our Blog on Craig and Fayes wedding.

The wedding aisle for Mark and Lisa's wedding at Winters Tale Country Barn as captured by a wedding photographer.
Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographer captures the 17th Century farmhouse.
Winters Tale Country Barn wedding breakfast table settings with sage chair Sachs. Photographed by SimplyGreatShots Wedding Photographers
Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographer photographs the newlyweds first dance.
An illuminated Love sign on the balcony of Antlers bar at Winters Take Country Barn with subtle lighting captured by a wedding photographer
Winters Tale Country Barn wedding breakfast table settings with sage chair Sachs. Photographed by SimplyGreatShots Wedding Photographers
Winters Tale Country Barn Wedding Photographer captures the Adults Only Antlers Cocktail Bar in the eves of the roof at the stunning barn
Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographer captures the courtyard by night with beautiful starbursts from the over head lighting.
The original haycart from the original farm that was on the site of the Winters Tale Country Barn
The wedding party in front of the 17th century farmhouse at Winters Tale Country Barn taken by a wedding photographer.
The bride, groom and guests dance the night away with beautiful lighting inside the barn at the Winters Tale Country Barn Wedding venue
Winters Take Country Barn wedding photographer captures the private relaxation room with chaise lounge's plush carpets and green foliage.

The Modern Barn - Light, Space and Rustic Elegance

 

The stunning modern barn is the heart of Winters Tale Country Barn and offers incredible photography opportunities. This beautifully designed space features vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, a sophisticated mood lighting system that can be customised to your colour scheme, and an open, airy atmosphere that creates the perfect romantic setting for your ceremony and reception photography.


The natural light filtering through the barn's windows creates beautiful, soft illumination throughout the day, whilst the fairy lights and mood lighting provide stunning atmospheric conditions for evening photography. The white cherry blossom tree canopies add an elegant focal point, and the spacious interior allows us to capture both intimate moments and grand celebrations with equal artistry.


During your ceremony, we position ourselves to capture the emotion and joy of your vows whilst utilising the barn's rustic character and beautiful lighting to create timeless images. The barn's versatile space transforms seamlessly from ceremony to reception, providing endless creative possibilities throughout your wedding day.

The Secret Garden and Outdoor Spaces - Natural Romance

 

The extensive outdoor spaces at Winters Tale Country Barn provide some of the most romantic photography opportunities in Buckinghamshire. The Secret Garden is a particular favourite – this secluded, intimate space offers the perfect setting for quiet couple portraits away from the celebrations, surrounded by natural beauty and countryside charm.


The third of an acre of gardens feature manicured lawns perfect for drinks reception photography, whilst the various garden spaces create intimate settings for group photos and candid moments. The surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside provides a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor ceremony photography and romantic couple portraits, especially during golden hour when the light is soft and warm.


The mature trees and natural landscape offer shelter and variety, ensuring beautiful outdoor photography regardless of the season. From spring blossoms to summer greenery, autumn colours to winter's crisp beauty, the grounds at Winters Tale Country Barn provide year-round photographic opportunities.

The Festoon-Lit Courtyard and Marquee - Evening Magic

The courtyard at Winters Tale Country Barn comes alive in the evening with beautiful festoon lighting creating a magical, romantic atmosphere. The vintage haycart positioned in the courtyard provides a charming rustic backdrop for couple portraits and group photos, perfectly embodying the venue's countryside character.


The large semi-permanent marquee adjoining the barn features white silk linings, elegant chandeliers, and festoon lighting throughout. This covered space provides the perfect setting for evening celebrations, and the abundant lighting creates ideal conditions for first dance photography and evening party shots.


The marquee opens onto the gardens, allowing guests to flow seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. This versatility gives us wonderful opportunities to capture the energy and joy of your evening celebrations from multiple perspectives, utilising both the intimate marquee atmosphere and the open countryside setting.

Winters Tale Country Barn at a Glance

Venue Type: Modern barn on 17th-century farmstead

Capacity: 135 seated wedding breakfast, 215 total capacity

Ceremony Spaces: Licensed indoor barn and outdoor gardens

Accommodation: 2 on-site barns (Ember Eve and Harvest Moon, sleeping 6 total)

Grounds: Third of an acre gardens plus Secret Garden

Location: Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire MK18 2HA

Special Features: Exclusive use, festoon lighting, Antlers Cocktail Bar, mood lighting system, white cherry blossom trees, vintage haycart, underfloor heating

Frequently Asked Questions about Winters Tale Country Barn Wedding Photography

Why should we choose SimplyGreatShots Photography as our Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographer?


We specialise in Winters Tale Country Barn weddings and have extensive experience photographing at this stunning Buckinghamshire venue. We know the best photography locations throughout the barn, Secret Garden, and grounds, understand the venue's flow and timeline, and work seamlessly with their wedding coordinators to ensure your photography runs smoothly.


Our award-winning husband and wife team provides comprehensive coverage with a natural, romantic style that perfectly complements the venue's rustic elegance and countryside setting.



What is the best time of year for wedding photographs at Winters Tale Country Barn?


Every season at Winters Tale Country Barn offers something special for your wedding photos. In spring and summer, the extensive gardens and surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside are lush and green, providing vibrant, natural backdrops for romantic portraits. The long daylight hours mean we can capture beautiful, light-filled images well into the evening.


Autumn brings warmer, golden light and rich, earthy tones that look stunning against the barn's rustic character. Winter weddings have a cosy, intimate feel, and the venue's underfloor heating, fairy lights, mood lighting, and festoon-lit spaces create a magical atmosphere for your photos, even on a chilly day.



How many hours of photography coverage do I need for a Winters Tale Country Barn wedding?


We recommend our full-day coverage for weddings at Winters Tale Country Barn to ensure we capture your entire story, from the morning preparations to the evening celebrations. This typically includes bridal preparations in the on-site accommodation barns (and let's not forget the groom!), the ceremony whether indoors or outdoors in the gardens, family and group photos, romantic couple portraits throughout the beautiful grounds and Secret Garden, the wedding breakfast, speeches, cake cutting, and the first dance.


The exclusive-use nature of Winters Tale Country Barn means your day flows seamlessly, and full-day coverage allows us to document every moment without feeling rushed.



How much does wedding photography cost at Winters Tale Country Barn?


Our wedding photography and videography packages are designed to capture every special moment of your big day with a perfect blend of stunning photography and cinematic videography.


We offer a range of services to ensure your memories are beautifully preserved, with the option to customise the coverage to suit your Winters Tale Country Barn wedding day. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your specific requirements.



What are the best photo locations at Winters Tale Country Barn?


Our favourite locations include the Secret Garden for intimate couple portraits, the modern barn interior with its vaulted ceilings and mood lighting for dramatic ceremony and reception shots, the festoon-lit courtyard with the vintage hay cart as a romantic backdrop, various spots throughout the third-of-an-acre gardens for natural outdoor portraits, the Antlers Cocktail Bar on the gallery level for unique perspectives, and the surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside for sweeping rural landscape shots.


We also know the best seasonal locations and timing for outdoor photography in different weather conditions throughout the year.



What backup plans do you have for rainy weather at Winters Tale Country Barn?


Fortunately, Winters Tale Country Barn has many stunning interior spaces, including the spacious main barn with its beautiful vaulted ceilings and mood lighting, the large semi-permanent marquee with white silk linings and chandeliers, and the covered courtyard areas with festoon lighting.


We have the skills and knowledge (and equally as important, the lighting equipment) to absolutely make the most of any interior shots we capture if the weather doesn't play ball on your wedding day. The venue's sophisticated lighting system and fairy lights throughout create beautiful atmospheric conditions for indoor photography.



What makes Winters Tale Country Barn unique for wedding photography?


Winters Tale Country Barn offers incredible diversity for wedding photography. The modern barn features beautiful vaulted ceilings, customisable mood lighting, and a spacious interior that's perfect for both ceremony and reception photography.


The extensive outdoor spaces include a third of an acre of gardens, the intimate Secret Garden, a festoon-lit courtyard, and a large marquee. The venue's location on the grounds of a 17th-century farmhouse in the Buckinghamshire countryside provides endless opportunities for romantic rural photography. The exclusive-use nature means we have complete freedom to photograph throughout the day without restrictions. We know exactly how to utilise each area for maximum photographic impact throughout your wedding day.



What are the benefits of having a husband and wife photography team at Winters Tale Country Barn?


As a husband and wife team, we offer a unique and seamless photography experience. We have a deep understanding of each other's working style, which allows us to anticipate each other's shots and capture your day from two different perspectives.


This means we can be in two places at once – for example, one of us can be with the bride in Ember Eve Barn during the morning preparations whilst the other is with the groom in Harvest Moon Barn. It also means you get more photos and a greater variety of shots, from the big moments to the small, intimate details throughout the venue's various spaces.



What photography packages do you offer for Winters Tale Country Barn weddings?


We offer several packages tailored specifically for Winters Tale Country Barn weddings, from intimate ceremony coverage to full-day comprehensive packages. All packages include professional editing, online gallery access, and high-resolution digital files. Our most popular option is full-day coverage, which captures everything from bridal preparations through evening celebrations, perfect for the venue's exclusive-use wedding experience.


We also provide a pre-wedding consultation before your wedding to ensure we capture all the important moments. Our full-day packages can include a pre-wedding photoshoot, which is perfect for getting to know each other and for you to feel comfortable in front of the camera before your big day.



How do you work with Winters Tale Country Barn's wedding coordinators?


We have an excellent working relationship with Winters Tale Country Barn's wedding coordination team, including Gail and Caroline. We understand their processes, timing, and preferred workflows. Before your wedding, we coordinate directly with them to create a photography timeline that works perfectly with the venue's schedule, ensuring smooth transitions and optimal photography opportunities without disrupting your celebration.



How far in advance should we book our Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographer?


We recommend booking as early as possible, ideally 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season dates between May and September and weekend weddings.


Winters Tale Country Barn is a popular Buckinghamshire wedding venue, and as specialists in photographing weddings there, our calendar fills up quickly. Early booking also allows time for engagement sessions and detailed planning to ensure your photography perfectly captures your vision.



Do you offer engagement sessions for Winters Tale Country Barn couples?


Yes! We highly recommend engagement sessions, which can be done at Winters Tale Country Barn itself or at another meaningful location in Buckinghamshire. This helps you get comfortable with us before your wedding day and allows us to understand your preferred photography style.


Many couples love having engagement photos at their wedding venue to create a complete story of their journey, and the beautiful grounds at Winters Tale provide a perfect backdrop for romantic pre-wedding portraits.



What backup equipment do you bring to Winters Tale Country Barn weddings?


As professionals, we bring backup cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, and memory cards to every wedding. We are fully prepared for any technical challenges, whether we're photographing in the bright barn interior, the atmospheric marquee, or the outdoor gardens in varying weather conditions.


Our professional approach means you can relax knowing that your memories are being captured with the highest quality equipment and redundancy systems in place.



What is your photography style for Winters Tale Country Barn weddings?


Our style is natural, romantic, and timeless – perfect for Winters Tale Country Barn's rustic elegance and countryside atmosphere. We focus on capturing genuine emotions and candid moments whilst also creating beautiful posed portraits that showcase the venue's unique features, from the vaulted barn ceilings to the Secret Garden.


Our editing style is clean and classic, ensuring your photos will look beautiful for decades to come and perfectly complement the venue's timeless rural charm. You can view examples of our work in our wedding portfolio.



Can you photograph both indoor and outdoor ceremonies at Winters Tale Country Barn?


Absolutely! Winters Tale Country Barn is licensed for both indoor and outdoor civil ceremonies, and we have extensive experience photographing both. For outdoor ceremonies in the gardens, we know the best angles to capture the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside backdrop whilst ensuring the ceremony itself remains the focus. For indoor ceremonies in the barn, we utilise the natural light and mood lighting to create stunning atmospheric images.


We work closely with the venue's registrars and coordinators to ensure we're positioned perfectly without being intrusive during your ceremony.


How do you capture the unique features of Winters Tale Country Barn in our wedding photos?

We make sure to showcase all the special elements that make Winters Tale unique, including the white cherry blossom tree canopies in the main barn, the festoon lighting throughout the courtyard and marquee, the Antlers Cocktail Bar on the gallery level, the vintage details like the haycart and milk churns, the Secret Garden for intimate portraits, and the sweeping views of the Buckinghamshire countryside from the grounds.


Our venue expertise means we know exactly when and how to photograph each feature to maximum effect, ensuring your wedding album tells the complete story of your day at this beautiful venue.



What happens if our wedding timeline changes on the day at Winters Tale Country Barn?

As experienced wedding photographers, we're flexible and adaptable to any timeline changes. We work closely with the venue's coordinators to adjust our photography schedule as needed, ensuring we still capture all the important moments. The exclusive-use nature of Winters Tale means you have the flexibility to adjust your timeline without disrupting other events, and we're always ready to accommodate changes whilst maintaining the quality of your photography.


Our calm, professional approach means we can handle unexpected situations with ease, keeping your day stress-free.



Do you photograph the on-site accommodation at Winters Tale Country Barn?

Yes! The on-site accommodation at Winters Tale – Ember Eve Barn and Harvest Moon Barn – provides beautiful settings for preparation photos. We love capturing the bridal party getting ready in these characterful spaces, with details like the four-poster bed in Ember Eve Barn and the oak beams creating authentic, intimate moments. These preparation photos add wonderful context and storytelling to your wedding album.


The natural light in both barns is perfect for capturing those quiet moments before the ceremony, and the rustic interiors provide a beautiful backdrop for detail shots of your dress, shoes, and accessories.



How do you make the most of Winters Tale Country Barn's lighting for evening photography?

The venue's sophisticated lighting system is perfect for evening photography. The mood lighting on the vaulted beams can be customised to your colour scheme, the fairy lights throughout create a romantic atmosphere, and the festoon lighting in the courtyard and marquee provides beautiful ambient light. We combine these with our professional lighting equipment to create stunning first dance photos and evening celebration shots that capture the magical atmosphere of your Winters Tale Country Barn wedding.


Our expertise in low-light photography means we can create beautiful, atmospheric images without harsh flash photography that disrupts the mood.



What makes Winters Tale Country Barn different from other Buckinghamshire wedding venues for photography?

Winters Tale Country Barn offers a unique combination of modern barn elegance with extensive outdoor spaces and exclusive-use privacy. Unlike many venues, you have a third of an acre of gardens, the intimate Secret Garden, a large marquee, multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, and the Antlers Cocktail Bar – all exclusively yours for the day.


This variety means we can create diverse, creative images throughout your wedding without ever leaving the venue. The blend of rustic charm and contemporary facilities provides the perfect balance for both traditional and modern photography styles. We've photographed at many Buckinghamshire wedding venues, and Winters Tale consistently offers some of the most versatile and beautiful settings.



Can you recommend the best time for couple portraits at Winters Tale Country Barn?

We typically recommend scheduling couple portraits during golden hour – the hour before sunset – when the light is soft and warm, perfect for romantic outdoor shots in the gardens and Buckinghamshire countryside. However, we're flexible and can work around your timeline.


The Secret Garden provides a beautiful, intimate setting for portraits at any time of day, and the barn's interior mood lighting creates stunning portraits even in the evening. We'll work with you to find the perfect timing that fits your schedule whilst ensuring the best possible light. Many couples choose to take a brief 15-20 minute break between the ceremony and reception for portraits, which we find works wonderfully.



How do you capture the rustic atmosphere of Winters Tale Country Barn in photos?

We focus on the authentic details that give Winters Tale its rustic charm – the wooden beams and vaulted ceilings, the vintage touches like milk churns and the haycart, the natural countryside setting, the fairy lights and festoon lighting, and the relaxed, intimate atmosphere that comes with exclusive-use venues.


Our natural photography style complements this aesthetic perfectly, creating images that feel genuine and timeless rather than overly posed or artificial. We look for those candid moments that showcase the warmth and character of the venue alongside the joy of your celebration.



Do you have experience photographing weddings in all weather conditions at Winters Tale Country Barn?

Yes, we've photographed weddings at Winters Tale in all seasons and weather conditions. The venue's combination of beautiful indoor spaces and outdoor areas means we can create stunning images regardless of the weather. The barn, marquee, and covered courtyard provide excellent shelter, whilst the gardens and countryside offer beautiful backdrops when conditions allow.


Rain or shine, we know how to make the most of what the day brings and ensure you have beautiful photos to treasure. Some of our most atmospheric images have been captured on moody, overcast days when the lighting is soft and dramatic. Our experience and professional equipment mean weather is never a barrier to beautiful photography.



How do you work with other wedding suppliers at Winters Tale Country Barn?

We work collaboratively with all wedding suppliers at Winters Tale Country Barn to ensure your day runs smoothly. We have experience working alongside the venue's recommended suppliers and understand the importance of coordination between photographers, videographers, florists, and other professionals.


Our professional approach means we integrate seamlessly with your supplier team, respecting each other's space and timing whilst ensuring every aspect of your wedding is beautifully documented.We're always happy to share our timeline and coordinate with other suppliers to create the best possible experience for you.



Can we see examples of your work from Winters Tale Country Barn?

We'd love to show you examples of our work from Winters Tale Country Barn weddings! Please contact us to arrange a consultation where we can share our portfolio from this specific venue. We can also show you our broader wedding photography portfolio to give you a sense of our style and approach.


Many couples find it helpful to see real weddings from their chosen venue, as it helps them visualise their own day and understand the photographic possibilities available.

Book Your Winters Tale Country Barn Wedding Photography


If you're planning your wedding at this stunning Buckinghamshire venue, we would love to be part of your special day. As experienced Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographers, we bring not only our award-winning skills but also our deep knowledge and love of this exceptional venue.


Contact us today to discuss your Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photography needs. We offer pre-wedding consultations where we can share our work from this venue, discuss your vision, and answer any questions you might have about capturing your perfect day.


Ready to begin your journey? Get in touch with SimplyGreatShots Photography, your specialist Winters Tale Country Barn wedding photographers, and let us help you create timeless memories of your perfect Buckinghamshire countryside wedding celebration.

A Glimpse into the History of Winters Tale Country Barn

 

Winters Tale Country Barn represents a beautiful blend of historical heritage and modern design. Whilst the current barn is a recent construction, it was thoughtfully designed to honour the legacy of a hay barn that occupied the same spot a century ago on this 17th-century farmstead.


The family-run venue was intentionally created as a bright and spacious celebration space, featuring vaulted ceilings and prominent wooden elements that connect it to its agricultural past. Set on the grounds of a historic farmhouse in the Buckinghamshire countryside, the venue successfully blends contemporary amenities with the timeless character of its rural location.


The two accommodation barns – Ember Eve and Harvest Moon – have been beautifully renovated to provide characterful spaces for wedding guests, maintaining the rustic charm whilst offering modern comfort. This combination of historical setting and contemporary facilities makes Winters Tale Country Barn a truly special venue for wedding photography.


Steeple Claydon, Buckinghamshire MK18 2HA