Hazel Gap Barn from the air via drone

Hazel Gap Barn Photos

Introduction

Thanks so much for visiting this page. If you’re planning your wedding at Hazel Gap Barn or just looking at options for where to get married then you’re in the right place. I’ve created this page to showcase some of my favourite Hazel Gap Barn wedding photos and I’ll share some of my insights about what makes this venue so special. I’ll also share some practical advice on photography challenges (and how I handle them)

Without a doubt, Hazel Gap Barn is one of Nottinghamshire’s finest wedding venues, located on the stunning Welbeck Estate near Cuckney. It’s run by Cripps & Co, known for their beautifully restored rustic venues and great food.

Its iconic twin tower entrance still puts a big smile on my face each time I drive up the path. The large oak barn doors, candlelit interiors and beautifully kept gardens means it’s the perfect location to get married in every season.

Scroll down, to see the images and if you are thinking of getting married in a particular season, check out the featured weddings lower down the page where I’ve picked one per season so you can see what a real wedding looks like in that time of year.

Headshot image of Martin Cheung - Nottingham Wedding Photographer

About Me

Hi, I’m Martin, a Nottinghamshire-based wedding photographer with a documentary-led style. I focus on real, natural moments, with a few relaxed portraits and timeless family photos your family & friends will love.

Hazel Gap Barn is like a second home to me. I’ve been photographing weddings there since they first opened their doors. I’m proud to be one of their recommended photographers. With over 80 weddings under my belt at Hazel Gap alone, I know how to get the best out of this gorgeous venue. So you can be confident that whatever the weather throws at us, I’ll deliver beautiful results.

I’m also a recommended photographer at other Cripps venues including Grangefields, Thorpe Garden and Shustoke Barn. Venues that only recommend suppliers who consistently deliver.

When you work with me, you’re not just booking someone to take nice photos. You’re getting someone who is all-in on making sure the entire experience you receive is nothing short of epic.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a navy tuxedo walk hand in hand on grass, smiling at each other, with a white dog on a leash with Hazel Gap Barn behind

Hazel Gap Barn Wedding Photos

As you can imagine I have quite literally thousands of photos of Hazel Gap Barn. To make it easier, I’ve put them into sections. Click on section to see more:

The two distinctive red brick watch towers make a unique and iconic backdrop for your wedding photos. I often say to couples that you paid a lot of money to be here and we should definitely use it as a backdrop for at least a few photos! I also love the way that during golden hour the sun is in the perfect position to back light the building and give that dreamy golden glow to your photos. But even if the weather isn’t sunny, the watch towers still make an awesome background!

For me, this is the stand out space at Hazel Gap. It’s not only such a stunning space to say your vows, it also makes the perfect backdrop for photos and of course later an epic party!

The perfect place after your ceremony to throw confetti and for your guests to relax. With plenty of seating and firepits for the evening, your guests will enjoy chatting and mingling here. In the evening the courtyard looks iconic for sparklers.

Weather permitting and depending on the time of the year we can use the courtyard for an amazing night time portrait too!

Bride and groom evening portrait in the courtyard at Hazel Gap Barn

This is where you & your guests will be treated to top notch food. Over the years I’ve tried pretty much the entire menu and I can honestly say I have never had a bad meal at Hazel Gap Barn. In fact the food at Cripps is one of the big draws for many couples. And I always recommend if you haven’t already done so, to book in on one of their famous Feast Nights so you can try for yourself!

A lovely space for your guests to relax and have fun. It’s large enough for garden games or whatever other plans you may have. The trees and bench make a great space for beautiful photos. At night the lights make a unique backdrop for portraits that will wow.

When the weather is great then the woods at the back of Hazel Gap is one of my favourite spots for portraits. it offers a completely different look to the rest of the venue. A few short steps and it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. If it’s wet or snowy, I’d recommend skipping it to avoid getting the dress too muddy. One final tip, if you’re planning to wear stiletto heels then it’s worth packing a second pair of shoes or some heel stoppers to keep you from sinking into the ground.

Challenges (and Why Experience Matters)

I’m sure you’ll agree that Hazel Gap is stunning but it’s not the easiest to photograph if you’re not familiar with how the space behaves in different lighting conditions.

During the ceremony, the barn is often dimly lit at the front and heavily backlit by the large oak doors. Without the right gear and experience, it’s easy to end up with images where either the background is blown out or you’re left in shadow. After so many weddings here, Daiga and I know exactly how to handle the light to deliver perfectly balanced, beautifully exposed ceremony photos.

The wedding breakfast room brings its own quirks. In winter, the natural light fades quickly, leaving you with mostly ambient glow. In summer, the afternoon sun pours through the glass doors, creating strong backlight that can be tricky to manage without the right approach.

Experience really does count in these situations. After more than 80 weddings at Hazel Gap, you can trust that I know exactly how to handle whatever the day throws at us.

A bride and groom stand hand in hand in Hazel Gap Barn, a rustic, brick-walled venue, smiling as a registrar reads from a script. Guests watch the ceremony while floral arrangements decorate the table in front.
Groom giving a speech at a Hazel Gap Barn wedding reception, making guests laugh. People are seated at a long table, smiling and reacting with joy, with greenery visible through large windows behind them.
best man stands with a microphone, giving a speech at a warmly lit wedding reception in the Oak Room at Hazel Gap Barn. Guests seated at round tables listen attentively, surrounded by candles and elegant table settings.

Hazel Gap Barn Through the Seasons

This venue looks incredible in every season. Click your season below to see a sample gallery from that time of year.

Hazel Gap Wedding Videos

Did you know that my wife, Daiga is a talented wedding videographer in Nottingham? And that like me, she is one of Hazel Gap Barn’s recommended suppliers too?

Together we can provide a joint package that is a seamless experience for you. All delivered by a husband & wife team with years of experience and a reputation for excellent customer service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click the question to find the answer to some of the most common questions I get asked.


The venue comfortably seats up to 150 guests for civil ceremonies and wedding breakfasts. It can host up to 250 guests in total when including evening celebrations

Sparkler exits are a tradition which is now popular at weddings in the UK.

The short answer is yes! You are allowed to have sparklers at Hazel Gap Barn.

I always recommend purchasing the long 16″ sparklers and making sure you hire an experienced wedding photographer who can shoot a fast action sparkler tunnel whilst walking backwards surrounded by drunk guests waving white hot fireworks! Sparklers are fun and you get great reactions. But they aren’t for the faint of heart 🙂

bride & groom walking through a sparkler tunnel at Hazel Gap Barn
A joyful bride and groom walk hand-in-hand through a crowd of guests holding sparklers at night, celebrating their wedding. The couple is smiling, and the scene is lively and festive with warm lighting.

Only fresh petal confetti should be used at Hazel Gap Barn. Dried petals are not allowed and definitely not the old fashioned paper confetti that just goes mushy and get slippy. If you aren’t sure, please contact the venue who I’m sure would be happy to help.

A bride and groom smile and walk hand-in-hand outside a rustic brick building as guests toss flower petals. Bridesmaids in pink dresses and guests in formal attire look on, celebrating the newlyweds.

Unfortunately not. Fireworks are not allowed

Yes, Hazel Gap is pet friendly and I’ve photographed many weddings where dogs have been a VIP guest! I love it! It’s the perfect way to make them part of your special day and take a few portraits with them afterwards.

A late license of 1am is available but usually the party finishes around 12am. Given the location, it is important that guests have arranged transport back to their accomodation early. Pre-booking taxis is strongly encouraged. It is unlikely one will be available if you call at a late hour.

No but there are a lot of lovely places nearby where you can get ready in the morning which are only a short drive away from the venue. You can visit my page on accommodation near Hazel Gap Barn for more information.

Why Book Me as Your Hazel Gap Barn Wedding Photographer

Choosing a photographer is such a critical decision, finding someone who understands your venue can make all the difference. Here’s what you get if you book me for your Hazel Gap wedding:

  • Over 80 weddings photographed – I know the venue like the back of my hand.
  • Recommended by Hazel Gap – Cripps do not hand out recommendations lightly. It’s a sign they trust me to deliver great images to their customers and not let them down.
  • Experience in all seasons and weathers – Rain, snow & hopefully blazing sunshine. I’ve photographed weddings here in every condition and know exactly how to adapt.
  • Seamless photo & video coverage – My wife Daiga can be booked as an option to deliver photos and film together.
  • A calm, friendly presence on the day – I’ll blend in when it matters & gently guide when needed, helping the day flow smoothly while keeping things relaxed and natural.

How to Find Hazel Gap Barn

Hazel Gap Barn is located just off the A616 between Cuckney & Thoresby. There’s plenty of car parking space. The what3words for Hazel Gap is: ///treatment.bagels.asleep

Contact Details

Hazel Gap Barn
Budby Road
Budby
Nottinghamshire
NG22 9EY
Tel: 01623 708500
Website: Hazel Gap Barn

Get in Touch

Full day coverage from £1695

If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your special day, I’d love to hear from you. As a recommended photographer at Hazel Gap, I know the venue inside out, which means you’ll not receive beautiful photographs but a smooth, excellent experience from start to finish.

You can get in touch using the form below or send me a quick WhatsApp message. I’ll usually get back to you within an hour or two.

Martin

martin@martincheung.co.uk

07804 566678