Smiling bride and groom walking up the aisle with confetti.

Hazel Gap Barn Weddings

Hazel Gap Barn Wedding photography Wedding Venues

Everything you need to know about getting married at one of Nottinghamshire's most loved venues, from someone who's photographed plenty of them.

Hazel Gap Barn is one of those venues that makes you go "oooo" around every corner. It sits on the historic Welbeck Estate, north Nottinghamshire, and is run by Cripps & Co. They've built a real reputation for getting weddings right, and Hazel Gap is one of the best examples of why.

I've photographed 11 weddings here since 2018, and every one of them has shown me something new. This is what I've learned: How the day flows, where the light falls, what couples wonder about before they book. If you're thinking about Hazel Gap, this is what I'd tell you over a coffee.

Why couples love Hazel Gap

The barn itself

Low-angle shot of a vintage black car with a Red Soft top parked out in front of Hazel Gap Barn

Hazel Gap is a striking red-brick barn with a crenellated entrance and a pair of watchtowers that curve around the courtyard. It looks like nothing else around it, and the architecture earns the photos from any angle. The new Oak Room connects the main barn to the farmhouse, which gives you a proper indoor space if the weather turns. Big windows let the light pour in, and the views over the gardens and woodland are genuinely lovely.

The light

The bride and groom share a moment to themselves against the candlelit wall at Hazel Gap. The wall is dark, with sunlight streaming in from the main doors to illuminate the couple, while the soft glow of the candles is just visible.

The main ceremony room has a wall of dramatic light that cuts down the aisle. It's the kind of light photographers travel for. You don't have to chase it, it's just there. Candles line the wall above the fireplace in little slots, which gives the whole room a warm, glowy feel whatever time of year you're getting married. The rest of the venue holds up too: the courtyard at golden hour, the front of the barn against the brickwork, woodland nearby for couples who fancy a different feel for portraits.

The food and the team

Cripps & Co don't get the reputation for nothing. The food is genuinely excellent, cooked over open flames on their signature BBQs and rotisseries, and the team running the day are calm, helpful, and properly good at what they do. Speeches start on time, food comes out hot, and nobody makes a fuss about it. As a photographer that matters more than people realise.

The grounds

A large courtyard with a fountain at its centre, framed by mulberry trees, planters and seating. By night the space comes alive with fairy lights, fire pits and lanterns, and the atmosphere shifts into something a bit magical. Add the sweeping driveway, the rear garden, the woodland behind the venue, and you've got loads of room to roam, plenty of options for portraits, and somewhere for guests to spread out as the day gets going.

The location

Sat on the Welbeck Estate, right on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Drive only really, there's no train station nearby, but accommodation options are plenty in Worksop, Ollerton, Mansfield, and on the estate itself.

The day at Hazel Gap

You'll arrive on the sweeping front drive, and the venue makes a real impression before you've even got out of the car.

Ceremonies happen in the main barn, and walking in is a moment. Exposed brickwork, a stunning fireplace to the right, massive chandeliers overhead. The light does the work, and there's nothing distracting from the moment. The aisle runs from the back of the barn all the way up to the fireplace, with window light pouring in along the way.

Confetti usually takes place out in the courtyard next, where the barns frame that classic exit shot. From there it's drinks and canapés outside if the weather plays along, or the Oak Room if it's not. The adjoining extension has huge glass windows and doors all around, so your guests can flow easily between the courtyard and the back gardens.

The wedding breakfast is served in the Oak Room, which looks out onto the gardens and woodland. Decent natural light, good acoustics for speeches, food that comes out hot.

After speeches, the main barn gets turned around for the dance floor. Same room as the ceremony, totally different vibe. The brickwork and exposed beams are made for evening lighting, and there are sofas in the extension back toward the Oak Room for guests who don't want to be in the middle of it. The state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system means the music actually sounds good, and the late-night licence runs until 1am, so there's no rushing the end of the night.

If you book me, the Flashbstrds photobooth fits beautifully in the main barn too. The brickwork lends itself to it.

Gallery

Low-angle black and white shot of the bride laughing while the blurred out groom reads his speech.

A couple smiles standing in front of Hazel Gap Barn. A greying, clouded sky hangs over the building, but the couple and barn are bathed in bright sunlight.

Bride and father walk down the aisle at Hazel Gap Barn before the ceremony. The father looks down while the bride smiles, holding a stunning bouquet, as guests watch beneath hanging candlelight.

A laughing couple with their parents at Hazel Gap Barn. The dad holds his hands over his mouth after saying something funny, while the mum looks shocked.

Guest laughing at speeches at Hazel Gap Barn by Nottingham Wedding Photographer Dan Hughes

Low angle shot of Bride helped out the car, smiling at the camera with deep blue sky above.

Silhouette of a band member in a flat cap with a microphone, set against a blurred brick backdrop with a single downlight.

A close up shot of Rob from the Bugundys, with band members blurred in the background. Performing at Hazel Gap.

Aerial shot of the front of the barns at sunset, taken by Hazel Gap Barn Wedding Photographer.

Black and White close up shot of a guest smiling during the speeches at Hazel Gap Barn

Close-up of the bride and groom about to kiss, with arms in the air as they drive off from Hazel Gap. The bride holds a stunning bouquet.

A black and white image of guests smiling with sunglasses on while The Hudson booth.

Single pink rose in a glass vase against a blurred brick wall, surrounded by out-of-focus glasses.

Hazel Gap Barn wedding photographer captures the perfect first dance moment, with the bride singing and pointing one arm to the ceiling while the groom twirls her with the other. Blurry guests smile and take photos, with the image in black and white.

A black and white image of a couple in the lower middle of the shot, framed by a wooden barn with a pitched roof. The bride’s veil flows in the wind as they smile brightly at each other.

Close-up of the groom pulling the choke of a beautiful vintage wedding car. The steering wheel is wooden with a gold and silver frame, and the dashboard features gold accents with a silver air grill.

Stunning portrait of the bride and groom, with blurry candlelit walls in the background. Taken by Dan Hughes, Hazel Gap Barn Wedding Photographer.

Black and white image of the bride and groom smiling. The bride looks at her bouquet while the groom gazes at her, set against a blurry wooden backdrop.

Close-up of a stunning bouquet with a slightly blurry bride and groom in the background.

Low-angle shot of the bride and groom laughing in the woods at the back of Hazel Gap. Sunlight streams through the trees, illuminating the bride perfectly, with bluebells barely visible covering the floor.

A stunning black and white close-up of a couple kissing, positioned in the bottom half of the frame to the right. They are partially silhouetted against the bright sunlight reflecting off the metal roof at Hazel Gap. The blurred roof runs across the background, with two pitched roofs behind, pointing toward the sky.

A close-up shot of the bride and groom smiling at each other. She holds his head in her hands, with the front of Hazel Gap blurred in the background.

Black and white shot of a male guest in sparkly Christmas glasses at the Hudson Booth, with the bride blurred in the background wearing a top hat.

A stunning photograph of the groom holding the bride as they kiss. The bride leans backwards, framed by the blurry trees in the background.

Hazel Gap Barn Wedding Photographer Dan Hughes has captured the Bride and groom together in front of the barn in the distance. The Groom is pulling a hilarious funny face.

Low-angle shot of Hazel Gap Barn at entrance, sun shining from the left, illuminating the building.

Black and white image of a boy smirking as his dad wipes his face from the side.

FAQ

How much does a Hazel Gap Barn wedding cost?

Hazel Gap is a high-end venue and the pricing reflects that. Costs vary by season and day of the week. Cripps & Co are upfront about figures rather than playing the "request a brochure" game, so check the Hazel Gap pricing page for current rates.

What's the capacity?

150 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, 250 in total when the evening guests join. Equally good for intimate weddings of 40 and bigger ones up to capacity.

Is there somewhere to get ready on site?

There's a small room on site to slip into your outfits and have any final touch-ups before the ceremony. Most couples get fully ready at their accommodation though, then arrive in time for the ceremony.

Is there accommodation on site?

Not at the venue itself, but the closest option is brilliant. Cuckney House is an 18th-century manor about five minutes' drive away, sleeping 38 across 15 bedrooms with tennis courts, a BBQ area and hot tubs. There are also 12 cottages on the Welbeck Estate available to rent. Plenty of options in Worksop, Ollerton and Mansfield too.

Can we get married outdoors at Hazel Gap?

Hazel Gap is licensed for civil ceremonies inside the barn. If you'd rather a church wedding, the Cripps team can host the celebration at Hazel Gap afterwards.

What's the wet weather plan?

The venue is huge. The Oak Room connects the main barn to the farmhouse, so even with everyone inside there's no scrum. Confetti can move inside the main barn if it's chucking it down. The barn has advanced underfloor heating, roaring fires and candles, so even a winter wedding stays warm and atmospheric.

What time of year is best for a Hazel Gap wedding?

I've shot Hazel Gap in every season and there isn't a bad one. Summer for golden hour in the gardens. Autumn for those stunning yellow and red woodland colours. Winter for cosy ceremony shots with candles. Spring for bluebells in the woods just behind the venue. Pick what fits your day, not what makes the best photos. The venue carries every season.

Where do you take couple portraits at Hazel Gap?

Loads of options. The vast grounds for golden hour, the front of the barn against the brickwork, the woodland for something different, or silhouettes against the architecture if the light's right. Clumber Park is only five minutes away too, if we wanted to take a quick trip out for something a bit different. I keep portrait time short, fifteen or twenty minutes max, so you're not away from your guests for long.

Who's the local registrar?

Nottinghamshire Registration Service. They're contactable on 0300 500 80 80 or ceremonies@nottscc.gov.uk, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

What suppliers does the venue work with?

Cripps & Co have a recommended suppliers list, but you're not locked in. Florists, planners, bands, photographers, your call. Suppliers I've worked with at Hazel Gap and would recommend, see below.

Who runs Hazel Gap?

Cripps & Co, same team behind Cripps Barn, Stone Barn, Healey Barn, Grangefields, Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey, and a few more. Worth knowing because their other venues run to the same standard.

Real weddings at Hazel Gap

Want to see what a full Hazel Gap wedding day actually looks like?

Helen & Myles' summer wedding, sunny day, classic flow

Hayley & Henry's winter wedding, candle lit, cosy ceremony, totally different mood

Trusted suppliers I've worked with at Hazel Gap

Outfits: Frances Day Bridal
Florist: Gigil and Bloom
Cake: Ruby Lou's Cake co
Planner: Benessemy Weddings
Hair: Jordan at Pinx
Makeup: Ellie Fearn
Band / DJ: The Burgundys
Videographers: Our Wedding Videographers

Practical info

Address: Budby Road, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire NG22 9EY
Run by: Cripps & Co
Capacity: 150 ceremony and dining, 250 including evening guests
Late licence: 1am
Sound system: Funktion-One
Phone: 01623 708 500
Email: enquiries@crippshazelgap.com
Website: Hazel Gap Barn
Local registrar: Nottinghamshire Registration Service, 0300 500 80 80
Nearest accommodation: Cuckney House (5 min drive), Welbeck Estate cottages, Forest Lodge Edwinstowe

Looking for a Hazel Gap Barn wedding photographer?

I've photographed 11 weddings at Hazel Gap since 2018. I know where the light falls in the ceremony room, when the courtyard goes golden, and how to read the day so I'm in the right place when something real happens.

I work documentary-style. No awkward posing, no bossy direction, no "right, everyone look at me" moments forced for the camera. Just your day, captured as it actually happened, by someone who's invested in it being a good one for you, not in being in charge of it.

If that sounds like your kind of thing, check my availability and we'll have a chat.