Real Weddings at Oakley Hall Hotel

What made Oakley Hall stand out for us was the combination of the setting and, most importantly, the people. From the moment we first visited, it felt completely different to the other venues we had seen. It has a real sense of elegance and calm, but still feels warm and welcoming rather than formal or impersonal. Although it was at the higher end of our budget, it quickly became clear that the level of care and attention we received, particularly from Ed, set it apart. He immediately made us feel reassured and listened to, and that personal connection really stayed with us throughout the planning process. Ultimately, it didn’t feel like we were just booking a venue; it felt like we were choosing a team who genuinely cared about making our day perfect.

What made Oakley Hall stand out for you as a wedding venue?

We wanted the décor and colour scheme to feel timeless, elegant, and understated rather than overly themed. Because Oakley Hall already has such a beautiful, classic setting, we felt it didn’t need much “competing” decoration—so we focused on enhancing what was already there rather than overwhelming it. We also used one of Oakley Hall’s recommended suppliers, which really helped us bring that vision to life with subtle, thoughtful touches that complemented the venue perfectly without taking away from it

What inspired you to choose the decor & colour scheme of your wedding?

It’s hard to pick just one moment because the whole day had this constant feeling of being well looked after, which meant we could just be present and enjoy it all.

What was the most memorable part of your day?

Our favourite photo spot was definitely the wheat field at golden hour. The light was just perfect and it created the most beautiful, soft and natural backdrop for our photos, it ended up being one of the most favourite photos. Looking back, it feels quite ironic in the best way because my husband is coeliac, and Oakley Hall had taken so much care to design a completely safe and thoughtful menu for him.

Where was your favourite photo spot?

What made our day extra special was the level of care and attention we received from the Oakley Hall team throughout the entire experience. It never felt like a “standard package” wedding—everything felt considered and personal to us. Ed in particular made a huge difference. From the very first contact right through to the day itself. He promised me he would be there and he was .He made us feel completely supported. On the day, when something unexpected happened with our original MC, he immediately reassured me with such calm confidence that it took all the stress away in that moment. The staff across the venue were also exceptional, the day manager Ben, waiting staff, and bar team all went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Ed or Ben. Because of that, we were able to fully relax and just enjoy the day with our family and friends, which is really what made it so special.

What made your day extra special?

Choose a venue and team you genuinely trust, it makes all the difference. There are always little things that don’t go exactly to plan on the day, but if you have the right people around you, they’ll handle everything so seamlessly that you won’t even notice. Try not to get too caught up in making everything “perfect.” Focus on how you want the day to feel rather than every tiny detail. The moments you’ll remember most are how relaxed and present you felt, not whether everything went exactly to plan. Also, take time to properly enjoy it. The day goes so quickly, so build in little moments where you can pause and take it all in together, even something as simple as stepping away for a few minutes during golden hour made a huge difference for us. And finally, eat the canapés if you can!

Do you have any top tips for other couples planning their wedding?

The food was honestly incredible and has become one of the biggest talking points among our guests since the wedding. So many people have said it was some of the best food they’ve ever had at a wedding. I totally missed the canapés and the evening food because I was so busy....... and I'm still not over it!

Tell us about your wedding breakfast. What was your favourite dish?