Wedding Photographer at Ash Barton Estate, Devon

Ash Barton Estate, Ash Road, Braunton EX33 2NP

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Ash Barton Estate, Braunton

If you want a North Devon wedding venue where you will have freedom and flexibility in abundance, look no further than Ash Barton Estate. Set in the countryside near Braunton and close enough to Saunton Sands it has a really relaxed, weekend wedding feel, with the house, barns, lake, woodland and wildflower meadow all in one place.

Couples can get married in a choice of different areas, including The Old Chapel, Threshing Barn or outside amongst the Wild Flowers in the Meadow or beneath The Oak Tree overlooking the Lake.

From a photography point of view, that variety is brilliant. You can move from old stone and candlelight to open countryside, wildflowers and big skies without ever having to leave the estate, although we have made it to the beach for photos on occasion.

What I also love is that Ash Barton lends itself to weddings that feel less restricted by a traditional format. Couples can stay for several days, bring their own suppliers, have a sit-down meal, a big barn party with no curfew, a firepit evening or even turn the whole thing into a mini festival weekend. The estate sleeps 35+ guests and has corkage, hosting celebrations for up to 200 people.

It’s the perfect North Devon wedding venue for couples who want plenty of personality in their day.

My Experience Here

With many weddings photographed here over the years, Ash Barton is still one of my favourite venues. I now live in the village of Braunton, a stone’s throw away from the estate and I am now lucky enough to call it one of my truly local wedding venues.

I have photographed weddings in every licenced ceremony space across the estate from the wildflower meadow, beneath the old oak tree to intimate ceremonies tucked inside the Threshing Barn or beautiful Old Chapel in candlelight, watching the seasons change with every visit.

My favourite and most memorable Ash Barton weddings are always the ones that completely feel heartfelt and relaxed surrounded by people who matter most to the couple.

Visit Ash Barton website

With sunshine pouring through the grounds or the changing North Devon weather adding its own magic to the day.

There are endless opportunities for beautiful natural photographs here, from wandering around the lake and the meadow to the secret garden.

Having your drinks reception in the walled garden or courtyard with live music drifting in the air through the estate always creates an amazing atmosphere. Then when it’s time to celebrate, Ash Barton quite possibly has one of the best dancefloors in North Devon! The perfect setting for the best party atmosphere.

I love working alongside planners such as Katie from Best Day Ever! Leilah from Unity Event Design and Holly from Croyde Concierge, but I am equally at home photographing a completely DIY celebration where you and your closest friends and family bring everything together yourselves.

However you choose to make Ash Barton your own, my intention is always the same…to capture the atmosphere, the people ad all of those fleeting moments that make your wedding unmistakeably yours.

Best Locations For Wedding Photos at Ash Barton Estate

A few of my favourite spots around Ash Barton Estate for relaxed, natural wedding photos.

The Old Chapel

The stone chapel gives you something completely different from the wider estate. It is intimate, full of character and works beautifully when couples lean into candles, fairy lights, flowers or softer styling. It can accommodate up to 100 guests for a ceremony.

The Oak Tree

For an outdoor ceremony, this is one of the venue’s most distinctive settings. You get the surrounding countryside, lake and wildflowers all in one view, which means the landscape naturally becomes part of the ceremony photographs.

The Wildflower Meadow

This is a gorgeous choice for relaxed couple portraits during the warmer months. The venue’s wildflower meadow includes a 145m aisle, so there is plenty of space to work with while keeping the photographs informal.

The Courtyard

The cobbled courtyard gives you another great option for ceremonies, confetti and evening photographs. It has a completely different feel from the open countryside, particularly once the lights come on later in the day.

The Lake & Grounds

The estate has around 25 acres of fields, woodland, gardens, wildflower meadows and lakes, which gives me plenty of quieter options for portraits without taking couples far from the main celebration. The secret garden sits tucked behind the courtyard and gives couples a more intimate outdoor spot that guests may not naturally wander into.

Seasonal Photography at Ash Barton Estate

Spring

Spring gives you fresh greenery, softer light and the estate beginning to bloom (beautiful). It’s the perfect time to make use of the gardens and outdoor areas without the stronger midday light you often get later in the year.

Summer

Summer is when Ash Barton really shines! Outdoor ceremonies, the wildflower meadow, long evenings, garden drinks and later sunset portraits all become wonderful options. Plus, the longer daylight also means there is no need to rush all of the couple portraits into one part of the afternoon.

Autumn

The woodland and countryside surrounding Ash Barton are beautiful in autumn. Changing leaves, softer skies and a little more texture in the landscape give the photographs a different feel, while the barns and chapel provide lovely indoor options if the weather changes.

Winter

Winter brings the focus back towards the old chapel, barns and house. Candles, stone walls, evening lighting and indoor celebrations can feel very cosy, while the venue’s flexibility means couples are not relying entirely on an outdoor plan. Ash Barton allows ceremony locations to be changed at short notice if the weather turns. 

Top Tips for Couples

  • Make the most of having a weekend wedding venue (don’t feel the need to rush anything).
  • Leave time for a second short portrait session as there are so many gorgeous locations on site we can use for your wedding album.
  • Have an outdoor plan and an indoor plan. Ash Barton is super flexible, so if the weather changes close to the ceremony, the venue can move things undercover rather than having to commit to a change of plan hours beforehand.
  • Think about footwear, so you can really make the most of the meadow, lake and grounds.

Local Knowledge

Ash Barton is in rural North Devon, so it is ideal for couples who want to spend some quality time with their friends and family in a gorgeous location.

Accommodation near Ash Barton Estate

The estate itself sleeps more than 35 guests. Camping and glamping are also possible in the grounds, with dedicated showers and facilities available for guests staying outside. For extra guests, Braunton and the surrounding area of Barnstaple both have a good selection of:

  • Hotels
  • B&Bs
  • Holiday cottages
  • Self-catering accommodation
  • Camping and glamping options

Try the following places that I’d recommend for local accommodation and know them well…

Food & Drink near Ash Barton Estate

For onsite catering, take a look at Ash Barton’s recommended supplier list, but I have sampled many amazing meals from these local caterers that can be there on your special day…

There are so many pubs and restaurants in the local area with delicious food I’d recommend …

Travelling to Ash Barton Estate

Ash Barton is set in the North Devon countryside near Braunton and Barnstaple.

  • Nearest towns: Braunton and Barnstaple
  • Rail: Barnstaple is the main railway station for this part of North Devon.
  • Road: Guests arriving from further afield will generally use the A361 North Devon Link Road before continuing towards Braunton and the estate.
  • Airport: Exeter Airport is the nearest major regional airport for many guests travelling into Devon.

Because Ash Barton is rural and over a mile from its nearest neighbour, it is worth arranging taxis and transport in advance, particularly for guests staying elsewhere.

Saunton Taxis
Coastline Taxis, Barnstaple

Ash Barton Estate FAQs

A few of the things couples ask me most before booking – from where I travel to what you’ll receive after the day.

I have been lucky enough to capture love stories at Ash Barton regularly over the last decade and it is a North Devon wedding venue I always adore working at. As the seasons change it’s a perfect venue.

Ash Barton is great for all weather, as you can make use of several licensed indoor and outdoor ceremony options. If the weather turns close to the ceremony, the venue can move things to an undercover location. But embrace the rain as a couple if it happens on your day and I will bring the umbrellas for you!

Ash Barton is pet-friendly and has kennels and stables for visiting animals. Dogs cannot stay in the main house overnight, but they can stay in the kennels or with guests camping in the grounds. Couples should confirm the arrangements for having dogs involved in the actual wedding directly with the venue.

Very much so! The estate is specifically set up for multi-day celebrations, with accommodation, camping/glamping possibilities and exclusive use. 

Yes. Ash Barton gives couples considerable flexibility over their suppliers and has facilities such as a catering kitchen and bar setup ready for external teams.

Ash Barton Estate is ideally placed for exploring some of North Devon’s best-known attractions, including the golden sands of Saunton and Woolacombe, the dunes of Braunton Burrows and the popular village of Croyde. Guests can also explore Exmoor National Park, enjoy walking or cycling along the Tarka Trail, or visit the nearby market town of Barnstaple.

Full of colour.
Full of joy.
Full of life.

If you’re looking for a Devon wedding photographer who will make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, care about your people and capture your day with warmth, colour and energy I would love to hear about your plans.

Whether you are planning a wedding with the coastline as your backdrop, ready to have a celebration in the countryside or something entirely your own, I’d love to know what plans that are entirely you and heartfelt.

Fill out the form in as much detail as you can, I just can’t wait to hear what you’re planning!

    (I send a text to make sure you receive my email. Sometimes I end up in the junk!! How rude)