South Farm Wedding Photographer

Colourful + relaxed wedding photography at South Farm in Hertfordshire

A couple joyfully run forward as smiling guests throw petal confetti over them with the South Farm blue doors in the background. The groom is wearing a blue tweed suit, and the bride is wearing a sleeveless lace dress.

Ever since I started photographing weddings over 15 years ago, South Farm near Royston has always been one of my absolute favourite venues and today I am so honoured and privileged to be one of their recommended photographers and have captured over 50 weddings there.

South Farm’s beautiful countryside scenery and unique farmhouse attracts couples looking for a relaxed, fun wedding day that everyone will remember for years to come.

The fantastic team at South Farm combined with my unobtrusive, colourful approach ensures you’ll get to be fully present on their wedding day, without missing out on those important photos with your loved ones and joyful couple portraits too!

In the South Farm Summer House, a newlywed couple kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony. The sun shines down as guests applaud.
View South Farm Weddings
South Farm FAQ
Check availability

WHY I LOVE SOUTH FARM

Shooting weddings here is an absolute dream - South Farm’s beautifully landscaped gardens, cozy barn and unique farmhouse give us fab backdrops for photographs no matter which season you get married in.

The team really care about sustainability and their eco-friendly approach to weddings really sets them apart from other venues. From growing their own organic food to using renewal energy and even growing their own confetti petals, South Farm is a fantastic choice for couples who care about the environment.

And not only that, with the knowledgeable, attentive staff, delicious food and beautiful grounds to explore, your wedding day will be an unforgettable experience for your family and friends too.

It’s no surprise they won Best Barn Wedding Venue at the prestigious TWIA Awards in 2023!

South Farm in Hertfordshire is one of the best barn venues in the UK and for good reason.
Here’s why I love working there.

SOUTH FARM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERIES

I’ve photographed weddings at South Farm in every season, rain and shine and love returning year after year to capture weddings with my friendly, relaxed approach which ensures you get brilliant photographs without missing out on enjoying and experiencing your wedding day.

Fancy browsing some weddings I’ve photographed at South Farm? Head on over to the galleries below to have a peek.

GETTING READY AT SOUTH FARM

I’ve always said that one of the easiest ways to reduce wedding stress is to get ready at your venue. South Farm has plenty of space for getting ready including a brand new purpose built Apple Shed, perfect for a relaxing morning with your loved ones.

The Apple Shed

The inside of the Apple Shed at South Farm. The room features a makeup station, sofas and coffee table and kitchenette. Star shaped lamps hang from the ceiling and blue skies can be seen through the skylights.
An exterior view of South Farm's Apple Shed. The sky is bright blue and there is greenery in the foreground.

Coach House Suite

In the Coach House Suite at South Farm, a bride smiles as her mother and bridesmaids fluff out the train of her wedding dress.
In the Coach House Suite at South Farm, a bride in polkadot pyjamas smiles as her florist presents her wedding bouquet to her for the first time.

The Parrot Room

In the Parrot Room at South Farm, a groom in a dark green suit jacket laughs at one of his groomsmen as his best man arranges his pocket square.
In the Parrot Room at South Farm, the best man helps the groom with his tie in front of the sash windows.

Fen Bridge Farm B&B

A wide angle view of the Fen Bridge Farm B&B living room. Sun pours in through the sunlight as the bride has her makeup done and her bridesmaids and mother look on, smiling.
In the Fen Bridge Farm B&B, nine bridesmaids and the mother of the bride are emotional as the bride appears in her dress and veil for the first time.

CEREMONIES AT SOUTH FARM

One of the things I love the most about South Farm is the choice of ceremony spaces, each one different and unique in its own way. It also means that your ceremony will be gorgeous no matter what the weather has in store for your day.

From the cosy Old Dairy to the twinkling lights of the Tudor Barn, or the romance of an outdoor Summer House wedding, you’ll be saying your vows in style in front of family and friends.

Summer House

On a summer's day, a bride and groom share their first kiss in the Summer House at South Farm. In the foreground, the aisle is decorated with pastel flowers, backlit in the sun.
During their wedding ceremony in the Summer House at South Farm, the groom reads his vows to the bride as she laughs. The Summer House sits on a lily pond.

Old Dairy

In the Old Dairy at South Farm, a bride and groom turn to their guests and laugh during the ceremony. The groom holds his hand up to them to show off his wedding ring.
A couple smile as they exchange rings in the Old Dairy at South Farm.

Tudor Barn

After their ceremony in the Tudor Barn at South Farm, a couple walk back down the aisle laughing. Their guests congratulate them in the background.
Under the fairy lights in the ceiling of the Tudor Barn at South Farm, a couple kiss at the end of their wedding ceremony. Their guests cheer and applaud in the background.

The Drawing Room

A red-headed bride smiles as her bridesmaids follow her into the Drawing Room at South Farm for the wedding ceremony.
In the Drawing Room at South Farm, guests stand and watch as the bride and groom meet for the first time. The groom wipes away tears as the bride beams at him, holding her bouquet.

WEDDING PORTRAITS AT SOUTH FARM

My favourite thing of all about South Farm is how spoilt for choice I am as a photographer for beautiful wedding portrait backdrops. I always say you could photograph the same wedding 100 different ways there.

Of course, if there is a particular spot you love just say and I’ll be sure to include it when we sneak off for your couple portraits. And don’t forget I’m always keen to jump in the pig pen or donkey field with you for photos too.

The sun sets over the field behind the Old Dairy and nothing beats a South Farm golden hour! I’m always keeping an eye on the skies and when that beautiful evening light arrives I’ll be sure to let you know in case you’d like to take a moment to sneak out and enjoy it.

Farm House

A bride hugs her groom from behind as they smile at each other. The South Farm farmhouse is in the backdrop, with a blue window and red roses.

Herb Garden

In the Herb Garden at South Farm, a couple embrace and laugh on their wedding day. They are surrounded by red dahlias.

Wildflower Field

A couple sit in a field of buttercups at South Farm. The sun sets behind them as they cuddle up.

Orchard

The sun sets behind an embracing couple in the Orchard at South Farm. The apple trees are covered in white blossom.

Romany Caravans

A couple sit on the steps of a green Romany Caravan at South Farm. The caravan is intricately decorated with gold flourishes.

Gardens

A bride and groom cuddle up in the South Farm gardens. Purple wisteria surrounds them.

Golden Hour

A couple walk in the fields at South Farm as the evening sun sets behind them. The bride's veil flows out behind her.

Driveway

On a hot summer day, a couple walk down the South Farm driveway laughing and chatting. The groom wears a pastel blue suit with pink waistcoat, and the bride wears a tulle dress and carries a bouquet of pastel flowers.

Animals

A couple share a giggle as they stand in a field at South Farm, with three spotty pigs at their feet. The sun sets behind them.
A couple crouch down to pet five piglets at South Farm. They laugh as they stroke them.

GROUP PHOTOS AT SOUTH FARM

As a photographer with a candid, relaxed style I often get asked if I actually do group shots! Of course the answer is a resounding yes - they are so important and will be some of the photos you look back on the most in years to come.

At South Farm I like to shoot them in front of the house by the iconic blue door. Not only is it a great backdrop that works well with any colour scheme, but it’s also a convenient, accessible place to shoot them and we can fit in groups of any size you like. Plus, due to how it’s situated, by the time we shoot them, the sun will be behind the building and the light is really flattering no matter the time of year. It’s good all round!

I work with you on the run up to your day to create a list of the group photos you want so I can get these crucial shots ticked off quickly and efficiently so you can get back to the party (that’s what your day is about after all!)

A couple and their friends stand for a group photo in front of the South Farm farmhouse and red roses. The bridesmaids are wearing brightly coloured dresses, and the groomsmen wear dark green suits. They look at each other and chat, smiling.
The bride and her bridesmaids cosy up together for a relaxed group photo. They all wear warm autumnal colours and carry bouquets tied with silk ribbons.
The groom stands in front of a blue door with his four groomsmen. They wear tuxedos and bow ties and laugh together, their hands in their pockets.
The bride laughs and points to her feet as her bridesmaids lift up her dress to show off her wedding shoes, pale blue to match the South Farm door.

PARTY TIME AT SOUTH FARM

And finally whether you’re having a ceilidh in the Tudor Barn or rocking out to a disco in the Horse Barn, I love ending a set of photographs by capturing you and your guests throwing shapes on the dance floor. Chat to your DJ or band to make sure the song after your first dance is a banger that’ll keep everyone dancing and you’ll be kicking the night off in the best way possible!

The bride laughs as she is flung around during ceilidh dancing with her groom.
Guests sing as they dance to the wedding disco. They hold foam glowsticks and point them in the air.
The groom laughs as his friends lift him in the air on the dancefloor.
The bride and groom look at each other smiling as they dance the macarena on their wedding dancefloor.

SOUTH FARM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FAQ

  • South Farm is nestled in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. The address is:

    South Farm, Shingay-cum-Wendy, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 0HR

  • Over the last 15 years I have had the joy and privilege of photographing over 50 weddings at South Farm across all seasons and weather!

  • As a recommended photographer, over the years I have photographed every kind of wedding setup across all seasons and weathers at South Farm. I know every little nook and cranny for the best photos and have a solid plan in place if the weather is cold or wet too.

    I have a great working relationship with the team that will be running your wedding day and we work seamlessly together to keep your day flowing perfectly.

  • Honestly, there are too many to count! If you have a particular spot your heart is set on, just let me know and I’ll be sure to incorporate it into your portrait session. However, my favourites have to be:

    • In front of the Farmhouse with its iconic blue doors, it’s unmistakably South Farm!

    • The unique brightly coloured Romany Caravans

    • Amidst the flowers in the Herb Garden (particularly in dahlia season!)

    • Hanging out with the piglets and the donkeys

    • The wildflower fields at golden hour, a quiet little moment away from the evening party!

  • My relaxed, colourful approach fits naturally with South Farm weddings. For most of the day I’m quietly documenting things as they unfold, but I’ll also step in when needed to organise confetti, group photos, and keep things moving so you can get back to enjoying your day.

    South Farm’s layout makes group photos really straightforward. Straight after your ceremony, while you have a quiet moment together, we gather everyone for a confetti shot in front of the iconic blue door. From there, we move just around the corner for a big group photo in the courtyard, and I’ll let everyone know who needs to stay behind for photos. Everyone else can head off to the gardens or Old Dairy for the drinks reception, and because everybody we need for photos is already in one place, I can shoot your group photos quickly and efficiently.

    Just before your guests head into the Tudor Barn for dinner, we’ll slip away for a short portrait session. It’s a nice pause in the day for you both to spend time together without feeling like you’re missing out on anything.

    My priority is always keeping things relaxed, and South Farm’s timeline naturally allows space for both meaningful photos as newlyweds and time with your guests too.

  • Depending on the forecast we have a few options! South Farm is equally lovely inside and out, so in the event of a rainy (or just particularly cold!) day there are still plenty of choices for your group and couples photos.

    If the weather is just passing over, a flexible approach is best: I’ll capture lovely candid moments as you catch up with your guests, whilst keeping an eye on the conditions outside to grab you for photos when it’s stopped. Things like confetti and groups can always be done at a different point in your drinks reception!

    If the rain is here to stay, the Horse Barn is more than big enough to accommodate you and your loved ones for group photos and I set up lights to make sure your photos are crisp and well lit. The covered walkway ensures nobody gets wet en route and we’re not too far from your drinks reception either!

    For couples portraits, I particularly love the Drawing Room as a rainy weather option with its beautiful window light and stunning painted wallpaper backdrops. The hallway with the fireplace is particularly cosy and warm too!

  • It depends on a few factors:

    Morning preparations

    If you are keen to have both of your mornings photographed and you are in different locations, you’ll need a second photographer. If you are both getting ready at South Farm, I can shoot key moments from both mornings on my own but it won’t be as thorough as having two photographers.

    Guest numbers

    I suggest considering a second photographer if you are having over 75 guests, and strongly recommend one if you are having over 100 guests. Two photographers ensures more thorough coverage, particularly when it comes to candid moments during your drinks reception and speeches.

    You just want to have one!

    Honestly, if you just want another photographer because it feels right then let’s go for it!

  • If you opt for a full day package, I usually suggest that I arrive around 2 hours before the ceremony, and leave about 30 minutes to an hour after the first dance. This enables me to capture a complete story of your day, but leave you and your guests to let your hair down and dance all evening!

  • Absolutely! I’m always keeping an eye out for beautiful evening light at South Farm as the sun sets over the fields behind the Old Dairy. It makes for the most incredible photographs and as a bonus, it gives you two a little moment together on your wedding day too. Leave it with me - I’ll be sure to let you know when the time is right!

A bride and groom take a walk on their wedding day at South Farm in Hertfordshire in front of the yellow farmhouse with blue windows. The groom wears a light blue suit and the bride carries a bouquet of pastel flowers.

“Five stars isn’t enough! From the moment Cat arrived on our wedding day to the second she left, she was nothing short of phenomenal. We truly cannot thank her enough for the warmth, kindness and energy she brought to our day!

She made us feel so comfortable, and her presence was so natural, she blended in like an old friend which made the whole experience feel effortless and fun! Her humour and patience meant the world to us and helped create such a calm, and joyful atmosphere throughout the day.

We honestly wish every couple could have the experience we had with Cat. We are beyond grateful that it was Cat behind the lens on such an important day of our lives. Everyone had complimented on how brilliant she was, and honestly we are so glad we found you!”

Ellie + Sam

ABOUT ME

Photographer Cat Lane smiles off to the side, holding her camera. She wears round green glasses, a denim jumpsuit and stripy top.

Looking for your South Farm wedding photographer? I’d love to capture your day in my relaxed, unobtrusive style.

I’m Cat and for over 15 years I’ve been capturing weddings in my unobtrusive, colourful style for couples all over the UK. Having beautiful photos of your wedding isn’t enough for me - I want to make sure you are comfortable and get to enjoy your day too.

I photograph weddings for people of all backgrounds, identities and love stories and I’m proud to create a space where everyone feels comfortable, celebrated and true to themselves.

Everyone is welcome here.

If you’re looking for relaxed, colourful wedding photography that feels true to you,
you’ve come to the right place.

Check Your Date

CHECK YOUR DATE

If you feel like I might be the right fit for your day, the next step is to check I’m available on your wedding date! Pop your info into the form below and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm my availability.

You’ll also receive my brochure and a link to book in a call if you fancy a chat - I’d love to hear all about your plans and talk you through my relaxed, unobtrusive approach to wedding photography.