Choosing the perfect wedding venue is about more than just the layout, it’s about the memories you create and the photos you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
At Riverlands, we pride ourselves on being a “blank canvas” for our couples, offering authentic barns and breathtaking riverside scenery. But you don’t have to take our word for it! We sat down with the talented Ben Barron, a Yorkshire-based photographer who has captured some truly magical moments here at our East Yorkshire venue.
From hidden embankments to “golden hour” secrets, Ben shares his expert insight on why Riverlands is a dream for both couples and photographers!
Meet the Photographer: Ben Barron
With nearly a decade of experience, Ben describes his style as a “careful mix of documentary, wallflower photography combined with an editorial edge.” Using a blend of digital and analogue film, he focuses on the raw emotion and connections that make a wedding day so meaningful.
When Ben first visited Riverlands, it wasn’t just the scenery that caught his eye. “I was blown away by the venue, location and more importantly, how hands-on and helpful the staff are,” Ben says. “It truly is a brilliant venue to get married at, and one that I look forward to coming back to each year.”
For a photographer, light and variety are everything. Ben highlights three key elements that really make Riverlands stand out:
- The Light: Whether it’s the subtle, diffused light in the main house (perfect for those morning prep shots) or the famous “Golden Hour” over the river.
- The Variety: From the industrial textures of the barns to the true English countryside feel of the embankment, the site offers a huge range of shots.
- The Atmosphere: The courtyard, with its overhead vines and social buzz, is Ben’s top pick for capturing those candid, “merriment-filled” moments.
One of the most common questions our team get is, “What will my photos look like if I get married in the winter?” Ben assures us that Riverlands is a venue for all seasons:
- Spring: Look out for the cherry blossoms down the lane for a romantic “blush of pink.”
- Summer: The venue is positioned perfectly to capture the long, golden summer evenings.
- Autumn & Winter: The barns and the main house provide a “cosy-warm feel” with fires and rich, burnt orange tones that look stunning on camera.
Ben’s Expert Advice for our Riverlands Couples
If you’re planning your big day at Riverlands, Ben has one vital piece of advice to ensure your photos feel authentic and relaxed:
Take 10 minutes for yourself.
“The day goes so quickly. After portraits, I usually tell my couples to have 10 minutes to themselves before getting back into the party. I’ve had couples just sit on the embankment, soaking up the sun, it’s quite magical, really.”
Whilst we tried, Ben kept his secret “hidden” photo spots under wraps, but he did share his favourite memory of working at Riverlands: Our hidden pizza oven. “I didn’t know it was there, and then it opened up in the evening, absolute game changer!”
If you love Ben’s editorial-meets-documentary style you can find him here:
Website: www.benbarron.co.uk
Instagram: @benbarronphoto
Interested in hosting your wedding celebrations at Riverlands? We’d love to show you round!
Hit the ‘book a viewing’ button on our website or drop us an email at hello@riverlands.co.uk
