Lizzie and Tony’s relaxed countryside wedding at Knockerdown Cottages in Derbyshire was the perfect example of how personal and joyful a weekend wedding can feel. With guests staying onsite, an outdoor ceremony in the meadow and fun Taskmaster-style games throughout the day, their celebration was full of laughter.
As a wedding photographer, Knockerdown Cottages offers so many natural backdrops for storytelling photography. From tree-lined paths and rustic stone cottages to sweeping countryside views and golden hour light.
A Countryside Ceremony at Knockerdown Cottages
Lizzie and Tony chose to hold their ceremony outdoors beneath the wooden gazebo in the meadow. Surrounded by rolling countryside and rows of trees, it made the most beautiful backdrop for their vows.
Guests gathered on the lawn as Lizzie made her way down the tree-lined approach to the ceremony space, creating a wonderfully natural and relaxed entrance. The ceremony itself was heartfelt and personal, with readings from both Tony’s mum and Lizzie’s mum.
A Wedding Full of Games and Taskmaster Challenges
One of the most unique parts of Lizzie and Tony’s wedding was the Taskmaster-style challenges they created for their guests.
Throughout the day, guests could take part in different fun challenges and games, bringing a playful energy to the celebrations and giving everyone something to get involved with. It was such a brilliant idea and meant there was always laughter and friendly competition happening somewhere around the venue.
The games continued throughout the drinks reception and into the evening, alongside lawn games and plenty of time for guests to relax in the courtyard or wander the beautiful grounds.
Exploring the Grounds for Couple Portraits
Knockerdown Cottages is surrounded by gorgeous countryside, which makes it perfect for relaxed couple portraits.
Lizzie and Tony and I took a short wander through the gardens and along the surrounding paths to capture some quiet moments together. With the rolling Derbyshire hills in the background and soft golden light beginning to appear later in the evening, the setting couldn’t have been more perfect.
These quieter moments away from the guests often end up being some of the most special photographs of the day.
A Relaxed Reception with Everyone Staying Onsite
Because so many guests were staying at the cottages across the weekend, the atmosphere throughout the day was incredibly relaxed.
After the drinks reception, everyone gathered in the Brackendale Room, beautifully decorated with long tables, greenery and sunflowers that complemented the forest green, navy and terracotta colour palette.
Dinner was followed by heartfelt speeches from both families before the celebrations continued into the evening with music, drinks and plenty more laughter.
With no need for taxis or travel at the end of the night, guests could simply wander back to their cottages when they were ready. One of the real benefits of choosing a venue like Knockerdown Cottages.
Golden Hour Portraits at Knockerdown Cottages
As the evening light began to soften, we took a quiet walk through the grounds for golden hour portraits. Knockerdown Cottages is perfectly positioned to catch the warm sunset glow across the surrounding Derbyshire countryside, creating a beautiful and romantic setting for relaxed couple photographs. With open fields, tree-lined paths and rustic fences just a short stroll from the reception, Lizzie and Tony were able to step away from the celebrations for a few peaceful moments together while the sun dipped behind the hills.
Knockerdown Cottages Wedding Photographer
If you’re planning a Knockerdown Cottages wedding and are looking for relaxed, natural photography, I’d love to hear about your plans. As a Derbyshire wedding photographer, I regularly photograph weddings across Derbyshire and the East Midlands. Please use my Contact Page to enquire about booking me
You can also check out more of my work & previous weddings I’ve shot by taking a look at my blog.
You can see more of my wedding work here: Derby Wedding Photographer
Knockerdown Cottages FAQ
Where is Knockerdown Cottages wedding venue located?
Knockerdown Cottages is located near Ashbourne in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. Its countryside setting makes it a popular choice for couples looking for a rural wedding venue within easy reach of Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield.
Is Knockerdown Cottages an exclusive use wedding venue?
Yes, weddings at Knockerdown Cottages typically have exclusive use of the grounds, ceremony spaces and accommodation. This gives couples privacy and allows them to fully personalise their wedding experience across the entire site.
Can you have an outdoor ceremony at Knockerdown Cottages?
Yes, outdoor ceremonies can take place in the meadow beneath the wooden gazebo, surrounded by Derbyshire countryside views. There is also an indoor ceremony space available as a backup option in case of bad weather.
