Venue:
Wilderness Reserve

Wilderness Reserve is one of Suffolk’s most unique and versatile wedding destinations, set across thousands of acres of private parkland, lakes, woodlands and countryside. Rather than one single space, it offers a collection of distinct venues within one estate, allowing couples to tailor their celebrations — from elegant manor house weddings to marquee receptions and woodland settings.

Sibton Manor

Sibton Manor sits at the heart of the Wilderness Reserve estate and is ideal for couples seeking classic elegance with sweeping views and historic character. The Georgian manor house and its light-filled Orangery provide a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and receptions alike. The Orangery and adjacent garden spaces are frequently used for weddings and can host up to around 120–150 seated guests before spilling out for outdoor receptions or marquees.

Chapel Barn

Chapel Barn is a beautifully restored 15th-century barn within Wilderness Reserve that combines rustic charm with contemporary flair. Its open interior, dramatic windows and adjoining courtyard make it well suited to both intimate and larger wedding celebrations. The venue can comfortably host up to around 200 guests indoors or with adjacent outdoor space and marquees, and it is often used for longer celebrations that span into the evening.

Blyth Barn

Blyth Barn is the newest addition to the Wilderness Reserve portfolio and adds another option for marquee-style weddings. This Grade II listed manor and its surrounding lawn are ideal for large weddings with bespoke marquee structures, offering a blank-canvas space that can be tailored for up to around 300 guests or more for dining and dancing under cover.

Marquees and Outdoor Reception Areas

Beyond the individual properties, Wilderness Reserve offers a variety of marquee and outdoor reception spaces that let you create a bespoke event across the estate. These range from traditional clear-span and sailcloth marquees to garden and woodland edge sites. Depending on configuration, marquees can accommodate from a few dozen guests up to around 300 people for seated dining and dancing, making them ideal for larger weddings.

Woodland Weddings

For couples who want a truly nature-immersed celebration, Wilderness Reserve’s woodland spaces offer a romantic outdoor setting surrounded by trees and filtered light. These spaces are typically used for outdoor vow exchanges or festival-style receptions and can host weddings of up to 250 guests depending on setup, with bespoke seating and dining arrangements beneath the canopy.

Jetty Lakeside

Wilderness Reserve’s lakes and water features provide another beautiful backdrop for ceremonies and portraits. A lakeside jetty or shoreline area can be used for vow exchanges and drinks receptions, producing stunning photos and an immersive experience for couples and guests alike. These lakeside areas are ideal for medium-to-large outdoor weddings, often paired with marquees or woodland celebrations elsewhere on the estate.

Wilderness Reserve is typically hired on an exclusive estate-use basis, meaning couples and their guests can enjoy the entire property — indoors and outdoors — throughout their wedding weekend. Weddings at Wilderness Reserve can range from smaller, intimate celebrations to grand affairs with up to around 300 guests, and the dedicated team works with couples to tailor the layout, schedule and reception format to suit their vision.

My Approach to Wedding Photography at Wilderness Reserve

My approach to wedding photography is calm, documentary-focused, and unobtrusive. Rather than directing or staging moments, I concentrate on capturing the real interactions, emotion, and atmosphere that make each wedding unique.

I’ve photographed weddings across the UK at a wide variety of venues, from private estates and country houses to barns and outdoor-led locations. This experience allows me to work comfortably within different layouts, lighting conditions, and timelines — particularly important at a destination like Wilderness Reserve, where the day may unfold across multiple spaces.

Weddings at Wilderness Reserve and Across Suffolk

I’m currently booking weddings throughout Suffolk, including Wilderness Reserve and venues near Saxmundham, Framlingham, and the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger multi-day celebration, my focus is always on creating a set of images that reflect the experience honestly and naturally.

Availability for Wilderness Reserve Weddings

Wilderness Reserve hosts a limited number of weddings each year, and dates often book well in advance across its venues. If you’re getting married at Wilderness Reserve — whether at Sibton Park, Wissett Hall, Chapel Barn, the Garden Pavilion, or Heveningham Hall — you’re very welcome to get in touch to check availability or talk through your plans.