
Nestled in the heart of the Isle of Wight’s beautiful countryside, East Afton Farmhouse is a dream wedding venue that offers the perfect mix of rustic charm, modern comfort, and versatile spaces.
With East Afton's stunning farmhouse, spacious reception barns, and picturesque surroundings, it’s easy to see why East Afton has become one of my favourite venues to photograph weddings on the Isle of Wight.
Why East Afton Farmhouse is Perfect for a Destination Wedding
With the Isle of Wight becoming a destination wedding location in its own right, East Afton Farmhouse perfectly fits this trend. Offering full, exclusive hire from Thursday to Monday, couples can turn their wedding into a long weekend celebration. This extended hire gives family and friends time to relax and immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings, creating a true getaway filled with unforgettable moments.
It’s a unique opportunity to extend the celebration before and after the big day, making it the ideal choice for couples looking for an intimate wedding venue on the Isle of Wight.
Getting Ready at East Afton Farmhouse
When couples book East Afton Farmhouse, they have the luxury of full, exclusive use of the property, including the main farmhouse and the annex. This setup ensures the entire wedding party can get ready on-site, creating a relaxed and seamless start to the day.
From a photographer’s perspective, the farmhouse is ideal. Large, light-filled windows create soft, natural lighting that’s perfect for getting-ready shots. The spacious interior allows room for candid moments of the family, groomsmen and bridal party, whether it’s laughter during hair and makeup or a quiet moment before walking down the aisle. The charming staircase is ideal for a first look or a heartfelt moment with the father of the bride. Thoughtfully designed spaces provide plenty of options for capturing the details—dresses, shoes, jewellery—against the farmhouse’s rustic charm or more modern features.

Rustic Indoor and Outdoor Ceremony Spaces at East Afton Farmhouse
East Afton offers a choice of ceremony locations to suit your style. Indoors, the rustic stone walls and exposed wooden beams provide an intimate setting brimming with character. Alternatively, with the new marriage laws allowing more outdoor options, the front lawn offers a picturesque setting for a ceremony under the open sky — perfect for spring and summer weddings. Imagine exchanging vows with the stunning countryside as your backdrop.

A Versatile Barn for Dining, Dancing, and Your Dream Reception
The main reception barn at East Afton is a spectacular space for dining, dancing, and all of your evening entertainment. It seats up to 170 guests and features floor-to-ceiling glass with rustic wood cladding and charming brick pillars. There’s even a mezzanine level where guests can relax if they prefer to step away from the music for a bit.
This versatile barn serves as a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into your dream reception space. I love seeing how couples transform it with their own personal touches. Zoe and Ben’s vintage boho styling created a dreamy atmosphere, Amanda and Liam’s geeky-themed décor brought a playful vibe, and Jess and Jack’s botanical touches with lemon accents felt perfect for a refreshing summer celebration. Each wedding I photograph showcases the individuality of the couple, and East Afton provides the perfect backdrop for these creative expressions.
As the evening unfolds, the barn transforms into the most magical place for dancing. When the sun sets and the lights are dimmed, the atmosphere comes alive. Whether it’s a DJ spinning 80s classics or a live band like AKA Party Band rocking the night away — as they did for Vicky and Robbie’s incredible celebration — the energy is always electric.

Outdoor Spaces and Unique Photo Opportunities at East Afton Farmhouse
East Afton’s outdoor spaces are perfect for entertaining guests and capturing beautiful photos.
The courtyard and decked area are ideal for drinks receptions, canapés, or evening entertainment under festoon lights. The front lawn of the farmhouse also offers a beautiful spot for spring and summer gatherings, making the most of the warmer weather.
However, one of the things I love most about East Afton is its ability to shine in any weather. Whether it’s a glorious summer day or a rain-soaked celebration, the venue offers the space and flexibility to ensure a beautiful experience. I’ve photographed weddings here in both heatwaves and torrential rain, and it always provides stunning photo opportunities.
Zoe and Ben’s wedding was a perfect example—despite relentless rain all day, the versatile indoor spaces allowed us to capture beautiful moments filled with the charm of their boho and vintage-styled décor. Later, they embraced the weather and dashed through the rain together, creating one of my all-time favourite images: a joyous, spontaneous moment under a shared umbrella, filled with laughter and love.
From the roof terrace, I can capture a fantastic group photo of all your guests, perfectly framing everyone together, rain or shine.
The courtyard and the front of the house also provide ideal spots for iconic confetti shots, regardless of the weather.

Capturing Stunning Wedding Portraits at East Afton Farmhouse
One of the things I love about East Afton is the abundance of beautiful backdrops for couple portraits. I like to take couples away for just five to ten minutes for relaxed, natural portraits that reflect their true connection. It’s also a lovely opportunity for them to enjoy a few quiet moments together amid the whirlwind of the day. The surrounding fields are perfect for a peaceful stroll during golden hour, while the front driveway framed by springtime blossoms offers a romantic touch. The front of the house, with its rustic charm, provides another stunning setting. Just a five minute drive away, you have beautiful beaches and a short walk brings you to the clifftops with breathtaking views that the Isle of Wight is famous for— perfect for adding a dramatic, scenic element to your photos.

My Experience as a Wedding Photographer at East Afton
I’ve been photographing weddings at East Afton Farmhouse since 2018 and feel fortunate to return multiple times each year. The venue’s versatility and unique charm make every wedding a fresh and exciting experience. Working alongside the amazing team, led by Chloe and Mel, is always a pleasure. Their dedication and professionalism ensure that every wedding day runs smoothly, allowing couples to enjoy their celebrations to the fullest.
East Afton Farmhouse is more than just a wedding venue; it’s a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and love is celebrated in the most beautiful way.
