Leah and Alex: Beautiful Outdoor Ridge Farm Wedding in Surrey
As their Ridge Farm wedding photographer, in September I had the pleasure of photographing Leah and Alex’s beautiful outdoor Ridge Farm Wedding in Surrey. This stunning venue is not only known for its picturesque setting and gorgeous grounds, but also for its rich musical history as a recording studio for world famous bands and artists in the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties. It was a truly unique and special location for this lovely couple to exchange their vows and begin their journey as husband and wife.
Ridge Farm at a glance
Ridge Farm is an exclusive-use wedding venue on Rusper Road, Capel (RH5 5HG), near Dorking in Surrey. A former residential recording studio, it is hired for the whole weekend, Friday to Monday, and takes up to 150 guests. Civil ceremonies can be held in the farmhouse for up to 50 guests or outdoors in the woodland for up to 150, with the reception in the Poolhouse or a marquee; some couples marry at one of the nearby churches instead. Leah and Alex married on the back lawn, looking out over the Surrey countryside.
Ridge Farm Wedding: A Rich Musical History
As I mentioned, the now Ridge Farm Wedding venue is known for being a residential recording studio for world famous bands and artists in the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties. Some of the most iconic albums in music history were recorded within these walls. Bands such as Queen, Oasis, and Genesis are just a few examples of the many who have graced this famous recording studio. To think that Leah and Alex’s wedding day took place in the very same location as some of the greatest music of all time is truly awe-inspiring.
As a photographer, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement and energy of the music industry as I walked through the studio and the surrounding grounds. It was a joy to capture Leah and Alex’s special day at the Ridge Farm wedding venue, a real historic location.
A Stunning Outdoor Ceremony
Leah and Alex’s ceremony took place on the back lawn of the house, overlooking the beautiful Surrey countryside. The sun was shining down, providing the lovely light for my candid, documentary-style photography. Leah looked absolutely stunning as she walked down the aisle and with Alex looking on.
The couple exchanged their vows in front of their closest friends and family, with the sounds of nature and the breeze adding to the magical atmosphere. It was clear to see how much love and happiness filled the air as Leah and Alex said “I do”.
After the ceremony, we took some time to capture some amazing photos around the grounds. The beauty of Ridge Farm wedding venue provided the perfect backdrop for Leah and Alex’s wedding photography. From the studio to the stunning gardens, every corner of the venue was filled with opportunities for great shots.
As a candid, documentary-style wedding photographer, I love capturing moments that tell a story. Throughout the day, I was able to capture countless beautiful, candid moments between Leah and Alex and their guests. From laughter and joy during the speeches, to tears of happiness during the first dance, it was an honor to document such a special day for this wonderful couple.
Photographing a Ridge Farm wedding
The back lawn is the place for an outdoor ceremony: open, with the countryside behind you and good light through the afternoon. The old studio buildings, the farmhouse and the gardens give plenty of variety for couple portraits without going far from your guests, so I can take you away for fifteen minutes and have you back before anyone notices. The lawn works well for family groups, and later in the day the light softens beautifully across the grounds.
Leah and Alex’s wedding at Ridge Farm was truly one for the books. The rich history of the location added a special element of magic to the day, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it. As a wedding photographer, it was a joy to capture the love, happiness, and beauty of this special day. I know that Leah and Alex will cherish their wedding photos for years to come, and I am honored to have been a part of their story.
If you’re planning a Ridge Farm wedding, check your Ridge Farm date with me. I’m a Surrey wedding photographer with one honest, all-in price: see my wedding photography prices.
Kind words:
From the moment we met Matt at a wedding fair, and saw examples of his work I was set on hiring him as our wedding photographer.
Leah & Alex
The process of booking was straight-forward, we had an initial call to discuss plans and then was able to view more galleries and examples of previous work. We’re so thankful Matt was available on our second (rescheduled) wedding date!
On the day, Matt did a great job of capturing the moment & making us feel at ease. He worked really well with our videographer (who he’d never met) and even did a good job of organising other suppliers! Matt went above and beyond, and we thoroughly enjoyed having him there on the day.
We’re thrilled with the final pictures and cant wait to have some printed and displayed in our home.
We would recommend Matt time and time again.
Suppliers:
Venue: Ridge Farm
Video: Hadden Films
Dress – Alena Leena Bridal from Halo & Wren Bridal
Florist – Sarah Whiting at Nettlewood Flowers
Make-Up – Emily Clare Make-Up
Hair – Pinnies Hair
Band – Boujee Music
Ridge Farm wedding questions
Is Ridge Farm licensed for civil ceremonies?
Yes. Ceremonies can be held in the farmhouse for up to 50 guests, or outdoors in the woodland for up to 150. Some couples marry at a nearby church and come back to Ridge Farm for the celebration.
How many guests does Ridge Farm hold?
Up to 150 guests for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast, with the reception in the Poolhouse or a marquee. Ridge Farm is hired exclusively for the whole weekend, Friday to Monday.
Where is Ridge Farm?
Rusper Road, Capel, Surrey, RH5 5HG, between Dorking and Horsham.
Where are the best places for photos at Ridge Farm?
The back lawn, with the Surrey countryside behind it, the old recording studio buildings, the farmhouse and the gardens. Everything is close together, so portraits take minutes, not a trek.
How much does a Ridge Farm wedding photographer cost?
My Ridge Farm wedding photography is one all-in price of £2,500 for the whole day, including UK travel, next-day previews and 800+ edited photos. See everything that’s included.
Have you photographed weddings at Ridge Farm before?
Yes: Leah and Alex’s outdoor wedding, shown on this page. If you’d like to see more of the day, get in touch and I’ll send you the full gallery.
Here’s the story of their day…
