There’s something really special about relaxed wedding days. The kind of days where nobody is stressing about things being “perfect,” where guests are fully present, and where the whole atmosphere feels joyful, and genuinely personal.

As an East Midlands wedding photographer, these are always the weddings that stay with me most. The big emotional hugs, the loud laughter during speeches, the chaotic dance floors, your grandparents sat quietly holding hands during dinner… those are the moments that matter.

And honestly? I think your venue plays such a huge role in creating that feeling.

The East Midlands is packed with incredible relaxed wedding venues that feel cosy, welcoming, and full of personality. Whether you’re dreaming of woodland tipis, candlelit barns, brewery celebrations, or garden marquees surrounded by flowers, there are so many beautiful venues that make relaxed wedding days feel effortless.

So if you’re planning a laid-back celebration focused on good food, your favourite people, and soaking up every second together, here are some of the best relaxed wedding venues in the East Midlands.

Relaxed Wedding Venues in the East Midlands

One of the biggest things I always tell couples is to choose a venue that matches how you actually want your wedding day to feel.

If you want a relaxed atmosphere, choose somewhere that already feels warm and inviting. Somewhere your guests can settle into easily. Somewhere that encourages connection, conversation, and fun rather than formality.

The best relaxed wedding venues in the East Midlands are the ones where couples can truly enjoy the day instead of feeling like they’re performing for it.

Here are some of my favourite relaxed wedding venues in the East Midlands that absolutely nail that vibe.

Pippley Walled Garden
Hazel Gap Barn
Cripps & Co Venues
Foxtail Barns
Inkersall Grange Farm
Tipis at Whatton House
Royle Forest
Pheasantry Brewery

Pippley Walled Garden

If you love the idea of a wedding surrounded by flowers, nature, and beautiful thoughtful spaces, Pippley Walled Garden is honestly such a dreamy wedding venue in the East Midlands.

Everything about this place feels calm, creative, and intentional. The converted greenhouse ceremony space is absolutely gorgeous with its rose-covered brick walls and blooming gardens, and the whole venue feels connected to nature in such a lovely way.

One of my favourite things about Pippley is how relaxed and welcoming it feels while still being incredibly elegant. Guests can wander through the gardens with drinks in hand while you sneak away for photos amongst all the greenery and flowers.

The permanent marquee is also beautiful being light-filled, romantic, and spacious without losing that cosy atmosphere.

This venue is perfect for couples who:

Love garden-party vibes
Want a nature-focused wedding
Care about sustainability and thoughtful details
Want an elegant wedding that still feels relaxed

Hazel Gap Barn

Hazel Gap Barn is one of those wedding venues in the East Midlands that somehow manages to feel luxurious without feeling overly formal.

Tucked away on the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire, the whole place feels warm and atmospheric from the second you arrive. Think roaring fires, candlelight, fairy lights, and beautiful red-brick architecture surrounded by countryside views.

The courtyard area especially makes this venue feel really relaxed. Guests can gather around the fire pits in the evening while the fairy lights twinkle overhead, and it creates such a cosy atmosphere for everyone to properly settle into the celebration.

It’s one of those venues where the whole day flows really naturally, which makes such a difference to how calm and enjoyable weddings feel.

Perfect for couples who want:

A romantic countryside setting
Cosy evening vibes
Incredible food and drinks
A relaxed wedding with a luxury feel

Cripps & Co Venues

Cripps & Co venues have become iconic for relaxed barn weddings, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Whether it’s the warm stone walls, roaring fireplaces, candlelit ceremonies, or the smell of incredible food cooking over open flames, these wedding venues in the East Midlands just feel welcoming.

One thing I love most about Cripps and Co venues is how guest-focused they are. The spaces are designed for people to gather, chat, eat well, and properly enjoy themselves. The huge feasting tables, outdoor fire pits, woodland ceremony areas, and late-night dance floors all help create weddings that feel fun and effortless rather than overly structured.

And the food? Unreal

Their flame-cooked feasts and rotisserie-style dining make weddings feel really sociable and relaxed, which always helps guests settle in and enjoy the atmosphere.

These venues are ideal for couples who:

Want incredible food to be part of the experience
Love candlelit barn vibes
Want a lively, social wedding atmosphere
Care about guest experience just as much as aesthetics

Foxtail Barns

Foxtail Barns feels like a hidden countryside retreat in the best possible way.

Surrounded by lakes, woodland, and wildflowers, this wedding venue in the East Midlands is absolutely gorgeous while still feeling incredibly relaxed and welcoming. The Orangery ceremony space is light-filled and airy, while the barn itself has such a cosy atmosphere once the evening celebrations begin.

I especially love how much thought has gone into making the whole experience enjoyable for couples and guests. Everything flows beautifully throughout the day, from the getting-ready suites to the drinks reception spaces and on-site accommodation.

It’s the kind of venue where guests can fully settle in for the weekend rather than rushing off at the end of the night.

Perfect for couples who:

Want countryside wedding vibes
Love outdoor spaces and nature
Want accommodation on-site
Are planning a relaxed weekend celebration

Inkersall Grange Farm

If your dream wedding involves woodland views, fairy-lit tipis, lawn games, and a really personal atmosphere, Inkersall Grange Farm is such a lovely option.

There’s something about tipi weddings that instantly makes people relax. Maybe it’s the softer atmosphere, the firelight, or the fact they naturally feel less formal than traditional venues.

The tipis here feel cosy and intimate while still having loads of space for dancing, food trucks, outdoor games, and all the fun little personal touches that make a wedding feel really unique.

And being surrounded by the beauty of Sherwood Forest just adds to that magical atmosphere.

This venue works beautifully for couples who:

Want a relaxed outdoor wedding
Love woodland settings
Want flexibility with styling and suppliers
Care more about atmosphere than tradition

Tipis at Whatton House

Tipis at Whatton House feels genuinely magical once the evening starts.

The fairy lights, fire pits, woodland surroundings, and cosy chill-out areas create such a warm and inviting atmosphere that guests naturally relax into. It’s the kind of wedding where people end up sat around the fire chatting for hours before heading back onto the dance floor again.

I also love how flexible this wedding venue in the East Midlands is. Whether you want street food, BBQs, cocktails, fine dining, or something totally unique, the whole space can really reflect your personalities and the kind of celebration you want.

And honestly, weddings that feel personal are always the best ones.

This venue is ideal for couples who:

Love festival-style wedding vibes
Want flexibility and creativity
Want a fun, relaxed atmosphere
Care about making guests feel comfortable

Royle Forest

Royle Forest honestly feels like stepping into another world.

Hidden deep within woodland on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, this venue is perfect for couples wanting something completely different from a traditional wedding venue.

Everything here has been designed to feel immersive and atmospheric, from the forest ceremony area to the giant dance floor and incredible “Forest Bar.” The whole venue feels adventurous, creative, and really fun.

One thing I particularly love is how flexible the venue is. Couples can really make the day their own rather than fitting into a rigid wedding structure, which always leads to more relaxed and meaningful celebrations.

And the forest photos here? Absolutely unreal.

Perfect for couples who:

Want a unique woodland wedding
Love relaxed festival vibes
Want a huge celebration atmosphere
Care about creating an unforgettable guest experience

Pheasantry Brewery

Pheasantry Brewery is such a brilliant choice for couples wanting something relaxed, stylish, and a little bit different.

The industrial-rustic feel gives the venue loads of character without feeling too formal or “traditional wedding.” Exposed brick, timber beams, craft beer, warm lighting… it all creates such a cosy atmosphere for a celebration.

I think brewery weddings naturally encourage a more relaxed vibe too. Guests tend to settle in quickly, conversations flow easily, and the whole day feels really social and laid-back.

And if you’re a couple who loves good drinks, good food, and a packed dance floor, this wedding venue in the East Midlands absolutely delivers that energy.

This venue is perfect for couples who:

Want something unique and relaxed
Love industrial-rustic styling
Want a sociable atmosphere
Care about good food, drinks, and celebration vibes

Let’s Discuss Your East Midlands Wedding Photography

There’s your guide to some of the best relaxed wedding venues in the East Midlands! If you’re planning your wedding and want photos that capture all the real, joyful moments as they happen, I’d absolutely love to hear all about your plans.

Get in touch with me for your wedding photography in the East Midlands!

The Best Relaxed Wedding Venues in the East Midlands