Jenna & Clark — A Stylish, Effortless Cotswolds Celebration
There are certain venues that feel like they were designed for modern, fashion-minded couples — places where clean lines, natural texture and a sense of calm blend seamlessly. The Rectory Hotel in Crudwell is absolutely one of them. Tucked deep in the Cotswolds, it’s a boutique spot where every corner photographs beautifully: the sculpted hedges, the honey-stone Georgian façade, the hidden lawns, the soft summer light.
For Jenna and Clark — originally from the States, now living in London — it was the perfect setting for their full wedding weekend. A warm Friday welcome dinner, a relaxed modern outdoor ceremony on Saturday, and a marquee garden celebration that moved effortlessly from elegant to joyfully unbuttoned as the sun went down.
Planned with the ever-brilliant Charlotte Elise, the whole weekend felt curated, contemporary and deeply personal.
Friday: A Warm, Sun-Drenched Welcome Dinner
Weekend weddings at The Rectory Hotel always unfold at a slower, more intentional pace, and Friday evening captured that feeling completely.
Guests drifted across the lawn with cocktails in hand, gathering beneath white parasols as the late sun slipped behind the trees. The hedged garden — one of the most iconic parts of the venue — created a natural, sculptural backdrop. From the upstairs windows, the entire scene looked like an editorial spread: linen dresses, soft chatter, clinking glasses, paper fans fluttering in the heat.
It was relaxed, unfussy, and beautifully designed — a perfect prologue to the day ahead.
The Morning: Quiet Moments & Sculptural Style
Jenna began her Saturday in soft morning light, getting ready in one of The Rectory’s calm, neutral rooms. She wore an iconic Vivienne Westwood gown — modern, architectural, and effortlessly elegant. The clean scoop neckline, structured bodice and pooled satin felt so right for her and so right for this venue.
Her bouquet mirrored the aesthetic: a creamy, sculptural arrangement with orchids, anthuriums, roses and trailing textures. Under the dappled sunlight of the garden, the florals caught the light in a way that felt almost painterly.
These quiet portraits among the deep-green hedge — Jenna moving slowly, the fabric catching the breeze — set the tone for the day: modern, refined, understated, but full of feeling.
A Modern Outdoor Ceremony in the Gardens
The wedding ceremony took place on The Rectory’s lower lawn — a space surrounded by tall trees and open sky. Charlotte Elise curated a layout that felt both contemporary and soft: wooden chairs arranged in a gentle curve, grounded by white floral meadows that rose naturally from the grass.
It was stripped back in the best possible way: no fuss, no clutter, just thoughtful design and the natural beauty of the estate doing the heavy lifting. Guests fanned themselves in the heat while Jenna and Clark exchanged their vows beneath the open sky — intimate, warm, and completely unhurried.
Drinks, Film Moments & That Timeless Rectory Hotel Glow
After the ceremony, everyone spilled into the gardens for drinks and relaxed conversations. This is where The Rectory Hotel really shines — the way the light filters through the trees, the soft gravel paths, the hidden corners that make space for natural, documentary moments.
Some of my favourite frames from the day come from this part of the afternoon: handwritten vows being read quietly, guests cooling themselves with fans, parents gathered close around the couple, bursts of laughter between friends, small gestures that later become the heartbeat of a gallery.
Photographed on both digital and film, the images feel timeless, sun-washed and full of connection.
A Contemporary Marquee Celebration
The marquee reception carried the modern aesthetic forward — white florals, structural greenery, natural textures and clean design. The floral installations were abundant yet restrained: clouds of white blooms rising from the ground, textured fruit bowls used as centrepieces, and soft candlelight that gently transformed the space as evening arrived.
One of the standout moments of the entire weekend was Jenna and Clark walking hand-in-hand into the marquee garden at sunset — the florals glowing, the sky softening, the music beginning to lift. It felt cinematic, almost like a still from a European summer film.
As the evening unfolded, dinner moved into dancing and that wonderful loosened-up luxury that The Rectory is so good at holding.
Why The Rectory Hotel, Crudwell Makes the Perfect Modern Cotswolds Wedding Venue
If you’re dreaming of a design-led, stylish celebration in the Cotswolds, The Rectory Hotel is truly one of the most beautiful venues you’ll find. It offers:
- A luxurious yet understated boutique feel
- Sculptural gardens ideal for modern outdoor ceremonies
- Beautiful hedged lawns and hidden corners perfect for portraits
- A marquee-ready space for larger celebrations
- Space for a full wedding weekend with family and friends
- Soft, timeless light that photographs effortlessly
It’s a place that allows modern design and natural beauty to work together — and for couples like Jenna and Clark, it becomes the most incredible canvas.
A Final Note
Jenna and Clark, thank you for inviting me into your world for an entire weekend. Your celebration at The Rectory Hotel, Crudwell was everything I love to photograph — modern styling, beautiful light, a thoughtful planner, and above all, genuine connection. Do get in touch herehttps://georginaharrisonphotography.co.uk/contact/
if you are planning a celebration at The Rectory Hotel.
I adored documenting this chapter for you.
Stunning florals by The Way To Bloom