I’ve been a wedding photographer for over a decade, and in all that time, I’ve found few wedding venues I love as much as Runa Farm. Which is why I ended up getting married there myself! Today I’m going to explain why I love wedding photography at Runa Farm. It’s going to be a struggle to keep it to 5 points, but here we go…
1. The Chapel – a wedding photographer’s dream ceremony space
Yep, it’s the big one. We can’t really not talk about the Chapel first! When I first visited with my now husband, we walked in the ceremony room and knew immediately we’d found our place. It’s romantic, but different – combining boho with luxe in a way I’ve not seen anywhere else.
As a wedding photographer, I judge a lot of venues on light. This ceremony room is darker than most, but it’s got the most romantic lighting you could possibly want. If you’re looking for light and airy wedding photography, this isn’t the wedding venue for you. However, if you want something atmospheric and romantic, then carry on reading! I love being a wedding photographer at Runa Farm because it’s an opportunity to lean into the shadows and fully embrace some beautiful ambient light. And the result is gorgeous.
The room is also an unmissable space for doing your wedding portraits in. The staircase is the absolute dream – as is the top of the aisle too. This room is also your bad weather backup. If it’s raining, you can do your couples portraits and group shots in here and they’ll look amazing.
Ok, I’ll stop and let the photos speak for themselves now…
2. The Farmhouse for elegant getting ready shots
Few wedding venues have a space as large and beautifully decorated as the Farmhouse at Runa Farm. It’s got a lot of bedrooms, a kitchen, a hot tub, and has clearly been designed with prep in mind. There’s a bench in the living room with mirrors where you can have hair/make up, and the main bedroom downstairs is dark but very pretty for the getting dressed shots. I am obsessed!
3. The barn party space
I say barn, but there really is nothing barn like about this space. It’s super modern, minimalist and light – completely different to the spaces you’ve seen so far. I love that it’s simple and elegant. It means you have a lot of freedom for decorating it yourself and putting your own touch on it. It’s spacious, which means as a wedding photographer I have plenty of room to move during speeches, being able to capture everyone’s reactions. In barns this is super rare! There’s also a sneaky lookout from the gallery. Perfect if you have a second photographer (or I can run up for some cool first dance or speeches shots).
4. Outdoor wedding ceremonies on the terrace
If you want to have an al fresco wedding, there’s also the chance to get married out on the terrace. The venue has as lovely little readymade spot with hay bales and pink flowers. The seated area for guests would also be under cover, just in case! However, if you don’t want to forgo the Chapel,this is also a brilliant space for doing your wedding photos. I hate to steal people away from the action for too long, so it’s an easy but pretty spot to bring groups over to quickly.
5. The Ibizan vibes
When we went to Runa Farm while venue hunting, one of the main reasons we loved it was it felt like a destination wedding venue, in the heart of County Durham. It’s sold as a farm and barn, but there’s nothing of those in the traditional sense, which I love! It’s really got an awesome rustic luxe aesthetic, and is super unique in that. Everything has a warm feeling, which reflects in the photos, particularly if you’re having a high summer wedding. On their website, Runa Farm is described as ‘Mediterranean style celebrations laced with Ibizan elegance’.. and it’s definitely that.
Ready to Book a Photographer for Your Runa Farm Wedding?
So… to conclude! As a wedding photographer and an ex-bride, I adore Runa Farm. It’s one of my absolute favourite wedding venues to photograph as it’s just so unique. I love leaning into the atmosphere of it and it’s a venue that allows for creativity.
Importantly, it’s also one of a few venues that if the weather is bad, is just as perfect as if it’s sunny.
If you’re getting married at Runa Farm and are still looking for a wedding photographer, get in touch! It’s safe to say I know it better than most, having seen both sides as a bride and a supplier. Or, if you just want to get some more of my honest thoughts on the venue, hit me up 🙂
You can also check out some of my other favourite wedding venues in the North East.
