Claire & Jack's Farm Marquee Wedding | South Cleatlam, County Durham | North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer

Wedding

Jul 1

Claire & Jack's Farm Marquee Wedding | South Cleatlam, County Durham | North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer

If you've been searching for marquee farm wedding inspiration in North Yorkshire and County Durham, let me introduce you to Claire and Jack's stunning celebration at South Cleatlam — and prepare to fall completely in love.

Getting Ready | The Details

From the very first moments of the morning, this wedding had a beautiful energy about it. The details were just gorgeous — a lace wedding dress hanging on a personalised "Mrs Henshaw" hanger, delicate florals, handwritten stationery, and all those little personal touches that make a wedding feel so completely them. Claire's bridal look was elegant and timeless, and even the family farm cat made a cheeky appearance on the windowsill during preparations!

The Ceremony | St Mary's Church, Staindrop

Claire and Jack said their vows at the beautiful St Mary's Church in Staindrop — one of the most stunning historic churches in County Durham. Walking through that incredible stone Norman archway, guests were greeted by the warmth of the interior, stunning stained glass windows, and flowers lining every pew. Jack's face as Claire walked towards him at the altar was one of those moments that reminds you exactly why you do this job. Pure magic.

The confetti exit through the church doorway? Absolutely iconic. Those images speak for themselves.

The Farm Marquee Reception | South Cleatlam

Now, if you're a fan of North Yorkshire farming life on social media, Jack's name might already be familiar to you. Jack Henshaw — known to thousands as @jackatmainsgill on TikTok — documents life at Mainsgill Farm in North Yorkshire TikTok, and Mainsgill Farm, located just four miles from Scotch Corner on the A66, is one of North Yorkshire's most beloved family farm shops and tearooms. Mainsgill Farmshop So it's fair to say that when it comes to farming, Jack knows a thing or two — and celebrating his wedding day on a family farm felt just perfectly, wonderfully him.

From Staindrop, the celebrations moved to the family farm at South Cleatlam for the marquee reception — and what a setting. A beautifully dressed marquee, draped in fabric and decorated with the most gorgeous floral arrangements, red and white bunting, and fairy lights, sat nestled in the North Yorkshire and County Durham countryside. The rolling farmland stretching out beyond the marquee made for the most breathtaking backdrop.

Farm marquee weddings are so special because they feel so personal — this is land that means something, a place with history and heart. You could feel that in every corner of the day.

With over 180 guests joining the celebrations, the atmosphere was electric. The room looked absolutely stunning — tall floral centrepieces, chiavari chairs, beautifully laid tables — and the guests filled it with so much laughter and joy. From the grandmother waving from the wedding car to the little ones playing with toy tractors on the marquee floor (very on-brand for a farming family!), the candid moments throughout the day were just priceless.

The Speeches | The Surprise of the Century

Now, I've photographed a lot of weddings and a lot of speeches — but I don't think anything could have prepared the room for what happened during Claire and Jack's. Just when everyone thought the biggest celebration of the day had already happened, the couple announced to their 180+ guests that they were expecting a baby. The reaction was absolutely phenomenal — pure joy, happy tears, and an eruption of cheers that I'm pretty sure the whole of County Durham heard. As a photographer, capturing that split second of collective surprise and delight across a room full of people is something I will never forget. What an absolutely perfect way to make the most special day even more unforgettable. A wedding AND a baby announcement — the Henshaws really did go all out!

Golden Hour | Countryside Portraits

One of my favourite parts of any farm wedding is the golden hour portraits, and South Cleatlam did not disappoint. Claire and Jack wandered through the wildflower fields and along the farm fencing — with the cows watching on with great interest, naturally — and the light was just dreamy. These two are so natural in front of the camera, and the love between them shines through in every single frame. Looking back at these images now, knowing what we all know, they feel even more special — a little family of three already on their way.

Congratulations, Mr & Mrs Henshaw!

Claire and Jack, what an absolutely incredible day. Thank you so much for trusting me to capture every moment — from those quiet morning details right through to the speeches that stopped the room, and all the dancing and celebrations that followed. It was a privilege to be there, and I can't wait for you to have these memories forever — memories that your little one will one day get to look back on too.

Here's to a lifetime of happiness together — and congratulations on your exciting next chapter! 🥂🍼

Thinking about a farm or marquee wedding in North Yorkshire or County Durham?

I absolutely love photographing marquee weddings, farm weddings, and countryside celebrations across North Yorkshire, County Durham, and the wider North East. Whether you're planning something at a private estate, a family farm, or a dedicated wedding venue, I'd love to chat about capturing your day.