REAL OUTDOOR WEDDINGS
at Heathy Lea
We’re proud to share a glimpse into some of the unforgettable celebrations held at Heathy Lea - one of Derbyshire’s most scenic outdoor wedding venues. These real wedding photos capture the magic, personality, and natural beauty of each couple’s day, from heartfelt ceremonies beneath open skies to relaxed, rustic receptions surrounded by countryside. Every wedding featured here has been thoughtfully brought to life with the help of our trusted suppliers, and no two are ever the same. Whether you're gathering ideas or dreaming up your own celebration, we hope these moments offer inspiration for what’s possible in our outdoor space.
A Celebration That Looks Like You
One of the most striking things about weddings at Heathy Lea is how different each celebration looks and feels. As a self-catering wedding venue, the space becomes a blank canvas, allowing couples to bring in their own furniture, décor, and finishing touches to make it entirely theirs.
The photos show everything from long wooden tables dressed with wildflowers to unique glassware, handwritten signs, disco balls, and DIY favours.
No two setups are the same, and that’s what makes them so special. It’s in the little details, the ones chosen with love, where the personality of the day really shines through.
Where the Day Begins
The getting ready moments at Heathy Lea are full of quiet anticipation, shared laughter, and small, meaningful details.
As a self-catering wedding venue, couples have the freedom to shape their own morning - from laid-back breakfasts in the kitchen to hair and makeup unfolding in soft natural light.
The images captured during these hours often show everything from dresses hanging in old stone doorways to candid hugs, mirror reflections, and that final deep breath before stepping out. It’s a peaceful, unhurried start to the day, with plenty of space for both nerves and joy.
Vows with a View
Ceremonies at Heathy Lea are as individual as the couples themselves - some are set beneath open skies alongside our licenced garden shed, whilst other blessings are held under our oak tree with views across the Chatsworth parkland.
As a unique outdoor wedding venue, Heathy Lea allows couples the freedom to shape their ceremony space however they choose - from simple rows of wooden chairs to wildflower arches and aisle details with live music.
The photos capture everything from emotional glances to wide smiles, small nerves to big cheers. Whether formal or free-spirited, every ceremony here feels personal, grounded, and full of heart.
That Just Married Feeling
That first walk back down the aisle as a married couple is always full of smiles, cheers, and a few happy tears.
Confetti flies, guests clap and cheer, and there’s often a spontaneous kiss or two before everyone spills into the next part of the day. These are some of the most joyful images from any wedding, full of genuine emotion and movement.
At an outdoor venue like Heathy Lea, there’s plenty of space for guests to gather outside, pop some fizz, or start the confetti tunnel. It’s the moment everything shifts from ceremony to celebration.
Fizz, Friends and Fresh Air
After the vows, guests gather with glasses in hand, laughter in the air, and music drifting through the space.
Whether it’s fizz served from vintage glassware or a self-styled gin bar, the cocktail hour at Heathy Lea is all about relaxed connection and celebration. Being a self-catering wedding venue, couples have the freedom to curate this part of the day however they like - from choosing their own drinks suppliers to styling their own outdoor setups.
The photos from this time often capture clinking glasses, candid hugs, garden games, and guests basking in the glow of golden hour - a quiet pause before the evening begins.
Stories, Speeches and Shared Plates
As guests take their seats and glasses are topped up, the pace of the day softens. The wedding breakfast at Heathy Lea is where the styling comes into its own - long tables dressed in personal details, handwritten place cards, and flickering candlelight. At Heathy Lea, each setup reflects the couple’s individual style - from rustic sharing platters to formal multi-course menus brought in by hand-picked caterers.
The photos capture everything from emotional speeches and hearty laughs to quiet glances between the couple as they soak it all in. It’s more than a meal - it’s a pause to celebrate, reflect, and share the day together.
A Pause in the Peaks
That quiet moment away from the crowd, just the two of you, catching your breath.
The countryside around our Derbyshire wedding venue is the perfect backdrop for portraits that feel honest and unposed.
Some couples wander into the fields, others stick close to the trees or stone walls, but the feeling is always the same: calm, light, and real.
One of the benefits of a weekend wedding venue like Heathy Lea is the freedom to take your time - no one’s rushing you back. It’s a chance to slow down together, and those photos often end up being some of the most meaningful.
From First Dance to Final Song
As the sun dips behind the hills, the atmosphere shifts - shoes come off, ties loosen, and the dancefloor slowly fills.
The evening photos at our Derbyshire wedding venue often capture the most spontaneous moments: big laughs, wild dance moves, and guests singing their hearts out.
Because Heathy Lea is a self-catering wedding venue, couples can shape the night however they like - from fairy-lit decorations and food trucks to live bands and DIY bars.
It’s the part of the day where the formalities fade, and the real party begins - loud, joyful, and completely unforgettable.
