Upton Barn Wedding Photography — Lucy & Hayden

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8th August 2026

Upton Barn wedding photography at its most memorable — yesterday Lucy and Hayden tied the knot at this beautiful barn venue just outside Cullompton, and gave us some personal, unforgettable moments to capture.

Upton Barn & Walled Garden sits in the Devon countryside between Exeter and Taunton, with the Cider Barn’s glazed gable end opening straight onto the walled garden and views across to the Blackdown Hills. It’s a venue that gives a wedding day real breathing room — three connected spaces under one roof, so the day can move from ceremony to reception without anyone standing around in a car park waiting for a room turnaround. For photography, the light through that gable end alone is worth the trip.

The ceremony was where this wedding really set itself apart. Hayden carries the tar barrels in Cullompton, and as the celebrant pronounced them married, a barrel was carried in and held over Lucy and Hayden — a proper, blazing nod to Hayden’s own tradition, right there in the moment they became husband and wife. We’ve photographed a lot of ceremony exits over the years but we haven’t shot one quite like that before.

The evening brought the second big surprise: a first dance that was fully, properly choreographed — steps, lifts, timing, the lot — and clearly rehearsed to within an inch of its life, and the room went wild for it. It’s always a joy watching a couple commit to something like that, and even better when it lands exactly as planned.

Lucy and Hayden — congratulations. Thank you for having us there for a day that felt entirely, unmistakably yours. Full gallery to follow soon.

The Details

Venue: Upton Barn & Walled Garden, Cullompton
Flowers: Flowers By Jen, Cullompton — @Flower_byjen
Catering: @pickleshack
Cake: made by a friend of the couple — @crystaltips55
Make-up: Lucy’s sister, Megan Chard-Maple — @megan_maple96

Eyecandy Photography offers relaxed, documentary-style wedding photography in Devon and Cornwall. If you’re planning a wedding at Upton Barn or anywhere in the South West, get in touch to check your date.