A Dreamy Country Wedding in Dorking – Real Love at Gildings Barn

There’s something undeniably magical about a country wedding in Dorking. Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Dorking offers the perfect balance of rural charm and refined elegance, an idyllic backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot in nature’s embrace. With its rolling fields, picturesque views, and characterful venues, this corner of Surrey is made for love stories.

At the heart of one such story is Gildings Barn, a rustic gem that radiates warmth, charm, and an undeniable sense of romance. As a wedding videographer with Fantail Photo + Film, I’ve been lucky enough to capture celebrations all across the UK, but there’s something truly special about this setting. Whether it’s the golden light dancing across the barns or the heartfelt vows shared under ancient beams, Gildings Barn is a place where moments turn into memories.

In this blog, I’m sharing highlights from one unforgettable day at Gildings Barn and offering tips for making the most of your own countryside wedding. If you’re planning a relaxed, heartfelt celebration in Surrey, read on.

Why Choose a Country Wedding in Dorking?

When it comes to planning a relaxed yet unforgettable celebration, a wedding in Dorking ticks all the boxes. Located in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dorking is a haven for couples who want that balance of peace, privacy, and picturesque charm. Think wide open fields, woodland walks, quaint country lanes and cosy pubs—all within easy reach of London and the South East.

What makes this area so special is its authentic countryside feel without feeling remote. Guests can arrive easily from across the country, yet once they’re here, it feels like a world away from the bustle of daily life. For couples dreaming of an outdoor ceremony, a rustic barn reception, or simply the beauty of nature as their backdrop, Dorking offers endless inspiration.

This is exactly why so many couples fall in love with the idea of tying the knot here. From sunrise over the hills to golden-hour portraits in the fields, a country wedding in Dorking is full of timeless beauty and emotional depth; perfectly suited for cinematic storytelling. At Fantail Photo + Film, we love helping couples make the most of this gorgeous setting through thoughtful, relaxed, and beautifully honest wedding videography.

Gildings Barn, A Venue with Heart

If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that’s full of charm, character and countryside soul, then Gildings Barn might just be the perfect fit. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Dorking, this family-run venue is the kind of place that immediately feels special the moment you arrive. It’s warm, welcoming and beautifully unpretentious; exactly the right setting for a relaxed, heartfelt celebration.

The barns themselves are stunning. With their exposed oak beams, high vaulted ceilings and soft natural light, they offer a rustic elegance that doesn’t need much dressing up. Whether you’re going for vintage, boho or classic countryside style, the space adapts easily to whatever you have in mind. There’s also a lovely mix of indoor and outdoor space, so you can really make the most of the fresh air and views.

One of the best things about Gildings Barn is how naturally the day flows. Couples often choose to hold their ceremony in the main barn, followed by drinks and mingling in the courtyard, and a reception full of music and dancing back inside. Every part of the venue feels connected but distinct, which works beautifully for both photos and video.

As someone who specialises in wedding videography in Surrey, I’ve filmed at many venues, but Gildings Barn really stands out. There’s something about the golden light, the textures of the wood and stone, and the peaceful countryside around it that creates a genuinely magical atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where stories unfold effortlessly and that makes my job capturing those moments such a joy.

At Fantail Photo + Film, we always aim to reflect the real feeling of your day. And in a setting like Gildings Barn, the beauty of the venue helps those moments shine.

My Experience Shooting at Gildings Barn

Every wedding we capture has its own rhythm and personality, and this country wedding in Dorking was no different. From the moment I arrived at Gildings Barn, you could feel the love in the air. There was a quiet buzz of excitement, a gentle mix of nerves and joy, and lots of laughter coming from the bridal prep room. It was clear this was going to be a day to remember.

The couple had planned a wedding that truly reflected who they are, relaxed, fun-loving, and full of heart. The setting at Gildings Barn helped everyone feel at ease straight away. As guests arrived, they were greeted with big smiles, welcome drinks, and the sight of open fields stretching in every direction. The ceremony was held inside the barn, under those beautiful oak beams, with sunlight streaming through the gaps in the wooden slats. It was simple, emotional and completely personal.

After the ceremony, the celebrations spilled out into the courtyard where lawn games got everyone involved, yes, even the competitive aunties and uncles. The kids ran wild on a bouncy castle, drinks were flowing, and it felt like one big family gathering. Just when we thought it couldn’t get better, an Elvis tribute act turned up and had the whole room dancing. It was one of those brilliant surprises that had everyone on their feet (and some on the tables!).

The speeches were another standout moment. They were heartfelt, funny, and tear-jerking in all the right ways. As a filmmaker, these are the moments I live for, the kind of memories that don’t just make for a great wedding video, but ones that families will want to watch again and again.

We kept things natural all day, capturing both the big moments and those tiny, fleeting ones. A quick squeeze of the hand. A proud parent looking on. The kind of details that tell the full story.

At Fantail Photo + Film, that’s what we do best, keeping it real, relaxed and meaningful.

The Magic of Wedding Videography in Surrey

There’s something really special about video that photos alone can’t quite capture. Don’t get us wrong—we love a beautiful still image, but there’s a different kind of magic in seeing your dress catch the breeze, hearing your vows spoken aloud, or watching your guests burst into spontaneous laughter during speeches. That’s the beauty of wedding videography in Surrey, especially when it’s done in such a stunning spot as Gildings Barn.

With video, you don’t just see the moment, you feel it all over again. The movement, the sounds, the atmosphere… they bring your day to life in a way that’s deeply personal. And that’s exactly what we aim to deliver at Fantail Photo + Film. Our style is natural, thoughtful and full of feeling. We quietly blend into the background, allowing your day to unfold just as it should, while we capture it all gently and honestly.

Venues like Gildings Barn are a dream for us. The soft, shifting light, the open countryside, and the layout of the barns create the perfect canvas for cinematic storytelling. Whether it’s guests laughing in the courtyard or a quiet moment shared just the two of you under the oak beams, every second is full of potential.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Surrey countryside, investing in video is one of the best decisions you can make. It’s not about staging scenes or being camera-ready all day—it’s about preserving the real, raw, joyful energy of your celebration.

FAQs About Planning a Country Wedding in Dorking at Gildings Barn

1. Why choose Dorking for a countryside wedding?

Dorking sits right in the heart of the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s peaceful, full of charm, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s also surprisingly accessible, making it ideal if you want a rural feel without being too far from London or the South East.

2. What makes Gildings Barn such a special venue?

Gildings Barn offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and thoughtful design. The oak-beamed interiors, natural light, and flexible layout make it an ideal backdrop for both intimate and larger weddings. The surrounding fields and gardens also give you lots of options for outdoor moments and beautiful golden-hour portraits.

3. Is Gildings Barn suitable for all seasons?

Yes! While it’s especially popular in spring and summer, Gildings Barn works beautifully in every season. The barns are warm and inviting in winter, with plenty of indoor space for guests, and the venue really comes alive with autumn colours or spring blooms.

4. How does videography fit into a wedding at Gildings Barn?

With its soft lighting, wide open spaces, and mix of indoor and outdoor areas, Gildings Barn is a dream for videography. At Fantail Photo + Film, we focus on capturing real, candid moments that reflect the emotion of the day—perfect for a relaxed countryside wedding like this one.

5. Do I need both a photographer and a videographer?

That’s totally up to you, but video captures moments that photos simply can’t—like the sound of your vows, the energy of your first dance, or the laughter during speeches. We work seamlessly alongside photographers to make sure nothing is missed, and we never get in the way.

6. How far in advance should we book wedding videography in Surrey?

We recommend reaching out as early as possible, especially if you’re planning a summer wedding. Dates at popular venues like Gildings Barn tend to go quickly, and we take a limited number of weddings each year to give each one the attention it deserves.