Image credits: Abi Buck Photography
Nestled in the heart of Burton-upon-Trent, Royle Forest offers an enchanting venue for couples who dream of a wedding in nature but with a luxurious twist. This unique venue features a fully covered outdoor ceremony space that feels like a secluded woodland chapel. With an intimate stone altar surrounded by lush forest, the ceremony area is beautifully framed by 250-year-old church pews and a canopy of twinkling lights that set the scene for an unforgettable celebration. The timeless atmosphere, surrounded by the tranquility of the forest, made this Royle Forest wedding truly magical.
the perfect bridal entrance
The couple’s ceremony took place in this gorgeous outdoor chapel, with our grand piano set up behind the pews and to the side of the aisle. This perfect placement allowed for an ideal view of the bridal party as they entered, and it ensured the piano’s elegance added a special touch to the overall ambiance. For her entrance, the bride chose Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”—a perfect selection to capture the emotion of the moment. I was able to time the music so the chorus began as she walked down the aisle, a magical moment that gave goosebumps to everyone present.
a touch of modern romance during the ceremony
The ceremony was both personal and moving, filled with tears, laughter, and joy. During the signing of the register, the couple chose to keep the atmosphere light with “Cinema” by Benny Benassi and “Firestone” by Kygo, creating a serene yet joyful background for this part of the ceremony. For their recessional song, they picked “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield, filling the space with energy as guests clapped along, ready to celebrate.
a royle forest wedding celebration
After the ceremony, with a bit of help from Fraser, who runs the venue, we moved the grand piano to a clearing in the forest where the drinks reception was held. As the couple walked through a confetti arch along a wooden deck, I played Tom Odell’s “Grow Old With Me,” a choice that perfectly captured the beginning of their journey as newlyweds. From there, I played a variety of pieces to entertain guests, filling the open-air reception area with music. A light sprinkle of rain only added to the charm, with plenty of sheltered spaces for guests to continue the celebration.
When it was time for guests to gather in the main tipi for the wedding breakfast, I concluded my set, reflecting on the beauty and magic of this Royle Forest wedding. The venue strikes a perfect balance between the beauty of the outdoors and the comfort of a well-thought-out wedding space, and it left me thoroughly impressed. If you’re drawn to the beauty of the outdoors and want a wedding venue with a difference, I can’t recommend Royle Forest highly enough. Our grand piano looked right at home in both the ceremony and the reception spaces, and I look forward to returning to this wonderful venue soon.
interested in a royle forest wedding?
Planning a Royle Forest wedding and dreaming of live piano music for your special day? Contact us here to learn more about our packages—we’d love to be a part of your celebration!