Spotlight on Fordhall Farm

Every wedding couple is looking for a sumptuous venue for their big day, accepting , of course, that what is perfect for one couple is not for another but not every couple is concerned with the ethical credentials of their wedding location.  For those looking for a truly unique venue, rooted in the countryside and supporting one of the first organic farms in England they need look no further than Fordhall Farm. 

The woodland roundhouse - photo courtesy of Fordhall Farm

Fordhall Farm, is 128 acres of stunning Shropshire countryside farmed today by Ben, the latest generation of his family to run this pioneering establishment.  One of the very first organic farms in England and one of the first yoghurt producers too, Fordhall is truly a special place.  Run today as a community owned initiative, 2026 marks 20 years since siblings Ben and Charlotte established the Fordhall Community Land Initiative and in doing so saved their family farm from conglomerate takeover. Under their father Arthur Hollins’ leadership Fordhall was pioneering and it remains so today. It is a beacon of organic, ecological and community values.  You can learn more about the history and pioneering approach of Fordhall here.

The Straw Lodge. Photo courtesy of Fordhall Farm

As a wedding venue Fordhall offers something truly special.  With a choice of indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for a ceremony and a wide range of accommodation options, there really is something for everyone.  The onsite catering team can provide anything from a formal, silver service through to a farm supplied hog roast or a spectacular grazing table  and pretty much anything in between and the venue is fully licensed for the consumption of alcohol. (See menu examples here.) There are a number of indoor spaces for the ceremony from the fully accessible Foggage and Yoghourt rooms of the main building, catering for 12 - 35 guests through to the ecologically built Straw Lodge offering space for approximately 65 guests.  There is also the magical Roundhouse which you’ll find nestled in the surrounding countryside and larger parties can easily be accommodated with additional marquees (by external arrangement).   One of the special features of Fordhall is that it can also offer an extensive range of accommodation - there is dormitory style accommodation in the Straw Lodge which also offers a couple of double bedrooms one of which is fully accessible.  Alternatively you may like to avail yourself of the Mongolian Yurts on site - accommodating up to six or a luxury option for the bride and groom?  Camping on site can also be arranged meaning Fordhall can accommodate every party.

Celebrate in Style! Photo courtesy of Fordhall Farm

In terms of a wedding ceremony, for those looking for an Anglican service St Mary’s Market Drayton is just a couple of miles from the farm although couples would need a ‘Qualifying Connection’ to be married here (contact St Mary’s for  more details - 01630 653505).  If you are looking for a Registrar wedding, each of the ceremony spaces outlined above are licensed with Shropshire County Council.  If you’re after a celebrant-led wedding, Fordhall offers the perfect setting for this - as a family run business, truly looking to act responsibly and sustainably within its community, Fordhall can respond to your personal, bespoke criteria for the day.  For more information about what a celebrant-led wedding involves see my blog.

So if you’re looking for a truly unique venue; somewhere that doesn’t churn out weddings but rather takes a bespoke, creative approach to every single one and ensures your big day is environmentally considerate, you should look at Fordhall Farm.  Ashleigh and her team will be delighted to help you; there are packages for every budget. If you’d like to discuss holding your wedding at Fordhall, contact Ashleigh on celebrate@fordhallfarm.com, packages are available for every budget (details) and if you’d like to know more about what I, in particular, can offer as a celebrant please see my blog.

By Catrina Young, Leicestershire Heart-led Celebrant; Marking Life’s Moments.

© Hardingstone Ceremonies, May, 2026