A Summer Wedding in Oxford with a Riverside Reception at Cherwell Boathouse
If you ever needed proof that laidback elegance and meaningful celebration can go hand in hand, Sarah and Johny’s Oxford wedding is it.
From their city ceremony to their relaxed riverside reception at Cherwell Boathouse, every part of the day was filled with thoughtful touches, laughter and the kind of love that does not need to shout to be heard. Add in a brass band, parasols on punts and marshmallows by the river and you have the recipe for something truly special.
The Proposal
Johny proposed on New Year’s Day, a quiet morning, cooking a fancy meal together in their flat, only slightly hungover from the night before. Scruffy clothes. Delicious food. A fake ring. It was understated and intimate, and that is what made it perfect.
They later found the real ring together in Hatton Garden, a delicate 1940s piece that matched the tone of their love story beautifully.
Oxford Ceremony at the Town Hall
Sarah and Johny were married at Oxford Town Hall, right in the heart of the city. Guests gathered beforehand at the pub opposite, which gave the morning a relaxed start.
The ceremony included readings from two of their closest friends and a soundtrack that blended perfectly with the emotion of the day. Sarah walked down the aisle to You and Me by Penny and the Quarters. Their first dance? Happy Together by The Turtles, a song that felt just right for them.
A Red Bus, a City Stroll and Punting to the Party
After saying their vows at Oxford Town Hall, Sarah and Johny didn’t rush straight into the reception. Instead, they walked through the historic streets of Oxford with their guests, soaking up the moment and the city’s atmosphere.
Waiting for them was a classic red Routemaster bus, which whisked everyone away from the city centre to the riverside calm of Cherwell Boathouse. It was a playful and nostalgic way to travel, made even better by the buzz of friends and the pop of champagne corks.
Cherwell Boathouse: The Perfect Oxford Venue
Finding the right venue was their biggest challenge. They were torn between a countryside wedding closer to their roots or something more industrial in London where they live. In the end, Cherwell Boathouse in Oxford was the perfect middle ground, both geographically and stylistically.
Set beside the River Cherwell with lush greenery, but rooted in the raw charm of a brick-lined boathouse, the space reflected both their personalities.
They used the riverside marquee for the meal, decorated with wildflowers and vintage glass bottles. Below, the boathouse transformed into a relaxed evening party space full of gold foil and neon light.
A Riverside Reception Full of Thoughtful Touches
Their day unfolded across three different spaces
The marquee overlooking the river hosted the meal
The boathouse below held the dancing and party
The outside lawn by the river created space for punting, parasols and late night marshmallows
They filled the tables with bottles of flowers they had collected from charity shops and car boot sales in the lead up to the wedding, over 100 of them. Guests were invited to take one home at the end of the night, a beautiful and practical favour.
The florists at Foxglove Studio helped transform the space, creating a hanging garland and covering up less than stylish lights with moss and eucalyptus. The end result felt natural, romantic and deeply personal.
Cherwell Boathouse Punting: Arriving in Style
One of the loveliest parts of having your reception at Cherwell Boathouse Oxford is the chance to include punting, and Sarah and Johny made the most of it.
They hired punts for guests, adorning them with lace parasols and boater hats for a whimsical touch. It brought so much joy and a sense of adventure to the day, especially as guests drifted along the water with glasses in hand and the sun low in the sky.
Later, they set up a firepit by the river, complete with baskets of blankets and marshmallows for toasting. It felt more like a magical summer evening with friends than a formal reception, and that was exactly what they wanted.
Their Outfits: Elegant, Understated and Joyful
Sarah wore a Catherine Deane skirt and top, chosen for its elegance and ease, especially on the dance floor. Her hair was softly waved and decorated with fresh flowers, and her makeup was kept natural and glowing, thanks to the talented Shauna Taggart.
Johny’s blue check three piece suit from Ben Sherman was paired with a Riess shirt, Ted Baker tie and a vintage 1960s collar bar found on Etsy. His deep burgundy shoes (from Barker) became a talking point all on their own.
Bridesmaids wore ASOS dresses with gold hair accessories, simple and stylish.
A Cake Full of Lemons and Love
Johny’s sister Sarah made their wedding cake, a single tall tier of lemon sponge with white chocolate ganache and edible gold foil. They had found an ambitious photo for inspiration and she delivered it perfectly, using 36 lemons to create something beautiful and full of flavour.
Music, Confetti and the Best Brass Band
Music was a big part of their day. They created themed playlists for each moment, sixties classics on the red double decker bus, reggae during the BBQ meal, and a five piece brass band called Brasswerk for the party.
The band played a cover of Crazy in Love by Beyoncé and Jay Z as Sarah and Johny entered the reception through a wave of confetti. It was bold, joyful and unforgettable.
Why They Chose Claudia Rose Carter Photography
Sarah says
“As soon as I saw her work, I wanted her to photograph our wedding. We knew we wanted a more reportage style, that would collectively tell the story of the day rather than posed portraits. Claudia’s images feel very emotive and raw. You want your wedding pictures to be a tool to transport you back to that moment, how you felt, the atmosphere in the room.”
Real Advice from the Couple
Keep it simple. Let the spaces you choose shape the day. Trust your people and lean into what feels natural.
From charity shop bottles to gold foil curtains, from confetti storms to parasols on punts, this day was unmistakably them. Relaxed, joyful, and full of the kind of details that tell a story.
If you’re planning an Oxford wedding or dreaming of a relaxed riverside celebration, you can find more about the venue here.
And if you’re looking for a photographer who blends in and captures what you might have missed, I’d love to hear your story.
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