Autumn at Swanley Meadows always feels a little bittersweet. The tipis are down, the fields are resting, and the quiet gives me time to reflect, plan for 2026 weddings, and keep the vision of our Cheshire wedding venue alive. Behind-the-scenes moments, planting days, and preparations remind me that even in the off-season, magic is growing.
I always find autumn a bittersweet time, but more so now Swanley Meadows is a thing. The tipis are down, the fields are quiet again, and the farm feels like it’s exhaling after our first wedding season. The golden light and crisp mornings are so beautiful, but there’s no denying the autumn slump. After months of preparing for and celebrating couples’ love under the big tree and in the tipis, returning to spreadsheets, planting plans, and wedding timelines can feel strange.
This season feels different from last year. Swanley Meadows has grown into a fully-fledged venue, no longer just a concept - the tipis have been up, the space has been alive with laughter and love. Now, selling what’s once again “just an empty field” feels unusual. But the couples who are right for Swanley Meadows see the vision and I’ll always be grateful for those like-minded folk. They enjoy the space and the nature, understand the potential, lock in their dates for 2026 or 2027, and will return in May to see it all in full wedding-day glory.
Business-wise, Swanley Meadows is still young - too young for me to take a salary yet so I’m back to my 'normal' job - but full of purpose and promise. It’s a careful balance between dreaming, planning, paying the bills and seeing my children. As I reflect, I come back to the reason we started: to create a genuine, family-run, beautiful wedding venue in Cheshire that offers more than just a space.
We’ve updated our pricing for 2026, 2027 and 2028 weddings and, I'll admit, it's led to a lot of self-doubt and overthinking. At first glance, Swanley Meadows might look similar to other venues. But we include so much more. No hidden extras, no optional add-ons that are actually necessary - just everything couples need for a stress-free, beautifully curated wedding day. We believe in offering real value, even if it takes a little explanation to show the difference.
Keeping the vision alive
Autumn and winter may be quieter on Instagram, but I’m doing my best to keep the vision alive for the couples yet to celebrate their big days here. But my word, it’s hard when you’re not ‘living & breathing the business every day. The tipis are packed away, and the fields are resting. Summer’s energy - the colour, the buzz, the excitement of wedding season - is so much easier to share.
But this quieter season matters just as much. The behind-the-scenes work - planning sessions, planting days, refining details for our 2026 weddings - all tell the story of Swanley Meadows beyond the big day. It’s the less glamorous side, but it’s what keeps everything growing.
If the feed looks a little slower or earthier, think of it as a reflection of the off-season at a Cheshire wedding venue: recharging, rewilding, and quietly preparing to welcome couples back in spring.
Looking ahead: wedding planning and winter growth
Over the winter, while the fields rest, we’re focusing on growth - both literally and figuratively. Hedgerows, trees, and wild flowers will be planted to support the farm’s wildlife and maintain the natural beauty couples love about Swanley Meadows.
We’re also working closely with Florence & Vera to make the 2026 wedding planning experience exceptional. From first enquiry to wedding day, we aim to make every couple feel supported, organised, and cared for - a stress-free journey from start to finish.
Even in this quieter season, the seeds of next year’s weddings are being sown. The tipis may be down, but Swanley Meadows is very much alive, ready to host more unforgettable weddings in 2026.
Here’s to slowing down, reflecting, and dreaming big for the year ahead.
With love
Jenny x
Founder, Swanley Meadows – Tipi Weddings & Events
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