The History of Slapton Manor

Slapton Manor sits within a small Northamptonshire village surrounded by farmland and centuries of history. The venue describes its Manor House as dating back to the 12th century, with later farm buildings creating the wonderfully characterful collection of spaces that couples enjoy today.

The Smith family has been farming at Slapton Manor since 1924, with several generations continuing the farming tradition. That working-farm heritage is an important part of the venue's character. This isn't a modern wedding venue designed to look rustic. The barns, yards, fields and agricultural surroundings are genuinely part of the story of the place.

The Olde Threshing Barn dates from the 18th century and retains the kind of features that make old agricultural buildings so photogenic, including rustic stonework and substantial timber beams. Today it is one of Slapton Manor's licensed ceremony spaces.

Just a short distance from the Manor is the Church of St Botolph. Historic England lists the church at Grade I and dates substantial parts of the building to the 13th and 14th centuries. Particularly fascinating are its surviving medieval wall paintings and early 14th-century stained glass.

Today, the history of the farm has been combined with a very flexible approach to weddings. Couples can use the barns, Fold Yard, gardens, countryside and marquee to create a celebration that feels much more personal than a conventional hotel wedding.

For photography, this combination is brilliant. There are old stone walls, timber barns, open fields, farm buildings, countryside views and huge skies, but the real strength of Slapton Manor is the freedom it gives the wedding itself. When people are enjoying themselves rather than following a rigid schedule, genuine moments happen everywhere.

Did You Know?

• The Smith family has farmed at Slapton Manor since 1924.
• The venue describes the Manor House as dating back to the 12th century.
• The Olde Threshing Barn dates from the 18th century.
• The Threshing Barn is licensed for civil ceremonies of up to 134 guests.
• Humphrey's Hall is licensed for ceremonies of up to 75 guests.
• Several outdoor areas are also included within the venue's current marriage licence.
• The nearby Church of St Botolph is Grade I listed.
• St Botolph's contains remarkable medieval wall paintings.
• The venue hosts only a limited number of weddings each year.
• Couples can access the venue before their wedding to personalise and decorate it.
• On-site accommodation has been created from traditional cow byres and stables.