Every parent when invited to a wedding has the same thoughts; are the kids invited? And will there be entertainment? Because the reality is, many wedding venues simply aren’t designed with little ones in mind. At the Woods at Oakley in the South of England, we pride ourselves on being a kid-friendly wedding venue. Read on to discover why our woodland setting is the perfect location for little wedding guests.
Where Little Guests Have Big Fun
Whether to invite children to a wedding or not can be a divisive topic, with more and more couples choosing adult-only celebrations.
But doesn’t necessarily mean couples don’t want children at their weddings. In reality, the decision is often made in order to help parents enjoy their days. Because with limited resources to entertain, juggling meals and naps, and kids growing restless from long periods of sitting still, parents often find weddings a bit of a challenge.
The good news is, that doesn’t have to be the case!
With more casual wedding settings and relaxed schedules becoming more popular, couples are now searching for child friendly wedding venues in the UK. This can include countryside estates, venues with family spaces, barn venues with outdoor play areas and hotels offering supervised activities.
At The Woods at Oakley, we don’t have a play area or child-specific services on offer, and that’s very much by design. Our woodland venue itself was created with families in mind. The space, the woods and the way everything flows naturally, welcome children without needing anything overly structured.
At our weddings, kids feel included, adults can enjoy the day without stress, and everyone becomes part of the celebration.
What Makes the Woods at Oakley a Child Friendly Wedding Venue?
In this article, we explain the seven reasons our venue is the perfect choice for family-centred weddings in Wiltshire.
1. There’s Plenty of Space to Run Around
Starting with the obvious, at The Woods at Oakley, we have endless space for exploration!
Our 12 acres of enchanting private woodland are ready for discovery with hidden paths to wander, trees to play between and a reception space made up of a vast lawn area perfect for games.
So never mind encouraging the children to sit at the table for hours, or worrying about them shouting in the hotel lobby.
At our woodland venue, the kids can run free, dance under the trees and laugh as much as they please.
2. You Can Borrow our Lawn Games
Kids don’t need much here to stay happy. Give them a bit of space, a few lawn games, and they’re off!
We have a selection of simple outdoor games you’re welcome to borrow, and which make all the difference to your big day (not to mention that they’re also very engaging for the adult too!).
Instead of being confined to a hotel function room with colouring and a dance floor, children here have room to roam and games to play.
You’ll often see them dipping in and out of the games for hours, teaming up with cousins, making up rules, or inventing little challenges between the trees. It keeps them entertained in the easy, natural way that only happens outdoors!
3. Find Secrets Hidden Throughout the Woodlands
It’s the little details at The Woods at Oakley that provide children with even more layers of fun and exploration.
Scattered throughout the woodland are tiny fairy doors tucked beneath tree trunks and hidden among mossy roots. They’re easy to miss for adults, but unforgettable for little ones.
You can send the children on a mini adventure to find them all, turning the day into an exciting treasure hunt.
It’s amazing to watch their imaginations spark as they search, discover and create their own little stories in the woods!
4. You Can Camp in the Woods, Too
One of the things that makes weddings here so memorable for the whole family, is the Bell Tents tucked away in the woods, which turn the whole celebration into a little adventure for the family. It makes the weekend feel like an exciting camping trip, only much more comfortable!
The Oak Grove, where the tents sit, is found on the edge of the woodland with beautiful views over the countryside. Our luxurious bell tents are hidden among the trees here.
Inside, the beds are comfortable and the spaces are filled with cosy touches that make the stay feel special rather than too rustic (which isn’t always ideal for a wedding). At night, lights threaded through the trees, guide everyone back to their tents after the celebrations.
And for families with young children, the good news is that in the morning there is a toilet and shower for freshening up and breakfast hampers can be delivered on request. The whole experience adds something special for you and the children!
5. Our Rescue Animals Love to Meet the Kids
And now for our guaranteed crowd-pleaser. At The Woods at Oakley, we have a handful of wonderful rescue animals, and they often end up becoming the unexpected stars of the day, with wedding guests following their journeys on our social media accounts years later!
Our little crew includes sheep, horses, donkeys, dogs and cats. They potter around happily and are always keen to say hello. So when it’s time to take the children for a little wander around the venue, there’s plenty of excitement waiting for them.
It’s such a simple addition, but it brings so much joy. Kids light up, adults get just as invested, and guests talk about “the animals” (often Kevin the donkey) long after the wedding weekend is over.
6. There’s Lots of Entertainment and Things to Discover
One of the best things about being in the woods is that there’s always something new to stumble upon.
We have a wooden swing tucked between the trees, a wishing tree, an archway and plenty of little surprises hidden throughout the woodland.
In spring, the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers, and spotting them becomes a mini adventure of its own. If you’re lucky, you might even find a rare white bluebell among the blue!
It all adds up to a wonderful mix of curiosity and exploration, with kids drifting from one discovery to the next.
7. The Kids Can be Involved in Planting Your Tree
One of the most special parts of The Woods at Oakley is our replanting story.
After losing trees to ash dieback, we began restoring the woodland one tree at a time. Every couple has the chance to plant a new tree that will grow here for generations, complete with a little tag so you can always find it again.
It’s a lovely moment for guests to gather round, and if you want to involve the children, even better! Kids love helping to pat down the soil, and be part of something that feels important to the day.
And the best part? You can come back in the years ahead and see how your tree has grown.
It’s a small act on the day, but it creates a lasting connection to the woods and a memory families always treasure.
8. There’s Fun to be Had at the Pixie’s Playground
Our daughter has always had a little handmade wooden playground at home, built with love and used for countless adventures. Now that she’s getting older, we’ve decided to give it a new life at The Woods at Oakley.
It now sits beside the Wishing Tree, ready for your little guests to explore while the grown-ups celebrate.
Close enough to the aisle and reception that parents can relax, but tucked into its own corner of the woods so kids feel like they have their own space too.
A small touch, but one we hope adds even more joy to your day.
9. There’s More to Climb Than the Climbing Frame
Built by our little team at the end of 2025, The Perch is a climbable lookout made for curious minds and restless legs!
From the top, there are open views across the fields, plenty of birds to spot, and enough height to feel like an adventure (but not too high to be dangerous!). The Perch is just another of those places kids naturally gravitate towards, climbing up, looking out, inventing games, and disappearing into their own world for a bit.
Another small detail that makes being outdoors part of the experience, not just the backdrop.
Contact The Woods at Oakley Today
Are you looking for a family-friendly wedding venue in the South of England? Our woodland could be the perfect fit for you.
To find out more, please contact us using this contact form, or reach out on Instagram.