Woodland Wedding Dresses at The Woods at Oakley: Inspiration from Our Beautiful Brides

Tucked away in the heart of nature, The Woods at Oakley in Wiltshire, UK offers a stunning and serene backdrop for couples who dream of saying “I do” surrounded by towering trees, soft sunlight, and the magical ambiance of the forest. Whether you’re planning a whimsical woodland celebration or an enchanting rustic wedding, our beautiful venue provides the perfect canvas for a day straight out of a storybook.

When choosing your perfect woodland wedding dress, you may want it to compliment the enchanting forest setting, as well as your own unique style. Your dress can enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings, whilst also making you feel comfortable, elegant, and effortlessly romantic. If you’re planning your wedding at The Woods at Oakley, take inspiration from our very own beautiful brides, who have embraced the magic of this stunning venue.

Ffion

a bride stands in her wedding dress in the forest at the Woods at Oakley carrying her bouquetThe back of a bride's wedding dress - she has long blonde hair and a white dress with red flowers embroidered on,

Ffion had a clear vision for her bespoke wedding dress which she created with dress maker Ali, who owns Unique Dress UK in Bristol. Taking inspiration from the wildflowers in the Woods at Oakley, Ffion designed the flowers on the dress and had the fabric custom printed. Her woodland wedding dress embraces a rustic, bohemian charm with its flowing silhouette and relaxed fit. Made from natural, lightweight fabric, the gown features a plunging V-neckline and voluminous puff sleeves, combining comfort with elegance. Her dress is adorned with delicate red embroidery in vine-like patterns, adding a handcrafted, folkloric touch. The long train flows effortlessly, echoing the organic beauty of the woodland setting. Paired with a bouquet of dried wildflowers, Ffion’s style captures an earthy and playful vibe, perfect for a free-spirited bride celebrating her love amidst the natural serenity of the forest.

Marysia

A bride stands in her white wedding dress with a flower crown on, smiling in a woodland and holding her bouquet.A bride stands in a woodland and holds her wedding dress up to show sparkly pink wellies.

Marysia found her woodland wedding dress on Etsy and then took it to a local tailor who performed his magic to create the the perfect fit. She said she felt like a woodland fairy on her wedding day, in her romantic, fairytale creation, perfect for a nature-inspired celebration. Her gown features a classic A-line silhouette with layers of soft, flowing white fabric, creating a dreamy and airy effect. A simple V-neck bodice pairs beautifully with the voluminous skirt, blending elegance and ease. Adding a touch of individuality, Marysia complements the dress with glittery pink rain boots, ideal for an outdoor forest setting. A crown of delicate, natural flowers adorns her head, emphasizing the bohemian aesthetic. The ensemble perfectly combines practicality, comfort, and charm, making it both stylish and whimsical for a woodland wedding.

Rachel

A bride and groom stand next to each other in front of the altar in The Woods at Oakley. They are both laughing and looking at her wedding ring.A bride and groom walk through a woodland, looking at each other.

Rachel found her dress in the designer outlet section at Brides of Southampton, which was perfect for their budget and to keep a focus on sustainability. Her woodland wedding dress exudes elegance and natural charm. Featuring a fitted bodice with delicate lace and three-quarter-length sleeves, it creates a timeless, romantic look. The lace adds intricate detailing, complementing the outdoor setting beautifully. A subtle V-neckline provides sophistication without overpowering the design. The flowing A-line skirt, crafted from lightweight fabric, allows for ease of movement, making it perfect for a forest ceremony. Her dress is finished with a slightly cinched waistline, highlighting her silhouette while maintaining comfort. Paired with dried flower hairpins and a simple blue teardrop necklace, Rachel’s dress perfectly blends vintage-inspired grace with woodland whimsy.

Sophie

A bride stands in a sunny woodland in her white wedding dressA bride stands in a garden at The Woods at Oakley looking down at her wedding dress

Sophie found her dream dress in the first shop she visited! She chose a boutique specialising in end of the line/second hand dresses, perfectly aligning with her eco-friendly values. Her woodland wedding dress radiates modern elegance and sophistication. Her gown features a fitted silhouette with a sheer lace bodice adorned with intricate floral appliqués, creating a romantic and feminine feel. Thin straps frame the neckline, offering a delicate touch that enhances Sophie’s natural beauty. The skirt flows seamlessly into a dramatic train, edged with exquisite lace detailing, perfect for a magical outdoor setting. Crafted from lightweight fabric, it ensures comfort while maintaining a sleek and polished look. Sophie’s dress balances contemporary style with timeless charm, making it an ideal choice for a nature-inspired celebration.

Alicia

A bride stands in the Nissen Hut, the bridal accommodation at The Woods at Oakley. She is wearing her wedding dress, holding a bouquet of flowers and standing next to a window.A bride stands looking out of a window and laughing, whilst in her wedding dress and holding a bouquet of flowers.

Alicia’s woodland wedding dress is an elegant and romantic fairytale gown featuring an off-the-shoulder design with delicate tulle sleeves. The bodice is adorned with intricate lace appliqués, creating a shimmering effect that extends down the flowing skirt. The sweetheart neckline enhances its timeless appeal, while the fitted bodice accentuates her waistline. The skirt flows gracefully into a chapel-length train, adding a touch of grandeur. The soft blush undertone complements the lace detailing, offering a subtle hint of colour. Alicia’s dress blends whimsy, romance, and elegance, creating a look that is both timeless and perfect for a serene, natural setting like a woodland wedding.

Ellie

A bride walks through a field in her wedding dress at The Woods at Oakley, looking back and smiling at the camera.

Ellie’s woodland wedding dress exudes natural elegance with its clean, minimalist design and graceful silhouette. Her gown features an off-the-shoulder neckline that drapes softly across the arms, highlighting a timeless and romantic aesthetic. The fitted bodice transitions seamlessly into a sleek, floor-length skirt, creating a modern yet classic look. The simplicity of Ellie’s dress emphasizes understated sophistication, while the lightweight fabric allows for ease of movement, ideal for a romantic outdoor celebration surrounded by nature’s beauty. A long, flowing veil adorned with delicate lace accents in the shape of ash tree leaves celebrates Ellie’s love for nature. Every couple who gets married at the Woods at Oakley is given a tree as a wedding present from the owners and Ellie’s oak tree will be a living reminder of the vows she and her husband made.

Sophie

A bride stands in the woodlands at The Woods at Oakley in her wedding dress. She looks back at the camera.

Sophie’s stunning woodland wedding dress exudes elegance and natural charm. Her gown features a fitted silhouette with a flowing train adorned with intricate floral lace detailing, complementing the lush green surroundings. Off-the-shoulder draped sleeves add a touch of romance, while the delicate veil enhances the ethereal look with its light embroidery that mirrors the dress’s floral motifs. The soft white fabric contrasts beautifully with the rustic forest setting, creating an effortlessly graceful aesthetic. Paired with loose, wavy hair and a simple bouquet of greenery, Sophie radiates timeless beauty, perfectly suited for a serene woodland celebration.

Leona

A bride in a white wedding dress adorned with flowers and carrying a bouquet smiles at the camera as she waits to get married at The Woods at Oakley,

Leona’s woodland wedding dress radiates charm and individuality. Featuring a soft A-line silhouette, her gown pairs a flowing tulle skirt with a plunging V-neckline and fluttery cape-like sleeves for an ethereal effect. Embellished with colourful floral appliqués in shades of pinks and greens, her dress exudes a playful yet romantic vibe, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Leona’s bouquet, echoing the floral elements, enhances the woodland theme. Subtle details, like the delicate fabric and unique floral placement, make her dress perfect for a nature-inspired ceremony, adding a touch of enchantment to the celebration.

Final Thoughts: A Focus on Sustainability

In keeping with the natural beauty of a woodland wedding, many brides are turning to sustainable and eco-friendly wedding dresses. Sustainability is not only a growing trend but also a meaningful way to celebrate love while honouring the environment. Here at the Woods at Oakley, we have a commitment to sustainability and the conservation of the woods (read our story here). By choosing a sustainable woodland wedding dress, you can reduce your ecological footprint while celebrating your love amidst the trees. It’s a beautiful way to align your values with ours for your special day.

Key Features of Sustainable Woodland Wedding Dresses: 

  • Natural and Organic Fabrics: Look for gowns made from organic cotton, silk, bamboo, or hemp. These fabrics are breathable, comfortable, and kind to the environment.
  • Recycled and Upcycled Materials: Many designers now use recycled lace, repurposed fabrics, or vintage materials to craft one-of-a-kind wedding dresses that minimize waste.
  • Ethical Production: Choose gowns from designers who prioritize fair labour practices and low-impact manufacturing processes.
  • Second-hand and Vintage Gowns: Opting for a pre-loved dress or reimagining a family heirloom is both eco-friendly and rich in sentimental value.
  • Minimalist Designs: Simpler dresses with clean lines often use fewer resources and are perfect for brides seeking both sustainability and rustic charm.

Choosing the perfect woodland wedding dress for a celebration at The Woods at Oakley is all about embracing natural beauty, romantic silhouettes, and delicate details. Whether you lean towards bohemian styles, vintage elegance, whimsical fairytale gowns, or sustainable options, there’s a dress that will make you feel like the woodland bride you dreamed of being.

Your wedding day is your chance to step into a real-life fairytale, and the right dress will make that moment even more unforgettable. With its enchanting setting and timeless charm, The Woods at Oakley is the perfect place to bring your woodland wedding dreams to life.

Start your journey to the aisle with a dress that reflects the beauty of nature, and let the forest be your witness as you celebrate love beneath the trees.

Follow us on Instagram for more woodland wedding dress inspiration and read our brochure here.