American couple Amelia and Justin were our final wedding of 2023, and with Thanksgiving at the centre of today’s celebrations, it feels fitting to look back on their beautiful winter love story.
Amelia and Justin invited a large group of family and friends over from the US to share their beautiful winter wedding. We asked them why they chose Tythe and to share more on their stay at Tythe’s Farmhouse which, alongside the estate, has been the ancestral home of the Deeley family for more than five centuries and offers the perfect sanctuary for guests to gather, celebrate, and stay.
Why did you choose a Winter Wedding?
Our original reason for choosing a winter wedding was quite personal. I’m from England and my husband is from Texas, and since I’ve spent most of my life in America, it was important to us that we celebrated our wedding in England, close to my family. We also felt that England has such a whimsical and timeless charm at Christmas time.
With around 90 Americans travelling over, we thought it would be a magical time for them to experience England — shopping in London and Bicester Village, seeing the Christmas lights, and feeling the festive spirit in the air. Plus, as we both work in tech, Christmas offered a natural window where we could take extended time off and so could many of our guests, which made it all feel perfectly aligned.
It was very important to Amelia and Justin that the venue they chose could also take care of the logistics involved in co-ordinating a destination wedding and would be on-hand to help facilitate the planning process. With 27 years of experience under their belt, the Tythe team have hosted over 2,000 weddings. A list of trusted suppliers, award-winning caterers, a comprehensive black book of everything and everyone needed to ensure a seamless celebration allowed the couple to feel confident that Tythe not only love what they do but are industry experts and ticked all the boxes.
Tythe can host weddings throughout the year and provides a magical backdrop, both indoors and outdoors, whatever the season. We asked the happy couple what it was that drew them to a December wedding.
In what ways does a Winter wedding beat a Summer one?
There’s something indescribably romantic about a winter wedding. The atmosphere feels cosy, intimate, and full of warmth. Everyone is already in the Christmas spirit, so there’s a natural joy and togetherness that sets the tone. It felt like the perfect time of year to gather people from all over the world and celebrate love, family, and connection.
On the Tythe estate there are a number of spaces dedicated to preparations, each with it’s own unique personality and style. Getting dressed with your besties is one those really memorable moments and at Tythe couples are spoilt for choice. From the elegance of The Nook, with antique crystal chandeliers and floor to ceiling glazing to the cosyness of The Lodge, with it’s bespoke Sauna Cabin and wild Outdoor Shower, morning prep has become a huge part of the wedding experience. Amelia chose to spend the morning with her bridesmaids in The Farmhouse’s Dressing Room – which just happens to come with it’s very own Champagne Bar!
How did the season dictate what you wore on your wedding day?
I added a white blazer in the evening — both for warmth and a chic touch to my bridal look.
What did you feel were the most magical elements of a wedding day hosted in the Winter?
I’d highly recommend visiting Tythe around Christmas or taking a tour in December — that’s exactly what we did, and the moment we stepped into the barn, we knew it was the one. The decor is beautifully done with forestry on the ceiling, twinkling lights, and an elegant Christmas tree.
The space felt warm and inviting, with cosy fires, soft lighting, and a perfect crisp winter air just outside. Our guests truly embraced the season, bundled up and happy to be together. If I could do it all over again, I’d choose a Christmas wedding at Tythe every single time.
Tythe is set on the working farm of the Deeley family and owners Will and Emma are still central to the day-to-day running of the venue and estate. Will grew up in The Farmhouse, which Emma lovingly refurbished in 2022 to allow their cherished family home to be opened up to welcome guests. Each room tells a story, documented in little frames throughout the house and there’s even a mention of The Farmhouse in the Domesday Book. With so much history and character, we wondered what appealed most to Amelia and Justin when they first visited…
Why did Tythe particularly feel perfect for a winter wedding, and was there anything specific about the venue that helped you make your decision?
Tythe simply captures the spirit of a winter wedding so beautifully. The barn feels intimate and magical, with just the right amount of festive charm. From the moment we visited in December, we knew it was the perfect setting for the warm, romantic, and slightly whimsical celebration we imagined.
Tythe’s 14th century Thatched Barn can accommodate wedding guests for lavish dinners, framed beautifully by the aged-oak timber beams, delicate fairy lights and spectacular antique crystal chandeliers – sourced from one of Emma’s regular trips to auctions and antique fairs. The historical barn is dated 1370 and was previously more accustomed to hosting lambs during the lambing season until the Deeleys decided to move the sheep to a different location on the farm, restore the ageing barn and adapt the space for events back in 1998.
During the colder months, the manicured gardens come alive with festoon lighting, music and wood-burners surrounded by sheepskin-covered benches, baskets of woollen throws and blankets and handmade cocktail walls where guests can pick up an Espresso Martini or Tythe’s signature tipple ‘Dreaming Spires’ – which offers a cheeky nod to the wonderful city of Oxford – just a short hop, skip and a jump from the estate!
The barn has proved a huge success and is fully adaptable, providing a stunning backdrop for weddings and celebrations with the Deeley fields on one side and lavish gardens on the other. Thoughtful lighting, a Bose sound system, and space to house either a DJ or live performance allows wedding parties to enjoy all the thrills of 21st century partying, in a 14th-century setting. Importantly, there’s also a fully-stocked 12 foot bar and incredible seasonal menus from in-house caterer Absolute Taste. If you’re looking for that special destination venue to say ‘I do’ next Thanksgiving or Christmas – Tythe might just be the perfect place to begin your own story. Explore more of our winter weddings here.
