An Exclusive Look into The Old Vicarage's Journey, Creative Vision, and Expert Tips for Crafting Intimate, Detail-Driven Weddings at The Old Vicarage.
When it comes to redefining quiet luxury and crafting intimate, detail-driven weddings, few do it with as much passion and creativity as Chelsea Croft. As the Director of The Old Vicarage, a boutique wedding venue nestled in Nottingham, Chelsea brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, artistic vision, and heartfelt hospitality to every celebration.
In this exclusive interview, Faye Wilde sits down with Chelsea to uncover the inspiring journey behind The Old Vicarage, her philosophy on building a standout wedding business, and her insights into the trends set to shape 2025 weddings. From curating an exceptional supplier list to embracing timeless styling elements, Chelsea shares her expert advice for creating truly memorable, personalised events. Read on to discover her story and be inspired by her passion for pushing creative boundaries in the wedding industry.
Tell me about your role at The Old Vicarage?
I’m the Director at The Old Vicarage, which I own and run with my mum, Suzie.
She bought the building at an auction years ago when it was completely derelict - before that, it had been an old people’s home! She had this incredible vision for the place, and while it was never intended to become a wedding venue, here we are. And honestly, we couldn’t be happier. It’s funny how life has a way of surprising you, isn’t it?
At The Old Vicarage, my main role is in marketing and developing the business. Recently, I’ve been more hands-on in operations, covering for our amazing Laura while she’s been on maternity leave, thankfully she is back this January to take the rains.
The wedding industry was hit hard during Covid, and like so many others, we had to completely adapt and reinvent what we do. After the whirlwind of catching up on Covid postponements, we found ourselves burnt out. We did 86 weddings in a 6 month period, it really made us stop and reflect on the kind of business we wanted to be moving forward - and that’s been a turning point for us.
We’ve since expanded to host a variety of private events, wellness retreats, and incredible shoots, including working with renowned brands like Tweezerman. These opportunities have brought a fresh energy to The Old Vicarage and allowed us to showcase the versatility and charm of our venue in new and exciting ways.
If you were starting a fresh tomorrow, what would you prioritise to build and scale the business?
I’ve learned to prioritise finding people who are more equipped and talented than me to help grow and build my business. I truly believe that people and their abilities can make or break a business. That’s why I’ve come to value taking the time to get the recruitment process right. It’s so important to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the role - not just because they’re affordable or because you get along with them, but because they genuinely bring the skills and mindset needed to contribute to your vision.
You’ve re defined quiet luxury within the wedding space and found a niche as the ultimate place to host a detail led, intimate wedding - how do you decide what to use to market your business this way (what factors do you prioritise when choosing content)?
Thankfully, our beautiful Vicarage speaks for itself, but we’ve truly poured our hearts and souls into making it feel welcoming and homely, with all the little extras and attention to detail you’d expect from a boutique hotel.
For years, we dreamed of having a slightly bigger venue, but post-Covid, we’ve come to realise what a privilege it is to have such an intimate and personal space. It allows us to create meaningful, tailored experiences that are unique to each couple.
I studied visual communications and creative media at university, and I think that background shines through in the way we present ourselves online. I’ll admit, I’m incredibly pedantic about detail - it’s both my strength and, at times, my downfall.
You are the queen of curation and this extends to your recommended suppliers, how do suppliers make a good impression on you and the team?
I firmly believe that you are who you surround yourself with, and that philosophy extends to the incredible suppliers we welcome into our directory. I want to be inspired, influenced, and motivated to evolve and grow constantly. That’s why I only recommend kind, honest, and trusted suppliers to our couples - many of whom become friends along the way.
This is what makes The Old Vicarage so special: the relationships, the passion, and the commitment to creating something truly personal and unforgettable.
The Old Vicarage has been going for years - but you’re always in front when it comes to trends and fashion, what are you most excited to see in 2025?
Oh, what a great question! As I mentioned, I’m a very visual person, so I’m really excited to see more documentary-style and editorial photography paired with vintage-inspired videography. There’s something so romantic and nostalgic about imagery that evokes real emotion and tells a story - it’s timeless and incredibly captivating.
When it comes to bridal fashion, I’d love to see more vintage-inspired and classic styles making a comeback. Think basque drop waists, intricate vintage embroidery, delicate lace, and silhouettes that feel both elegant and nostalgic. These styles have a way of blending tradition with individuality, which always feels so special.
Styling plays such a pivotal role in wedding aesthetics - it can truly make or break the overall visual impact. I’m hoping to see more antique accents, soft textures, and dramatic draping florals. These elements add such depth and romance to any celebration, creating a beautiful, layered look that’s perfect for intimate venues like ours.
We also adore seeing couples embracing our boutique bedrooms for those luxurious, hotel -suite moments. Whether it’s a quiet morning of preparation or some stunning, candid photography, these spaces offer the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories.
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