WEDDING VENUES I LOVE
Choosing your perfect wedding venue is likely to be one of the biggest decisions you’ll be making when planning your wedding, and there is so much more than just the location to think about. Great staff, excellent service, local accommodations, and convenient transportation connections for guests are just a few of the key factors to consider when choosing a venue.
There is an almost overwhelming choice of fantastic wedding venues, and I have photographed weddings at many wonderful places over the years. I’m sharing a small selection of some of the venues I’ve loved working at, along with my own thoughts on what makes them special.
Surrey Wedding Venues
Loseley Park
Situated just three miles from Guildford in Surrey, Loseley Park is a beautiful venue for a country wedding and one of my absolute favourites. The stunning gardens are perfect for drinks receptions and a dream for photography. The garden’s colours change with each season, each one bringing its own beauty. The wisteria wall is in full bloom in May and looks stunning, it makes a perfect backdrop for portraits.
Hampton Court House
This venue is in a setting that I love, backing onto Bushy Park and opposite the famous Hampton Court Palace in Surrey; Hampton Court House is set in eight acres of 18th-century gardens. The house is warm and cosy, and the grounds are stunning with palm trees and even a shell grotto.
High Billinghurst Farm
High Billinghurst barn has a cool and rustic vibe with high-beamed ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and a massive inglenook fireplace. A courtyard makes a great space to welcome guests, and a personal favourite is the enclosed rose garden, perfect for some romantic bride and groom portraits.
Botleys Mansion
A magnificent country house wedding venue in the Surrey countryside, Botleys Mansion is set in 56 acres of beautiful parkland.
I’ve photographed several weddings here, and I love the indoor space and the way the historic house and modern styling blend so beautifully. Wedding breakfasts can be held in a glass conservatory; the light streams into this space is lovely.
The grounds are gorgeous, with lots of great locations for photography, and they can also be used for outdoor ceremonies.
Millbridge Court
Millbridge Court is a stylish country wedding venue in the pretty village of Frensham in Surrey suitable for weddings of up to 150 guests. Surrounded by fields and a wildflower meadow Millbridge Court has been thoughtfully restored as a purpose-built exclusive use wedding venue and effortlessly combines traditional and contemporary styles.
The Barn at Botley Hill
The Barn at Botley Hill is a stunning wedding venue nestled in the picturesque North Downs of Surrey, offering breathtaking countryside views and a serene, romantic atmosphere. Combining rustic charm with contemporary elegance, this purpose-built barn features exposed wooden beams, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stylish interiors that create a warm and inviting space for your special day. Surrounded by rolling hills and open skies.
London Wedding Venues
Claridges
Claridges Hotel is a London wedding venue with a name that immediately conjures images of elegance and sophistication. I adore the Art Deco style of this quintessentially classic London venue. The luxury venue has a variety of rooms that can cater for celebrations of all sizes, from grand ballroom weddings to small and intimate ceremonies.
The Savile Club
I am in love with the painted cloud ceiling at the Savile Club; the rooms are ornate and elegant, and the sweeping staircase is simply stunning, making it a great place for group photos or speeches. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing two weddings here, and each has felt so different.
Ironmongers Hall
Ironmongers’ Hall offers a unique blend of historic grandeur and modern elegance, making it one of London’s most enchanting wedding venues. It almost feels like something out of Harry Potter. Situated between the Barbican Estate and St. Paul’s Cathedral, this Tudor-style hall, built in the 1920s, exudes the charm of a country house in the heart of the city. The venue boasts four versatile spaces, including the majestic Banqueting Hall with its soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows, and the intimate Drawing Room, home to the largest William Morris tapestry in the country .
Trinity Buoy Wharf
If you are planning a London wedding and looking for a unique urban venue you are sure to love Trinity Buoy Wharf. On the banks of the river, and home to London’s only lighthouse, Trinity Buoy Wharf is an arts and cultural events centre as well as a wedding venue.
St Etheledrads Church
For anyone planning a church wedding in London I can highly recommend St Etheldreda’s with it’s beautiful and enchanting interior. Of all the churches I’ve photographed weddings in St Etheldreda’s is my favourite, it also happens to be the oldest Roman Catholic church in England.
Merchant Taylors Hall
Merchant Taylors’ Hall is a unique and historic wedding venue in the heart of London. With its dark wood-panelled walls and beautiful high ceilings, it has a classic and atmospheric feel and it’s no great surprise that the opulent interior was used in the Harry Potter films.
The Hurlingham Club
The Hurlingham Club is an exclusive private members’ club offering a luxury wedding venue available to both members and non-members. A dedicated team of professionals are on hand to help plan your bespoke wedding, and the stunning Georgian clubhouse can accommodate up to 800 guests. The clubhouse sits among 42 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and well-tended gardens, which are bordered by the River Thames.
The Orangery, Holland Park
The Orangery at Holland Park is an incredibly charming London wedding venue set in the heart of one of London’s prettiest parks and just off Kensington High Street. With floor-to-ceiling windows along one side, this glass and stone palace is flooded with daylight, giving it a light and airy feel that perfectly suits its natural elegance. The Orangery is licensed for weddings and can accommodate up to 120 guests for the marriage ceremony, 80 for a seated wedding breakfast, and up to 150 for a standing reception.
St Pauls Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is a truly iconic wedding venue situated on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in London. Built in the late 1600s and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul’s is steeped in history and has been the venue for many royal weddings through the centuries.
London Town Hall Venues
Old Marylebone Town Hall
Old Marylebone Town Hall is a stylish and iconic wedding venue located in the heart of London. There are seven ceremony rooms of various sizes, from an intimate 6 guest wedding up to a wedding with 100 seated guests. This beautiful Grade II listed building has an impressive columned frontage which is inspired by classic Greek and Roman architecture, a stunning backdrop for wedding photos.
Islington Town Hall
This stunning Grade II listed building is situated on fashionable Upper Street making it an ideal location for a London wedding. There are four rooms to choose from for your wedding ceremony with the largest, The Council Chamber, seating up to 100 guests. With wood panelled walls, stained glass windows and a beautiful decorative ceiling this elegant room has an intimate feel despite its size.
Lambeth Town Hall
Situated in the heart of Brixton, Lambeth Town Hall has a choice of rooms in different styles and sizes and is an ideal London wedding venue for celebrations of all sizes. For larger weddings the Council Chamber is an elegant space with huge domed ceilings and stunning chandeliers.
Chelsea Town Hall
With its welcoming interiors and rooms full of character Chelsea Old Town Hall is a great choice for a London wedding ceremony. Situated right in the heart of Chelsea, on The Kings Road, this Grade II listed building is renowned for its graceful style and has hosted many celebrity weddings.
Woolwich Town Hall
West Sussex Wedding Venues
Cowdray House
Situated in West Sussex, Cowdray House is a spectacular country house wedding venue set in beautiful grounds. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing several weddings here in different seasons, and it’s been a joy to see how the gardens change at different times of the year.
The Walled Garden at Cowdray
The Walled Garden at Cowdray is a hidden gem of a wedding venue nestled in the heart of the Cowdray Estate in Midhurst, West Sussex. With a beautiful backdrop of the Cowdray Ruins, the venue is licensed for ceremonies in the garden and in a choice of two indoor spaces, The Castle Room and The Courtyard Room. Both rooms are airy and elegant spaces full of rustic charm with exposed brickwork and cream walls.
Duncton Mill
Duncton Mill Fishery is a beautiful lakeside wedding venue in West Sussex and a perfect blank canvas for couples wanting the flexibility to create a unique wedding. This tranquil venue is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty at the foot of the South Downs. You can make the most of this beautiful rural location with a celebrant wedding by the side of the lake and your celebrations in a customised marquee or tipi.
Upwaltham Barns
Upwaltham Barns is a gorgeous rustic wedding venue set in the South Downs National Park. It’s perfectly suited to couples planning a relaxed country wedding with a boutique feel. Upwaltham Barns is a family-owned venue with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Farbridge Court
Farbridge is a gorgeous rustic barn wedding venue situated near Chichester, West Sussex, and surrounded by the natural beauty of the South Downs National Park. The lovingly restored former dairy is now a romantic, exclusive-use wedding venue in an unspoilt, tranquil location and can host weddings from 70 to 150 guests.
Bury Manor Barn
Bury Manor Barn, nestled in the tranquil village of Bury near Pulborough in West Sussex, offers a picturesque and historic setting for weddings. This beautifully restored 16th-century Tudor barn, situated on the grounds of Dorset House School, provides panoramic views of the River Arun and the South Downs National Park .
Hampshire Wedding Venues
Avington Park
Avington Park is a stunning Georgian manor house in Hampshire and I absolutely love the ceremony room here. It has the most beautiful ornate ceiling with ceremonies being held in front of a large window where the light is perfect. Both the wedding breakfast room and the bridal suite are also blessed with fantastic light and as an added bonus it’s the only wedding venue I’ve come across that has Highland Cows in the grounds!
Bury Court Barn
This beautiful and rustic Hampshire wedding venue is almost on my own doorstep, I’ve photographed three weddings here and have loved it every time. The converted barn is charming and cosy with its intimate ceremony room and the gardens are gorgeous at any time of year.
Cain Manor
Cain Manor is located 5 minutes from my home, I have had the pleasure of photographing my dear friends Sam and Mark at this venue when we were fortunate enough to have snow, along with several other summer weddings. I love the rustic charm of the manor house and the fact it’s tucked away down a woodland drive which opens up to beautiful views.
The Grange
Avington Park is a stunning Georgian manor house in Hampshire and I absolutely love the ceremony room here. It has the most beautiful ornate ceiling with ceremonies being held in front of a large window where the light is perfect. Both the wedding breakfast room and the bridal suite are also blessed with fantastic light and as an added bonus it’s the only wedding venue I’ve come across that has Highland Cows in the grounds!
Tylney hall
Tylney Hall is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion nestled within 66 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and parkland in Hook, Hampshire. With its majestic architecture, tranquil lakes, and sweeping tree-lined vistas, it offers a romantic and timeless setting for weddings.
Pylewell Park
Pylewell Park is a breathtaking country house wedding venue situated on the edge of the New Forest in Lymington, Hampshire. Set within a 1,500-acre estate, the venue boasts 27 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, a 15-acre lake, and private beach access along the Solent, offering panoramic views of the Isle of Wight.
Northbrook Park
Northbrook Park features beautifully landscaped gardens, a tranquil lake, and a charming family of resident swans and peacocks, providing a serene backdrop for weddings. With the capacity to accommodate up to 250 guests, Northbrook Park offers a variety of elegant event rooms, ensuring an idyllic setting for any celebration.
The Tithe Barn
The Tithe Barn in Petersfield, Hampshire, is a stunning Grade II* listed wedding venue nestled within the scenic South Downs National Park. Set on a 300-acre farm, this historic barn boasts six impressive stone arches, half-hammer beams, and a flagstone floor, creating a grand yet intimate atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions. With a capacity of up to 250 guests, The Tithe Barn offers exclusive use for the entire day, allowing couples to personalize their celebration.
The Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a luxurious wedding venue set within a beautifully restored 18th-century Georgian manor house, nestled amidst 500 acres of rolling parkland in Dogmersfield, Hampshire. The hotel features a variety of elegant indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including the expansive Four Seasons Ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace, as well as the enchanting Walled Garden, perfect for open-air celebrations. Couples can enjoy bespoke wedding planning services, from personalised menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients to curated floral designs and entertainment options.
Oxfordshire Wedding Venues
Blenheim Palace
A stunning Oxfordshire venue, one of the many highlights of this incredible location is the possibility of a tour through the stunning grounds in a golf buggy. With water terraces, rose gardens, manicured hedges, Italian gardens and landscaped parkland, this really is a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for a wedding. Oh, and the space inside has the most perfect light too!
Ardington House
Ardington House is a stunning Georgian stately home nestled in the tranquil Oxfordshire countryside, offering a romantic and exclusive setting for weddings. Set within 30 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and parkland, the estate features a serene private lake and its own Temple Island, providing a picturesque backdrop for ceremonies and celebrations. Couples can choose from various ceremony locations, including the lakeside Temple Island, the elegant Imperial Hall, or the charming South Lawn. The riverside marquee, adorned with chiffon draping and fairy lights, accommodates up to 200 guests for the wedding breakfast and evening festivities.
Wiltshire Wedding Venues
Hatch House
Located in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside Hatch House is a beautiful and romantic wedding venue. It’s tucked out of sight down a private driveway and surrounded by beautiful sweeping countryside. Hatch House is home to some wonderful walled gardens and offers the options of holding wedding ceremonies and speeches outdoors in the tiered garden areas with the house itself making a beautiful backdrop
Pythouse Kitchen Garden
Pythouse Kitchen Garden is a charming 18th-century walled garden nestled in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, offering couples a unique and sustainable setting for their wedding day. This enchanting venue, located near Tisbury, combines rustic elegance with modern comforts, featuring vibrant flower beds, heritage trees, and a serene atmosphere that reflects the changing seasons. Couples can choose to exchange vows within the garden itself or opt for a civil ceremony at the nearby Hatch House, just a short walk away.
Syrencot
Syrencot is an exclusive-use wedding venue nestled in the serene Wiltshire countryside, offering a harmonious blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance. Situated just 11.5 miles from Salisbury, this Grade II listed Georgian manor house, dating back to 1738, has been thoughtfully restored to provide a luxurious setting for weddings. The estate spans five acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, featuring a restored Walled Garden, a purpose-built barn known as The Farmshed, and a light-filled Glasshouse, all designed to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for couples and their guests.
Wellington Barn
Wellington Barn is a captivating wedding venue nestled in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, offering a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Situated in Calstone, near Calne, this family-run estate has been farmed by the Maundrell family for over 300 years . The venue boasts two beautifully restored barns: the historic Old Barn, featuring high-vaulted oak beams and rustic character, and the contemporary New Barn, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside .
Dorset Wedding Venues
Deans Court
Deans Court is a historic wedding venue located in Wimborne, Dorset, offering a unique blend of ancient charm and modern elegance. Once a Saxon monastery, the estate has been in the Hanham family for nearly 500 years, providing a rich heritage backdrop for your special day. The venue boasts 13 acres of romantic, semi-wild gardens, featuring a one-acre monastic fishpond, a chalk stream, and a walled permaculture garden, creating a picturesque setting for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies. Couples can choose from various ceremony locations, including the terrace, pond, or South Lawn, with options for indoor ceremonies in the Main Hall, Dining Room, or Drawing Room.
Plumber Manor Country House Hotel
Plumber Manor is an idyllic Jacobean manor house set in the heart of the Dorset countryside and available as an exclusive use wedding venue. The country house has been owned by the same family for over 400 years and is a much sought after venue for weddings of all sizes. The historic interiors are tastefully decorated and well-tended gardens are a riot of colour in the summer.
Mapperton House & Gardens
Mapperton House and Gardens, nestled in the rolling hills near Beaminster, Dorset, offers an enchanting and exclusive setting for your wedding day. Voted the UK’s finest manor house by Country Life magazine, this 16th-century Jacobean estate boasts 15 acres of award-winning Italianate gardens, featuring topiary, fountains, ponds, and a wild garden. Couples can choose from various ceremony locations, including the Garden Pavilion, Orangery, secret Grottoes, or the medieval All Saints Church. The 17th-century Coach House provides a rustic yet elegant space for receptions, accommodating up to 120 guests with its exposed beams and original stonework.
Cotswolds Wedding Venues
Stone Barn
Stone Barn is a stunning wedding venue nestled on a peaceful hill in the heart of the Cotswolds, near Upper Windrush, Gloucestershire. This historic stone barn, transformed by Cripps & Co, offers a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, featuring flagstone floors, wooden beams, and a grand open fireplace. The venue provides both indoor and outdoor ceremony options, with a capacity of up to 200 guests for indoor ceremonies and 250 guests for evening receptions. The adjoining Dutch Barns, with their elegant arched ceilings and sweeping views, offer a unique setting for dining and celebrations.
Owlpen Manor
Owlpen Manor is a secluded Tudor estate nestled in a private Cotswold valley near Uley, Gloucestershire. Described by poet Algernon Charles Swinburne as “a paradise incomparable on earth,” this Grade I listed manor house and its 215-acre estate offer an enchanting setting for weddings. The venue provides exclusive use for up to three days, allowing couples to fully immerse themselves in the estate’s beauty and history. Ceremonies can be held in the historic Cyder Barn, dating back to 1446, or the contemporary Pole Barn, which accommodates up to 120 guests. For larger gatherings, the formal gardens, featuring centuries-old topiary and box parterres, provide a picturesque backdrop.
Cotswolds Field of Dreams
This exclusive-use, 10-acre field offers a blank canvas for couples seeking a personalized and creative celebration. With panoramic 360-degree views of the Cotswold valley, the venue provides ample space for marquee receptions, camping, and festival-style events. Couples have the freedom to choose their own suppliers, structures, catering, entertainment, and decor, allowing for a fully bespoke experience.
Wedding Venues in France
Chateau La Durante
I’ve now had the pleasure of photographing four weddings at this luxury chateau in the Dordogne region of France and each time has been completely different. For your ceremony and celebrations, you can choose between the chateau interior, a gorgeous spot on the lawn overlooking the grounds, a marquee or even the barn. The chateau is surrounded by apple orchards which make a perfect setting for romantic portraits.
Chateau De Lacoste
Another chateau in the Dordogne region, I’ve now photographed two weddings at the Chateau de Lacoste and I just want to keep coming back here! The views over the Dordogne from the elevated position of the venue are amazing. There’s a small stone chapel on the grounds in addition to an outdoor area for ceremonies by a cliff face. You can choose to hold your party on the lawn inside the house. For me, the highlight of this location is the stunning, warm, light during golden hour, a photographer’s dream!
Le Mas De La Rose
Le Mas De La Rose is a charming destination wedding location in the South of France. This gorgeous country chateau is situated in a tranquil countryside location and is surrounded by parkland with lavender fields and olive groves. In summer delicate pink roses bloom and add a gentle touch of colour to the natural soft and neutral colour palette of Le Mas De La Rose.
Chateau de Bourneau
Château de Bourneau is a captivating Renaissance-inspired château nestled in the serene Vendéen countryside of western France. Couples can choose from various ceremony locations, including the romantic ruins of the 19th-century orangery, the rose garden, or the historic Saint Jean-Baptiste Church nearby. The château’s elegant interiors, such as the Napoleon III–style Yellow Salon and the charming Library, provide intimate spaces for ceremonies and receptions.