Wedding venues

Although I have been fortunate enough to photograph weddings all over the UK and abroad, being a Hertfordshire-based wedding photographer feels like shooting fish in a barrel because I am surrounded by gorgeous venues! Here are a few venues that I photograph at regularly. They all have something unique to offer and each and every one would make your Big Day special.

St Michael’s Manor

I absolutely love photographing weddings at this utterly gorgeous St Albans wedding venue, nestled in a quiet street amongst beautiful listed buildings and backing onto the river Ver and Verulamium Park. A short walk away across the park is the magnificent St Albans Abbey. St Michael’s Manor has been sympathetically restored. It boasts an orangery which looks out onto 5 acres of manicured gardens, which itself delights visitors with the surprise of its own lake. There are two private function rooms, a lounge, a bar and a terrace to soak up that magical evening sunshine. As a Hertfordshire wedding photographer, every time I have photographed weddings here, I have experienced truly incredible hospitality from the friendly staff. If you book your wedding here you will be well catered for. This place is THE perfect place for a wedding!

St Michael’s Manor blog

Hanbury Manor

If you are in search of an exquisite wedding venue, I cannot recommend Hanbury Manor enough. The grandeur of this Jacobean-style hotel is truly breathtaking. For those desiring a more intimate setting, the Garden Court is also available – providing a perfect option for a romantic and personal affair. The charm of Hanbury Manor continuously astonishes as you uncover its many offerings. There’s a timeless elegance to this venue, and I particularly relish capturing the magic of weddings here. During the warmer months, the Walled Gardens offer a splendid outdoor wedding setting. Every detail of this place has been meticulously designed, ensuring a tasteful and elegant ambiance throughout. The Poles Hall exudes dramatic charm, and the Chapel provides a dreamy backdrop for couples walking down the aisle. The staff at Hanbury Manor are exceptional, adding to the overall wonderful experience. In my view, Hanbury Manor truly ticks every box when it comes to the perfect wedding venue!

Hanbury Manor blog

Essendon Country Club

Located in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, Essendon is easily accessible, just a ten-minute drive from J24 of the M25. Upon arrival, a winding road through its extensive grounds leads you to the Grand Barn at a mezzanine level. It is a charming setting for your ceremony, boasting sweeping views of the venue, golf course, and lake. This serene oasis offers the perfect backdrop for a day of celebration with your loved ones. As evening approaches, the setting sun casts a magical glow over the golf course, creating an idyllic space for you and your guests to relax. With the convenience of collaborating with the Hatfield Registry Office, Essendon Country Club offers an enchanting option for your wedding venue.

Quendon Hall

Quendon Hall is a stunning venue tucked away in the peaceful Essex countryside, yet conveniently situated just 10 minutes from the M11. A glorious drive takes you through the extensive grounds, where you might encounter roaming deer, as you make your way to this elegant mansion. Couples describe it as the perfect setting for fairytale weddings! Somehow it also manages to feel cosy and homely, somewhere you never want to leave. The staff have a caring nature and genuinely look after their wedding guests. As a wedding photographer, they have always made me feel accommodated to the point where I feel like a guest too!

Lanwades Hall

The first time I arrived at Lanwades Hall, I was struck by its grandeur and homeliness. Despite being an old but stately Edwardian house, it felt perfectly suited for hosting weddings. As a wedding photographer, Suffolk’s Lanwades Hall offers a dream backdrop. It’s a hidden treasure, from the building itself to the sunken gardens and surrounding tree-lined pathways. Capturing stunning images is impossible to resist. The staff and food are the perfect complement to the delightful setting. Situated near Newmarket with easy routes from all directions, this Suffolk wedding venue is a true delight and definitely worth considering for hosting your wedding.

The Priory at Little Wymondley

The Priory is a hidden gem that requires directions (though easy ones!) to find, as it cannot be seen from the main road. Once you and your guests arrive, the stunning Tithe Barn is exclusively yours to enjoy and create cherished memories. Located only minutes from Stevenage and Hitchin in Hertfordshire via the A1M, it is easily accessible for guests, yet it feels like it could be situated in the middle of Cornwall. The Tithe Barn boasts all its original features and charm and is claimed to possibly be the finest timber barn in England. As the night goes on, this fabulous Hertfordshire wedding venue continues to delight and effortlessly entertain its guests. There is an enchanting atmosphere, allowing guests to choose whether to let their hair down and party the night away, or simply chat. I have enjoyed photographing many weddings here over the years.

Coltsfoot Country Retreat

You could almost think you are going in the wrong direction when trying to find this stunning Datchworth wedding venue. Nestled within the Hertfordshire countryside, it feels like a million miles away from the stresses of modern-day living, and yet it is right on the doorstep of nearby Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Hertford, Stevenage, and Knebworth. Once inside its welcoming gates, you feel as if you’re being embraced by Coltsfoot and transported to another world. Rolling fields surround the beautiful courtyard, and the outside world just fades away. The accommodation, food, wedding and reception area, and welcoming staff all make for a day that you won’t forget. Highly recommended!

Hatfield House

Nestled at the heart of Hatfield House, one of the most prestigious wedding venues in Hertfordshire, are two distinctive settings – the opulent Great Palace and the charming Riding Stables, both conveniently located next to the picturesque Stable Yard. These venues cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of couples envisioning their perfect wedding day. Just a short 15-minute drive from both Welwyn Garden City and Hertford (with Hatfield station being on the doorstep), this historic location is a magnet for visitors seeking a truly authentic experience steeped in centuries of rich history. As a local wedding photographer, I have found Hatfield House to be an enchanting backdrop for capturing exquisite images of the newlyweds, as well as their guests, against the backdrop of both the sun-kissed daytime vistas and the romantically illuminated evening scenes.

Luton Hoo

Upon arriving at Luton Hoo for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel like I had stumbled upon the setting of Downton Abbey! The long drive leading up to the estate creates a sense of seclusion despite its close proximity to the M1, near Harpenden and Luton. As a Hertfordshire wedding photographer since 2002, I have had the privilege of visiting numerous stunning venues both locally and abroad. However, the first time I arrived at Luton Hoo, I was truly taken aback. From the moment you step into the reception area, you are made to feel exceptionally special, and every moment there feels like a treat. The vast, opulent building provides countless opportunities for grand photos, as well as intimate shots in several areas. Choose between the luxurious five-star Mansion House hotel or the exclusive-use wedding venue at Warren Weir. Go and see the Walled Gardens! When it comes to romantic wedding venues in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, few can rival the 18th-century Mansion House setting at Luton Hoo.

Shendish Manor Hotel & Golf Course

Shendish Manor combines Victorian grandeur with a personal touch perfectly. The magnificent hotel is best admired with a slow drive up to marvel at its glorious architecture. Greeted by welcoming staff, its friendly atmosphere puts couples at ease, making for fabulous natural images against its stunning backdrop. The venue offers options for civil ceremonies in the Apsley Suite or more intimate weddings in the Manor House. It is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the Harry Potter Studio tour, making it easy to get to and hard to leave! Every time I have had the pleasure of photographing weddings at this west Hertfordshire wedding venue, I have left with the fondest of memories!

Fanhams Hall

Fanhams Hall is a stunning Jacobean-style wedding venue located in the Hertfordshire countryside, near Ware. Regardless of the time of year, this fabulous setting showcases the beauty of each season. From the enchanting entrance to the inviting reception area, you can explore the magnificent Great Hall and Lakeside Pavilion, both of which make ideal wedding ceremony rooms. Outside, wander through the tranquil gardens, cross the famous red bridge, and make your way towards the Japanese Tea House. The stunning Jacobean building offers a treasure trove of photo opportunities, making it a photographer’s dream. The Great Hall is equally impressive, adding a sense of true grandeur to every wedding. I have photographed in excess of one hundred weddings at Fanhams Hall and each and everyone was a delight due to the warmth shared by the newlyweds and guests.

Hertford Castle

Hertford Castle is truly a historical icon in the centre of our beautiful County town. Couples tell me that having married there, they feel like they have been a tiny part of its magnificent history. The Castle is available for dry hire, giving you and your wedding plans a blank canvas to organise your perfect day. They now offer weekday weddings. The gardens are an absolute joy and a photographer’s dream. The venue has all the grandeur you could wish for in a Grade 1 listed building dating back hundreds of years. There is a charm (the spiral staircase is a personal favourite of mine) to the architecture that is well worth investigating. From experience, I can happily say the staff there will ensure your day will be perfect!

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