Ready? Let’s go!

Wondering if I’ve worked at your venue before? This is the place to find out - or just swoon over some stunning locations! Either way, welcome!

After nearly two decades of photographing weddings, I’ve got quite the collection of venues under my camera strap! On this page, you’ll find my favourite and regular ones.

Many are in Northamptonshire, where I’m based. But I’ll travel for true love! Living pretty much right in the middle of the UK, I can travel around the country quickly and easily. 

Click on each venue to discover what makes it so great for wedding photography and find real weddings I’ve captured there. Sat nav not required but bring snacks.

My wedding photography homes away from home

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE & uk Wedding Venues

at-home weddings

Homegrown weddings

There’s nothing quite like the charm of an English country garden wedding. Such personal celebrations carry an extra layer of meaning and, with no venue restrictions, you have the freedom to design a day that’s entirely your own. Just pure joy and relaxation.

Planning an at-home wedding?
Click below for info & inspo!

On your doorstep

At-home weddings

Northamptonshire wedding venues

Put your slippers on and get comfy in my home county of Northamptonshire while I share some of the wedding venues I know like the back of my camera. Explore each one for wedding photography insights and photos I’ve captured there.

On my doorstep

Northamptonshire wedding venues

HOW BEAUTIFUL?!

Courteenhall is one of Northamptonshire’s lesser-known but most incredible country house wedding venues. If a celebration immersed in nature is your vibe, this might be the one for you. You can get married in the church or have a celebrant ceremony, then use the house (depending on numbers) or have a marquee for your reception. And the grounds? Just breathtaking!
Find Courteenhall on the A508 near Roade, just off the M1 junction 15.


Courteenhall

SOUNDS LIKE A DREAM

A stunning stately garden, in the grounds of Castle Ashby House, with something enchanting around every corner. There’s a church on the estate for your ceremony, a beautiful orangery and lawn for drinks, and a private walled garden for your marquee. And whilst it’s an outdoor venue, it’s practical too, with sheltered spots for drinks and photos.
Castle Ashby is off the A428 near the Bedfordshire border


Castle Ashby

CAN WE JUST MOVE IN?

Dubbed the ‘English Versailles’, Boughton House is your no-flight-required destination wedding venue. The period backdrops are virtually unchanged since the 17th century. And it’s serenely set amid romantic gardens, relaxing waterways, and never-ending nature.
If you follow the typical country house naming convention, you’d set the sat nav for Boughton. But no, this one’s in Weekley, over 20 miles from Boughton. Go figure.

Boughton House

LOVE THE LOOK OF THIS

A rural barn wedding venue that oozes romance and rustic charm. It’s a flexible venue with several ceremony locations and a couple of wedding breakfast spaces to choose from. The courtyard and gardens make your reception feel like a garden party, the canal runs alongside for extra feel-good factor, and the team is one of the best in the UK (fact).
Located near the A5 in Weedon and easily reached by car (or barge!)


Dodmoor house

NOW WE'RE TALKING

AKA the one with the big skies. Seemingly in its own beautiful little bubble, Dodford Manor is a peaceful retreat. It’s made up of a series of contemporary-styled barns centred around a manicured courtyard and surrounded by verdant views, rolling hills, and loopy llamas. Yes, it’s the ideal location for a chilled-out wedding day, complete with some of the glorious sunset photos you'll get anywhere.
Close to Daventry; far from hustle and bustle.



Dodford Manor

GUESS WE COULD COPE

Not one, not two, but three wedding venues in one - and all nestled in nature. Deene Park has a lakeside location for large alfresco weddings, a walled garden for licensed outdoor ceremonies & marquee receptions, and a woodland glade for rustic tipi celebrations. But the black swans, highland coo, and teapot topiary might be enough to swing it.
On the A43, near Corby in Northamptonshire

Deene Park

THIS IS RIGHT UP OUR AISLE

This classic country house is my favourite ‘all-round’ Northants venue. Inside is a grand but cosy Great Hall, an elegant ceremony room, and a spacious ballroom for dinner & dancing. Then there’s the swoon-worthy gardens, rolling countryside views, and woodland complete with a treehouse. And the professional but friendly team is the icing on your wedding cake!
Kelmarsh is on the A508, midway between Northampton and Market Harborough

Kelmarsh Hall

NOW WE'RE TALKING

This historic Elizabethan mansion is a lived-in and much-loved family home. The two together give a wedding here a feeling of relaxed grandeur. The grounds are sprawling with lots to discover, room for garden games and falconry, and numerous photo opps! And it’s by far one of the best venues around for rainy day contingencies that are still incredibly special.
Find Holdenby near East Haddon, north west of Northampton

Holdenby HOuse

SOUNDS AMAZING

Fawsley Hall was built to entertain royalty in the 1500s. And since it stayed true to its roots, you can be sure of excellent history and hospitality. You can get married and have your reception in the main Tudor house, the Georgian Knightley Court, or St Mary’s church (a short walk down the lane or across the field). There’s also a spa and 60 bedrooms, making it ideal for a weekend-long celebration.
Set in southwest Northants near Daventry

Fawsley Hall

A SIGHT FOR SCROLLING EYES

A wedding at Rushton Hall has the best of the old and the new. The Hall itself brings stunning Tudor architecture and palpable history – and countless bedrooms. And the recently-built orangery lends a contemporary style for a chic celebration with a high-touch service. The grounds are a delight too – with mature trees, vast lawns, and a peaceful lake close to hand.
Tucked away in the countryside near Corby, but easily accessible from the A14/A43

Rushton Hall

OOH, NICE!

It doesn’t get much more fairytale than Rockingham Castle. Just the name conjures up images of romantic towers, historic ramparts, and glorious gardens. And although the estate is sprawling, it’s actually ideal for smaller, intimate weddings. Gah, you’ve got me! It’s impossible to do justice to this Northamptonshire gem in one paragraph!
Literally and beautifully located for its views on the Rutland/Northamptonshire border

Rockingham Castle

Lemon Cheeseca...

Contact me about your wedding photography at one of these fine venues and I’ll get back to you faster than you can say “lemon cheesecake”.

Ashby Manor House
Hinwick House
Stoke PARK Pavillions

Want to tie the knot somewhere gorgeous and help me tick off one of the venues I’ve got heart eyes for? I’d love to shoot a wedding (or twenty) at these beauties…

My Northamptonshire wedding venue wish list

What’s in a postcode? Not a lot, really! With a good road network and being bordered by eight counties, there are numerous ‘local’ wedding venues that aren’t in Northamptonshire. Tag along to see my favourites.

A little further afield

Northamptonshire's neighbours

Bedfordshire wedding venues

THIS IS THE KITTEN'S MITTENS

The Sculpture Gallery is part of the Woburn estate, with views of the Abbey. It was built to house sculptures (no room at the abbey, I imagine!) but there’s so much more to it. A grand ballroom, extensive gardens, and endless options for photos - including Plan-A-worthy indoor backups for wet days. And the team couldn’t be more supportive.
The Woburn estate is in north Beds and easily accessed from the M1 & A5

WOBURN SCULPTURE GALLERY

Buckinghamshire wedding venues

THIS IS THE WORM’S PERM

The house, the grounds, the follies, the temples, the lakes, the monuments, the views … oh this place! Though my favourite feature is the old school bell above the entrance! The limited availability during school holidays and access for photos, which are usually off-limits, in the National Trust grounds, means your day (and photos) will be truly special.
Within easy reach of the A421 & A43, mid-way between Buckingham & Silverstone

Stowe House

THIS IS THE GIRAFFE'S LAUGH

This one’s for the laid-back luxury lovers. This is a place where you feel spoiled and right at home. (If home was a converted 12th-century monastery.) But it’s the combinations of old and new, and of styling and atmosphere, that set Notley apart. Its original features, sumptuous bedrooms, and natty but mellow touches top off the experience.
Located near Thame, on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border



NOTLEY ABBEY

THIS IS THE FROG'S CLOGS

Chicheley Hall has the palpable heritage, original features, and relaxing grounds you’d imagine of a 1700’s country house - but thanks to the large windows and light decor, it’s unusually light and airy. There are bedrooms and every modern comfort, too. Just the ticket for an elegant but relaxed day, and photos to match.
You'll find the hall in the village of the same name, just outside Newport Pagnell

CHICHELEY HALL

Leicestershire wedding venues

THIS IS THE HAWK’S SQUAWK

It’s so easy to fall in love with Prestwold Hall. It has stunning architecture, characterful interiors, beautiful gardens and views, a church within walking distance, and a stunning portico entrance and conservatory which are just the ticket for wet-weather portraits and group photos. It’s a photographer’s dream with incredible light and backgrounds, and I think you’ll love it too!
A countryside venue east of Loughborough

PRESTWOLD HALL

THIS IS THE MOLE’S STOLE

Keythorpe Hall is good for the soul. It’s a country house that balances heritage with modernity; think contemporary art next to historic paintings, and quirky styling alongside traditional values. The rooms are comfortable and inspiring, and bring all that’s good about country life - peace, nature, chickens (!!) - to your wedding. Warning: You'll probably want to make a weekend of it.
Just off the A47 close to Uppingham


KEYTHORPE HALL

THIS IS THE LLAMA’S PYJAMAS

Large luxurious hotel meets country house. But it works equally well for big and small weddings. You can book exclusive use for more privacy. The bedrooms have wonderful light. And the library, staircase, and Portico entrance are ideal for rainy-day portraits. But my favourite feature is the doll’s house TV cabinet - every home should have one!
Kilworth is within easy reach of the M1 & A14, ideal for locals and roadtrippers

KILWORTH HOUSE

THIS IS THE DOVE’S GLOVES

Sutton Bonington had my heart from the dog statues at the front entrance. It might be a grand country house but it couldn’t feel more welcoming. Inside, each room is stunning. My personal faves are the getting ready suite, the library (incredible light for photos!), and the conservatory which overlooks the gardens. Speaking of which, is there anywhere more romantic and relaxed for drinks?!
Close to the A6, north of Loughborough

SUTTON BONINGTON HALL

THIS IS THE FLY'S EYES

The ultimate country retreat. This indulgent but warm and inviting venue has options for micro weddings through to maxi weddings. And there’s a delightful church on the estate for a blessing. The extensive gardens and rolling countryside views provide a serene setting for your reception. And with a spa, woodland walks, and country sports you could make a celebratory weekend of it.
In the sticks east of Melton Mowbray


STAPLEFORD PARK

Rutland wedding venues

THIS IS THE OWL’S JOWLS

A church but not a church. Normanton is a highly unusual civil ceremony venue, right on Rutland Water. There could not be a more serene setting to get married. Just hold on to anything floaty as it can be quite blustery! And if you like a coffee or ice cream with your wedding walk, you’re in luck with a summer cafe at the end of the path!
Beautifully and literally located on the southeast shore of Rutland Water

NORMANTON CHURCH

THIS IS THE ANT'S PANTS

This is one of those venues that balances intimacy with spaciousness. The Falcon has indoor bars and reception areas, a garden courtyard, and plenty of bedrooms. Which means you have great options to make your day your own and realistic backups in case of rain. Super handy for Uppingham church and a pre-ceremony pint at The Vaults!
Easy to find on the market square, where the A47 & A6003 intersect

THE FALCON UPPINGHAM

THIS IS THE BEE’S KNEES

This one’s for the couples who want the best of both worlds - grandeur and nature. It’s a stately setting with a church and a chapel, softened by parkland with mature trees, meadows, and a lake. There are historic features aplenty, including a ruin. It’s the most magnificent, relaxing setting for an alfresco marquee wedding. I couldn’t be a bigger fan!
You’ll find Exton between The Barnsdale Hotel & Hambleton Bakery (yum!)

EXTON PARK

UK wedding venues

I’ll happily go wherever the love (and cake) is. From Northamptonshire, there aren’t many places I can’t reach within a couple of hours. And road-tripping with the windows down, the tunes up, and a bag of liquorice allsorts all to myself? Heaven. So let’s take a virtual road trip around the UK.

... and worth every mile

A road trip away

THIS IS GETTING SILLY

Harlaxton Manor is an American university - but only on an IYKYK basis because it looks every inch the stately home in its original splendour. I feel like Alice in Giantland here - everything is oversized and storybook-worthy. The opulent architecture and beautiful grounds are an obvious draw. But it’s the wide choice of spacious indoor options for wet-weather weddings that make this a winner.
Just off the A1 near Grantham, Lincolnshire


HARLAXTON MANOR

THIS IS THE KANGAROO’S CHOOS

Fans of ‘The Holiday’ may recognise this one, but few get to experience Cornwell’s full wonder. As a family home and not open to the public, you can expect privacy, a warm atmosphere, and a bespoke wedding weekend that's all yours. It’s a pocket of grandeur nestled in the most stunning, serene surroundings. The pool party might seal the deal.
Near Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds, dangerously close to Daylesford Farm


Cornwell Manor

THIS IS THE CATERPILLAR’S CANKLES

Cain Manor is a beautiful contradiction. It’s a barn but light and airy. A medieval manor with a modern vibe. A courtyard that's surrounded by a manicured garden that's nestled in a meadow that's hidden by woodland. And an exceptional experience from a top-notch team. What more could you want? Good food and a sumptuous overnight stay? Cain Manor has that, too! It's a yes from me.
Near Farnham, Hampshire/Surrey border

Cain Manor

THIS IS THE WHALE'S TAIL

St Tewdric’s is a 19th-century Italianate villa and it certainly feels like a destination wedding venue with the light exterior and contemporary minimalist interior. But there’s no mistaking the Welsh location, with views over the Severn estuary. The venue is exclusively yours for the day ... and my top tip is to bagsie the tower suite with its spiral staircase and roll-top bath at the top!
Just across the Severn bridge in Chepstow

ST TEWDRICS HOUSE

THIS IS THE FOX'S SOCKSIES

St Giles House is a world of its own with history literally oozing out of the walls. Seriously. You’ll find wallpaper hanging off the batons, roof trusses poking through the ceiling, and battered paintwork. The grounds follow suit, with an abandoned gate amongst long grasses, and unkempt topiary next to stately steps and statues. The imperfection is a delight. It shouldn’t work but it does.
Situated in the village of Wimborne, Dorset

ST GILES HOUSE

Can’t see your venue? No worries. I’ve photographed at many more places than shown here. These are just the ones I’ve worked at the most. Contact me with the name of your venue and I’ll send you a taster of my work either there or somewhere similar.

But if you are getting married somewhere I haven’t been before… YAY!
That’s just one more reason for me to get excited about your wedding!

Find out why this is a really good thing.

Is your venue not listed here?

FAQs

No worries. I've photographed at many more places than shown here. These are just the ones I've photographed at the most. Contact me with the name of your venue and I'll send you a taster of my work either there or somewhere similar.
Light, layout, and wet weather backups are the big three.

Light is the starting point of any photograph and if you want a documentary wedding photographer like me to capture your day naturally, look for a venue where the main source of light comes from a window, rather than artificial lights. This is a nuanced topic, impossible to cover completely here, but the most useful thing to know is that the camera is far less forgiving of light than the human eye. So if a space has a tiny window and looks dark, or has floor-to-ceiling windows and is really bright, a camera will find that even more extreme. That isn't right or wrong, but it does set limitations for your photos. For example, the sole tiny round window in a barn may work well for dramatic shots of you two, but not so much for your ceremony or group photos.

To capture the most thorough story of your day, your photographer needs space to work in. If you use your venue's full capacity, is there room for them to move around and capture your day from different angles? It's limiting for your photos if your photographer can only shoot from one spot, and distracting for guests if they have to move to allow the photographer to squeeze through.

Most couples ask what indoor options a venue has for group photos if it's raining. But you need to determine if that's actually a viable, practical solution. Does it have good light? Is there enough space to fit in the number of people you want and for your photographer to get far enough back to fit everyone in the photo? Is it clear of things like chairs or band equipment?

Dive deeper into these topics (and find more tips on what makes a wedding venue good for photography) in my guide How to choose a photogenic wedding venue.
You'll want an inside space or somewhere sheltered outside. The key things are to make sure it's big enough for the purpose and number of people, and has good lighting.

For group photos, indoors usually works best as it saves people from getting wet as they go to and fro. A large reception room or clear area, separate from but close to wherever your drinks reception takes place, so it's not far to move people and everyone can hear.

For portraits with an outdoor feel, look for places like a covered walkway, colonnade, portico, doorway, or greenhouse. Inside, reception spaces and staircases with plentiful natural light work well.
Natural light is the first thing a documentary wedding photographer looks for in a photo. It sets the mood of a picture, flatters skin tones, creates depth that highlights texture and shape, and helps preserve authentic colours. Basically, a photo captured in good light is more visually pleasing. It's also the most unobtrusive option, compared to flash lighting which might distract you when it fires. So when you visit venues, look for places with abundant ambient daylight (north facing windows are the best!) rather than rooms where the main source of light is artificial.
Yes, it's important to know if there are any restrictions or special agreements for your wedding photos. Many venues have time limits on certain areas. This is often the case with lived-in private homes where the family want privacy or a chaperone is needed, and hotels which need their chef for a restaurant. Some locations are National Trust owned and require special permission for professional photography. Others have rules about no flash lighting or drones. There might be places you can go, but your guests can't. Every venue has their own house rules, there's no standard, so it's important to be clear on what's possible.
Not necessarily. Just as it doesn't necessarily matter if they have. There are pros and cons either way.

A photographer who knows your venue well can mean more time and energy spent on capturing photos rather than working things out on the day. But don't assume prior experience will guarantee you great photos. I wouldn't rule a photographer out just because your venue is new to them. A photographer seeing your venue with fresh eyes will be naturally alert and open to discovering something new, which can lead to more original, personal photos.

What matters most is that your photographer is experienced enough to adapt, and prepared before your wedding so they can hit the ground running. A more useful question to ask is: "Have you photographed a wedding like ours before?"

Find out more about this (including the exact questions to ask any photographer about their venue experience) in my article Does it matter if a photographer has worked at our venue before.
There's no right or wrong with this. But the thing to be aware of (that your venue probably won't tell you) is that there's no industry standard for how a photographer (or any other supplier) ends up on that list. Some are carefully curated based purely on merit. Some aren't much more than a directory. Some involve paid commission to the venue. Some are built around what works for the venue rather than what's right for you.

Recommended lists aren't the full picture and need careful consideration. Read more about this (and find out the exact questions to ask your venue) in my guide Everything you need to know about wedding venue supplier lists.
Unless you have a strong reason to wait, I'd do it straight away because there's more chance the photographer you'd like will be available. It's never too early to start reaching out to photographers. Many couples come across a photographer they love as part of their venue research and do the two things simultaneously. I've even had couples come to me first and book a venue I've recommended. There are no strict rules or must-dos. Go with whatever process and timing feels right for you.
I live in Northamptonshire so I photograph many weddings in and around Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Daventry, Towcester, Oundle, and all the beautiful villages we're lucky to have in the 'Shire. But have camera, will travel! I capture weddings all over the UK, and love to revisit old favourites and explore new places — especially if it's in North Norfolk!
Usually no, but it depends. If I can reasonably get there and back in a day, travel is included. And being in the middle of the country, I can reach many UK locations within a couple of hours. But if your wedding is further away and a long day, early start, or late finish, then I may need to travel the days before and after. When you enquire and tell me your venue(s), I'll let you know what to expect.

Emily & Chris

“Sarah has a massive ability to capture the beauty of the surroundings. We were so proud to get married in such a beautiful location and she captured it so well.”

Awwww!

get the guides

Exciting! You might like to read my 'Photography considerations when choosing your venue' guides.

“We’re still shortlisting venues.”

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