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Normanton Church wedding photography

Normanton Church... The place where classic church location meets intimate civil ceremony - and nature butts in for good measure. 

If there’s a ‘25 most unusual wedding venues in the UK’ list (I’m pretty sure there will be, if you feel inclined to google it, unlike me) then Normanton Church must surely be on it. And if it’s not, then it jolly well should be!

Because it's a Rutland icon and a one-of-a-kind wedding venue in the UK. There’s nowhere else like it.

What makes it so unique?

The answer may surprise you. Got your “Woah!” emoji ready?

It goes something like this...

In the 1970s, two villages were flooded to make Rutland Water. Normanton Church was set to sink and be lost forever. But the locals fought to save it and instead of being completely flooded, it was only partially submerged - by filling the lower half of the building with rocks and rubble, and sealing it with concrete just below the windows. A narrow peninsula was added around the outside and a causeway was built for access. The end result is the illusion of a church that, depending on the water level, is either sinking or floating on the water.

It’s deconsecrated and a much-loved venue for civil wedding ceremonies now. Which means you can get married on the water with swans and boats floating by.

So if you’re dreaming of a relaxed ceremony in a natural setting by the water… this might just be your wedding venue.

Normanton church with two swans in the foreground
Wreath upside down

Five reasons you’ll love Normanton Church for your wedding photography

  • 1 Pale neutral decor and lots of windows make the inside light and airy, which is great for crisp and radiant photos. This is not your typical dark and dingy church!
  • 2 Flying veil shots? Guaranteed. It’s always windy here! (So don’t forget your kirby grips.)
  • 3 Plentiful photogenic spots for portraits right on the doorstep minimising travel time, maximising photo time and getting you back to the party pronto.
  • 4 Choose the background for your ceremony photos … you can get married at either end of the church.
  • 5 The church changes with the weather and the light … even your hard-to-impress Great Aunt Miriam will be fascinated. It’s dramatic against a stormy sky and spectacular when the setting sun turns the stone to gold. It’s different every day so even though it’s a popular venue you’ll get unique photos.
  • 6 And tonight's bonus ball is... The sound of waves washing worries away is just the gin and tonic for a nervous couple. You can’t not look chilled out in your photos.
NormantonChurchLukeSarah-1002-2
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My experience at Normanton Church

Weddings at Normanton Church are a regular fixture on my calendar.

And that makes me hApPy!

I’m a country girl at heart and adore being immersed in nature. So, for me, photographing a wedding at Normanton feeds two birds with one scone -  soothing for the soul and a treat for the eyes.

From ancient oak trees overlooking proceedings to long grasses blowing in the breeze and ducks bobbing about on the waves… inspiration is everywhere.

(And the ice cream van en route back to the car is a win!)

Bride walking down the aisle at Normanton church museum
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True love stories

Hungry for more? Tuck into these weddings I’ve captured at Normanton Church.

Emily and Mark had a beautiful ceremony at Normanton Church, followed by a marquee wedding at Pipewell Hall with plenty of unique, DIY vintage touches. Not to be outdone by the weather, they had umbrellas at the ready and carried on regardless – love always wins!

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After getting married at Normanton Church, Sophie and Luke travelled by red London bus to their reception at The William Cecil in Stamford. Nothing beats a good ol’ fashioned game of Mr and Mrs after the wedding breakfast, and Sophie and Luke got super competitive!

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Natasha and Darren’s wedding photography at Normanton Church was all about capturing the chilled-out elegance of their day, surrounded by their closest friends and family. After getting married, they headed off with champagne in hand for a delicious meal at their favourite restaurant.

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While you're here, here are two more pages you might be interested in...

TAG ALONG AT A WEDDING
TAKE THE RUTLAND WEDDING VENUES TOUR
View of Normanton church and Rutland water on a cloudy day
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Did you know *this* about Normanton Church?

  • 1 Rutland Water, on which Normanton church sits, is Europe’s largest man-made lake
  • 2 It took four years to fill the reservoir
  • 3 220 million litres of water is emptied every day - that’s equivalent to 100 Olympic-size swimming pools!
  • 4 The church has changed over the decades. The medieval tower was replaced in 1826 with a Corinthian style one and a portico was added. The nave and chancel were replaced during renovations in 1964
  • 5 Rutland Water is internationally recognised for its wildlife, including endangered ospreys
  • 6 Archaeological digs have revealed Roman farmsteads, Iron Age hut circles, Saxon houses and medieval barns
View of Normanton church with a partially cloudy sky and tiny bit of blue sky
Builders' sign at Normanton Church
View of Rutland Water from Normanton Church