Sutton Bonington Hall wedding photographer

More elegant country house wedding ideas than you can shake a bouquet at

When Portfolio Events send you an epic mood board for an editorial shoot … you show up. We’ve shared many creative adventures and this one was packed with more inspo than ever before. And all created especially for couples planning a wedding at Sutton Bonington Hall in Leicestershire.

You might think I’d put my feet up between weddings… but I’ve always got a project on the go! When my business besties at Portfolio Events approached me about an editorial shoot at Sutton Bonington Hall, I couldn’t wait to start shooting! I do a lot of commercial photography work with Portfolio and they always put on a spectacular display. Plus, they’re the exclusive caterer to Sutton Bonington Hall weddings, so they definitely know how to make the place sparkle.

I’ve also recently joined the venue’s recommended supplier list. So if you’re looking for a Sutton Bonington Hall wedding photographer, then let’s stick the kettle on and have chat about your day!

Editorial photoshoot with Portfolio Events

As a photographer, editorial shoots are really fun to shoot. It’s a chance to push the creative boundaries, play with new ideas, and meet some brilliant suppliers along the way.

For this shoot, Portfolio Events masterminded a modern, neutral colour scheme with gold accents. Which allowed the lush greenery and period features of Sutton Bonington Hall to shine.

Their very first project email with a mood board of ideas had me hooked. And then they brought it all to life in their imitable style, with every little detail carefully considered.

So if you want tonnes of inspiring wedding ideas – with everything from invites and menus to ceremony setups – then scroll on!

Just a quick word of warning: Make sure you’ve eaten before you start! Because a shoot for Portfolio Events wouldn’t be complete without food!

A bit about Sutton Bonington Hall

Sutton Bonington Hall is a privately-owned country house in Sutton Bonington village (hence the name!). It’s on the Leicestershire/Nottinghamshire border, near Loughborough.

It’s an elegant venue (that’ll be the influence of the Queen Anne era!) but it’s also homely, so you can truly relax in the luxury.

Couples getting married here have exclusive use of the house and grounds. And as it’s also a family home, there’s a real personal touch to weddings here. The team go out of their way to take care of you, so you’ll feel like you’re part of the family too.

Sutton Bonington Hall
Topiary in the garden at Sutton Bonington Hall
View of Sutton Bonington Hall across parkland
Bluebells
The front entrance to Sutton Bonington Hall

Getting married at Sutton Bonington Hall

The preparations

Got lots of stuff and an entourage? There’s a really gorgeous suite at Sutton Bonington Hall with your name on it.

The suite has loads of space to spread out. But for your glam squad to do their thing, why not set up camp in front of the beautiful big bay windows? Make-up artists, hair stylists, and photographers(!) will love the natural light. And the windows work double duty by giving you some calm amongst the chaos, as you look out over the gardens.

The rest of the room has some lovely period details which I love to incorporate and bring ‘Sutton Bonington Hall’ into your wedding photos. I particularly love the doors, antique wardrobe, and gilt shelf.

And the grand oak staircase is not to be missed as you make your way downstairs today “I do”! 

Bride's dress hanging in the bridal suite at Sutton Bonington Hall surrounded by sepia photos in gold frames
The bride's shoes on an ornate gilt shelf in the bridal suite at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride's dress hanging on a tall chest of drawers in the bridal suite at Sutton Bonington Hall
Hair stylist finishing the bride's hair in front of a window
Montage of close up photos of the bride putting her earrings in
Bride being helped into her wedding dress
Bride getting into her wedding dress
Portraits of the bride with old sepia photos on the wall behind
Portrait of the bride sat in a bay window in the bridal suite at Sutton Bonington Hall
Close up photo of the bride looking down to show her eye makeup
Simple green and white wedding invitation with calligraphy lettering photographed on a stone floor
Bride on the staircase at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride checking her outfit in a full length ornate gold framed mirror at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride checking her outfit in a full length ornate gold framed mirror at Sutton Bonington Hall

If somewhere to just add finishing touches is what you need, then the library is the place to be. This room is ideal for straightening hats, fixing button holes, double-checking shoelaces, a final read of your speech, and maybe a quick sit on the sofa with a drink to settle your nerves. I get ‘country luxe’ vibes from the library’s classic styling, wood panelling, the cosy fireplace, and the vintage books which surround the room (and the little piggies on the hearth!).

Groom's suit jacket hanging on the library door at Sutton Bonington Hall
Close up shots showing button, pocket square and lapel pin details on the groom's suit
The groom's shoes on top of a chest of drawers between two wooden horse head figures
Close up of Groom's hand picking up his shoes ready to put them on
Groom sitting on sofa to put on his shoes in the library at Sutton Bonington Hall
Groom putting on his tie in front of the fireplace in the library at Sutton Bonington Hall
Groom putting on a pale green tie in front of a bookcase
Groom in shirt and waistcoat holding his suit jacket
Groom putting on his suit jacket in the library at Sutton Bonington Hall
Portrait of the groom in front of a fireplace and bookshelves

Indoor and outdoor ceremonies

Weddings at Sutton Bonington Hall can take place either indoors in the Drawing Room, or outdoors in the garden. Each space can be tailored to suit your plans, from micro weddings to maxi weddings. And St Michael’s and St Anne’s church is within walking distance if you’d like a church ceremony.

The ceremony room at Sutton Bonington Hall
Fresh white flowers beneath a framed photo on a mantlepiece
Bride and groom making their vows at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride and groom in the ceremony room at Sutton Bonington Hall
An outdoor ceremony set-up in the gardens at Sutton Bonington Hall
Close up of white flowers and greenery in an urn at the start of the aisle for an outdoor ceremony
Groom standing between two rows of benches set-up for an outdoor wedding ceremony at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride in a simple white dress and long veil framed within an archway of Sutton Bonington Hall behind her
Bride and groom having an outdoor ceremony with Sutton Bonington Hall in the background
Couple getting married in the gardens at Sutton Bonington Hall
A wedding celebrant framed between the bride and groom
Bride and groom punching the air as they walk down the aisle in the gardens at Sutton Bonington Hall
Reflection of a bride and groom in a mirror with the words 'welcome to the wedding of Victoria and Chris'

Dinner with a view

The conservatory takes ‘bring the outside in’ to a whole new level! It has panoramic views over the garden and as if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a living wall of jasmine. So romantic.

Portfolio Events pulled out all the stops on styling this space. Masses of beautiful green foliage and neutral florals made the garden view feel like an integral part of the design. And little touches of vintage lace, textured linens, and gold-rimmed glassware added extra interest to the tables.

Bride and groom making their entrance into the wedding breakfast at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride and groom making their entrance into the wedding breakfast at Sutton Bonington Hall
Wedding breakfast set up with views over the gardens at Sutton Bonington Hall
Classic green and white flower table centre-piece in a gold footed-bowl
Green and white flowers in a gold bowl with gold rimmed glasses and chargers
White spring flowers in a ceramic bowl on top of a pale pink table runner
Pale pink and white dinner candles in glass holders
Gold leaf and deckled edge placename on top of layers of white crockery and linen
A set of three gold rimmed glasses and gold cutlery with white handles tied with antique coloured lace ribbon
Wedding breakfast menu on plain white paper with a gold leaf and deckled edge
Vegetarian salad starter on a round white bowl
Terrine starter with veggie garnish and toasted bruscetta
Waitress from Portfolio Events serving the bride and groom with their main course at Sutton Bonington Hall
Pork belly wedding breakfast main course served on a white plate and gold scallop edge charger with frosted pink cutlery
Beef wedding breakfast main course
Summer fruits wedding breakfast dessert
Trio of desserts on a table decorated with neutral green and white flowers and pink table runner
White wedding cake with wavy frills and sugar flowers on top of a vintage dresser in front of an antique painting at Sutton Bonington Hall
A white wedding cake on a white dresser framed by arched brickwork at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride and groom pouring a champagne tower outside at Sutton Bonington Hall
Groom enjoying a cheeky swig from a champagne tower

Sutton Bonington Hall wedding photography

When it comes to pictures of the two of you, there are so many options at Sutton Bonington Hall. Just a short walk will lead us past romantic arches, wrought iron gates, neat topiary hedges, and flower-lined walkways. There are photo opportunities galore!

Bride and groom cuddled up on the back step of Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride and groom cuddled up on the back step of Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride and groom framed by a brick arch with a wrought iron gate at Sutton Bonington Hall
Bride and groom framed by a brick arch at Bonington Hall
Bride and groom in front of a wrought iron gate with the spire of Sutton Bonington church in the background

Are you planning a wedding at Sutton B?

I’m really chuffed to be a recommended Sutton Bonington Hall wedding photographer. So if you’re looking for someone to capture all the atmosphere of your day in a relaxed manner, with a few group photos and portraits thrown in, I’d love to join you! Please do get in touch for a chat, and we can talk all things wedding photography!