Six beautiful UK wedding venues to fall in love with (as recommended by wedding photographers)

So you’re planning your wedding, congratulations! There are so many things to choose and without a doubt, finding the right wedding venue is probably the biggest item. Your wedding venue choice dictates many other options, such as the number of guests, caterers, entertainment, etc…

But, like most things, it’s not brain surgery. The UK has plenty of incredible wedding venues on offer and finding one that works for your budget is mission possible.

To help make your wedding planning easy, we’ve contacted some of the best wedding photographers in the UK and asked them about their favourite wedding venues. Each photographer has given us their wedding venue of choice, and you can even view a couple of wedding photos from the venue.

So what are you waiting for? Crab your brew of choice and immerse yourself in wedding-land.

* Featured image by the fantastic Aneta Swoboda, a London-based wedding photographer.

Recommended wedding venue — Hendall Manor Barns, Uckfield, by Samantha Newson

Samantha Newson wedding venue recommendation #1
Hendall Manor Barns has a beautiful terrace for post-ceremony drinks as caught perfectly by Samantha Newson

Our first venue recommendation comes from Samantha Newson, an East Sussex-based wedding and event photographer who focuses on capturing the love and laughs of her clients’ big days.

“I think Hendall Manor Barns near Uckfield, East Sussex, is a great venue. The barn itself looks great inside and from the outside. Also, there are different areas in the grounds which are perfect for a variety of backgrounds for portraits and group shots.”

Samantha Newson wedding venue recommendation #2
The pond at Hendall Manor Barns is perfect for shots of the happy couple like this one by Samantha Newson (just don’t fall in!)

Hendall Manor Barns offers a blend of rustic charm and contemporary elegance. This family-owned barn wedding venue has been lovingly restored from its 17th-century origins and provides a picturesque setting for weddings. With its exclusive use policy, every event feels intimate and personalised, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Ashdown Forest.

“It’s quite secluded and only has one wedding going on at a time. As well as the barn for the ceremony and reception, it also has accommodation for getting ready and staying after the evening reception. But the main thing for me about Hendall is the staff, they are so friendly and helpful. It’s always a pleasure to work there.”

Samantha Newson wedding venue recommendation #3
Wedding photographer Samantha Newson shows how beautiful this venue looks in colour and black and white

Hendall Manor Barns highlights:

  • Adaptable capacity for weddings of all sizes
  • Dry hire venue with exclusive use
  • Onsite accommodation in the 17th-century Old Granary and Cart Barn
  • Private swimming pool and tennis courts (summer months)
  • Undercover parking for all guests

Fancy taking a closer look this venue? Check out the Hendall Manor Barns and more of Samantha Newson’s incredible wedding photography today.

Recommended wedding venue — Earl of Doncaster Hotel, Doncaster, by Caroline Nixon

Caroline Nixon wedding venue recommendation #1
This beautiful shot by Caroline Nixon perfectly captures the atmosphere of the couple’s special day

For our next recommendation, we’re heading north to Doncaster, where Caroline Nixon has recommended the Earl of Doncaster Hotel. Caroline is an award-winning, Berkshire-based wedding photographer who loves getting to know happy couples and capturing their special day.

If you’re looking for a distinct wedding venue, the Earl of Doncaster should definitely be on your radar. With its art deco design and timeless elegance, it’s been a top choice for couples for over 50 years.

Caroline Nixon wedding venue recommendation #2
The striking art deco design of The Earl of Doncaster is on full display in this shot by Caroline Nixon

“This venue is just stunning, retaining much of the late 1940s character and its strikingly beautiful and timeless glamour throughout the building. The staff are incredible too and will bend over backwards to accommodate your every desire.”

The venue offers a range of different packages to cater to different-sized weddings and give couples flexibility to make their day perfect.

Caroline Nixon wedding venue recommendation #3
Wedding photographer Caroline Nixon perfectly frames the happy couple within the venue’s distinctive design.

Earl of Doncaster highlights:

  • Iconic 1940s art deco design
  • Suitable for intimate weddings and to grand-scale events
  • Wedding night accommodation for wedding couple
  • Discounted accommodation for guests
  • Packages include a three-course wedding breakfast and evening buffet

Take a closer look at the Earl of Doncaster and explore more of Caroline’s photography today and get in touch with her to learn more.

Recommended wedding venue — Hall Place and Gardens, Dartford, by Rinat Marshall

Rinat Marshall wedding venue recommendation #1
Wedding photographer Rinat Marshall perfectly captures the old English charm of Hall Place and Gardens in this exterior shot.

Our next recommendation is from Rinat Marshall, an Essex-based wedding photographer (who’s also an incredible automotive photographer). Rinat’s recommendation goes just over the Essex border into Dartford Kent to Hall Place and Gardens.

“The venue has beautiful grounds, plenty of outdoor space in the shaded area walled garden. It has several features for creative shots, such as textured brick arches, ivy and spacious gardens. The venue is perfect for a small to mid-sized wedding. ”

Rinat Marshall wedding venue recommendation #2
Wedding photographer Rinat Marshall really captures the atmosphere of the day in this fantastic portrait shot.

Hall Place and Gardens is a stunning Tudor mansion with award-winning gardens and the perfect wedding venue for anyone looking for a place that’s rich in history and natural beauty.

The venue offers a range of packages to suit different budgets and sizes, and their team are on hand to make sure everything goes perfectly. They also have close relationships with local suppliers and excellent caterers, so they’re well-equipped to help you sort everything for your big day.

Rinat Marshall wedding venue recommendation #3
The grounds at this venue make for perfect exterior shots of the happy couple like this one by Rinat Marshall

Hall Place and Gardens highlights: 

  • Historic Tudor mansion with award-winning gardens
  • Free garden entry for your wedding party
  • A variety of historic spaces for different wedding sizes
  • Variety of packages for ceremony-only, reception-only or the whole day
  • Exclusive use of the venue from 3 pm until midnight

Check out more of Rinat’s incredible shots today and see if Dartford’s Hall Place and Gardens is the perfect spot for your big day.

Recommended wedding venue — Stapleford Park Hotel, near Melton Mowbray, by Karl Drage

Karl Drage wedding venue recommendation #1
The framing of this shot by wedding photographer Karl Drage is perfect

Our next wedding venue recommendation from Karl Drage, a Northamptonshire-based wedding photographer takes us to the midlands to Stapleford Park Hotel near Melton Mowbray. The Hotel is a stunning country wedding venue that is jam-packed with character and elegance.

“Stapleford Park Hotel is an amazing venue for couples (and photographers!) who love pictures. The architecture, both inside and out, is stunning, and there are so many places to play and get creative – both in daylight and after. Your biggest issue might be in finding time to do it all justice!”

Karl Drage wedding venue recommendation #2
The framing of this shot by Karl Drage catches the happy couple and the regal venue perfectly

Choosing the right wedding package can make your day as stress-free and magical as possible. Stapleford Park offers a range of different wedding packages to suit different sizes and budgets.

Whether you’re looking for a small, intimate wedding with just close family and friends or a large-scale celebration, the venue offers packages to suit. Plus, their team is always on hand to help you find the perfect package.

Karl Drage wedding venue recommendation #3
Karl Drage freezes a beautiful moment on the couple’s special day with this exterior shot

Stapleford Park highlights: 

  • Historic mansion and award-winning country estate
  • A selection of rooms for all wedding sizes and faiths
  • Personalised catering options with a dedicated Head Chef and three or four-course wedding breakfast options
  • Stunning indoor and outdoor reception areas, including a grand hall and an orangery
  • Up to 200 guests capacity

Check out more of Karl Drage’s wedding photography and see how Stapleford Park could be the perfect setting for your wedding story.

Recommended wedding venue — Stock Brook Country Club, Essex, by Adegoke Olawuyi

Adegoke Olawuyi wedding venue recommendation #1
The grounds at the Stock Brook Country club make for perfect external shots of the happy couple like this one by Adegoke Olawuyi

From one country manor house to another. Our next recommendation from Adegoke Olawuyi at Goke Photographer takes us to Essex to the Stock Brook Country Club.

Right in the heart of the Essex countryside, Stock Brook offers a picturesque setting for weddings that combines elegance with the charm of rural England. With over 25 years of experience as a luxury wedding venue, Stock Brook has honed the art of creating bespoke weddings, guaranteeing that every couple’s unique vision comes to life.

 

Adegoke Olawuyi wedding venue recommendation #2
Adegoke Olawuyi creates a beautiful contrast between the natural background and the bride and groom’s outfits in this lovely shot.

Stock Brook Country Club highlights:

  • 275 acres of beautiful, rolling lawns and gardens.
  • Event spaces like the Grand Ballroom, the Garden Room, and the Rosewood Suite.
  • Outdoor settings for your ceremony and wedding reception
  • On-site accommodation at Great Blunts Farmhouse and stable rooms.
  • Freedom to bring in your own suppliers for a personalised touch.

Think Stock Brook Country Club might be the perfect venue for your big day? Explore Adegoke’s portfolio to see how your wedding could look.

Recommended wedding venue — Morden Park House, Surrey, by Aneta Swoboda

Wedding & event photographer in East London
The angle of this brilliant candid shot by Aneta Swoboda really makes it stand out

Aneta Swoboda‘s recommendation could be perfect if you’re looking for a charming and elegant wedding venue close to London. Morden Park House in Merton, Greater London is a Grade II listed Georgian Manor that is packed with historical elegance and modern style.

“I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding ceremony in Morden Park House recently. This is a Grade II Georgian House with a beautiful garden, which has served as a registry office since 2000.”

Aneta Swoboda wedding venue recommendation #1
Wedding photographer Aneta Swoboda perfectly captures this happy moment with the bride and groom.

With its Georgian architecture and picturesque landscape, Morden Park House offers a variety of ceremony options to suit every couple’s vision, from traditional marriages to civil partnerships and vow renewals.

“Even though the weather in August was far from perfection, I was amazed by its charm, plenty of daylight indoors through large French windows. There is also a beautiful rose garden whose full potential was taken over by extraordinary wind and rain that day, but the smell of roses remained untouched.”

Aneta Swoboda wedding venue recommendation #2
This shot by Aneta Swoboda shows how posed group photos can be a lot of fun for everyone

Morden Park House highlights:

  • Three main ceremony rooms with unique character
  • A vintage-style gazebo for outdoor summer weddings
  • A dedicated marquee space for receptions
  • Beautiful walled gardens for a serene setting
  • Personalised service to ensure a smooth celebration

Can you see your wedding at Morden Park House? Explore Aneta’s portfolio to see the magic they’ve captured at this stunning wedding venue.

Looking for a spectacular wedding venue or a fantastic photographer?

Finding the perfect venue and a fantastic wedding photographer can be a tricky process — mostly because there are so many choices. Are you looking for a contemporary wedding venue or somewhere steeped in history? Do you want a traditional photography style or something a bit different, like reportage or candid?

Exploring wedding photographers’ portfolios is a fantastic way to work out precisely what you want for your big day. You get to see different photography styles and venues and start to create a vision for your special day.

At Photographer For Hire, we make it easy to find wedding photographers near your location and get in touch with photographers quickly. You can explore all wedding photographers or filter by your location.

Good luck finding the perfect photographer and venue for your wedding!

Photographerforhire.co.uk

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