SOME OF MY FAVOURITE WEDDING VENUES around Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire
People often ask me what I think of a particular venue, or whether it'll photograph well, so I thought I'd write down a few honest thoughts on some of the places I've shot weddings around Bristol and Bath.
I'll say one thing first, though. I've never really met a venue I couldn't work with, and the day always comes down to the people far more than the building. But every place has its own feel, and knowing it beforehand means I'm not working out where the light's good or where to slip off for a few quiet photos while you're stood waiting. So if you're still choosing, or you've booked one of these and you're wondering how your day might look, here's my take on each.
Berwick Lodge, Bristol
Wick Farm is a different thing altogether - a pair of old barns out in the Somerset countryside, just past Bath. It's smaller and cosier than a lot of wedding venues, and honestly that's why I like photographing there. Everyone ends up close together, so the day feels warm and you're never hunting around for where the atmosphere is. You can have your ceremony inside the barn or outside, and both work really well. It mostly comes down to the weather and the feel you're after. And when it's time for a few portraits, there's a lovely long drive up to the farm that's perfect for it, with a bit of space away from everyone and the countryside all around. It tends to suit couples who want their day to feel relaxed rather than formal.
The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath
This one needs no introduction if you know Bath. It's right in the middle of the Royal Crescent, that long curve of Georgian houses everyone photographs, and the hotel sits in the centre of it. There's a quiet walled garden round the back, which is where I'd usually take you for portraits, away from the people out on the lawn - and there are always people out on the lawn. I've photographed a wedding here, and the one thing I'd actually say to a couple marrying there is to give yourselves five minutes to step out front. That photo with the Crescent behind them, and the light on the stone late in the day really is lovely.
Priston Mill, near Bath
Priston Mill is down in a little valley a few miles out of Bath, and it has a working watermill, with the old iron wheel still turning and rumbling away in the background. I think that gives the whole place a really calm feel. There are two buildings to pick from: the Watermill itself, which is on the cosier side, or the Tythe Barn, a big old stone barn with high beams if you're after something larger. The gardens are where I'd take you once the formal bit's done, with a stream running through and plenty of green to wander into for photos. It's the kind of calm, out of the way setting that lets everyone relax.
Old Down Estate, South Gloucestershire
Old Down is near Tockington, about half an hour north of Bristol, and it's a big spot, with a Victorian manor or a rustic barn to choose between and long views over the Severn and across to Wales. With grounds that size there's no end of places to take you, but my favourite is the garden, which you reach by a little path down through the woods. On a clear afternoon those long views are worth it too. It's a venue that gives you room to breathe, and I think you feel that in the photos.
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire
Berkeley Castle is a grand one. It's a Norman castle on the edge of the Cotswolds, lived in by the same family since the 1150s, and you feel that history the moment you walk in. It's the real thing, not a backdrop someone has dressed up to look old. A place like this makes my job a lot easier. Whether we're inside with the light coming through the stained glass of the Great Hall, or out in the gardens with the castle behind you, there's always something worth pointing the camera at. If you've always fancied something with a bit of drama to it, it's hard to beat.
Wherever you're getting married
These are only a handful, of course. I photograph weddings all over Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire. Wherever you're getting married, if you'd like to talk through how I'd photograph your day, I'm always happy to help, just get in touch.
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