Wedding planning & finding your perfect wedding venue in the uk

Finding the wedding venue for you is likely to be one of the first things you begin hunting for after becoming engaged! It is a HUGE decision and one that you really need to get right. Not only that, but how do you choose when there are so many venues out there?

There are a few things that you should be looking for when choosing a wedding venue, particularly if you want to have amazing wedding images to look back on.

Lighting:

Lighting is such an important part of any event but especially when it comes to weddings. Think about where you would like your group photos to be taken, think about what the light is like during your speeches in the wedding breakfast room and think about what the light will be like when you have your first dance.

You may think that ALL photographers use flash or “It’ll be fine” but lighting is one of the key components of photography.

Location:

Have you considered where your guests are coming from? Check that the venue has sufficient parking for your guests and suppliers. Are there local hotels for people to stay over? Or are there local taxi companies near by? If you need the venue to be accessible for people with disabilities or mobility issues, then make sure you consider this. Make sure you have this discussion with your venue before you sign on the dotted line.

Capacity:

When searching for your venue, consider the size of it compared to how many guests you are looking at having to your day. Is the space big enough? I would suggest having a rough idea of how many guests you want to your wedding before you complete any visits venues.

Use your minds eye to imagine what the venue will look like with your guests. Is it too big? Or is it just right for the wedding you have planned in your head?

Things to remember:

The finer details with any wedding are super important. Don’t forget to ask your venue if you are allowed to have confetti. If this is something you REALLY want, then its not negotiable so make sure you pick wisely.

If you have a Pinterest board, full of candle lit ceremonies and open fires, make sure your venue allows this.
Take time to look round your venue and visualise every aspect of your day. Imagine where you would have couples photos, imagine where you would have your wedding group photos, are the grounds nice?
Now, we all know the UK weather cant be relied upon to do as the weatherman says, so make sure there is an indoor space for the reception drinks.
Planning a wedding can be stressful but with the right suppliers and the right advice, it will be a breeze. Find a wedding venue that suits your personality guys!

Planning a wedding can be stressful but with the right suppliers and the right advice, it will be a breeze. Find a wedding venue that suits your personality guys!

Dont forget… its YOUR wedding. You dont have to follow traditions if you dont want too.

If you hate dancing, scrap the first dance.

If you want to cut the cake and serve it for pudding, then cut it before the meal.

If you want a casual, chilled out BBQ or festival theme, then DO IT.

Below are a list of wedding venues that I adore and have previously worked at. As you can imagine, I have worked as numerous wedding venues across the UK and these are a few that stand out for me.

In no particular order… drum roll please:

Gate street Barn, Bramley, Surrey

HIDDEN IN THE BEAUTIFUL SURREY COUNTRYSIDE, GATE STREET BARN IS THE MOST STUNNING BARN WEDDING VENUE FEATURING A RUSTIC BARN WHICH LEADS THROUGH TO A GORGEOUS ORANGERY.

You can just feel the sunlight beaming through on you whilst reading this, right? It’s easily one of the best wedding venues in the Surrey Hills for wedding thanks to the unreal light seeping through the barns windows. It is one of the best barn wedding venues in Surrey.

Their getting ready room is just wonderful. With skylight windows it is a natural light photographers idea of heaven. It is spacious and perfect for getting ready with your chosen ones on them morning of your wedding.

With endless photo opportunities and a team of absolute experts, you know you will be looked after.

Bluebell vineyard, uckfield, Sussex

A wedding venue on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, surrounded by bluebell strewn woods.

A gorgeous wedding venue set amongst acres of vines, Bluebell Vineyard is a beautifully unique venue perfect for those wanting to create an elegant yet DIY feel wedding. With the capability to add your own touch to this venue, it will not disappoint. Better yet, you are able to have both an outdoor or indoor ceremony - whichever fits YOU.

Rookery Meadow, Suffolk

festival wedding favourite

Rookery Meadow is a DIY kinda wedding venue. It’s a blank canvas that you can put your magic touch too. With a beautiful aisle enriched with wild grasses, it is the perfect venue for those adventure lovers and those outdoorsey kinda couples.

Every wedding there is unique and every wedding is created by YOU.

A pefect venue for those looking for a tipi wedding, marquee wedding or festival wedding.

PEMBROKE LODGE, RICHMOND, SURREY

Pembroke Lodge is a beautiful georgian mansion in the heart of Richmond Park, Surrey.

Pembroke Lodge is a super bright and airy wedding venue in the heart of Richmond Park. With a gorgeous terrace for your drinks reception and the most stunning surroundings, it is one of my favourite venues.

With the ability to add your own personal touches to the venue, every wedding has a special uniqueness about it.

With views across the Thames Valley, it really is a venue to be considered.

Southend Barns, West Sussex

SOUTH END BARNS IS A HIDDEN GEM WITHIN A WORKING FARM IN THE SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE.

My favourite part about the venue is that you get greeted by alpacas. What more can you ask for from a wedding venue? Southend Barns is a 200 year old barn which has been carefully refurbished. It is a unique, picturesque countryside venue with a hint of romance and all the elements of a fairy tale wedding. The most perfect rustic wedding venue for a natural light wedding photographer to swoon over