wedding photographY AT Carriage Hall

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Your Guide to Planning a Breathtaking Wedding at The Carriage Hall, Plumtree

Finding the perfect Nottinghamshire wedding venue can feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want somewhere with authentic character, somewhere with stunning scenery, and most importantly, somewhere that gives you the freedom to do your day exactly your way. Nestled in the picturesque South Nottinghamshire countryside, The Carriage Hall in Plumtree ticks every single one of those boxes. Originally a historic railway goods shed, this carefully restored space offers a brilliant blend of modern luxury and unique heritage.

Whether you are dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate twilight ceremony, here is my advice on how to make the absolute most of this striking venue.

Let the Light In: Styling Your Ceremony Space

One of the biggest worries couples have is how to decorate a large room without it feeling overwhelming or losing its intimacy.

The brilliant thing about the ceremony space at The Carriage Hall is the architecture itself. The huge, train carriage sized glazed openings and high beamed ceilings create a beautifully bright and airy atmosphere. Because the room features a warm and neutral colour palette, you really do not need to go overboard with decorations to make an impact.

My Top Advice

Let the natural surroundings do the heavy lifting! With double height glazing and folding doors that allow the picturesque gardens to flood in, you already have a breathtaking backdrop. Focus your budget on a few statement floral pieces or soft candlelight to complement the natural light. The space comfortably seats up to 100 ceremony guests, meaning you can have all your favourite people close by as you say your vows.

Maximising Your Photograph Opportunities

You want your wedding album to be truly unforgettable, and choosing a venue with diverse backdrops is the best way to achieve that. At this beautiful Plumtree estate, you are entirely surrounded by sweeping countryside views and elegantly landscaped gardens.

My Top Advice

Step away from the main building for twenty minutes with your new spouse and your photographer. The charming former railway station buildings and the historic railway bridge are just a short stroll down the line. These spots offer a quirky, industrial contrast to the soft, romantic gardens and will give your gallery a uniquely historic feel.

A True Foodie Experience for Your Wedding Breakfast

We all know that food is one of the most talked about parts of any wedding. If you are a couple who loves incredible dining, you will be thrilled to know that The Carriage Hall is Nottinghamshire’s only exclusive wedding venue with genuine restaurant credentials.

Their talented family of chefs craft every dish from scratch using the finest, locally sourced ingredients to create a bespoke dining experience.

My Top Advice

Forget standard wedding chicken! Work closely with the culinary team to individualise your menu. Whether you want an elaborate tasting menu for your 120 daytime guests or laid back sharing platters, treat the food as a reflection of your own relationship. They will even help guide you through menu ideas and tasting sessions to ensure your vision is brought to life.

Throwing a Spectacular Evening Reception

As the sun sets and the music starts, the venue truly comes alive. You can host up to 250 guests for your evening reception, making it a fantastic space to let your hair down and have a massive party.

My Top Advice

Keep your guests energised on the dance floor with sensational late night bites. Instead of a traditional buffet, why not opt for vibrant, flavour packed tacos, juicy gourmet burgers, or succulent roast pork rolls? Pair this with a fully stocked bar pouring your favourite tipples, and you have a recipe for an incredible night.

Resting Your Dancing Feet in the Shepherd’s Huts

When the final song has played and your guests begin to head home, the last thing you want is a long taxi ride. Tucked away within the grounds are three gorgeous, exquisitely handcrafted Shepherd’s Huts. Lovingly built from sustainable materials and decorated in warm, natural tones, they offer the perfect retreat.

My Top Advice

Book these huts well in advance for yourselves and your closest wedding party members. Waking up to idyllic countryside views the morning after your wedding is the most peaceful way to reflect on the magic of the day before.

Doing Things Your Way: Bespoke and Twilight Packages

Every couple is different, and your wedding should reflect your unique personality. The Carriage Hall offers an incredible range of flexible pricing options, from Classic Carriage packages to fully All Inclusive weekends.

If traditional simply is not your style, my biggest piece of advice is to look into their Twilight Weddings. Saying “I do” as the sun begins to set feels stunningly magical. It is the perfect choice for couples who want a relaxed, late afternoon ceremony followed straight away by laid back food and top tier entertainment.

Ultimately, this breathtaking Nottinghamshire venue is exclusively yours for the day. Treat the hall as your own canvas, throw the rulebook out the window, and plan a celebration that is entirely, wonderfully you.

Your Wedding Day Safety Net

After shooting over 500 weddings, I know that great photos only happen when you are completely relaxed. That is why I act as an extra groomsman or bridesmaid on the day.

I carry a bag full of safety pins, crochet hook for tricky dress buttons, plasters, superglue etc. You never know what could happen. I have sewn split trousers back together, fixed buttonholes, driven the bridal party to the church when transport has let them down, I have even fixed the cake topper when it got broke in the post!

I handle the little stresses so you do not have to panic. You just focus on being yourselves, and I will capture the magic.

Looking for a Carriage Hall Photographer?

If you want a photographer who brings near 2 decades of experience, knows the best spots at Carriage Hall, and specialises in couples who hate being in front of the camera, I would love to hear from you.


What to Expect When You Book Me

experience

Over 500 weddings and 18 years of experience

laid back

Calm, friendly approach with attention to detail

candid

Fun, spontaneous photos – lets avoid the cheese!

fast

Previews within 72 hours, full gallery within 3-4 weeks

helpful

Extra bridesmaid / groomsman who knows what they are doing

easy

Simple communication, quick replies, no fuss

“As soon as we met Chris we felt at ease, for people like us who don’t really like having their photographs taken we knew we had to get the right photographer and Chris was exactly that. He made us feel really comfortable and we loved his style of photography.

From start to finish Chris was super helpful and on the day was absolutely brilliant! Cannot thank him enough. Chris is really good at being there when you need him (from helping with the flowers and even providing transport!) to then being so subtle you forget he is there 😊 A true professional.

Chris took on board what kind of photos we wanted and we are so pleased with the finished shots. He was great at organising people on the day and making sure things ran smoothly and that we got all the shots we wanted and more. We would not hesitate in recommending Chris he is fantastic!”

Kate & Mark

Lets talk about your Carriage Hall wedding!

Whether you’re planning a nice relaxed family gathering, a lively party with all your favourite people or something in between, I’d love to hear what you’ve got in mind.

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