Relaxed, Unposed Wedding Photography at Prestwold Hall

If you are planning your wedding at Prestwold Hall, you have chosen one of Leicestershire’s absolute best venues. With its stunning gardens, grand architecture, and incredible natural light, it is a dream location for a wedding.

As a local Midlands photographer with 18 years of experience, Prestwold Hall is a venue I know like the back of my hand. My photography style is all about capturing the day naturally. No awkward posing, no bossing your guests around, just beautiful, documentary-style photos of you having the best day of your life.

Here is my insider guide to getting the absolute best out of your Prestwold Hall wedding photos.

The Morning: Bright and Relaxed Prep

The dressing rooms at Prestwold are incredible for morning prep. Because they have huge, traditional windows, the rooms are flooded with natural light. This is perfect for my style of photography. It means I don’t need to use distracting flashes while you are having your hair and makeup done. I can just stay in the background, capturing the nervous excitement, the laughter with your bridesmaids, and those quiet moments before the madness begins.

The Ceremony: The Library, The Gazebo, or The Estate Church

You are truly spoilt for choice here when it comes to saying your vows.

If you are having an indoor civil ceremony, Prestwold Hall’s Library offers an awe inspiring setting. You get to make your grand entrance through the enchanting Orangery before joining your partner in front of the beautiful fireplace. With its floor to ceiling windows looking out across the estate, the Library is incredibly spacious and flooded with natural light. This makes it a dream to photograph. I position myself discreetly, capturing the real emotion without getting in your way.

If you prefer the fresh air, the outdoor ceremony options are a wedding photographer’s dream. You can walk the aisle to the striking Georgian gazebo for a civil ceremony. For celebrant led services, you can actually say your vows anywhere in the breathtaking gardens. Whether you choose the manicured lawns, the picturesque rose garden, or the fringing woodland with its rows of mature cedars, the grounds provide endless natural backdrops.

Even for winter weddings, the snow capped evergreen trees and undisturbed powdery lawns create a truly magical scene.
If you prefer a traditional church wedding, St Andrew’s Church is right there on the estate. It has a beautiful, historic feel, and being so close means we do not lose any valuable party time traveling between venues.

The Drinks Reception: Sweeping Lawns and Real Laughs

Once you are married, it is time to grab a drink and head out into the gardens. This is where my documentary style really shines. While you are mingling on the lawns with the stately home as your backdrop, I am weaving through the crowd. I am looking for the belly laughs, the tight hugs, and the spontaneous moments that make your wedding unique.

We will get those essential family group shots done efficiently (usually in about 15 minutes) so you can get straight back to your canapés.

Portraits: The Library, The Driveway, and Golden Hour

Couples often worry that a stately home means they have to stand around doing stiff, formal poses. Not with me. Because I know the house and grounds so well, I know exactly where to go.

• The Study: Everyone rushes to the gardens, but the Study just off the entrance hall is my secret weapon. It is perfect for a few quiet, moody, and romantic portraits away from the crowds.
• The Golden Hour: If we get a beautiful sunset, I will steal you away for just 10 minutes. We can use the long driveway or the fields at the back of the house to get those epic, warm evening shots.

A Truly Weatherproof Venue

Living in the UK, we always have to have a backup plan for rain. Prestwold Hall is one of the few venues where rain honestly does not matter. If the heavens open, the interior of the house is spectacular. From the checkered floor in the grand entrance hall to the beautifully decorated drawing rooms, there are endless spots for stunning indoor photos that look just as good as the outdoor ones.