What a year 2020 was hey! Things are looking better for 2021 for sure though still far from “back to normal”. So I’ve decided to do some reflection and put together an article for brides and grooms to be. I’ve been looking back at my weddings over the last couple of years and wanted to handpick some of the places I’ve been lucky enough to shoot at. So I’ve titled this article Top UK Wedding Venues For 2022. I hope that any couples thinking of getting married in the next couple of years have the smoothest planning ever. These wedding venues below have all been incredible wedding venues for me to shoot at.
My weddings over the last few years have seen me travel all over the country. From intimate small weddings as a Lake District Wedding Photographer, where due to covid restrictions the couple could only have a very low number of guests. To shooting a couple of times in the area of natural beauty that is the Cotswolds. There is serious competition for wedding venues down there. Just like many Cotswolds Wedding Photographers will tell you, it’s home to some of the most gorgeous wedding venues and they make for amazing wedding photography.
In no particular order here are some of the Top UK Wedding Venues For 2022;
Thornton Manor, Cheshire
Thornton Manor is well known in the North West of England and it’s that big they actually have three separate wedding venues within the one wedding venue. I photographed this beautiful Cheshire wedding for Tara and Edward in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Having already photographed the couple on their pre-wedding shoot they already knew how relaxed my approach was to taking photos at weddings.
This particular wedding was at the Manor house, though you can have your wedding at the Lakeside Marquee or the Waterside Pavillion if you like. It’s a great wedding venue and would recommend it. Specifically, the manor house if you want a nice luxurious feel to your wedding. I’m really excited to get back here as a Thornton Manor Wedding Photographer again soon!
Click here to see more from Tara & Edwards Wedding.
Barnsley House, Cotswolds
This stunning wedding venue Barnsley House is a timeless wedding venue in one of the best Cotswolds Wedding Locations. The characteristics of the venue bring the whole place to life and create the most luxurious atmosphere for your wedding guests to blend into perfectly. You can see here in the wedding photo above that Cecile and Paul had their wedding ceremony outdoors. The insane flowers you can see were all done by McQueens Flowers of London. A perfect combination to make Barnsley House one of the best Outdoor Wedding Venues in the Cotswolds.
Since shooting this wedding I’ve been hired twice more to be a Barnsley House Wedding Photographer. If you’re looking to have a super traditional English country vibe for your wedding then be sure to check out this venue. In fact, I wrote an article on Why I love Barnsley House weddings here a few months back I love it here so much.
Click Here to see more from Paul & Cecile’s wedding.
There is just something wonderful about being in Yorkshire. The smell of the country air, the miles and miles of stone walls, the sheep stopping you in the road. It’s just a great place to be and every time go I always tell myself I need to visit more. Newburgh Priory is on the northern side of the county and it stunning. The Yorkshire wedding venue has so much character that it’s often hired out for the filming of dramas for television. That’s why from a photographer’s perspective it’s a great place to shoot a wedding and why I’ve included it in this list of Top UK wedding venues for 2022. It’s no wonder Yorkshire Wedding Photographers find this place such a great place to come back to time and time again.
I was delighted when this wedding was officially published by Boho Weddings. You can see the publication here.
Silverhome Manor, Lake Distrct
The opening image in this article is from the same wedding as the image just above. Devorah and Daniel hired out Silverholme manor for their wedding as they wanted something with plenty of English character and specifically in the lake district. Being one of the better outdoor wedding venues in the lake district, they had their Jewish wedding ceremony outside. Located on the shores of Lake Windermere Silevrhome manor is the perfect wedding venue if you are having something on a smaller scale. Only smaller in numbers though as the venue has so much to offer in other areas. From dramatic views to great and practical accommodation options for your wedding guests. If you’ve already decided on getting married in the lake district then you won’t need me to tell you more about the location.
Another winter wedding for you here and this time it from my trip down to London. I was hired as Yoon and Tom’s Fulham Palace Wedding Photographer after we had a zoom call and got on super well. I love connecting with my couples and find out who they are and who I important to them. Makes the wedding photos mean so much to them afterwards I’ve found.
This venue in the Captial is gorgeous and if you choose this place as your UK wedding venue you won’t feel like your in the city at all. The venue is just walking distance to the most beautiful church where Yoon and Tom tied the knot. Fulham Palace has so many great rooms and the outdoor marquee area is a perfect setting for a wedding reception. I’ve not photographed a wedding here in summer, though the outdoor courtyards seem to make an excellent place for an outdoor reception too!
Click Here to see and read more about Yoon + Toms wedding.
Shankley Hotel, Liverpool
The UK is full of amazing wedding venues and I’m proud to live in a city that has some great ones. The Shankly Hotel located right in the centre of the city of Liverpool is awesome. My sister got married here too not too long ago. The open rooftop and garden of Eden give the most amazing drinks reception area for you and your wedding guests. With 360 degree views of the city, you’ll not be disappointed. In the summer you’ll have an amazing warm breeze and breathtaking sunsets. In the winter you’ll be able to wrap up warm whilst taking in the city nightlife from a great view point.
Click here to see more from Melanie and Liam’s wedding.
Another wedding venue down in the Cotswolds and I just had to put Caswell House on the list. I was lucky enough o be Andrew and Victoria’s Caswell House Wedding Photographer a couple of years ago. I remember arriving at the venue and loving all of the open spaces and the Cotswolds stoned buildings. This wedding venue is stunning from the large bridal preparation barn to the ceremony building and wedding reception area. If your looking for something super practical for your wedding day and for all of your most important guests then be sure to check this place out, definitely up there amongst the best Cotswolds wedding venues.
Gilpin Lake House, Lake District
There seems to be a real Cotswolds Weddings vs Lake District Weddings thing going on here. Though I’m incredibly lucky to be an experienced photographer in both areas and I love going back time and time again. I’m not sure I could put my finger on the best location. What I can tell you is that The Gilpin Lake House is a stunning wedding venue. Leaning much towards smaller intimate weddings this venue is totally exclusive and with your own private lake, boathouse, and private woodland. Is there much more to tell? One of the more popular outdoor wedding venues in the lake district the venue offers an outdoor wedding ceremony near the lakeside. The walk down to the ceremony area is just incredible.
Hoar Cross Hall is toward the more grandeur scale of the Staffordshire wedding venues and its grounds are stunning. The venue is pretty big and has a couple of options for your wedding ceremony. You can choose to have it in the hall itself or there is the Church of the Holy Angels right on the doorstep if you’d rather have a more religious service. They have stunning rooms to host your wedding reception and so also make a perfect place for your wedding party into the night. It’s not too rare to spot brides and grooms having large tipis set up for their wedding reception here too. When Natalie and Scott hired me as their Hoar Cross Hall Wedding Photographer they had a church ceremony with the wedding reception inside the main building.
Owen House Wedding Barn, Cheshire
This gorgeous barn wedding venue is set in the heart of Cheshire. It’s perfectly in the Cheshire countryside and if you’re looking for a barn wedding then this is the place for sure. Just looking at the wedding photo enough will give you enough info to tell you it’s a barn venue. This area of the venue is right next to the bridal preparation area of the wedding venue. The perfect pre-wedding ceremony place for the bridal party to hang out. The light is beautiful here and really doesn’t make for incredible photos. In the summertime, this is definitely one of the best Cheshire wedding venues around.
Back to London for this stunning wedding venue right in the heart of the City. I never thought that I’d like the idea of City weddings but after shooting here in the city centre I’ve changed my mind. If your looking for grandeur and a luxury London wedding you should definitely consider this place. When Rachel hired me to be her Middle Temple Wedding Photographer I was super intrigued to be shooting at such a place. The huge hall and the pockets of light all around make for a wedding photographers dream. Its such a great place to shoot weddings. There are so many great city wedding venues in London, but if your going for this location then please take a look.
Portmeirion, Wales
This wedding venue is definitely unique and if its different your looking for then you’ve found it. Not in a bed way either. This whole place was deigned and built for a TV series a while back called “The Prisoner”. Doesn’t sound very wedding like does it. Though if you do some research on the place you’ll see why this is so popular for weddings. Being a Portmeirion Wedding Photographer I’ve been super lucky to have shot at such a unique wedding venue and i’m incredibly excited to be shooting there again soon. I don’t want to go into too much detail here is the images you’ll find online will describe it a lot better than I could here. It is set on the Welsh coast though and the views are incredible. I rare treat for your wedding guests.
This is a great guide Ste. Good job mate!