Cotswolds weddings are always a joy to shoot especially when I return to capture wedding photography at Cowley Manor. This grand stately home is one of the most famous buildings in England because of its distinct Italianate exterior. Its design is based on the Villa Borghese in Rome.
The house is set on 55 acres of beautiful grounds and features two large tranquil lakes, perfectly manicured gardens, woodlands, secret gardens and pathways, sculptures, waterfalls, an eclectic collection of trees, and of course endless views of the majestic Cotswold countryside. One of the many things I love about Cowley Manor wedding photography is that I get to take my couples for a mini photoshoot around the grounds to capture romantic portrait images of them with the gardens as an idyllic backdrop.
The team at Cowley Manor prides itself on delivering bespoke weddings from small intimate affairs to large lavish celebrations and everything in between.
Wedding days at Cowley Manor start in The Best Room. One of the largest suites in the Cotswolds, The Best Room boasts a stunning bathroom and shower, an oversized four-poster bed, and a stunning wrap-around balcony complete with loungers. With tons of space to entertain it’s the perfect place for bridal/groom preparations where your wedding party can get ready together in style. Oh, and there’s C-Side, Cowley Manor’s multi-award-winning spa for all of your pre-wedding pampering. The Best Room is also the perfect honeymoon suite on the night of the wedding.
Experienced Cowley Manor wedding photographer
Cowley Manor is licensed to host civil ceremonies in the Garden Room and the Restaurant. The Garden Room is in the East Wing of the Main House and is ideal for smaller weddings as it can seat up to 50 guests. It has beautiful high ceilings, a parquet floor, contemporary interiors, and large feature windows that flood the room with natural light and offer beautiful views of the grounds. French doors lead straight out onto the terrace.
For smaller weddings you can join the Billiard Room & Library to form The Terrace Suite, all three rooms enjoy stunning views of the garden providing a beautiful location for a day of celebrating. These can be booked on a day-use basis so there’s no need to book bedrooms.
The Restaurant is gloriously grand with spectacularly high ceilings adorned with beautiful lighting. This wood-paneled room has a feature fireplace, antique mirror, and large windows giving stunning views of the grounds. It can host wedding ceremonies for up to 100 guests.
If you’re looking for a more traditional wedding St Mary’s Church is a 12th-century Norman Church set within the grounds. Perched above the River Churn, this pretty church is loved by the community and is often open for you to take a look around.
If you’ve got a romantic outdoor ceremony in mind, you can have a blessing in the beautiful Grade II listed gardens which are all great locations for Cowley Manor Wedding Photography.
Cowley Manor Wedding Photography
Following the ceremony, the Terrace, Lounge, and Bar can combine to create a wonderful open-plan area for guests to enjoy a drinks reception with canapés. Throw open the doors to combine indoor and outdoor spaces, and make use of Cowley Manor’s top lawn, the ideal space for lawn games and for younger guests to let off a little steam.
When it comes to wedding breakfasts Cowley Manor offers a range of flexible spaces to suit the size and style of your wedding. For larger celebrations, you can opt for a marquee wedding. Offering the best of both worlds you can have an alfresco wedding breakfast for up to 200 guests, whilst enjoying exclusive use of the manor house as well. Allowing you and your guests to really relax and explore this stunning Cotswold wedding venue.
For larger wedding breakfasts in the main house, the Bar and Lounge is ideal with seating for up to 156 guests. For medium-sized weddings, the restaurant is ideal for a wedding breakfast seating up to 100 guests. And for smaller celebrations, The Garden Room makes the perfect setting for your wedding meal.
For an intimate wedding breakfast for up to 14 guests, The Study is a cozy space. With guests all seated at one table, you can enjoy an exciting taster menu in your own space proving that you don’t need to have a large wedding to enjoy all the luxury of Cowley Manor.
When it comes to food the chefs at Cowley Manor proudly announce that they love generous, seasonal, sustainably sourced food – always focusing on taste and quality. They can suggest tried and tested favored menus, or you can meet with their Head Chef to talk about your wishes and have something created just for you. Add to that an extensive wine list and fully stocked bar and you have everything you need for the perfect wedding breakfast.
Bride and Groom Cowley Manor Wedding Photography
Natural and creative wedding photography at Cowley Manor
When it comes to evening celebrations The Bar at Cowley Manor really comes to life at night. Paneled walls, ambient lighting, and contemporary décor its the perfect space to dance the night away. The adjoining Sitting Room is the perfect space to rest those dancing feet, have a chat, enjoy some tasty treats and refill your glass before heading back out to cut some shapes!
And at the end of the night, you and your guests get to stay in one of the beautifully appointed bedrooms. Cowley Manor has 30 bedrooms situated in the main house and the stables. The rooms fall into six categories ranging from good to best and are all guaranteed to impress. With stand-alone drench showers and huge tubs, fluffy robes, spa products, and stocked minibars. Not to mention free access to the C-Side spa, luxury is built into your stay at Cowley Manor. All 30 rooms are included in the exclusive use package, or your guests can pay for their rooms directly with the venue without the need to involve you.
The dedicated wedding team at Cowley Manor assists couples with every aspect of planning their perfect wedding. They are there to advise you on everything from marquees, invitations, flowers, DJs, bands, photographers, and some things you probably hadn’t even thought of. Their extensive knowledge of their wedding venue and the very best local suppliers ensures that you have placed your wedding in very safe and experienced hands. Allowing you to really relax and enjoy your day.
If you’re currently considering having your wedding at Cowley Manor, I hope this blog has been helpful. You can take a look at Cowley manor’s website here
Have fun choosing your perfect wedding venue in the Cotswolds. And once you’ve found it, you’ll be looking for an experienced Cotswolds wedding photographer. Feel free to give me a shout.
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans…
