Highclere Castle Wedding Photography
As a busy Hampshire wedding photographer, I am lucky enough to frequently take wedding photographs at the awe-inspiring Highclere Castle. Famed as the filming location for the TV series and film Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a jaw-droppingly beautiful Hampshire wedding venue.
Highclere Castle has a rich history dating back to 749 when an Anglo-Saxon King granted the estate to the Bishops of Winchester. Originally built as a beautiful medieval palace it was later rebuilt in 1679 and then again in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry (who also designed the Houses of Parliament) into the grand Victorian Castle we know as today.
The experienced wedding team at Highclere Castle pride itself on offering real-life wedding days every bit as glamorous and magical as any depicted-on Downton Abbey, though hopefully with more joy and less drama!
I have lost count of the number of times I have turned into the iron gates to get my first glimpse of the stunning castle, and every time its beauty and grandeur take my breath away. So, if you’re looking for a Hampshire wedding venue that has an instant impact then you can’t go wrong with Highclere Castle as the backdrop for your Highclere Castle Wedding Photography.
On the day, I always get there early to capture my bride getting ready in an elegant south-facing bedroom in the Castle. When I shoot wedding photography at Highclere Castle, I love taking beautiful bridal images on the first-floor gallery and sweeping staircase capturing the moment they arrive at their wedding ceremony having made an entrance walking around the first-floor gallery above the guests before descending the sweeping oak staircase into the Saloon Room which is licensed to civil ceremonies for 40 to 100 guests.
The Saloon Room sits at the heart of Highclere Castle and has a stunning 50ft high vaulted creating an air of grandeur perfect for a wedding ceremony.
Experienced Highclere Castle documentary wedding photographer
The Drawing Room and The Smoking Room are perfect for reception drinks and canapes after your wedding ceremony. Each with sumptuous interiors, fine art, and antique mirrors on the walls and features fireplaces and chandeliered ceilings. There’s so much for your guests to explore.
Another stately room at Highclere Castle is The Victorian Library. Ideal for a wedding breakfast it can seat 100-120 guests. Voted one of the most beautiful private libraries in the world it is home to over 5,000 books from the 16th century. Incredibly photogenic, its deep red couches and patterned rug, columns, dark wood bookshelves, and mint-colored wallpaper give it an opulent and luxurious feel.
Alternatively, for smaller more intimate weddings The Dining Room is ideal, meaning that you don’t have to compromise on style and grandeur just because you’re having a smaller celebration.
https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/celebrateTalking of exploring, why not treat your guests to a guided tour of the castle on your wedding day including the Egyptian Antiquities Exhibition in the Castle cellars during the reception? It’s the perfect time for me to wander off with the bridal couple to take some informal yet candid Highclere Castle Wedding Photography.
When I shoot Highclere Castle wedding photography, I love taking informal portrait images of my bride and groom in The Folly, on the garden lawns, and around the grounds of this majestic estate. I also take the wedding couple to Jackdaw’s Castle, a grade I listed ruin of a temple on the grounds of Highclere, which makes an awesome location for a few dramatic wedding portrait images of my couples.
Highclere Castle Wedding Photography with Andrea & Stephen
Storytelling Highclere Castle wedding photography
My Highclere Castle wedding photography always includes a good mix of black and white and color images, as this suits my documentary and elegant storytelling style of wedding photography and showcases this stunning wedding location at its very best.
For large weddings you can opt for the exclusive use of the entire castle and surrounding gardens, allowing your guests to really relax and explore the castle, the views, and the stunning Capability Brown-designed landscape, follies, and parkland. A marquee can be erected on one of the lawns for a really epic evening wedding reception under the stars and with a license for fireworks, you can really impress your guests with a large and lavish celebration.
You can have a marquee erected behind the castle for dancing, whilst setting up an evening buffet in the dining room, creating a space for dancing to a disco or live band and somewhere quieter to sit down when those dancing feet need a rest!
When it comes to food, Highclere Castle has a highly experienced, first-class, in-house catering team who specializes in wedding banquets. Using only the finest locally sourced ingredients, they create exceptional and exciting wedding menus for their couples. Everything from formal fine dining to afternoon teas on the lawn, to champagne receptions and late evening buffets. Every detail is meticulously planned well in advance to ensure that the food and drink from the arrival drinks right through exciting and tasty evening food at your wedding can’t fail to wow you and your guests.
Creative and natural wedding photography at Highclere Castle
The experienced wedding team at Highclere Castle really knows what they’re doing and will allocate you your own wedding coordinator. They will talk through every aspect and detail of your wedding day making the planning process fun and stress-free. They’ll also be with you on the day making sure everything runs smoothly. And with your wedding in such safe and experienced hands, you can relax and give each other and your guests your full attention.
Overnight guest accommodation at Highclere Castle takes the form of two converted lodges that make comfortable country escapes for you and/or your guests. London Lodge accommodates 2 guests and Grotto Lodge has two double bedrooms so is ideal for a family.
Nearby there’s a wealth of accommodations to suit all styles and budgets, everything from boutique hotels, and glamping, to cozy pub inns to stylish air BnB accommodations.
Where the bride really was the star of the show
The bride took to the stage with her own band and set the evening off with a bang
So, if you’re currently considering having your wedding at Highclere Castle, I hope this blog has been helpful to you. Highclere Castle really is an amazing wedding venue but you don’t have to take my word for it. The most fun part of planning a wedding is getting to visit stunning wedding venues in beautiful locations so have fun with it. And once you’ve found your perfect Hampshire wedding venue, you’ll be looking for an experienced Hampshire wedding photographer.
On your wedding, I’ll be with you all day to capture all the moments that happen in an unobtrusive style so that when you get back from your honeymoon your wedding photographs will bring a smile to your face.
