Preparations at Caswell House are wonderfully calm and well thought out, with two beautiful on-site spaces that work perfectly for getting ready. The dressing room and games room both offer relaxed, light-filled environments and make ideal preparation spaces, whatever your plans for the morning.

Having two separate prep areas on site works brilliantly for keeping both parties comfortably apart before the ceremony. From a photography perspective, this setup allows me to move easily between locations throughout the morning, capturing preparation photos for both of you on my own. It really adds to the storytelling aspect of my galleries - being able to document the full story, from quiet moments and final touches to laughter, nerves and anticipation for you both.

preparations at Caswell House

One of the things I love most about Caswell House is how flexible it is when it comes to ceremony options. Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor celebration, a cosy indoor ceremony, or a traditional church wedding, Caswell House has you covered.

Outdoor ceremonies take place in the Loggia - a beautiful courtyard garden, surrounded by historic stone barns and soft greenery. It’s intimate, romantic and feels wonderfully secluded. In colder months, or if the weather turns, ceremonies move into Wenman’s Barn - an atmospheric space defined by its Cotswold stone backdrop and soft, twinkling lights. It’s a timeless setting that works beautifully for photography in any season.

For couples opting for a church ceremony, there are several lovely options just a short drive away. I’ve photographed ceremonies at both St Stephen’s Church and St Mary’s Church - both less than a 15-minute drive from Caswell House and beautiful choices for a traditional church ceremony.

your ceremony

For drinks receptions. guests naturally spill out into Bartlett's barn or (weather permitting) the courtyard and gardens. Champagne glasses in hand, garden games on the lawn - soaking up the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside surroundings. I always recommend allowing plenty of time here. A drinks reception of 2 hours should provide you with time to relax, talk to your guests, alongside enjoy the drinks and canapes! It will also allow us to fit in any group photos you would like, as well as sneak away for a few quiet moments together for couple portraits. It’s also a lovely opportunity to include one or two outdoor speeches or a cake cutting if you’d like!

a caswell house drinks reception

Caswell House offers a beautiful variety of settings for couple portraits, from Cotswold stone and seasonal gardens to the surrounding river and countryside. The floral-lined patio, main lawn and the more private gardens beyond the Loggia are all intentionally planted to offer something different throughout the year. Lush greenery provides a beautiful backdrop in every season, with summer bringing soft pink roses and pathways lined with lavender, while autumn introduces rich tones of red and orange across the grounds. The light moves beautifully through the gardens throughout the day and, if you’re lucky enough to catch golden hour, it falls perfectly across the venue, creating the most stunning, soft backdrop for portraits.

While this is one of my favourite parts of the day, I keep couples photos short and sweet to ensure you have plenty of time with family and friends. My style encourages genuine interactions through gentle movement and subtle direction, rather than staging formal posed photos. My focus is on capturing relaxed, natural images that reflect genuine emotion and connection.

couple portraits in the caswell gardens

the wedding breakfast

Wedding breakfasts at Caswell House take place in Wenman’s Barn, which has capacity for up to 140 guests. Catering is provided by the wonderful Caswell Kitchen, with options ranging from beautifully presented plated courses to more relaxed, sociable sharing feasts. The Cotswold stone walls, wooden beams and soft lighting create a beautiful canvas for any styling - whether you’re going all out with florals or keeping things elegantly simple. 

the evening & party

After the wedding breakfast, the Caswell House team discreetly turn the room around, giving guests time to relax, catch up and enjoy a drink while the space is transformed for the evening celebrations. From relaxed, candlelit drinks to a lively night on the dancefloor, the space can be styled to reflect the atmosphere you want to create. With beautiful on-site accommodation available, you can celebrate right through to the end of the night before retreating to comfort just moments away.