A LOCATION LIKE NO OTHER

hamswell house wedding photographer

If you’re dreaming of an elegant English countryside wedding, Hamswell House is a truly magical venue. Just a stone’s throw from Bath, this historic estate boasts a stunning 18th-century manor house, beautifully landscaped gardens and unrivalled panoramic views. With exclusive use of the grounds, you can enjoy complete privacy and the freedom to design a wedding that perfectly reflects your style. 
Below, I offer a brief insight into planning a wedding at Hamswell House, highlighting a few key options to consider, along with a glimpse into some of the beautiful weddings I’ve photographed there.

As a Hamswell House wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing some incredible weddings here and, every time I return, I’m reminded why it’s one of my absolute favourite locations to photograph. 

outdoor ceremonies at hamswell house 

Hamswell House offers a couple of stunning outdoor ceremony options, with the most popular being beneath the 400-year-old Lime Tree. Accommodating up to 200 guests, this picturesque spot provides a stunning backdrop, dappled shade for photos, and a beautiful side-on view of the iconic house. If rain is expected, an awning can be erected in this space to ensure everyone stays sheltered - It's beautifully atmospheric with the raindrops on the roof and still allows for gorgeous bright photography.  

For those looking for a traditional church ceremony, the nearby St. Mary's Church in Marshfield is a wonderful option. Just a 10-minute drive from Hamswell House, the church is welcoming, bright and spacious, with capacity for up to 200 guests. My favourite part is the flower-lined path, which makes for the most beautiful post-ceremony confetti photos. Many couples choose a classic wedding car, which adds excitement to your send-off and looks incredible arriving on the driveway in front of Hamswell House.

CHURCH CEREMONIES AT st mary THE VIRGIN IN marshfield

Hamswell House is the most beautiful setting for a outdoor drinks reception. Guests usually spread out across the terrace or on the front lawn, looking out at the beautiful countryside views. If you're in the process of planning your wedding, I always recommend having a long drinks reception. This allows plenty of time to have some drinks and canapes, greet your guests, capture any formal group photos and slip away for some beautiful couples’ portraits. You can also incorporate one or two outdoor speeches if you choose.

a hamswell reception

The iconic manor house, beautiful gardens, ornamental canal and countryside views provide countless stunning backdrops for couple portraits. The gardens evolve throughout the year, with changing foliage and glimpses of pink and purple florals. 200-year-old wisteria also trails across the house and pergola, usually reaching its peak in early May, though this can vary each year. There are also beautiful pockets of light throughout the grounds and, depending on the time of day and year, you might even catch a gorgeous golden hour or sunset.

couples portraits at hamswell house

To make the most of these beautiful backdrops, be sure to set aside a little time with your photographer. While this is one of my favorite parts of the day, I keep sessions short and sweet to ensure you have plenty of time with family and friends. My style focuses on encouraging genuine interactions through movement and subtle direction, rather than staging formal posed photos. I strive to create timeless, authentic images, free from anything that feels forced or contrived.

a marquee wedding breakfast

For your wedding breakfast, the marquee option provides a versatile blank canvas, giving you complete freedom to create something unique. Consider elements like florals, long vs. circular tables, candles, tableware, lighting, draping, even a custom carpet to set the perfect atmosphere. I love photographing beautiful marquee spaces, they always allow for plenty of light, leading to beautifully sharp images. When it’s time to make your entrance, encourage your guests to throw their napkins in the air and make some noise - it’s a fantastic way to set a lively, celebratory tone for the rest of the evening!

the party

The spacious marquee allows for a dedicated dancefloor area, letting your band set up without disrupting your guests and ensuring a smooth transition into the evening. The classic design, with its black ceiling and twinkling lights, creates a distinct party space and is the perfect backdrop for those fun, flash dancefloor photos. After the first dance, I always stick around for a good hour to capture the energy of your evening. For the last ones standing, the party can continue until 1am. And trust me when I say, a Hamswell House dancefloor never disappoints!