Best wedding venues in Yorkshire wedding photographer insider tips

Jun 29

5 min read

Yorkshire wedding photographers are blessed with stunning countryside in ‘God’s Own Country’, but the best wedding venues in Yorkshire have so much more to offer on top.

This Insider’s Guide to my favourite Yorkshire wedding venues is full of all of my insider tips as a wedding photographer who loves shooting these venues - so you know which areas are a must-visit and which shots not to miss on the day!

Our Top 4 Best Wedding Venues in Yorkshire

Now that the sun has emerged again from her Winter slumber, as a wedding photographer I immediately have outdoor spaces on my mind! Whilst the perfect wedding venue has to offer plenty of beautiful indoor space too, gardens which match my wedding photography aesthetic - spaces of elegance, verdance, clean lines and harmony - are top of my list when considering my top Yorkshire wedding venues.

All four of these venues are glorious throughout the year; they are all historic spaces of stately architecture and sumptuous interiors, timeless in their heritage and grandeur. What makes them excel for me, as a photographer, is the contrast of historical architecture with elegant outdoor spaces. They all have gorgeous outdoor space alongside their iconic indoor spaces.

It’s the first thing that comes to my mind - beautiful garden spaces for photography. Of course this is seasonal, and the weather doesn’t always play ball! But when we can, I love to take my couples away from the madding crowd into organic spaces of peace and tranquility for a few minutes, creating timelessly beautiful couples and family photography glowing with natural light.

Top Yorkshire Wedding Venue: Middleton Lodge

Middleton Lodge is without doubt one of my favourite Yorkshire wedding venues wedding photography-wise. This glorious Georgian country estate is beautiful inside and out, with its bright central atrium sweeping staircase a must for the perfect bridal reveal, luminous light-bathed rooms for bridal prep, and the clean lines, contemporary but perfectly timeless, of the Fig House.

Outside, it is the epitome of the English country garden, with winding, hidden paths taking you amongst a kaleidoscope of colour as the bees buzz amongst an abundance of roses. It’s floral and romantic. The flower arbours offer beautiful photographic couples shot backdrops, and portraits in front of the Fig House’s arched doors are a must, with the elegant architecture complemented by beautiful white rambling roses (which also cover the Head Gardener’s Cottage - another great backdrop).

For Golden Hour I love to venture out onto the driveway for stunning couples shots, and photos in front of the house’s main entrance, the stone set off perfectly against a stunning sea of white hydrangeas, is dreamy! As an added bonus, Middleton Lodge’s Wedding Coordinator Rhiannon is amazing - always 10 steps ahead.

Top Yorkshire Wedding Venue: Grantley Hall

Grantley Hall has a totally different feel to Middleton, and appeals to a different clientele. A space of extravagant contemporary elegance alongside its historic architecture, it feels very glam - a little like walking into a countryside Ritz! Old world welcome, and Silver Service formality means you feel like the red carpet has been rolled out for you (indeed, a literal red carpet entrance is an added extra you can choose for your big day!)

My favourite part of photographing a wedding at Grantley Hall is its outdoor space. I adore it - perfectly manicured gardens with lots of clean lines for photography. Sharply manicured box hedging, the little island with its moat and stepping stones, intimate spaces and sweeping vistas - it really has so many perfect backdrops for couples photography. In my wedding photography I am always drawn to clean lines, and when I can unite that with natural light and organic tones, it makes for photographic perfection! The tones outside at Grantley - and the water feature which runs right down the garden - creates the most beautiful atmosphere, and are a must photo opportunity spot for brides, grooms, and group photos, as the tones are so complementary to every skin tone.

Top Yorkshire Wedding Venue: Hotham Hall

I love Hotham Hall - it just feels like you’re in France! It has gardens similar to Grantley, with wonderful lines of trees and lawn, but a little richer in flowers. The front facade is magical - the feeling of a manoir, with a beautiful soft gravelled area complete with chic little circular fountain a precursor to the sandy stone of the impressive frontage. The stunning tones are a dream for a wedding photographer, as they’re so complementary for bride, groom, and guests.

Moving inside, the Hotham staircase provides an iconic moment for bridal shots, father daughter shots, or later couples shots, with the dark polished wood and tranquil get stately blue providing a classic backdrop.

Top Yorkshire Wedding Venue: Birdsall House

Birdsall is a privately owned home full of heritage in the picturesque Yorkshire Wolds, with such a caring, welcoming and nurturing family still at the helm.

This is a sumptuous Yorkshire wedding venue which is still filled to the brim with authentic history, from antique furniture by renowned artisanal makers to the countless oil portraits of the family, previous owners of this grand hall. Couples shots in front of the portraiture are so grand, and the light-bathed entrance hall is a stunning spot for father and daughter first looks, and later couples photos. Another wonderful staircase provides that uniquely stately bridal reveal - something I love.

The Ballroom where wedding breakfasts are held is stunning. Huge arched windows let in an abundance of light, set off with the twinkling of beautiful chandeliers overhead - it all feels very Downton.

Outside the main entrance in front of the pillars is the first port of call for stunning couples shots. The incredible wisteria rambling across the side of the house is an amazing backdrop in late Spring when its elegant lilac blooms open. There is also a glorious space hidden deep down paths which opens up into a little space filled to the brim with pink and white rhododendrons - another Spring paradise.

I always speak so fondly of the Willoughby family because Lady Cara rescued me from car troubles after a wedding last year - and I won’t forget her kindness, which went above and beyond! It feels so special to know that wonderful people are in charge, and really relax into their care.

As you can see, my favourite wedding venues in Yorkshire come with my wedding photographer-shaped experience and preferences! Atmosphere is everything, and your love deserves a backdrop conducive to the celebrations you’ve always dreamt of.