With the arrival of spring and Mr. Blue Sky was out for Claire and Nick’s big day at Hampton Court House, a gem of a Surrey wedding venue down a hidden drive across from Hampton Court Palace. As you approach from the car park and turn the corner you are treated to a handsome 18th Century facade overlooking a formal parterre beyond which are extensive grounds, a heart-shaped lake, ornate shell grotto and a tropical palm terrace. On top of this, the house backs straight onto the wilder parkland on the edge of Royal Bushy Park with its many a wandering deer.

It is always a treat when a wedding day takes place in just one place and when it is Hampton Court House that’s even better as this venue ticks about every box whatever the season. The building itself has beauty and grandeur, but there is nothing pristine, stiff or formal here; in fact, the complete opposite. This is understated, slightly fraying-at-the-edges grandeur, and unpretentiously so. Shabby chic, yes, but shabby chic that hasn’t been created just evolved with the history of the house and the echo of its previous life and owners igniting your imagination as you wander from room to room - from the grand hall, up the beautiful oak staircases and along the upper gallery to the library where brides often get ready.

Then there are the views from its wonderful tall 18th Century windows; the fact that it can be entirely yours for the day with you bringing whatever you want to it; the choice and options for your ceremony, reception and dancing; and for a wedding photographer who likes to shoot naturally and candidly, bags of available light and endless vantage points and atmosphere at every turn.

Claire and Nick were married here in early April and what a day it was with hardly a cloud in the sky and height-of-summer heat. A proper family and friends team effort with Claire’s son and daughter as page boy and bridesmaid and Nick’s best man doubling up as head chef moving seamlessly between roasting and carving up a huge pig and his best man duties. Impressive stuff.

You can view highlights of Claire and Nick’s joyful Hampton Court House wedding below.

To see more Hampton Court House wedding photography, visit Lizzie & David’s wedding pictures. Hampton Court is a 5 minute drive from my home so I can easily meet you at the venue to talk about your plans and the photography and I am able to give a special rate for weddings in my local area. I hope to hear from you.