weddings in the cotswolds
weddings in the cotswolds
Cotswolds wedding photographer
Why I love photographing weddings in the cotswolds
Hello! I’m Laura, a documentary-style Cotswolds wedding photographer based in Devon but often working across the South West. The Cotswolds is a location I always love returning to – its natural beauty, thoughtful venues, and timeless atmosphere make it a brilliant place to photograph weddings. And whether it’s a large country house celebration or an intimate garden ceremony, the Cotswolds will always make for a beautiful and quintessentially English backdrop.
Here’s a few words on what makes the Cotswolds one of my favourite places to photograph weddings as a Cotswolds wedding photographer – and why it might be the perfect setting for yours…
Here’s a few words on what makes the Cotswolds one of my favourite places to photograph weddings as a Cotswolds wedding photographer – and why it might be the perfect setting for yours…
A setting which does the work for you
The Cotswolds is known for its rolling hills, quiet villages, and honey-coloured stone buildings. Visually, it offers a great mix of natural landscapes and character-rich architecture, which lends itself very well indeed for relaxed, documentary style wedding photography.
The light here is also worth mentioning—it’s often soft, diffused, and flattering, especially in the evenings. As a Cotswolds wedding photographer, I always work with natural light where possible, and the Cotswolds has a way of offering up conditions that suit this style perfectly.
The light here is also worth mentioning—it’s often soft, diffused, and flattering, especially in the evenings. As a Cotswolds wedding photographer, I always work with natural light where possible, and the Cotswolds has a way of offering up conditions that suit this style perfectly.
versatile, high-quality venues
The wide range of quality venues in the Cotswolds is definitely worth saying a few words about. You’ll find everything from elegant manor houses to design-led barn conversions, each with their own character and charm. Here are a few country house wedding venues which have always stood out to me as a Cotswolds wedding photographer, for their style, history and versatility –
Ellenborough Park – A five-star hotel set in a 15th-century manor house with both grand interiors and open green space, ideal for portraits, ceremonies, and relaxed documentary coverage.
The Matara Centre – A creative, eco-conscious venue surrounded by woodland and landscaped gardens. It’s a great choice for those after a more individual, contemporary aesthetic.
Hamswell House (near Bath) – A private country house set within 50 acres of gardens and rolling countryside. Its views over the Hamswell Valley and elegant orangery make it a fantastic backdrop for both large and small gatherings.
Parish’s House – Just outside Bath, this lesser-known Georgian house has a very peaceful, elevated setting with panoramic views, sculpture gardens, and light-filled indoor spaces ideal for intimate celebrations.
Owlpen Manor – A stunning Tudor manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Its historic charm and versatile spaces make it a favourite for romantic, timeless weddings.
These venues not only offer stunning settings, but they’re also well-run—something that makes a huge difference on the day when timelines can be tight! For more on country house wedding venues in the Cotswolds, see the Coco Wedding Venues directory here.
Ellenborough Park – A five-star hotel set in a 15th-century manor house with both grand interiors and open green space, ideal for portraits, ceremonies, and relaxed documentary coverage.
The Matara Centre – A creative, eco-conscious venue surrounded by woodland and landscaped gardens. It’s a great choice for those after a more individual, contemporary aesthetic.
Hamswell House (near Bath) – A private country house set within 50 acres of gardens and rolling countryside. Its views over the Hamswell Valley and elegant orangery make it a fantastic backdrop for both large and small gatherings.
Parish’s House – Just outside Bath, this lesser-known Georgian house has a very peaceful, elevated setting with panoramic views, sculpture gardens, and light-filled indoor spaces ideal for intimate celebrations.
Owlpen Manor – A stunning Tudor manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Its historic charm and versatile spaces make it a favourite for romantic, timeless weddings.
These venues not only offer stunning settings, but they’re also well-run—something that makes a huge difference on the day when timelines can be tight! For more on country house wedding venues in the Cotswolds, see the Coco Wedding Venues directory here.
Read more: My work as a destination wedding photographer
Norton Grounds – A contemporary yet rustic venue set on a private estate, offering flexible spaces both indoors and out. It’s ideal for couples wanting a stylish but relaxed countryside celebration.
Elmore Court – Known for its stylish, eclectic charm and extensive gardens, this family-run venue offers a welcoming, creative atmosphere perfect for unique and personal weddings.
Coombe End Manor – A beautiful 17th-century manor house with period features, set amidst tranquil gardens and woodlands. It offers a private, elegant backdrop perfect for intimate or large celebrations.
Foxhill Manor – A private manor on the Farncombe Estate with a modern, design-led feel. Its exclusive-use policy and luxurious interiors make it ideal for couples wanting a high-end yet relaxed celebration in total privacy.
Manor By The Lake – A Victorian manor tucked away in Cheltenham, combining elegant architecture with lakeside views and plenty of indoor and outdoor space. It’s a versatile venue suited to both large and more personal weddings.
These venues not only offer stunning settings, but they’re also well-run—something that makes a huge difference on the day when timelines can be tight! For more on country house wedding venues in the Cotswolds, see the Coco Wedding Venues directory here.
Elmore Court – Known for its stylish, eclectic charm and extensive gardens, this family-run venue offers a welcoming, creative atmosphere perfect for unique and personal weddings.
Coombe End Manor – A beautiful 17th-century manor house with period features, set amidst tranquil gardens and woodlands. It offers a private, elegant backdrop perfect for intimate or large celebrations.
Foxhill Manor – A private manor on the Farncombe Estate with a modern, design-led feel. Its exclusive-use policy and luxurious interiors make it ideal for couples wanting a high-end yet relaxed celebration in total privacy.
Manor By The Lake – A Victorian manor tucked away in Cheltenham, combining elegant architecture with lakeside views and plenty of indoor and outdoor space. It’s a versatile venue suited to both large and more personal weddings.
These venues not only offer stunning settings, but they’re also well-run—something that makes a huge difference on the day when timelines can be tight! For more on country house wedding venues in the Cotswolds, see the Coco Wedding Venues directory here.
the practical benefits of the cotswolds
Beyond aesthetics, the Cotswolds is well-connected, which makes it an ideal location for couples with guests coming from across the UK. Despite feeling tucked away and peaceful, it’s only a short drive from major cities like Oxford, Bristol, and Birmingham. Most venues also have plenty of nearby accommodation, which is great for multi-day celebrations or for couples who want to get ready close to the ceremony.
See more: A manor house wedding at Huntsham court
a storytelling, documentary style approach – Cotswolds wedding photographer
I photograph with a documentary style approach, centred around capturing the joy of the day as it unfolds. From the morning preparations to the evening celebrations, I’ll be quickly and quietly capturing moments through the day to do justice to the story of your wedding day, through genuine moments and real connections.
Whether it’s the way your partner looks at you during the ceremony, your parents embracing after the speeches or your friends doubling over with laughter during drinks on the lawn, I’ll be there to capture it all. Because after all, these are the moments which you’ll remember for years to come – not because they were perfectly posed, but because they were completely real…
Whether it’s the way your partner looks at you during the ceremony, your parents embracing after the speeches or your friends doubling over with laughter during drinks on the lawn, I’ll be there to capture it all. Because after all, these are the moments which you’ll remember for years to come – not because they were perfectly posed, but because they were completely real…
See more: my approach as a documentary wedding photographer
Laura Rosemary Photography
final thoughts – cotswolds wedding photographer
There are a lot of beautiful places to get married in the UK, but the Cotswolds will always stand out for me as a Cotswolds wedding photographer. From the rolling hills and quiet villages to the beautiful country house wedding venues steeped in history, this special part of the world will always make for a beautiful backdrop for wedding celebrations.
If you’re planning your wedding in the area and looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer who focuses on natural, honest storytelling with a non-intrusive approach, I’d love to chat – please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re planning your wedding in the area and looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer who focuses on natural, honest storytelling with a non-intrusive approach, I’d love to chat – please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
Read more about my work as a South West Wedding Photographer, here
A few words on
Getting married in Devon
Although I grew up in New Zealand, I’ve been travelling over to see my close family in Devon for much of my life and so have always had a bit of a foot in both countries. Admittedly, my opinion may be slightly skewed because I love a country house wedding venue and Devon is full of these (Pynes House and Huntsham Court are some of my all-time favourites to mention a few), but the allure of Devon also lies in its beautiful landscapes.
From its sweeping hills to the dramatic red rock Jurassic coast, there’s always been something pretty special about this part of the world. Along both the North and South Coasts, Devon also has some unique coastal wedding venues – The Grain Store near Torquay in Kingsbridge is one of my favourites and I recently did an incredible Devon summertime wedding there, where the ceremony took place right by the sea. For those who love the idea of a celebration in a national park, a Dartmoor wedding amongst its expansive moorlands and untouched forests can be absolutely beautiful too. Plus, you’ve got Cornwall just next door if you wanted to extend your travels slightly while you’re in this part of the country. All in all, I know I may be biased as a wedding photographer Devon, but Devon has definitely got quite a bit to offer when it comes to getting married in the UK.
From its sweeping hills to the dramatic red rock Jurassic coast, there’s always been something pretty special about this part of the world. Along both the North and South Coasts, Devon also has some unique coastal wedding venues – The Grain Store near Torquay in Kingsbridge is one of my favourites and I recently did an incredible Devon summertime wedding there, where the ceremony took place right by the sea. For those who love the idea of a celebration in a national park, a Dartmoor wedding amongst its expansive moorlands and untouched forests can be absolutely beautiful too. Plus, you’ve got Cornwall just next door if you wanted to extend your travels slightly while you’re in this part of the country. All in all, I know I may be biased as a wedding photographer Devon, but Devon has definitely got quite a bit to offer when it comes to getting married in the UK.
Read more about my work as a South West Wedding Photographer, here
Laura Rosemary Photography
final thoughts – cotswolds wedding photographer
There are a lot of beautiful places to get married in the UK, but the Cotswolds will always stand out for me as a Cotswolds wedding photographer. From the rolling hills and quiet villages to the beautiful country house wedding venues steeped in history, this special part of the world will always make for a beautiful backdrop for wedding celebrations.
If you’re planning your wedding in the area and looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer who focuses on natural, honest storytelling with a non-intrusive approach, I’d love to chat – please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
Read more about my work as a South West Wedding Photographer, here
If you’re planning your wedding in the area and looking for a Cotswolds wedding photographer who focuses on natural, honest storytelling with a non-intrusive approach, I’d love to chat – please do get in touch, I’d love to hear from you!
Read more about my work as a South West Wedding Photographer, here
Read more about my work as a South West Wedding Photographer, here
