Elmhay Park Wedding Photography

Elmhay Park is a gorgeous exclusive use Somerset wedding venue that ticks all the boxes! Elmhay Park is a Victorian walled garden, set in Orchardleigh House’s 500 acre estate, with an Orangery and 12 self-catering cottages which make up “The Village”.

First off, I need to say a massive congratulations to Chris & Louise! I was incredibly touched when they chose me to be their Elmhay Park wedding photographer. I photographed Chris’ Best Man’s wedding back in 2018, and Chris’ sister’s wedding in 2019 which makes it even more meaningful that they chose me.

Like a lot of people, their date was a long time coming thanks to the pandemic, but they made it eventually! We met up for a drink a few days before their wedding and I walked away knowing it was going to be a great day.

I’ve photographed weddings at Orchardleigh House before, but this was my first time at Elmhay Park and I was really excited! The whole day was absolutely perfect, from hair & make-up in the morning right up until the DJ’s last song.

Planning an Elmhay Park Wedding

I asked Chris & Louise a few questions about themselves and how they went about planning their wedding. And this is what they had to say ?

Can you tell everyone a little about yourself?
Louise is a full time mummy to 4 children. Chris works in the financial services industry. We met in February 2014 in the locally famous Old Bell in Warminster and have been together since November 2014.
What about the proposal?
Chris took Louise to Durdle door in November 2018 for our 4 year anniversary. We had a picnic in front of the iconic scenery. Chris went to propose just as a little kid popped round the rock beside us as nature was calling! Chris finally plucked u other courage again and luckily Louise said yes!
How long were you engaged?
3.5 years engaged. Original date was April 2020 followed by October 2020 & March 2021 before settling for April 2022 (Thanks Covid)
What were you most looking forward to about your wedding?
Chris: Seeing Louise walk down the aisle
Louise: Finally tying the knot
Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette?
Pink flowers and foliage. Incorporating the running theme into the day by naming the tables after races we have completed
Where did you find inspiration when planning your wedding?
Louise found a lot of good ideas on the internet and created a lot of things herself adding her own style to give the day a more personal touch.
Did you do anything to make your wedding unique to you or your story as a couple?
Running races completed as table names.
Did you enjoy the planning process?
Chris: Louise did all the hard work and did incredibly well at making beautiful decorations. The final week is very stressful but it is all worth it on the day. The only thing I’d say to myself now is that everything will be fine on the day so don’t stress about the little things.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
We visited 3 or 4 venues but we knew when we saw the view from the aisle at Elmhay Park, looking out to the orangery that this was the venue for us.
What advice would you give to couples looking for a wedding venue?
You’ll know when it’s the right venue. We both knew instantly. If it doesn’t grab you, it’s not the one.
What was your biggest worry or concern when choosing a photographer?
I genuinely wasn’t concerned. It was the easiest decision of the whole wedding. Having seen Chris’ wedding photography before from previous weddings, it was an absolute no brainier for us to ask him to be our wedding photographer.
What advice would you give to couples who are looking for a photographer?
It is one of the most important things as it gives you your memories to look back on. Don’t scrimp on this part of the wedding!
What was the best thing you spent money on for your wedding?
Wedding Photographer.
Would you like to give a shout out to anyone in particular?
In the end, all the suppliers did a great job and each did exactly as they were supposed to do for the day to run perfectly. Chris manages to capture photos when you don’t know he is even there. It makes it more natural and is a big reason we chose him. The photo booth went down very well and was run by friendly people. The wedding coordinator did a great job overall so we were delighted with everything.
Where did you get ready?
Louise got ready at Castle west with her mum, bridesmaids & baby boy. Chris later got ready in the same castle with his best men. Both of us were nervous but we’re so busy that it didn’t really sink in until just before the ceremony started.
How did you feel when you saw each other for the first time?
Chris cried as he turned to see Louise in her beautiful dress. Louise was extremely nervous.
Was there any part of the day you were particularly nervous about?
The vows and specifically slipping up whilst saying them. We both did a great job and it was no where near as bad as we thought
What was your favourite part of your day?
Chris: Seeing Louise for the first time & having two minutes to speak to Louise after the ceremony.
Louise: Joshua walking her down the aisle & having two minutes to speak to Chris after the ceremony.
Both: seeing everyone smiling when we turned to walk out after the ceremony
And finally… Any words of wedding planning wisdom?
Just be organised and write down what you would like and how you want things to be set up. Try and relax and enjoy the process.

The Orangery at Elmhay Park

The red bricked, light filled Orangery has indoor space for 80-300 wedding guests, it’s the perfect place for your wedding breakfast, cake cutting and first dance. Being within the walled garden not only means that it has stunning views out over the Italian Gardens, but complete privacy too. This means that you can party the night away. And quite literally too because Elmhay Park will keep the drinks coming until you say stop! Something that not many wedding venues can say.

The Italian Gardens

The partially covered Italian Garden is licenced for civil ceremonies making it perfect if you’d like an outdoor ceremony or an alfresco drinks reception. Outdoor wedding ceremonies are my absolute favourite. But there’s no denying that they can add to the stress of a wedding day. And there are already plenty of things to worry about when planning your big day, without worrying about if it’s going to rain or not. So the Italian Garden being partially covered is really handy, especially if you plan on getting married in… well any time of the year actually.

Around the back of the Italian Garden, you’ll find “The Village”. 12 beautifully restored self-catering cottages capable of sleeping up to 70 friends and family – dog friendly rooms are available too.

Orchardleigh Castle

As a wedding photographer I’m a big fan of weddings that are all in one location. Removing travelling just helps the day flow so much easier and reduces stress for everyone no end. Now, imagine waking up on the morning of your wedding day, knowing you’re already at your wedding venue. But not only that, waking up super relaxed because you spent the night before with 8 – 12 of your closest friends and family, chilling in your private garden with hot-tub. That’s what it’s like when you stay at Orchardleigh Castle the night before your Elmhay Park wedding.

Formerly known as The Walled Garden at Orchardleigh Estate, Elmhay Park is one hell of a place to get married.

Congratulations & Thank You!

So there we have it! A massive congratulations to Louise & Chris again, and a huge thank you for taking the time to share your Elmhay Park wedding story with everyone.

Seen Something You Fancy?

Thank you to everyone who helped make Chris & Louise’s wedding day so special…

Elmhay Park

Website: www.elmhaypark.co.uk | Email: info@elmhaypark.co.uk | Address: Unnamed Road, Frome BA11 2PH | Phone: 01373 472550

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Elmhay Park Wedding Photography