Stanhill Court Hotel Wedding // Ruth & Paul

Luxury Hotel Wedding Venues in Surrey

Paul and Ruth chose the beautiful Stanhill Court Hotel in Surrey to host their summer wedding. I was asked to capture the wonderful day in my usual, natural and unposed documentary style. Stanhill Court Hotel is a magnificent country manor house in Surrey, about an hour and half from central London. The main house has a variety of gorgeous rooms including a large Ball Room perfect for a wedding breakfast. A real draw of Stanhill Court Hotel is the amphitheatre which is perfect for an alfresco summer wedding.

Stanhill Court Hotel relaxed documentary Wedding photography

A sign of a excellent wedding team is how they react to a slight curve ball. In Paul and Ruth’s case this was a unseasonal shower just before the out-door ceremony. A judgement call was made and an ‘ushers conch’ blown and within 10 minutes all the seating had been brought in. The wedding was rearranged in the pretty annex room beside the main ball room. The ceremony was truly beautiful and the sun came out just in time for confetti on the terrace.

Award winning Surrey documentary wedding photographer

I like to float about a wedding capturing the moments as they happen. Alongside the relaxed documentary wedding photography there often comes a more formal element of family groups portraits. Stanhill Court Hotel has a lovely terrace that opens onto manicured lawns – perfect for family groups. After confetti and champagne celebrations Paul and Ruth had a series of fun photographs with their loved ones. I had been given a prearranged list of the various groups and roped in the bridesmaids and best-man to help round up the families. Once this little session was done (usually around 15 minutes, by the way) the bride, groom and I nipped off for some Mr and Mrs portraits. The grounds of Stanhill Court Hotel are stunning. There is the wonderfully photogenic amphitheatre along with some romantic woodland.

Luxury Manor House wedding in Surrey

I always meet my couples at least once in the lead up to their wedding. Ruth and Paul had had to move their date due to Covid so we had a few calls before their big day to make sure the schedule had stayed the same etc. It was a such a pleasure to see Ruth, surrounded by her girls in the final stages of wedding prep. Her dress was on and make up done, Ruth looked absolute dynamite. Paul was meeting and greeting guests in the main bar – the stage was set for a banger of a wedding! A wonderful thing about a country house wedding is that the majority of the guests get to stay at the venue after the party. Gradually guests made their way from their rooms to the ceremony room. Flowers girls started the bridal procession. Ruth followed after her sisters, her dapper father on her arm.

Natural and unposed Stanhill Court Hotel documentary wedding photographer

Ruth and Paul tied the knot in front of friends and family to cheers and celebrations. The wedding speeches were amusing and emotional in equal measure. The hero of the day (outside of the bride and groom of course!) was the amazing curry lunch, what a treat. The bride decided on an outfit change into something more traditional while Paul settled on a handsome velvet dinner jacket. The evening light was stunning so we popped out for a little wander and some low key portraits. When we returned to the main Hotel Ball room the DJ kindly revved up the crowd ready for a bouquet tossing moment. The cake cutting followed along with a first dance. There is always safety in numbers on a dance-floor so beofre long all the guests piled in.

Booking an award winning London documentary wedding photographer in 2023

I have a plenty of availability in 2022 Autumn and Winter. Although summer is tradionally popular for weddings in the UK, I love a winter wedding too. The pressure of sunshine is off and there’s nothing more romantic than candlelight service and sparklers. Take a peek at this Froyle Park Hotel wedding from December 2021 if you fancy some inspiration. My wedding diary is filling up in 2023. If you are planning your own Stanhill Court Hotel Surrey wedding then I would love to hear from you. Here is a link to my contact form, I am really looking forward to meeting you.