This summer I have stepped out of Northamptonshire on many occasions. But in July, I was knocking up some Lincolnshire wedding photography at Burghley House – you know, where they do the horse trials! It has to be said that the house and grounds are utterly spectacular and genuinely worth a visit. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be a wedding guest or photographer!

WEDDING STORYTELLING

I began the day in Stamford at the William Cecil Hotel. It too, like everything else I was quickly realising at this wedding, was beautiful. Affording wonderful light through large windows, perfect for great photographs. We were even treated to a spot of Hey Dougie (if you have young kids you’ll understand!) on account of Ben and Nicky’s little girl. One of my favourite images from the morning is Nicky reflected with Hey Dougie on the TV. I’m often booked on account of my reportage style, and this is what documentary wedding photography is all about if you ask me. Telling individual stories at every wedding through stills is one of the things I love to do.

Guest were treated to the surroundings as they took their seats for the civil ceremony. Groom Ben looked to have a few pre-wedding nerves as he waited for our Bride Nicky to walk down the aisle to say the vows and get wed! I think the best image here is perhaps the shot where Nicky and Ben are chatting to the registrar. The composition really gives you a feel for the venue as well as the moment that is taking place.

WEDDING ART

Other photographic highlights for me were the image in the Hell room. Not the best name for a room at your wedding I know, but it gave us a really artistic image that would look great printed in a big frame! I’ll always try to find a shot like this at every wedding day. It’s nice to have something that you can enjoy on your own that other couples don’t have!

Anyway, I hope you love this collection and the narrative it depicts. I’d love to hear what you think, so please drop me a comment at the bottom if you’d like to!

“They look amazing and we’re so pleased with how they turned out! We’ve had loads of comments about how great the photos are!” Ben + Nicky

A single glance at the magnificent exterior is all it takes to realise that Burghley House is special. Set amongst 13,000 acres of parkland and natural beauty, home to a herd of fallow deer, and boasting its own Orangery and Rose Garden, Burghley House is a place where history comes to life.

Owing its upkeep to the Burghley House Preservation Trust, the house and estate is somewhere that has undoubtably benefited from a protected status that ensures both the interior and exterior are conserved in their original state – with everything from the fairytale towers to the spectacular gardens making for the perfect backdrop to your big day.

AN ELEGANT WEDDING DAY

A wedding at Burghley House begins at the entrance gates, where your guests will be greeted with the spectacular sweeping driveway that overlooks the landscape in all its glory. Wedding ceremonies can take place in either the Great Hall or the Orangery, offering a choice between traditional splendour or a more modern and quirky elegance – something which continues into the rest of your day as Burghley House offers different options according to the style of your day and the atmosphere you want your wedding album to exude.

Allow your guests to leave the ceremony one of two ways, ending with a glass of champagne in either the cosy history of the Old Kitchen or the fragrant beauty of the Rose Garden. Give them a taste of history while you enjoy wedding photos inspired by your historical surroundings, by making the most of the State Rooms that your wedding party will have exclusive access to. And then it’s time for the wedding breakfast, to be enjoyed either in the Great Hall or the Orangery, overlooking the rose garden and the sunset over the Burghley House landscapes.

If you choose a Summer wedding, the Summerhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic ceremony, as your guests wander down through the gardens towards the lake. As the doors to the Summerhouse are thrown open to let in the summer air, your guests will catch their first glimpse of the expanse of parkland that lies beyond, before spilling out into the gardens to enjoy drinks and homemade canapes.

With a plethora of different locations available for your special day, the atmosphere is yours for the taking. With everywhere from stone archways to princess towers and vibrant gardens, your wedding album will speak for itself of the romance and magic captured at Burghley House.