Orchardleigh House & Elmhay Park – A Photographer’s Dream Wedding Venue
Hello! I’m Rich, and I absolutely love capturing weddings at Orchardleigh House and its gorgeous sister venue, Elmhay Park. As an experienced wedding photographer (20 years and 1,300+ weddings!), I’ve been fortunate to document many beautiful weddings at Orchardleigh and Elmhay Park for around 17 years, and each time I still get that spark of excitement. These two venues, tucked away in the Somerset countryside just outside Bath, offer everything you could dream of for an unforgettable wedding day. In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences and tips from behind the lens at Orchardleigh House and Elmhay Park – from the breathtaking backdrops and elegant details to the fun and emotion of the day – even the staff who make things run so smoothly backstage! Grab a cup of something hot and join me as I walk you through what makes these venues so special (and why I get super excited every time I capture weddings there!).
Orchardleigh House – Stately Home Wedding Magic
Orchardleigh House sits on a 500-acre estate of parkland, complete with rolling hills, glistening lakes, and even a quaint island church in the grounds – you can get married there and have your reception at the House or at Elmhay Park – more on that later. Driving up to the house, you truly feel like you’re entering a fairy-tale. The 19th-century mansion has a unique blend of Elizabethan and French gothic architecture (the style is affectionately known as “Nouveau-riche” – get me and my history knowledge!), which gives it a grand, historic atmosphere. Think ornate ceilings, vintage libraries, a billiard room, and a show-stopping sweeping staircase – perfect for a dramatic entrance! In fact, the staircase in the Great Hall is one of my favorite spots to photograph a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time. The way the light falls there is just dreamy. So If you’re thinking of options for doing a ‘first look’ before your wedding ceremony, let me know and we can talk over some options. ✨
As an Orchardleigh Wedding Photographer, I can’t help but be inspired by the incredible backdrops this venue provides. The Ballroom is flooded with natural light from huge ornate windows – ideal for bright, airy ceremony photos or elegant portraits. In contrast, the Great Hall offers cozy warmth with its large open fireplaces, which makes winter weddings here feel so intimate and romantic (imagine candlelight flickering on wood-paneled walls, and a cracking log fire as you say your vows). Orchardleigh House is also licensed for civil ceremonies in these beautiful indoor spaces, but if you prefer a church wedding, you’re in luck: the estate’s very own St. Mary’s “Island Church” is truly something out of a storybook. This little church sits on an island in a lake, and because it has no electricity, your ceremony there will be lit entirely by candlelight. Talk about atmosphere! I’ve captured emotional moments in that church with golden candle glow on everyone’s faces – absolutely magical and unlike any other wedding I’ve shot. Important note here – its VERY dark inside, and when filled with wedding guests it’s even darker. Add a winter wedding when it’s dark anyway, and it becomes a serious photographic challenge – but don’t panic, I can talk you through how I manage this!
For couples who love the outdoors, Orchardleigh offers charming spots to tie the knot under the open sky as well. “The Belvedere” is a stunning outdoor ceremony area with views across the estate to the Somerset hills beyond. There’s also a woodland ceremony area – a peaceful clearing among tall trees where nature sets the scene. I’ve photographed ceremonies in both settings, and each time I’m blown away by how picturesque and personal they are. After the ceremony, I usually whisk my couples away for a little creative portrait time around the grounds – but not before you’ve had some time with your guests and enjoyed a canape and a drink! (I call it ‘hugs and drinks’). The estate is so vast, with gardens, woodlands and lakes, that there are endless possibilities for unique photos. I know the secret nooks and photogenic spots (after almost two decades of exploring!), whether it’s a sunset kiss by the lake, a fun confetti tunnel on the ornate bridge, fireworks to start the party or wedding sparklers for you all to enjoy. Some of my favorite Orchardleigh photos have been taken at night – once, I even snuck my couple out to the golf course for a portrait under a sky full of stars ✨, and another time we did a dramatic back-lit shot with rain on the stone steps of the house. If you’re up for a tiny adventure on your wedding day, I’ll be right there with you capturing the magic!
A Grand Estate with Wow-Factor (and a Helicopter! 🕶️)
One thing I adore about Orchardleigh is how much fun you can have with the grand estate setting. This place really has it all. Want to arrive in style? The estate actually features a helipad, so you can make a James Bond–style entrance by helicopter if you like (yes, really – I once photographed a couple who did exactly that, landing to cheers from their guests! And piloted by Orchardleighs owner, Chris). More of a vintage car lover? Orchardleigh House has a fleet of classic cars on site, including a dreamy Rolls Royce and even a giant American super-truck for a bit of quirky flair. I always joke that the hardest part about being a photographer here is deciding what to feature next – the options are endless. From lawn games like croquet and giant Jenga during cocktail hour (great candid photo ops of your guests laughing), to late-night fireworks over the lake, Orchardleigh sets the stage for incredible moments. During one especially memorable Orchardleigh wedding, the couple surprised everyone with a fireworks display after dinner, lighting up the sky above the house. The look of pure astonishment and joy on the guests’ faces (and the bride and groom’s excited hugs as the first burst exploded) was priceless – and yes, I got the shot! Whether your wedding is elegant and classic or wild and bursting with surprises, Orchardleigh’s versatile spaces accommodate it all. The venue even has a late license, meaning your party can go on into the early hours. I’ve ended many nights here photographing epic dance floor moves under the twinkle of chandeliers, and trust me, you can truly dance the night away in this place.
Through all these amazing moments, my goal is to tell your story. Every couple I photograph at Orchardleigh House puts their own personal twist on the venue, and it’s so much fun as a creative to find fresh angles and ideas each time. One couple turned the terrace into a sparkler-lit walkway for their exit (stunning in photos), another brought their adorable dog to the ceremony (cue the cutest candid shots ever 🐶). With the right photographer (hey there! 👋), Orchardleigh will give you a treasure trove of emotional, fun, and jaw-droppingly beautiful wedding photos to look back on. I genuinely get a bit giddy every time I head to Orchardleigh House, because I know an amazing day lies ahead.
Elmhay Park – A Walled Garden Wonderland
If Orchardleigh House is the stately home of fairy tales, Elmhay Park is its enchanted garden counterpart. Nestled behind the woods on the Orchardleigh Estate (out of sight of the main house), Elmhay Park offers a tranquil private haven for your wedding. This venue is often lovingly referred to as “Elm Hayes” by locals, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite places to photograph in Somerset. Picture this: a gorgeous Victorian-style Orangery flooded with natural light, opening onto immaculate Walled Gardens filled with flowers and fountains. There’s also an elegant Italian veranda stretching along the garden – perfect for outdoor drinks receptions or even an alfresco ceremony. 🌸 The whole setting feels like a secret garden straight out of a romance novel, and as a photographer I’m in heaven with all the colors and textures around.
I remember the first time I shot a wedding at Elmhay Park – I was immediately struck by how relaxed and intimate the atmosphere was. Even with 80+ guests, the space still felt cozy and contained (in a good way), like we were in our own little world for the weekend. That’s another big perk: Elmhay Park specializes in multi-day wedding experiences. There’s a charming little Elmhay Village adjacent to the venue with 12 self-catering cottages (enough to accommodate around 75 guests overnight). This means you can turn your big day into a three-day celebration if you want – think rehearsal dinner BBQ under the stars the night before, the wedding day itself, and a laid-back brunch the day after. As a photographer and film maker, I love this concept because it gives me even more opportunities to capture candid moments: the excitement of everyone arriving and mingling the day before, or a cute picnic the next morning with friends rehashing the dance floor antics from the night prior! If you’re planning a wedding at Elmhay Park, you’ll basically get a mini destination-wedding vibe right here in Somerset.
Garden Ceremonies & Orangery Receptions
Couples who choose Elmhay Park have a couple of really lovely options for their ceremony. On a sunny day, an outdoor ceremony in the Walled Garden is simply breathtaking. The bride can walk down a floral-lined aisle on the lawn, and say “I do” beneath a gazebo or arch with ivy-covered walls as the backdrop. I adore garden ceremonies here – the light is soft, the setting is peaceful, and the photos of confetti tossing with all that greenery around are chef’s kiss perfection. 🍃 If the weather isn’t cooperating or you prefer an indoor setting, the Orangery at Elmhay is just as fantastic (and yes, I’ve photographed wedding there in the rain!). It’s a bright, airy hall with glass doors and vintage charm that can host your ceremony or, more commonly, your wedding breakfast and evening reception. I’ve shot receptions in the Orangery where we hung fairy lights and lanterns, transforming it into a twinkling wonderland after dark. It’s also air-conditioned (woohoo!), so your guests will be comfortable dining and dancing even on a hot summer day. From a photography and film standpoint, I love how the Orangery’s big windows let in tons of natural light – no harsh flash needed during the day, so I can capture everything in a beautiful, soft glow. And come evening, I often play with creative lighting against the glass walls, which makes for some epic night-time shots of the two of you sharing a quiet moment outside while your party continues inside (silhouettes and reflections for the win!).
As an Elm Hayes wedding photographer, one of my favorite things about Elmhay Park is the variety of backdrops we can use within a few steps. We can wander from the rose garden to the fountain, then to a tree-lined pathway, and each spot gives a completely different feel in photos. During cocktail hour, I love to sneak the couple away for a quick walk just us two; at Elmhay there’s a lovely little swing and some hidden benches where you can take a breather together (and I’ll be discreetly snapping those intimate moments from afar). Break through the trees and suddenly you’re enjoying the sweeping views over the gold course – again a lovely walk with beaiutiful evening light – lots of options! Later on, the courtyard and gardens are perfect for group shots and those fun, candid guest photos – there’s plenty of space for everyone to mingle and for me to move around capturing laughs and hugs without being intrusive. By the time the night falls and the fairy lights glow, Elmhay Park feels utterly magical. Whether you’re having a first dance in the Orangery or a sparkler send-off in the courtyard, the whole venue seems to sparkle along with you.
While Elmhay Park has its own distinct personality, it offers the same level of luxury and service that Orchardleigh is known for. The same staff ove between both venues. You truly can’t go wrong with either venue – it just depends on whether you fancy old-world manor house grandeur or an idyllic garden escape (or maybe a bit of both!). I live locally, so I know the Orchardleigh Estate like the back of my hand. Rest assured, if you’re celebrating at Elmhay Park, I’ll already have dozens of ideas for gorgeous photo ops lined up as soon as I arrive. From capturing the broad landscape shots (the estate’s countryside setting is spectacular viewed from Elmhay’s gardens) to the tiniest detail (like the way the light filters through the veranda’s vines onto your dress), I’ve got you covered.
Capturing Every Moment – Photography, Videography & Wedding Content Creator 🎥
Photographs are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to preserving your wedding memories. In addition to being your photographer, my team and we can also film your day in beautiful high definition. If you’re dreaming of an emotional wedding highlight film or a full video of the ceremony and speeches, you’re in good hands. I work with my awesome in-house wedding videography team and Wedding Content Creator, so you don’t have to hire a separate crew (who are often working against each other… trust me I’ve been there and seen it… that’s why I brought it all in house!). Whether your celebration takes place at the House or the Park (or spans both!), we’ll be there to capture it from all angles. In fact, I’ve often found myself pulling double-duty as an Orchardleigh wedding videographer alongside being the photographer (we work closely together when you book both ‘photo and video’) – seamlessly switching from still cameras to video to ensure every laugh, tear, and crezy dance move is recorded. Likewise, if you’re getting married in Elmhay’s Walled Garden or Orangery, my team can step in as your Elm Hayes wedding videographer without missing a beat. We shoot cinematic wedding films with the same storytelling approach I use in photography, so your video will feel authentic, fun, and uniquely you. (Imagine drone shots of Orchardleigh’s grounds, your vows echoing in that little island church, and your epic sparkler exit all woven together – goosebumps, anyone?). Ask me about discounts for having photograph / videography / content creator as a package.
And that’s not all! In this age of Instagram and TikTok, I know many couples are eager to have some instant memories to share with friends who couldn’t attend or just to relive the excitement in real time. That’s why I recently introduced my Wedding Content Creator service. As your dedicated Orchardleigh Wedding Content Creator, I (or a member of my team) will capture behind-the-scenes snippets and smartphone footage throughout the day, and even edit a few same-day sneak peeks for your social media. 🎬 Think of it like having a personal social media storyteller at your wedding, so you can get those candid reels and Insta-worthy clips without relying on your guests’ blurry phone pics. We started offering this at a recent Orchardleigh House wedding and it was a huge hit – the couple had a highlight reel of their day ready to share by the next morning! Whether it’s a romantic slow-mo of your first kiss under the Orchardleigh chandeliers or a hilarious clip of your friends attempting the Cupid Shuffle in Elmhay’s Orangery, we’ll make sure you have plenty of sharable moments. The best part is, this happens quietly in the background while you enjoy your day; you won’t even notice we’re doing it, but you’ll definitely smile when you see the results popping up on your phone later. 📱💖
By offering photography, videography, and content creation all under one roof, my goal is to give you a stress-free experience where every precious memory is captured. We all work together as one tightly-knit team, so there’s no stepping on each other’s toes or jostling for space during the first kiss – just one cohesive effort to document your day flawlessly. Many of my couples at Orchardleigh and Elmhay Park love that they can book me to handle photos and know that the video will be taken care of with the same level of creativity and professionalism. It also means one less thing for you to coordinate in the run-up to the wedding. (High five to that! 🙌)
Let’s Make Your Orchardleigh or Elmhay Park Wedding Unforgettable
From the historic halls of Orchardleigh House to the lush gardens of Elmhay Park, I hope this insider’s peek has got you even more excited about your wedding day! These venues hold a special place in my heart, and it’s my absolute joy to craft stunning images and films that you will treasure for a lifetime. Every wedding here is unique, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with the space – and to be there capturing it all, from the big grand moments to the little heartfelt ones.
If you’re planning a wedding at Orchardleigh House (or anywhere on the Orchardleigh Estate) or celebrating in the lovely Elmhay Park, I’d love to hear all about your plans and dreams. Feel free to get in touch for a friendly chat about photography, videography, or just to ask any questions about the venues. I’m here to help and would be thrilled to be part of your amazing day.
Let’s capture some memories together! 🎉📸✨ Here’s to an incredible wedding at Orchardleigh or Elmhay Park! 🥂
