I love my job as a Cotswold wedding photographer, especially when I get to capture Berkeley Castle Wedding Photography. Who doesn’t love a castle wedding Grade I listed Berkeley Castle as one of the most impressive castles in the country.
This medieval fortress was built in 1153 and today stands under the protection of English Heritage. Its impressive stone walls, period interiors and many treasures tell the story of its rich history as well as making stunning backdrops for amazing wedding photos.
The vast 6,000-acre estate includes one of the best examples of a mediaeval deer park in the country, 18 tenant farms, and a stretch of the River Severn on which the famous Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge is situated.
The Gloucestershire town of Berkely itself goes back in time as far as the castle, and evidence suggests that there was a large Saxon settlement and possibly, a Roman Temple.
For weddings, Berkeley Castle is a luxury exclusive-use weekend wedding venue. This means that accommodation, ceremony and reception are included in the price for up to 36 guests. As well as catering and drinks. Additional options can be added.
For wedding ceremonies, most couples choose to have a civil ceremony in one of Berkeley Castle’s magnificent spaces. The Great Hall was built in the 14th century and has illustrated stained windows that throw gorgeous light around the room. We Berkeley Castle wedding photographers do love any additional light that we can work with to create even more beautiful images. The Great Hall also has Oudenarde tapestries on the walls, an ornate ceiling and a stunning original black and white stone floor. The Great Hall can accommodate ceremonies for up to 130 guests.
For smaller ceremonies, the intimate Long Drawing Room is ideal. It has carved gilt mirrors and a striking period mantelpiece. It can accommodate ceremonies for up to 70 guests.
Another thing I love about capturing Berkeley Castle wedding photography is that they can also cater for intimate weddings, allowing great flexibility for you to have your small micro wedding however you want. It’s great to see that you can still get all the grandeur of a castle wedding on a smaller scale.
If you’re looking for a more traditional wedding ceremony then St Mary’s Church sits right next to the castle. Dating back to 1225 its rich history and period architecture make it the ideal location for a traditional ceremony. Afterwards, you just head back to the castle to celebrate!
If you’re looking for an outdoor wedding ceremony at Berkeley Castle, these can take place at a number of beautiful locations on the grounds. The Lower Lawn, The Queen Elizabeth Bowling Lawn, The Lily Pond, The Culloden Pine and the Memorial Garden all make stunning settings for outdoor ceremonies, and there’s always an indoor option ready to go in case the weather changes its mind at the last second.
When I captured Berkeley Castle wedding photography, I loved the fact the castle offers so many beautiful and differing options for outdoor ceremonies.
Berkeley Castle Wedding Photographer
When it comes to food, luxury wedding caterers Napier Catering, create mouth-watering dishes to your specifications. You work with them to create a bespoke wedding menu that will wow your guests. Everything from the family meal the night before, the rehearsal dinner, a brunch on the morning of the wedding to a BBQ the day after.
For guest accommodation, Berkeley Castle offers three beautiful houses for your wedding party and guests. The first of these is Blossom Cottage which doubles up as the perfect place for the wedding party to convene and get ready together on the morning of the wedding. And for me to get that all-important morning of the wedding images. At the end of the day, Berkeley Castle’s friendly driver will chauffeur the two of you back there so you can enjoy it as a honeymoon cottage too!
For family and friends, Brook House and The Salt House are ideal. Brook House is a beautiful Grade II listed characterful townhouse set within the estate. It has 9 beautifully appointed bedrooms that can sleep 18-20 guests and 7 (yes count them 7) bathrooms so you and your guests won’t be tripping over each other trying to get ready! Outside it has a large garden with a patio area and a BBQ, so it’s the perfect setting for a get-together the day after the wedding.
Natural Berkeley Castle Wedding Photography
The Salt House is a picture-perfect Grade II listed building and Coach House. There are 7 beautiful bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. It sleeps 14-16 guests over 3 floors.
When I am a Berkeley Castle wedding photographer, I love the fact that my couples and their guests spend the entire weekend at the Castle. This means that by the time the wedding happens, everybody will be so relaxed. Relaxed couples and guests make for better wedding photos.
The wedding team at Berkeley Castle help you through every step of planning your perfect wedding and is with you on the day to ensure everything runs perfectly.
So, if you’re thinking of having your wedding at Berkeley Castle then I hope this has been helpful to you. Berkeley Castle is a fantastic Cotswold wedding venue. But you don’t have to take my word for it. The most fun part of planning a wedding is getting to visit amazing wedding venues in beautiful locations. So, get out there and have fun with it!
Are you thinking of having your wedding at Berkeley Castle and would you like to have a natural & candid Berkeley Castle wedding photography to remember your special day? Then feel free to get in touch.
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans…
Martin captured our wedding at Berkeley Castle in a natural and non-intrusive way. He is also very creative and our photos are just AWESOME!”
Emily & Michael
Are you planning a wedding at Berkeley Castle and looking for an experienced and friendly wedding photographer?
