There are many reasons why I love being a Clearwell Castle wedding photographer. Firstly, Clearwell Castle is one of Gloucestershire’s finest wedding venues. Located among the majestic and enchanting Forest of Dean; this ‘chocolate-box’ castle is surrounded by 20 acres of rolling grounds, woods and open countryside, atop the Wye Valley.
This perfect location for a fairytale wedding is just 20 minutes from the Severn Crossing and 45 minutes from Bristol, Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Furthermore, it is a grade II* listed Gothic Revival mansion, which was built in the Gothic style by Thomas Wyndham in 1727. The building itself is constructed of local stone and features an impressive gateway consisting of two 3-storey towers.
The castle was originally known as Clearwell Court before it was changed to Clearwell Castle in 1908. During the 1970s the castle played an important role in the musical careers of some of the UK’s influential rock bands, such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple – who recorded albums in a studio in the cellar.
In 1998 the Country House Weddings Ltd bought Clearwell Castle and long-needed repairs were carried out. The castle was one of the many country houses that were purchased to be utilised as a wedding venue. A few years later the company bought also St. Audries Park in Somerset, which became another successful venue.
Clearwell Castle offers a variety of elegant spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions, each with its distinctive character. This versatility allows photographers to curate a diverse collection of images that reflect the unique personalities of the couple and the ambience of the chosen venue within the castle.
One of the many selling points at Clearwell Castle is the magnificent ballroom. This space is licensed for civil ceremonies and boasts a 75ft aisle – allowing the bride to make quite an entrance! This is a very unique setting, which is usually only found in churches, created by the ornate leaded glass windows and Dias at one end. The perfect setting for a stunning Clearwell Castle wedding photography.
For sunnier days the terrace provides a stunning setting for an outdoor ceremony. The ballroom can also seat up to 150 people for the wedding breakfast, and the elegant reception rooms and the vaulted cellar can easily accommodate 250 guests for evening dancing. The castle also has other rooms suited to smaller celebrations and drinks receptions.
The iconic Gatehouse at Clearwell Castle stands as a symbol of timeless romance. Wedding photographers often use this historic structure as a captivating backdrop for portraits and candid shots, adding a touch of medieval charm to the visual narrative of the day.
Clearwell Castle Wedding Photographer
Also, Clearwell Castle can provide accommodation for up to 79 guests. There are 15 luxurious castle bedrooms, three estate cottages, and 24 newly refurbished guest rooms at The Wyndham. There can hardly be a more perfect setting for a wedding than a castle in an enchanted forest.
On top of that, Clearwell Castle has been the proud winner of numerous awards. Most recently this fantastic venue earned the title of the British Wedding Awards’ “Best Wedding Venue in 2018″.
So if you are getting married in this award-winning Gloucestershire venue, congratulations, you are in safe hands. Please get in touch if you would like the same care and attention from your Clearwell Castle wedding photographer.
Martin captured our wedding at Clearwell Castle in a natural and non-intrusive way. He is also very creative and our photos are just AWESOME!”
Kate & Rob
Are you planning a Clearwell Castle wedding and looking for an experienced and friendly wedding photographer?
