As a busy Bristol wedding photographer, I get to work at the finest wedding venues in the city and this is certainly the case when I return to be a Goldney Hall wedding photographer.
Situated in the heart of Clifton in an elevated position overlooking the city and Brandon Hill, Goldney Hall is Bristol’s famous hidden garden nestled behind high stone walls on Constitution Hill. Goldney Hall consists of 10 acres of ornamental 18th-century gardens. Showcasing a wisteria-clad orangery, a steam tower, a rotunda, a heritage orchard and what is believed to be the most exotic and well-preserved shell grotto in the entire country. So, when it comes to unique and amazing backdrops for your wedding photos, you are spoilt for choice.
For fans of the TV series Sherlock, Goldney Hall is where Watson got married, in an episode, where of course, a murder was committed and was of course solved. Here’s hoping your wedding won’t be quite so eventful!
Goldney Hall contains two beautiful Georgian houses, both of which are licensed to host civil ceremonies in a variety of areas both inside and out. The first of these impressive Georgian houses is the Grade II listed Goldney House. This beautiful 18th-century house consists of a bar, a library, a common room and a dark room.
Goldney House also contains an ornate mahogany parlour that dates back to 1725. It comes complete with original wooden panelling walls, a carved wooden ceiling, an ornate fireplace and candelabra lighting. It has a cosy vibe. It also has magnificent views across the Goldney Gardens and is licensed to host civil ceremonies for up to 40 guests.
For outdoor ceremonies, you can choose to say your vows under an arc of 14 ancient yew trees in their Grade I listed garden, which can accommodate up to 100 seated guests on the beautifully manicured lawns.
Wedding ceremonies are often followed with an elegant drink reception either on the lawn or in the Orangery that overlooks the ornamental canal and a steam tower. It’s the perfect place for me to take some romantic portrait images with Goldney Hall Gardens’ iconic features making the perfect backdrop.
When I capture wedding photography at Goldney Hall, I love it when guests get to explore The Grotto. Highly decorated with exotic shells, quartz and minerals. The central chamber features a life-size lion with a lioness sitting in a den behind, all beautifully lit up with skylights. The River God is seated at the end of a chamber overlooking a cascaded pool with giant clams. It’s not something you see every day and staff are on hand on the tour to talk about the grotto’s fascinating history. The Grotto tour adds something unique and enchanting to weddings.
Experienced Goldney Hall wedding photographer
To imitate wedding ceremonies, the shell-studded grotto and the rotunda are both licensed to host civil ceremonies. The grotto can accommodate up to 20 guests and the rotunda up to 12. Both give you a truly unique and secluded feel for a magical wedding.
When it comes to your wedding reception, Goldney House has a stunning wisteria-clad Orangery that can accommodate up to 110 seated guests and 150 for a drink reception and/or evening celebration. Available on an exclusive use basis, The Orangery sits within a beautifully designed walled garden and is an idyllic setting for a wedding celebration. With full-length French doors leading directly out to the gardens, your wedding can seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces. It’s the perfect place for a sumptuous wedding breakfast.
The Orangery is light and airy with neutral décor you can decorate it to your tastes or leave it pared back for a natural look. The orangery is also available for wedding ceremonies from Monday to Thursday.
The other stately house at Goldney Hall is Clifton Hill House which is a Grade I listed Palladian villa built in 1747. It has retained many of its grand Georgian period features including chandeliered ceilings and large sash windows that create a sunlit space and boast amazing views across Brandon Hill.
Natural Goldney Hall Wedding Photography
For weddings at Clifton Hill House, you can hire the Drawing Room or the Wills Reception Room, both are licensed to host civil ceremonies and both can accommodate up to 80 guests. For more intimate weddings of up to 50 guests, they offer The Clifton Room and The Clifton Lounge which can accommodate up to 40 guests.
You can mix and match these flexible spaces, blending indoors with outside, to create a bespoke wedding day.
When it comes to your wedding food, Goldney Hall works with local high-end caterers Parsnip Mash, who pride themselves on using locally sourced seasonal ingredients in their bespoke wedding menus. Their creative and flexible approach to food will ensure your wedding food wows your guests.
Whilst Goldney Hall does not offer guest accommodation. They have strong connections to local hotels that offer them preferential rates. There’s also a host of Airbnb properties within walking distance.
When you book your wedding at Goldney Hall, you will be allocated a dedicated and experienced wedding coordinator who will guide you through every aspect of planning your wedding. And will be with you on the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. Allowing you to relax and enjoy your day.
So, if you’re thinking of having your wedding at Goldney Hall. I hope this has been useful to you. Goldney Hall is a truly unique wedding venue but you don’t have to take my word for it. The most fun part of planning your wedding is getting to visit amazing wedding venues in beautiful locations so have fun with it!
And when you’ve found that perfect Bristol wedding venue, you’ll be looking for an experienced Goldney Hall wedding photographer to capture your day with beautiful storytelling images. Feel free to get in touch.
I’d love to hear about your wedding plans….
Martin captured our wedding at Goldney Hall in a natural and non-intrusive way. He is also very creative and our photos are just AWESOME!”
Jess & Tom
Are you planning a wedding at Goldney Hall and looking for an experienced and friendly wedding photographer?
