The Exciting Future of Weddings at Stanbrook Abbey
Weddings at Stanbrook Abbey are some of the most impressive in Worcestershire, if not in the country! It has it all. Beautiful architecture, stunning wedding ceremony spaces, accommodation, gorgeous grounds and a brilliant team working under the Handpicked Hotels brand. Dating back to the early 16th century, Stanbrook Abbey is a former Grade II listed monastery, so it also has an abundance of amazing history.
This really is a one of a kind wedding venue. I am honoured to be listed as a recommended Stanbrook Abbey Wedding Photographer. I’ve worked with lots of couples on their wedding days there. From intimate weddings with just 14 guests right through to large celebrations with 100+ people. Which is why I feel well placed to talk about the exciting future of weddings at Stanbrook Abbey as things currently sit.
amazing wedding spaces at stanbrook abbey
- Larger Weddings at Stanbrook Abbey – St Annes
- Callow Great Hall – Wedding Ceremony
- Callow Great Hall – Intimate Wedding Meal
- Intimate Weddings – The East Room
- The Cloisters – The Perfect Photography Backdrop
larger weddings at stanbrook abbey – st annes
So it’s no secret that Stanbrook Abbey will be losing it’s Pavillion at the end of this summer. The pavillion has been a fantastic space for larger weddings and events for a number of years. However it’s time for a change so, from September this year, the Pavillion will no longer be available.
So what does this mean for large weddings at Stanbrook Abbey?
Happily, Stanbrook Abbey can still cater for weddings with up to 80 people in it’s gorgeous ‘St Annes’ room (see images below of some amazing wedding receptions held there). That’s a huge 78 much-loved guests who will be with you to celebrate your wedding ceremony and share your first meal as a married couple. And into the evening you can ramp up the numbers right up to a maximum of 250 people!
Personally, as a Stanbrook Abbey wedding photographer, I’ve always loved St Annes SO much more that the Pavillion. This is a venue steeped in history. With original features, tiny nooks, hidden alcoves and sweeping cloisters. Surely what anyone drawn to this venue would love, right? It’s also an amazing space for some beautiful portraits!
St Anne’s really encapsulates the charm of Stanbrook Abbey. It’s right next to the beautiful Library Bar too (see below), which boasts original features of the former monastery and contains hundreds of original books and artifacts, hinting at the hotel’s former use.
You also have direct access to St Annes Gardens. This is the perfect place to mingle during your drinks reception, pose for group photographs, capture some gorgeous couple photos and throw confetti to celebrate your marriage.
Callow Great Hall – Wedding Ceremony
There’s no denying that Callow Great Hall is one of Stanbrook Abbey’s most famous features. As a former monastery, this space still contains the original pews, windows and other details telling the story of what once was.
It offers the best of both worlds, with a grand backdrop similar to those only seen in larger churches alongside a civil ceremony service conducted by Worcestershire Registrars.
After the ceremony is over, you’ll likely be able to return to Callow Great Hall for some beautiful wedding portraits. I love returning to this space with my couples. Most of all I love creating some really unique images for them using a little off camera flash lighting…
callow Great Hall – Wedding Meal
Callow Great Hall is more than just a stunning ceremony space. If you’re planning a more intimate wedding it can also be used for your wedding breakfast. The photo below speaks for itself.
Imagine you and your guests surrounded by this beautiful architecture, the late afternoon sunlight pouring in through the stained glass windows, as you enjoy your first meal as a married couple. Definitely a unique experience!
Intimate Weddings – The East Room
Often overlooked, The East Room is another beautiful space at Stanbrook Abbey. It is perfect for a more intimate wedding ceremony, if you find Callow Great Hall a little too grand.
The East Room is also a fantastic place for an intimate drinks reception. It’s nestled in the corner of the East side of the hotel which was the original entrance before the 2015 extension (which is now the main entrance and St Georges Bar).
I love this side of the hotel. It’s so full of character and offers direct access to the East entrance – perfect for taking group and couple photographs among the lavender.
The Cloisters – The Perfect Photography Backdrop
This space is a Stanbrook Abbey main feature and the reason why a lot of couples fall in love with the venue. It goes without saying that you’ll want some beautiful wedding photographs taken together here.
The cloisters are right next to both Callow Great Hall and The East Room, so it’s the perfect lead into your reption or our of your ceremony. What better backdrop to celebrate the first moments as a married couple?
Even after dark the cloisters are still a stunning space for portraits. Just add a little creative light for a completely different look and feel.
Are You Getting Married at Stanbrook Abbey?
So despite the loss of the Pavillion, you can see that Stanbrook Abbey still offers some amazing spaces for intimate and larger weddings. Could this be the wedding venue for you? Check out their website here.
Maybe you’ve already booked this stunning venue and are looking for the perfect photographer to capture your day. See more of my photography, including reviews from past couples and real weddings, at this very special venue here.
As an experienced wedding photographer based in Worcestershire, I’d love to learn more about your own plans for your wedding day! Get in touch to have an informal chat about your wedding photography and see if my team and I could be a good fit for your wedding day.
