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I’ve been a wedding photographer in Worcestershire and the surrounding counties since 2010. So it’s safe to say that I’ve seen a lot of wedding venues. However, I can honestly say that I’ve never been so blown away the first time I drove into the grounds of a venue as I was with the absolutely breathtaking Stanbrook Abbey Hotel.
This gorgeous Abbey in Callow End just outside of Worcester is one of a kind when it comes to wedding venues. Dating back to the early 16th century, Stanbrook Abbey is a former Grade II listed monastery. Original architecture mixes with modern spaces to provide the best of both worlds in the most stunning setting.
But What if the Weather is Bad?
I know, I know…nobody wants rain on their wedding day. It’s one of the most common worries I’m faced with from my couples, in case they can’t get the photos they’ve dreamed of.
If there is ANY venue you’d want to have booked on a rainy wedding day, it’s this one. From its dramatic stone cloisters to gothic stained-glass windows, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your wedding photos, even if you can’t step outside.
Having been a recommended photographer at this beautiful wedding venue for many years now, I know it like the back of my hand. When I say I know the best indoor spaces for wedding photos at Stanbrook Abbey, I really do! It’s easy for me to tell you how beautiful this venue is, but what I’d really love to do is SHOW you. So here goes, take a look below at some of, in my opinion, the best indoor spaces for wedding photos at Stanbrook Abbey.
Note that this blog refers specfically to couple portraits, rather than the more storytelling, unposed images we are known for. To see more wedding galleries from Stanbrook Abbey click here.
The Best Indoor Spaces for Wedding Photos
Bride’s Manor
If you choose to book Bride’s Manor at Stanbrook Abbey for your wedding weekend, you’ll have exclusive use of it on the morning of your wedding day.
Bride’s Manor boasts lots of lovely little spaces to capture both natural and posed moments. One of my favourites is the corridor leading from the main bedroom to the top of the stairs. There’s a storytelling feel here as the bride takes a moment to herself before heading downstairs.
I love capturing bridal portraits at the foot of the gorgeous staircase here. If we have enough time, we’ll do this before the ceremony as you make your way down to greet your wedding party.
Callow Great Hall
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’s a truly special space and one to make the most of on your wedding day. After the ceremony is over, you’ll be able to return to Callow Great Hall. Take a little time to create some unique and breathtaking photographs.
We can get creative in here with some simple lighting to make sure the detail in the beautiful stained glass windows isn’t lost and to add a dramatic effect to your photographs.
St Anne’s
St Annes at Stanbrook Abbey is usually used for drinks reception in cold or wet weather and also for smaller wedding breakfasts. It’s handy to know that, with a little table manouvering, we can create a space for indoor group photogrpahs if the weather doesn’t allow us to go outside. This makes things super easy for you and your guests and allows you still get lovely family photos, whatever the weather.
A lot of people see St Annes as a space for their wedding breakfast and not much else. I adore this space and feel that it’s wildly underestimated. For a while, I knew that I wanted to create an image to do it justice. I just needed the right wedding day for everything to fit just right.
That day finally came and how well it turned out! With a little creativity and thinking outside the box, we love creating something different for our wedding couples.
The Cloisters
Everyone wants photographs in the cloisters. 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.
But how to make them different? With everyone keen to have photographs here, it’s easy for your wedding images to look similar to those of others. To combat that, we love to use simple lighting to create more depth and feeling in the images. It really enhances the sloping archways and gives a romantic, warm feel.
That being said, we also love the natural light too! Time it right and it pours beautifully though the windows for some amazing portrait light.
The Library Bar
Another space that is underused when it comes to wedding photos – the Library Bar. Again used mainly for drinks receptions and during the evening, it’s a stunning space that, when empty of wedding guests, makes a great setting for wedding portraits.
The timing has to be just right, but we’re good at working quickly! Here are a few from one wedding day as the couple waited for their guests to finish taking their seats. Simple elegance.
Are You Getting Married at Stanbrook Abbey?
Now you’ve seen my take on the best spaces for indoor wedding photos at Stanbrook Abbey. Could this be the wedding venue for you? Check out their website here.
Or maybe you’ve already booked this stunning venue and are looking for the perfect photographer to capture your day. See more of our 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.
