An English summer wedding at Thicket Priory

Is Thicket Priory the best wedding venue in Yorkshire?

Now as a wedding photographer, I don’t like to play favourites with venues (they feed me, after all). But Thicket Priory has got to be one of my favourite wedding venues in the world. It’s definitely my favourite wedding venue in Yorkshire! And with a perfect 5 star rating on Google after over a hundred reviews, statistically it is the best wedding venue in Yorkshire!

Because between the Grade II listed Victorian country house, the pavilion, the blossom trees, the peaceful lake, and the 18 acres of sweeping lawns and secluded woodland, the place is a wedding photography goldmine. So it’s not a case of finding a nice backdrop. It’s a case of trying to decide which of the amazing backdrops to use! It’s even got a helipad. And that’s always helpful. 

So when Jess and Dan asked me to shoot their Thicket Priory wedding in May, I was absolutely buzzing. And honestly, it did not disappoint. Stunning florals, a gorgeous dress, flawless styling, and all in an absolute knockout of a venue. This wedding was beyond beautiful. 

Summer bridal styling for a country house wedding

The ambience in the Thicket Priory guestrooms make for such a luxurious setting to get ready for your wedding. The decor is bright and airy, the furnishings sophisticated and stylish. You’d honestly struggle to find another wedding venue in Yorkshire (or anywhere, for that matter!) that offers a more idyllic setting to begin your day.

Jess’ bridal look was just perfect for a stylish country house wedding. Her dress from Suzanne Neville was effortlessly beautiful, with a sleek silhouette, plunging neckline and low back. Paired with a cathedral length veil, Manolo Blahniks, and elegantly natural hair and makeup, her look was stunning, timeless, and exquisitely classic. 

But even with Manolo and Neville making an appearance, it was the English spring bouquet that stole the show for me. White and blush pink roses, orchids, jasmine, peonies, eucalyptus, and barley combined to make what has to be one of the most spectacular bouquets I’ve ever seen. 

As we were admiring the view out the window, we saw Dan and his groomsmen making their way across the lawns to the ceremony. So with butterflies in her stomach, Jess descended the oak staircase with her father. And headed to The Ballroom to get married.

Wedding ceremony in the Thicket Priory Ballroom

The Ballroom of Thicket Priory is a wedding photographer’s dream. The symmetry, the elegant decor, the natural light streaming through huge windows on all sides, the high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. It’s the Mary Poppins of ceremony venues; practically perfect in every way.

And it’s the only ceremony space I’ve ever seen where the bride starts her walk down the aisle going down stairs. It gives you a real ‘wow’ entrance as the bride with everyone looking up at you. And the angle and aspect this offers is amazing for photos. 

So I’m not going to keep banging on about the florals. But they really were incredible! The huge floral installation above the fireplace behind the altar was simply breathtaking. And the palette of whites, pinks and soft greens complemented the tones throughout the venue and the rest of the styling. And the variety of flowers made it a real celebration of all the best summer blooms. 

So many stunning backdrops and not enough time!

After the ceremony, Jess and Dan stepped onto the flagstone paving outside and were met with deafening cheers and a shower of confetti. Everyone was so happy for them both, it was just wonderful.

The guests all gathered together on the stone steps for the group shot with the majestic country house rising into the sky behind them. I took a stroll with the bridal party across the lawn and down to the lake. And honestly, the grounds of Thicket Priory are an absolute dream to photograph!

When we got back to the venue, guests were sipping champagne outside, looking out across the lawns and down to the lake. And that’s the irresistible charm of Thicket Priory, that picture-perfect summer wedding. It’s an amazing venue in all weather. But it really comes alive if the weather’s on your side.  

Thicket Priory couple’s photography 

One of my favourite parts of any wedding day is always the couple’s session. Because after the excitement of the morning, the emotion of the ceremony, and countless guests vying for your attention, escaping away from it all and spending some time alone together as a couple is truly precious. Time set aside to forget everything else and just concentrate on the person that matters most.

So after they’d had some time with their guests, I took Jess and Dan away from the crowds. And we disappeared together into the grounds of Thicket Priory. Beyond the immaculately manicured lawns and picturesque lake, pathways wind through magical woodland, hedge-lined lanes and sun-dappled copses. It’s achingly romantic. And offers an incredible solitude where the rest of the world just melts away.

As an exclusive-hire venue, we really did have the place to ourselves. With just the sound of birdsong and soft wind through rustling the trees, Jess and Dan strolled through the stunning grounds as a newly married couple. Bliss.

Personal styling details to bring it home!

The Ballroom is actually an open plan complex with different sections, all with the same incredible light, stylish decor and wood-panelled walls as the main ceremony area. Tables were adorned with blush pink napkins, wax-stamped place settings and gold-framed stationery. Stunning florals sat in the middle of every table, and atop the two-tiered white cake. All in all, the styling was faultless. 

But for me, the best thing about it was how personal they’d made it. The cake had been lovingly made by Dan and Jess’ mums. Grandma handmade each napkin and Jess had baked cookies for each of the guests. So much love and care had gone into making the reception personal, it was just so special.

My favourite thing about being a wedding photographer

As a fine-art wedding photographer, I love capturing all the carefully-chosen details, the stylish venues and the stunning dresses. I’m a sucker for anything pretty, and I love that I get to be surrounded by beauty every day. 

But above all, I love that I get to tell the story of the most romantic, emotional, exciting day of your lives. To capture all the laughter with friends and family, the adoring kisses on a forehead, the oh-so-tight squeezes with your parents. All these memories will be so precious to you in years to come. And I love that I get to protect them for you forever in the safety of a photo. 

A massive thank you to Arabella Smith for second shooting for me on this beautiful wedding day.

If you’d like for me to capture your wedding day, I’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch today for a chat and let’s get to know each other.