If you’re dreaming of a wedding venue that blends history, elegance, and breathtaking views, Stowe House should be at the top of your list. As a Stowe House wedding photographer, I can confidently say it’s one of the most enchanting locations for your special day.
Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible venue and how to make the most of it, along with a few tips from me, to ensure your wedding is picture-perfect!
Why choose Stowe House for your Wedding?
Nestled in the picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside, Stowe House is a beautiful 18th century mansion full of grandeur and sophistication. The estate is surrounded by 880 acres of stunning landscaped gardens and sweeping parkland, providing a truly unique backdrop for your wedding. Hidden among the grounds are monuments and temples, making every turn complete magic.
With its incredible interiors and striking architecture, Stowe House offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, this venue caters to all styles and sizes of weddings.
When you book your wedding at Stowe House, it can be exclusively yours for your special day. The ceremony rooms range from intimate spaces for 40 guests, to bigger spaces for up to 180 guests. For those planning a larger wedding, the South Lawn is perfect for a marquee celebration.
Wedding Locations at Stowe House
The Marble Saloon
The Marble Saloon is one of Stowe House’s most iconic spaces. Designed to imitate the Pantheon of Rome, it has a majestic domed roof, marble pillars and incredible statues in the alcoves. With its intricate and classic design, it’s a truly magnificent setting to say ‘I do’.
The Music Room
The Music Room is another one of Stowe’s beautiful spaces, perfect for an elegant wedding ceremony or an intimate reception. With its exquisite gilded ceiling and grand chandelier, this room is full of sophistication and charm. The large windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the room’s delicate details and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The State Dining Room
Now onto one of my personal favourites, the State Dining Room. Oh my goodness this space is breathtaking! This room is the epitome of luxury, with gold accents and an incredible ornate ceiling. Plus, with the exquisite grand portraits adorning the walls, you feel transported to a spectacular museum. If you want your wedding to feel like a luxurious royal event, you simply must use this room!
The Blue Room
The Blue Room is another stunning space, offering a serene and intimate setting for your wedding. With its calming blue tones, ornate detailing and grand chandelier, this room presents both luxury and tranquility. It’s perfect for smaller ceremonies, private moments, or even as a space to prepare before walking down the aisle.
The Temple Room
For your reception and party the Temple Room is fantastic. With striking pillars and intricate details, this space has a real wow factor. The rich colours create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the large windows provide views of the stunning gardens outside. Plus, this room also gives you access to a bar, perfect for the evening celebrations.
The South Portico
Now we can’t talk about Stowe’s wedding locations without including the magnificent South Portico! This is a grand entrance into the house itself, with dramatic columns and a sweeping staircase. It’s the ideal location for a romantic outdoor ceremony, your confetti moment, or simply some gorgeous portraits. It’s a dramatic and timeless backdrop for cinematic wedding photos, with its stately pillars and panoramic views.
Gardens and Parkland
The grounds of Stowe House are just as spectacular as the interiors. With features like stunning temples, the Palladian Bridge, and beautiful lakeside views, there’s no shortage of breathtaking backdrops for your wedding photos. As a Stowe House wedding photographer, I love exploring the gardens with my couples to capture every magical moment throughout the estate.
Planning your Wedding at Stowe House
Does Stowe House sound like the perfect luxury Buckinghamshire wedding venue for you? Here are a few tips to make sure everything runs smoothly when wedding planning…
- Book Early: Stowe House is a sought-after venue (and quite rightly!), so it’s best to secure your date well in advance. This also gives you plenty of time to coordinate with your suppliers and create a seamless plan for your big day.
- Work with the Venue Team: The staff at Stowe House are so helpful and knowledgeable. They are experts in hosting weddings and can provide invaluable advice on logistics, layouts, and timings.
- Consider Transportation: With its countryside location, arranging transport for your guests might be helpful, especially if many are travelling from afar. Providing shuttle services or clear parking instructions can help make logistics super simple.
- Your Decor: The incredible interiors of Stowe House don’t need much embellishment, so focus on decor that enhances its elegance. Opt for classic and luxurious floral arrangements, and touches of personal style to make your day truly unique.
My top tips for your Stowe House Wedding
As a Stowe House wedding photographer, here are a few key tips to help you make the most of your wedding at this beautiful venue…
Maximise Stowe House’s Iconic Features
Stowe House is full of stunning spaces, from the grand Marble Saloon to the tranquil gardens. Plan your day to incorporate these unique features into your schedule, and you’re guaranteed to have the most beautiful and varied wedding photos. Whether it’s a first look on the South Portico or dreamy portraits in the State Dining Room, let the venue’s beauty shine in your celebrations. After all, you chose this spectacular venue for a reason!
Make time for Golden Hour
Golden hour (the hour before sunset) is always a photographer’s dream! The soft, warm light casts a warm glow across the estate, creating a truly dreamy atmosphere. When taking couple portraits on a wedding day, I always like to split it into a couple of mini sessions. We usually do 10 minutes during the drinks reception, and 10 minutes around sunset. We can plan this into your timeline to sneak away for some golden hour photos, capturing the most magical (and usually the favourite) images of the day.
Embrace the Outdoors
Stowe House’s gardens are one of its standout features. With its picturesque parkland, temples, and lakes, Stowe House’s grounds are a truly idyllic setting. Don’t be afraid to venture outside for your photos, even if the weather is a bit unpredictable (this is the UK, after all!). A clear umbrella can make for some charming and unique photos, and overcast skies are actually perfect for creating soft, flattering light.
Work with Experienced Suppliers
Choosing wedding suppliers who have worked at Stowe House before, or who understand how to make the most of a luxurious heritage venue, can make a world of difference. From photographers and videographers like me who know all the best spots, to florists who know how to complement the venue’s incredible interior, experienced professionals can help your wedding vision seamlessly come to life.
Stowe House Wedding Photographer
My photography style is all about documenting the beauty and authenticity of your wedding day. At Stowe House this means highlighting the stunning architecture, the breathtaking gardens, and most importantly, the connection between you and your partner. I photograph in a natural way that’s fun and puts you at ease straight away. I genuinely believe I have the best job in the world. I get to photograph couples on the happiest and most special days of their life!
If you’re considering adding videography as well, it’s such a wonderful way to relive the special moments of your day. The exciting morning preparations, the laughter, and all the joyful celebrations coming to life on film. Video really gives you another way to treasure your wedding memories.
If you’re looking for a Stowe House wedding photographer and videographer who will capture your special day in a beautifully bright, timeless and authentic way, contact me here. I can’t wait to hear all about your exciting plans, and help you bring your dream wedding to life!
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