West Horsley Place Wedding Photography
West Horsley Place wedding photography, for this wonderful couple, who got married in a very special church ceremony near Guildford, began with me capturing some beautiful pictures of the bride getting ready at the family home, just a stones throw from the church. My documentary style of wedding photography means that I love capturing as much of the day as possible, and my West Horsley Place wedding photography on this day in late summer, was just perfect for me, as there was so much love between the couple, and there were great photo opportunities at every stage of the day.
West Horsley Place Wedding Photography
Mosts recently West Horsley Place has been used as a film set for BBC series Ghosts, which is an indication perhaps of just what a treat it is for the eyes. It’s an exclusive wedding venue, that is able to accommodate wedding ceremonies and receptions, and potentially outdoor ceremonies in the future, and has a fascinating history dating back to the 15th century. After the Duchess of Roxburghe died in 2014, it was “accidentally” inherited by her (then) 80-year-old grand-nephew, the broadcaster and author Bamber Gascoigne.
Since then, the West Horsley Place Trust has been set up and West Horsley Place plays host to events including Christmas arts and craft fairs, and they even have an opera theatre in the grounds. Opera buffs check out Grange Park Opera!
West Horsley Place History
According the the West Horsley Place Wikipedia page “West Horsley Place has a mid-17th century façade applied to its 15th century structure. The house dates back to the 15th century, and is a timber-framed building. The house has 50 rooms. In the sixteenth century, it was owned by John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners, who made the first English translation of Froissart’s Chronicles, and later by the Earl of Lincoln.”
“The house, or the additions in the reign of Charles I, is given as a leading example by Sir John Summerson of what he calls “Artisan Mannerism”, a development of Jacobean architecture led by a group of mostly London-based craftsmen still active in their guilds (called livery companies in London). It features prominently the fancy, quasi-classical, gable ends that were a mark of the style. Other houses in the style are the Dutch House, the surviving remnant of Kew Palace, and Slyfield Manor, near Guildford.”
Reasons to hold your wedding at West Horsley Place
West Horsley Place is a stunning Grade 1 listed mediaeval manor house which makes a perfect, and unusual wedding venue in the area, within easy reach of London, and is stunning back drop to your West Horsley Place wedding photography. Due to being left almost untouched for a hundred years, there are exquisite details at every turn, both inside the many rooms of the house, as well as in the walled gardens that surround the property. For large weddings there is the newly renovated Stone Hall that can cater for up to one hundred wedding guests, and for more intimate receptions there’s the beautiful Drawing Room, with it’s classical columns and 18th century silk wall hangings, depicting romantic landscape scenes.
A Beautiful Wedding Venue any time of year!
When it comes to your West Horsley Place wedding photography around this amazing venue, no matter the time of year, or whatever the British weather has in store, there are ample opportunities to create some stunning images of your wedding, including candid shots, portraits and family group photographs. Of course during the summer months you’ll want to make the most of the delightful walled gardens around West Horsley Place, and the sun sets beautifully over the orchards to the left of the house.
If your wedding is in winter then you’ll be pleased to hear that there is easy access to the front of the house where there is a gravel driveway, and inside there is a grand staircase and lots of lovely windows that let in natural light to the venue for exquisite West Horsley Place wedding photography.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at West Horsley Place
- Perhaps the number one reason I love West Horsley Place wedding photography is that it’s just such a fab venue. It’s of course steeped in tradition, but there’s also something very on-trend about the decor, and there are also modern renovations that make it a perfect country wedding venue.
- I also just happen to live locally to West Horsley, just ten minutes away in Guildford, so the short drive to do West Horsley Place wedding photography is a dream.
- I love working with fun-loving and relaxed couples, who want to have a great time and put family and friends at the heart of their wedding plans. The effortless glamour of this venue make it ideal for my brand of West Horsley Place wedding photography, as there is such a chilled atmosphere, not to mention plenty of space for garden games on the lawn, and a great party vibe in the evening!
- The experienced wedding team at West Horsley Place led by Carolyn, who has overseen more than 500 weddings in her career, will make sure that your wedding day runs like clockwork, and all with a calm, friendly and professional approach. Trust me you’ll be in good hands!
- It’s also a great bonus that there are so many different options for your West Horsley Place wedding photography, at this wonderful venue. From the use of the Stone Hall, to the more intimate spaces of the house. There are also a number of beautiful churches nearby, including St Mary’s opposite, and St Martin’s, in the village of West Horsley. They’re also St. Martha’s church, and there is easy access to Guildford hotels for your guests to stay, and De Vere Horsley Estate Hotel, just a few minutes away.
FAQs About West Horsley Place Wedding Photography
1. What is your photography style at West Horsley Place?
My approach is relaxed, natural and documentary-led. I focus on real emotions, genuine connections and storytelling moments rather than staged or posed photography.
2. How much experience do you have photographing weddings at West Horsley Place?
I’ve photographed multiple weddings at West Horsley Place and know the venue exceptionally well — from the Stone Hall to the orchard, the courtyard and the gardens.
3. Why does West Horsley Place work so well for documentary wedding photography?
The natural light, open spaces and historic architecture help guests relax, making it perfect for capturing candid, unscripted moments throughout the day.
4. Do you know the best locations for photos around the venue?
Yes. I know several spots that work beautifully in all kinds of light, including the orchard, the walled garden, the courtyard and some quieter hidden corners ideal for portraits.
5. How do you photograph ceremonies in the Stone Hall?
I use silent cameras and work unobtrusively, taking advantage of the soft natural light to capture emotion without disturbing the flow of the ceremony.
6. Can you photograph both indoor and outdoor parts of the venue?
Absolutely. I’m experienced in working indoors in atmospheric, low-light rooms as well as outdoors in the gardens and orchard.
7. Do you capture the historic architecture and character of the venue?
Yes — West Horsley Place’s history is part of your wedding story. I always include architectural details and the unique textures of the building in my images.
8. Do you take any posed photos at West Horsley Place?
Although my style is documentary, I’m always happy to take a small number of relaxed group photos and a few natural portraits, keeping the session short and enjoyable.
9. Where do you recommend taking group photos?
The orchard and walled garden offer beautifully flattering light, while the Stone Hall provides a great indoor alternative if the weather changes.
10. How do you handle low-light areas inside the manor?
I use professional low-light equipment and rely on natural ambient light whenever possible to keep the look warm, atmospheric and true to the venue.
11. Do you photograph all the styling details and décor?
Yes. I always capture the details that make your day personal — flowers, décor, table styling — along with the venue features that add character.
12. How do you photograph the drinks reception?
I blend in with guests, quietly capturing hugs, laughter, conversations and natural interactions without directing or interrupting.
13. Do you take relaxed couple portraits at the venue?
Yes — these are short, natural and fun. A gentle walk around the gardens or orchard is usually perfect for creating authentic, relaxed portraits.
14. How do you photograph speeches and evening celebrations?
I document speeches, reactions and evening energy exactly as they happen, focusing on emotion and atmosphere rather than staged moments.
15. Are you familiar with the venue’s layout and logistics?
Yes. I know the timing flow, access points and all key areas, making the photography run smoothly and discreetly throughout the day.
16. Do you work discreetly during the wedding?
Very much so. Couples and guests often say they hardly noticed me — which is ideal for capturing genuine, natural moments.
17. How do you handle guests who feel shy in front of the camera?
My documentary approach means guests rarely notice the camera, helping even the shyest people feel relaxed and comfortable.
18. Do you incorporate the venue’s heritage into your photography?
Yes. The building’s history adds depth to your story, and I always include the textures, spaces and architectural features of the manor.
19. How many images do you deliver after a West Horsley Place wedding?
You can expect 400–600 fully edited images, presented in a both colour and black-and-white, all delivered in a private online gallery.
20. Why should we choose you as our West Horsley Place wedding photographer?
My in-depth knowledge of the venue combined with my relaxed, documentary style ensures a natural, authentic record of your wedding day — full of honest emotion and real moments.