I’ve been a Micklefield Hall wedding photographer on several occasions and it’s always been one of my favourite venues to work at. The picturesque outdoor lake is the perfect spot to elope in the summer and the magnificent barn is a great alternative for rustic winter weddings. This privately owned listed barn is situated in Rickmansworth just a short 15 minute drive from my home.
The Great Barn dates back to 1580 but was fully restored by John Soane in the late 18th Century after the Georgian house was built. The original beams add character and charm and the updated mod cons, like the underfloor heating, give the venue a luxury feel. Situated just 25 miles from London, this exclusive wedding venue is set in the Hertfordshire countryside so you can enjoy lovely views of the rolling hills throughout the day. Anyone looking to say I do in a romantic setting surrounded by beautiful gardens won’t be disappointed.
MY APPROACH TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
I photograph most of the day in a documentary style, capturing natural moments in an unobtrusive way. However, I also love taking portraits and usually break this up throughout the day so you’re not away from your guests for too long. Like a lot of people, I can’t stand having my picture taken! A lot of couples I meet feel the same way so I like to incorporate movement into my portraits to give the images a more natural feel. I’ll make sure you feel completely comfortable in front of the camera whilst using some amazing light and a little direction to create some epic portraits for you. To view more of my work, just visit my portfolio page.
PRE-WEDDING PREPARATIONS
One of best things about Micklefield Hall is the amazing bridal suite. It’s split into two large rooms so there’s plenty of space for you and your bridesmaids to get ready. A long dressing table runs along the back wall so your makeup artists will have plenty of space to work and the large windows let in lots of natural light making it ideal for bridal prep photos. The suite is situated just a short walk from both ceremony spaces and it’s away from arriving guests so there’s no risk of you being seen before you tie the knot.
GETTING MARRIED AT MICKLEFIELD HALL
The venue is registered for civil ceremonies both inside and outside and can accomodate up to 200 people. The opportunity to have an outdoor lakeside ceremony is something that encourages a lot of couples to get hitched at Micklefield Hall. The long aisle set in the venue’s pretty herbaceous gardens and the beautiful french fountains make it the perfect spot to exhange marriage vows on a sunny day.
After the ceremony I often line guests up along this walkway for some colourful confetti pictures before they make their way to the drinks reception. If there’s time, I also try to squeeze in a few portraits of the bride and groom in the pretty rose garden next to the pond.
As we all know, the weather in the UK can be somewhat unpredictable so the Great Barn provides a great, rustic alternative for your wedding ceremony. The lake can be used for couple portraits later on in the day when the weather improves and works especially well with some creative lighting like off camera flash in the evening.
DOCUMENTING WEDDINGS AT THIS COUNTRYSIDE BARN
The extensive grounds at this award winning listed barn provide some amazing opportunities for photographs. Some of my favourite spots are:
- ROSE GARDEN – Situated just next to the pond, this pretty garden is the ideal place to stop for a few wedding photos after the ceremony. The roses bloom on and off between midspring and autumn, providing a colourful backdrop for wedding portraits throughout the summer.
- GAZEBO – There’s a white gazebo surround by pretty orange flowers which works really well for couple portraits. Along the terrace, you also get some amazing views of the Rickmansworth countryside, so make sure you set aside 10 minutes for portraits in the evening!
- MANOR HOUSE – In the spring, the manor house is covered with pretty purple wisteria making it a great spot for photos of the bride and groom or the wedding party.
WEDDING RECEPTION AT MICKLEFIELD HALL
Micklefield Hall has some unique features that can be enjoyed all year round. There is a garden room with an open log fire and traditional street lamps line the path creating a cosy spot for people to relax in the evening. At weddings I’ve photographed in the past, couples have laid out luxury marshmallows for guests to toast for a post wedding breakfast treat!
One of the walls in the barns is decorated with hundreds of fairy lights which creates a great backdrop for the first dance and, if you’ve booked a second photographer, there’s a balcony they can shoot from which has a great view of the dance floor from above.
If you’re looking for a Micklefield Hall Wedding Photographer, I’d love to hear from you!