I love how Notley Abbey is old and new at the same time. It's so full of character and palpable history (if walls could talk, hey?) but also thoroughly modern and neutral.
I don’t get the opportunity to shoot at Notley nearly enough … although, if I’m being totally honest, I could photograph a wedding there every week and it still wouldn’t be enough!
There's so much inspiration, for both documentary and posed photos, that you can't possibly include everything in just one wedding. Which is great because it keeps my work fresh and means every couple gets something unique to them.
The mullion windows are a delight - I lust after their quirky handles! But most importantly, they let in lovely light which bounces around beautifully courtesy of the neutral cream interiors.
And as for backgrounds for group photos and portraits ... Notley is your oyster.
The secret pocket gardens at the back of the house are perfect for romantic portraits away from prying eyes.
The fabulous front door is great to make an entrance for confetti photos after your ceremony.
The tree-lined driveway, stone walls, and river offer amazing backdrops … lemme at it!
I’m losing count of the number of Notley Abbey weddings I've photographed now! But I do know each one has been pure pleasure.
I’ve shot civil ceremonies (both indoor and outdoor), as well as church weddings close by in Thame. And there've been many elegant drinks receptions and rocking parties in front of my camera, too!
Oh, and it doesn't stop with the wedding day…
I've photographed pre-wedding shoots for some of my Notley Abbey couples and even a post-wedding shoot for a couple who ran out of time on their actual wedding day and wanted to get some extra photos.
I’d love to shoot there more, more, and more. So if you’re planning to tie the knot at Notley, pleeeease give me a shout!
Jacqueline & tony
“We often did not realise Sarah was there for many shots but when you look back at the photos she produced you remembered all the things that happened where you hoped she got a shot of it but you were not sure. I can safely say that she captured everything we wanted from the day.”
Take a tour of Notley Abbey's most iconic locations with some of my favourite wedding photos...
If you're planning a wedding at Notley Abbey, you can have your pre-wedding shoot there too. So there’s another chance to spend time at this stunning place! What's not to love?
Find out what it’d be like to have me as your wedding photographer.
Wahey! *crosses everything I’m free* Tell me about your plans so far and I’ll get back to you with my availability and next steps.
Whoop! What fun! And a minefield too, perhaps? Try this series of revealing guides that take you through (almost) everything there is to consider from a photography point of view before you choose your wedding venue (and your photographer). Includes things venues would probably rather I didn’t tell you!
Notley was built as an Augustinian abbey in the 1100’s
It was once owned by Hollywood royalty - Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh...
...And the Abbot’s Hall (where you can have a civil ceremony) was their sitting room
The abbey church (now just buried remains) is in the walled garden
The abbey was originally known as 'Nutley' - in reference to the abundance of nut trees in the area
Copyright © 2007-2025 | Sarah Vivienne Photography