I fell hard for Courteenhall.
It has so much to offer: A country house with amazing architecture, a church with unusually good light, formal gardens with a calming fountain, a lake with the cutest little rowing boat, unmown meadows with billowing long grasses, an arboretum with a giant flower pot… Yep. Absolute scenes.
But it’s the estate’s love of nature and commitment to sustainability that made me fall completely messy bun over Converse. The team work hard with ongoing projects to encourage wildlife and boost the estate’s biodiversity. And with nature and animals close to my own heart, Courteenhall is firmly on my list of favourite Northamptonshire wedding venues to shout about - and photograph at!
Not been before? Here’s a quick lowdown…
Courteenhall is a beautiful 100-acre estate with a stunning Georgian country house at its heart. It’s tucked away in its own sleepy little village of the same name. Yes, Courteenhall in Courteenhall. And it’s pronounced Cor-ten-hall for added confusion!
The house itself is hidden deep in the grounds amongst acres of nature. It has one of the longest driveways I know and by the time you’ve slowly (on account of the free-roaming chickens) wound past pastures, woodland, and original estate workers’ chocolate box cottages … you’ll unlock peaceful country mode level 10.
But despite its isolated setting, Courteenhall is easy to get to. You’ll find it just off the M1 junction 15, near Roade in south Northamptonshire. Which is ideal for anyone making a road trip for your wedding.
The estate is privately owned and only hosts a handful of weddings each year. So if you get married at Courteenhall, you’ll be among a very exclusive crowd!
A home with history, heart - and 157 species of butterflies.
And it could be yours for the day.
CourteenHall Wedding Photography
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Take a peek for yourselves...
Five reasons you’ll love Courteenhall for your wedding photography
Dreamy views. Courteenhall has your photo backdrops covered. Even the car park is hidden from sight. Which means all your pictures - the natural ones, the posed ones, and the detail ones - will have a beautiful background. And related to that…
Varied couple shot locations. When it comes to photos of the two of you, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s a stunning spot for every personal taste, weather condition, and lighting situation. So you’re bound to find somewhere you love for romantic portraits. It’s only a question of who’ll be first to excitedly exclaim “Chickens!”. (It will be me.) Which leads me onto…
Relaxing environments. The house lends a fleck of elegant formality. But it’s the gardens and grounds that make Courteenhall stand out. It's the kind of place to explore and soak up. Which is absolutely ideal for my style of wedding photography. Because it helps me make your portrait session feel less like a photoshoot and more like quality time together. But before you worry the grounds sound sprawling and you’ll miss a big chunk of your reception, Courteenhall also has…
Accessible locations. Everything is within a bouquet’s toss of the house. Sure, the grounds are extensive. But the finest features are close to your newly jewelled hands. So you can get gorgeous couple pics and be back with your family and friends before they devour your wedding cake. And finally?
Flexible and personal service. Magical and meaningful wedding photos start with planning a wedding that’s you. That way you can truly relax, be yourselves, and wear your hearts on your sleeves - while I leave you be and capture whatever you lay on my cake plate. And Courteenhall’s tailored approach to each wedding will help you achieve this. You’re in great hands.
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This may seem a strange thing to say… but I haven’t got nearly enough experience in wedding photography at Courteenhall. Because 10, 20, 30 weddings wouldn’t be enough at this perfect place! I just love it! And many more weddings here are needed - just to be sure!
Emily and Chris were my first Courteenhall couple. And with their very kind permission, you can have a look at some of their wedding and pre-wedding photos…
My Experience at CourteenHall
Sarah who?!
Emily & chris
“Sarah is the best photographer we could've imagined for our wedding. She knew our venue (Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire) so well so we trusted her completely and rightly so! Sarah was so fun on the day and made everyone so comfortable when taking the photos. She is SO great and if you ask her to be your photographer, you’ll be infinitely grateful to this wonderwoman.”
Love note
Just imagine yourselves (and your photos) here…
The CourteenHall Gallery
St Peter and St Paul church is right on the edge of the estate and just a short - if slightly hilly - walk from the house. But don’t worry, the estate team will be on hand with country-style transport for anyone with special needs, Choos, or a wedding dress. And leading your family and friends across the field from the church to your reception, with the sight of Courteenhall house (and the smell of canapes) growing ever closer, is a Courteenhall wedding highlight - and a great photo opp!
Oh, and there’s a church too…
Planning a wedding at St Peter and St Paul church? Take a look at the weddings of some other couples whose weddings I've captured there ...
Courteenhall church weddings
If you're getting married at Kelmarsh Hall, you get VIP access for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Not only is this a great way to practice being in front of the camera, it's also a chance to create memories and photos in a different season or location from your wedding pictures.
Nervous about being photographed?
Find out what it’d be like to have me as your wedding photographer.
“We want to know more!”
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.
“We’re ready to book!”
Where would you like to go now?
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!
Still looking at venues?
Should I pick a photographer who’s recommended by my venue?
Should I pick a photographer who’s worked at my venue before?
How I capture unique photos at my regular wedding venues
What to look for in a wedding venue to get magical photos
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