A Wedding at Shortmead House in Bedfordshire

As a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of capturing wedding day stories in some of the most stunning locations, and this wedding at Shortmead House in Bedfordshire is undoubtedly one of new my favourites having worked there recently for the first time. Nestled in the charming town of Biggleswade, this historic Georgian manor house offers an enchanting blend of elegance and rustic charm, making it the perfect backdrop for any couple’s special day.

Something that sets this awesome wedding venue apart is the management. Owners Lee & Esme have both worked in other fields of the wedding industry for years and know hoe weddings work inside out. This gives them a real advantage in planning every detail of the day that will work seamlessly for both the guests and other vendors at the venue.

Lois & Josh’s Wedding at Shortmead House

Lois & Josh’s wedding day began and ended at Shortmead House with a short drive out to nearby Letchworth for a church service in the Garden City’s oldest building before returning for a day of wonderful celebrations that included, ice cream, bouncy castles, outdoor speeches, cocktails by the pool, singing waiters with a huge conga around the venue. I really hope that my selection of images capture the sheer joy of this fabulous day.

Hosting a Wedding at Shortmead House

Ceremonies

As well as traditional civil ceremonies, Shortmead House is licensed to conduct ceremonies from cultural denominations as well as humanist weddings. The venue also conduct a civil partnerships so whatever your requirements, the venue ensure that they have suitable facilities  and will provide catering according to any religious or cultural based dietary requirements.

You can also opt to have religious ceremony off site (as with this wedding where we headed to a nearby church) and return to Shortmead House to continue your Wedding celebrations afterwards. Shortmead House Weddings can cater for ceremonies and receptions both large and small.

If you’re looking for an overall package or just some help with other wedding suppliers, they also can source everything from other wedding vendors including  flowers, music and decorations. They can even organise you transport and accommodation.

The Barn

For couples seeking a more rustic vibe, Shortmead House offers a charming barn that’s perfect for wedding receptions. With its exposed beams, rustic wooden floors, and twinkling fairy lights, the barn creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for dining and dancing. It’s a versatile space that can be personalized to reflect the unique style and personality of each couple, making it a favorite among brides and grooms looking for a blend of elegance and country charm.

The Pavillion

Another highlight of Shortmead House is the stunning pavilion. This elegant structure is ideal for outdoor ceremonies, offering shelter while still allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding gardens. Decorated with flowers and soft drapes, the pavilion creates a romantic setting for exchanging vows. It’s also a fantastic spot for capturing those emotional moments as the couple says “I do” against the backdrop of nature.

The Thatch

In the gardens, by the pool, the Thatch is an ideal, less formal setting for a summer wedding. Equally, it has been used in the winter months with a reception afterwards in the Stables.

Shortmead House  Features

The Manor House

Shortmead House wedding venue is steeped in history, with its origins dating back to the early 16th century. The main house, a beautifully preserved Georgian manor, exudes timeless elegance. Its grand façade, complete with tall sash windows and classic architectural details, sets the tone for a day filled with romance and sophistication. Inside, the house features a range of elegantly decorated rooms, each with its own unique character, perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.

The Gardens

You would never believe it now, but the venue claims on the website that a recently as 1999, Shortmead House was surrounded by overgrown and neglected gardens. I’m pleased to say that now, the gardens at Shortmead House are one of the standout features for wedding photography. . Spanning around 24 acres, the grounds offer a variety of picturesque settings for wedding photos. Having been lovingly restored to their former glory.

The Pool

My personal favourite unique feature of Shortmead House is its outdoor swimming pool. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the pool area adds a touch of glamour and relaxation to the venue. It’s the closest thing I have experienced as a Wedding photographer to being at a destination wedding without leaving the UK.

The Marquee

For larger weddings, Shortmead House provides a spacious marquee that can accommodate a greater number of guests. The marquee is a blank canvas that can be transformed to suit any wedding theme, from classic and traditional to modern and whimsical. With the option to open up the sides, guests can enjoy the fresh air and stunning views of the gardens and out to the pool area while celebrating the newlyweds.

Accommodation

Shortmead House also offers on-site accommodation, allowing the bridal party and close family to stay overnight and extend the celebrations. The luxurious rooms are tastefully decorated, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat after a day of festivities.

Wedding Photography at Shortmead House

For Wedding photography at Shortmead House the facade is distinctly classic and elegant, a perfect match for my style of wedding photography – authentic, elegant and natural. I always strive for my wedding photos to have a timeless quality, I don’t do trends or gimmicks. As a husband who has been married for 16 years myself, I always stress to my couples the value of your wedding photos as the years go by, good wedding photography is an investment that will grow in emotional value as you age.  Therefore, in my opinion,  it’s important that the work has authenticity to truly reflect the day as it was.

From the the front of the house, we headed down into the meadow like area, which is glorious during the golden hour (I have used some of the images from this wedding at Shortmead house during golden hour to show how beautifully the light filters through from behind the house and can wonderfully backlight the couple, making for some stunning and elegant walking shots. This area leads down the a pretty gazebo/pergola (I’m never quite sure of the difference) which is an obvious but still essential spot to get a few classically elegant portraits. Beyond this, there is the lake area.

The courtyard and pool area were the beating heart of most of the wedding day. I found it to be the perfect spot for capturing fun, candid moments as guests dip their toes in the water or relax poolside with a cocktail in hand. The pool area is especially magical during the golden hour, with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the water and surrounding gardens.

My First Wedding at Shortmead House: Summary

Photographing my first (hopefully of many) wedding(s) at Shortmead House was a sheer delight. The combination of historic charm, beautiful gardens, and unique features like the pool and barn make it a versatile and in my experience, unique venue.

for more on having a Wedding at Shortmead House you can visit the venue’s website here

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