Hampton Court House. Elegant 18th Century architecture, varied light everywhere, period detail, its eccentric quirky character, the fabulous high-ceilinged reception room, dining and dancing space possibilities, fantastic position in London’s Royal Bushy Park.

 I have photographed two weddings at Hampton Court House since I moved to this part of the country. Here are some reasons to choose it as your wedding venue from a photographer's point of view.

The light! Uninterrupted views of the expanse of Bushy Park from its huge 18th Century period windows producing shafts of light or soft diffused light even on a grey day. Looking out from those windows in the main hall where the marriage ceremony takes place you feel a calmness and peace and a sense of being transported back in time as well as a connection with the landscape and the deer.

The gardens. At the front of the house, there are 8 acres of mature landscape and sunken gardens, a heart-shaped lake, a tropical palm tree winter garden, and a fantastical shell lined grotto - endless possibilities for pictures inside and out.

The architecture history and atmosphere.  Beautifully proportioned period architecture and interior details with aged and antique furnishings.  Nothing has been souped-up, just carefully restored where needed and the character and intimacy of the place left intact. This is a house that was privately owned by many distinguished, and apparently not so distinguished, owners since it was built by Thomas Wright in 1757 -  A house that has many a story to tell and witnessed numerous 'colourful' scenes I imagine. The upper gallery in the main hall is fantastic to shoot pictures from during the ceremony or during the reception if you choose to have it there.

By taking over the house for your wedding you can have your entire day here - getting ready in the light-filled library room again with bags of character and views over the park;  your ceremony in the ornate main hall which can seat up to 150 guests (check out the ceiling above!), and in the colder months boasts two roaring log fires at either end. You can then opt for a complete change of scene and mood on the other side of the house for your reception, wedding breakfast and dancing in the grand dining hall and conservatory which opens out onto the tropical palm garden.

These were all snapped on a wintry January day with flat light.  A great wedding venue and a bit of a wedding photographer's dream whatever the season. It’s also a 5 min drive for me!