Real moments, beautiful light and a little editorial flare
I’m Lauren, a Nottingham wedding photographer, and Colwick Hall is one of those venues that gives you so much to work with. From the elegant interiors and grand staircase to the gardens and surrounding grounds, there are plenty of beautiful spaces without your wedding photos ever needing to feel overly staged.
I photograph weddings in a relaxed, documentary-focused way, so my approach is really about making the most of what is already happening rather than taking you away from your guests for hours.
"You understood what we envisaged and wanted and you've produced far better than we imagined."
Kirsty & Ian
About Colwick hall
Colwick Hall sits just outside Nottingham, surrounded by beautiful grounds and a peaceful setting that feels a world away from the city. This elegant Grade II listed country house combines historic character with a timeless, luxurious feel, giving couples plenty of beautiful backdrops for their wedding photographs.
The experience at Colwick Hall is just as much about the atmosphere as the setting. With its grand interiors, beautiful gardens and attentive team, the venue creates a wedding day that feels effortlessly special. From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of elegance without anything feeling too formal, making it a wonderful setting for a relaxed celebration with plenty of character.
Making the most of the light at Colwick Hall
Light is the one thing you can’t fake, and the difference between a good photographer at Colwick Hall and a great one is knowing how the sun moves around the grounds through the day. I know where to put your family group shots in bright midday sun and where to move them when it’s overcast, so the light flatters everyone rather than leaving half the group squinting or in shadow.
For golden hour, one of my favourite spots at Colwick Hall is just out the front of the venue, where there’s a little area near the car park that catches some beautiful evening light. We can also take a walk along the River Trent for something a little more relaxed and natural. Knowing where to go and when to go there comes with experience, both of the venue and of photography. It’s not just about following what an app says the golden hour is, it’s about reading the light on the day and knowing exactly where you’ll get the best shots.
FAQ
01/03
What is the best time of year to get married at Colwick Hall?
Spring and summer are ideal for Colwick Hall, with colourful gardens for beautiful outdoor portraits. Early autumn brings warm tones and gorgeous golden-hour light, while winter suits the elegant interiors perfectly. Whatever the season, the setting always delivers something memorable.
What are the best photo spots around Colwick Hall?
I love the variety of photo spots around Colwick Hall, from the beautiful gardens at the back of the venue, perfect for relaxed and natural photographs, to the striking pillar entrance and water fountain at the front. Inside, the Hall of Mirrors and grand staircase bring a more dramatic, editorial feel, while outside, the trees at the front of the venue create beautiful golden light later in the day. Knowing the venue and how the light moves means I can make the most of these spots without keeping you away from your guests for ages.
Can we have photographs around the gardens without being away from our guests for ages?
Absolutely! I keep couple portraits relaxed and efficient, so you’re never away from your guests for ages. We’ll make the most of the gardens while naturally moving around, capturing a beautiful portraits with the many different backdrops at Colwick Hall before getting you back to the celebrations.
We're really awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?
Absolutely! Most couples tell me this, and honestly, you don’t need to know what to do. I’ll give you gentle prompts and little things to focus on so it feels natural rather than posed. I’m there to capture the laughs, the in-between moments and the way you naturally are together, not force you into awkward poses.
What happens if it rains on the wedding day?
It’s the UK, so we can never quite guarantee what the weather will do! But rain certainly doesn’t mean we have to compromise on your photos. The main hall has huge windows that let in so much beautiful natural light, making it perfect for relaxed couple portraits surrounded by all the little details you’ve chosen for your wedding breakfast. The grand staircase is another great spot for more dramatic portraits, while the Hall of Mirrors gives us the chance to create those striking, editorial-looking images without having to step outside. I’m always ready to work with whatever the weather throws at us, so you can still have beautiful, varied photos whatever the forecast.
01/05
Testimonials
Abi & Tom
