I photograph weddings all across the UK, but as I grew up in Shropshire, it will always have a certain charm. And why not?! It’s a county of outstanding natural beauty, so if you do get married in Shropshire, you really are very fortunate. If you have just got engaged almost the first step will be looking for a venue and location that fits exactly what you want! So here are a few of the best wedding venues in Shropshire that I can recommend from a lot of personal experience. Some of my favourite weddings that I’ve photographed are below, but I’ll also link you directly to the venues websites – I do strongly encourage you to make the effort to scout the venues yourself. Many will have open days and wedding fayres, but always inquiry directly with them to see when is most appropriate.
You are naturally going to have different priorities for when it comes to finding the venue perfect for you, so don’t be afraid to put these at the top. If something doesn’t really suit you, then you should never feel pressured into it. It’s quite old fashioned for a wedding venue to insist on using their own suppliers, after all, part of the fun is finding the ones you love! However most will be able to recommend some from personal experience, which is always helpful. It’s still recommended to do your own research, and you’ll likely have to contact people independently anyway, unless you have a wedding planner.
Couples often think of the venue as the location for wedding photos, but in reality it’s just the setting where you’ll be enjoying your wedding day with all your guests (unless you actually want one long photoshoot!). So although it is nice to discover a beautiful setting, think of it as much of a setting to spend in great company and have fun with everyone – that castle on the hillside might look nice, but not without a permit, a wedding licence, and with either leaving your guests for several hours somewhere else, or carting them to a location unfit to hold the event you really desire.
So here are a few that I’d like to recommend, having photographed weddings their over several years. I mention them not because they’re simply “the prettiest” or “most unique” (which can be easy to get hung up on), but because I know they’re all places that are run really well on the day and have excellent staff and management. Which is so important, as it just allows you to relax and fall into your own wedding day without the hassle or fuss of worrying about things you should never have to. Saying that, they are all incredibly beautiful, and all different in their own right – nothing ordinary here at all!
Pimhill Barn / http://www.pimhillbarn.co.uk/
Drapers Hall / http://drapershallrestaurant.co.uk/
Walcot Hall / http://walcothall.com/