THE ELVETHAM
A unique hotel in northern Hampshire with incredible grounds
The Elvetham Hotel wedding photographer is totally spoiled, as it’s an absolutely stunning wedding venue. It sits just outside the little Hampshire town of Hartley Wintney, near Basingstoke. It’s all about the gorgeous architecture and the incredible grounds here; big views, sweeping driveways, secret hidden corners. As a wedding photographer The Elvetham is the sort of place that, once you know about it, you can’t help but rave about it. Well, I can’t anyway.
It’s very popular with London couples apparently – makes sense given how easy it is to reach from the motorway it is, and how incredibly cool it looks. This place has got party written all over it. Big, beautiful rooms and nice little features make it a year-round venue for sure, but really you’ll want to hedge your bets and aim for a time of year when you and your guests can get outside in those beautiful gardens.
OVERVIEW:
A very unusual and absolutely beautiful hotel on he north Hampshire Border; The Elvetham makes an instant and lasting impression. Bags of accommodation across the main house building and across the lawns in the converted stables (grander than it sounds!), you can be confident that everyone can get ready here without accidentally coming across each other before the big reveal. The grounds and gardens here are a real hero - immaculately kept, extensive and hugely varied; the only limit to your photo opportunities is how much ground you're prepared to cover as you explore everything the hotel has to offer. A range of reception rooms of varying shape and size means that you've got options throughout the day for the different elements of your reception and celebrations. And the staff will roll out the VIP treatment for sure - a totally personal service on offer from start to finish. An on-site deconsecrated chapel is available for ceremonies and offers real character and romance as a backdrop.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
The perfectly tended gardens look fab at every time of year, with huge floral borders, avenues of trees, immaculate lawns and views beyond to the surrounding countryside. Wander down the long drive towards the stone bridge, or even further to the enormous gunnera near the entrance. The chapel provides further interest as a backdrop, while inside you've got a whole stack of options, either for when the weather isn't playing ball or just to take advantage of the fascinating architecture of the building. Think grand staircases, huge stone fireplaces, archways and porticos, cosy wood-panelled rooms... So much to work with. The main prep room upstairs is enormous and filled with light (great news for make up artists too).