Blog Archives

Ask a Wedding Photographer: Which Cheshire Wedding Venues Have a Lake?

As a wedding photographer, I always make an effort to keep up to date with the latest wedding trends, and I recently noticed that a trending search term on Google is “wedding venues with lakes”. It seems as if couples getting married are keen to find wedding venues where they can take advantage of having a scenic lake as a backdrop for their wedding photography.

This got me thinking about all the times I’ve had the pleasure of capturing stunning wedding shots with a lake as a backdrop, and I thought it might be helpful if I put together a list of Cheshire wedding venues which have lakes. If you’re getting married in Cheshire and looking for a wedding venue with a lake for your wedding photography, hopefully you’ll find this one helpful! Here are some of my top recommendations…

Some Cheshire Wedding Venues with a Lake

 

Delamere Manor

Delamere Manor in Cheshire is a luxurious wedding venue that boasts a beautiful six-acre lake. The manor’s elegant grounds and the stunning lake provide endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. The lake, with its charming bridge and lush surroundings, creates a romantic and serene atmosphere: a wedding photographer’s dream backdrop!

 

Colshaw Hall

Colshaw Hall, located in the heart of Cheshire, features a lovely lake set within its extensive grounds. The lake’s tranquil waters and picturesque setting make it an ideal spot for wedding photography. Couples can take advantage of the scenic views and the elegant backdrop of the hall itself for a variety of stunning shots.

 

Arley Hall and Gardens

Arley Hall and Gardens is renowned for its beautiful gardens, which include a charming lake. The historic hall and its picturesque lake provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance. The reflections in the lake, combined with the colourful gardens, create an enchanting setting for wedding photos.

 

Nunsmere Hall

Nunsmere Hall is a stunning country house surrounded by a 60-acre lake. This unique feature offers a peaceful and romantic setting for wedding photography. The lake, with its serene waters and lush greenery, provides a beautiful contrast to the hall’s classic architecture, making for truly captivating images.

 

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa

The Mere Golf Resort and Spa offers a picturesque lake as part of its extensive grounds. The serene lake and manicured gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. The resort’s elegant ambiance and the natural beauty of the lake combine to create a perfect setting for capturing your special day.


Why Lakes Are a Great Feature for Wedding Photos

Now you’ve got some venues to choose from, let’s explore why lakes make such a fantastic addition to your wedding day photography:

Scenic Beauty
Lakes offer a natural, tranquil beauty that enhances any photograph. The reflective surface of the water can create stunning mirror images of the couple and the surrounding landscape, adding depth and interest to the photos.

Romantic Atmosphere
The serene environment around a lake exudes romance. It’s a perfect setting for intimate moments between the couple, such as a quiet walk along the shore or a kiss by the water’s edge.

Versatile Backdrop
A lake provides a versatile backdrop that I really appreciate as a wedding photographer. Whether it’s the couple alone, group shots with family and friends, or candid moments, the natural beauty of a lake enhances every image.

Seasonal Appeal
Lakes are stunning in every season. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and vibrant flowers, autumn offers rich, warm colours, and winter can create a magical, frosty scene.

Reflection Shots
One of the unique opportunities a lake offers is the ability to capture reflection shots. These can add an artistic element to your wedding photography, making them even more memorable.

Cheshire wedding photographer


Choosing a wedding venue with a lake in Cheshire not only adds a touch of natural beauty to your special day but also provides a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos. Lakes offer a serene and romantic atmosphere, versatile settings, and unique opportunities for reflection shots that will make your wedding photos truly unforgettable.

As a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales, I highly recommend considering these Cheshire venues for your wedding. If you’d like to chat about your wedding photography ideas, I’m always happy to help! Please get in touch today.



Why I love being a wedding photographer at the Cock O Barton in Cheshire

As a wedding photographer, I feel very lucky to live where I do, as I’m based on the borders of two beautiful counties- North Wales and Cheshire. Because of this, I get to shoot weddings at some of the UK’s most picturesque wedding venues.

I wanted to talk today about one of my favourite wedding venues to work at: the Cock O Barton in Cheshire. Nestled in the picturesque South Cheshire countryside, The Cock O’Barton is the ideal wedding venue: bursting with character and warmth. This charming Cheshire venue combines rustic elegance with modern amenities, creating a picturesque setting that makes every wedding a unique and memorable experience.

Here’s why I love being a wedding photographer at the Cock O’ Barton…

The Cock O’ Barton is the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary style. The venue’s architecture, with its exposed beams, stone walls, and large windows, provides a beautiful backdrop for wedding photography. The surrounding grounds are equally impressive, featuring lush gardens and scenic views of the Cheshire countryside. Whether capturing intimate moments indoors or breathtaking shots outside, this venue offers endless opportunities for stunning photographs.

As a wedding photographer, one of the things I appreciate most about the Cock O’ Barton is the versatility of its spaces. The venue offers several distinct areas, each with its own unique character. The cosy bar area, with its warm lighting and inviting atmosphere, is perfect for candid shots of guests enjoying themselves. The elegant dining room, with its sophisticated décor, provides a beautiful setting for formal portraits and group photos. And the spacious outdoor areas are ideal for capturing romantic moments against the backdrop of nature.

Natural light is a wedding photographer’s best friend, and the Cock O’ Barton is blessed with an abundance of it. The large windows in the venue allow natural light to flood the rooms, creating a bright and airy atmosphere that enhances the beauty of the photos.


Cock O’ Barton Wedding Photographer

I totally understand why couples are drawn to the Cock O’ Barton in Cheshire, with its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. The venue offers a seamless experience from the ceremony to the reception, ensuring that guests are comfortable and engaged throughout the day. The ability to host both indoor and outdoor ceremonies means that couples have the flexibility to choose the setting that best reflects their vision, whether it’s a cosy indoor celebration or a scenic outdoor ceremony under the open sky.

For me as a photographer, the Cock O’ Barton in Cheshire is the ideal venue to shoot at. The variety of backdrops, the natural light, and the warm, welcoming ambiance all contribute to an environment where I can get really creative with wedding photography.


Wedding Photographer in Cheshire


If you’re considering getting married at the Cock O Barton in Cheshire, and you’re looking for a wedding photographer who loves this venue just as much as you do, then you’ve come to the right place! If you have any questions about your wedding photography please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 



Ask a wedding photographer: Top tips for stress free group shots

I’ve been a wedding photographer for about 20 years now, and in that time I’ve become something of an expert not just on wedding photography, but on weddings in general! I find that couples often end up asking me for advice, on everything from wedding photography, to general wedding trends, and hints and tips!

Today I‘m answering a question which a lot of couples cite as a concern:

How can we make group shots as stress free as possible?


For many couples, group shots can be a bit of a ‘love or hate’ thing. Couples often tell me that they don’t want their guests to get bored whilst waiting for endless group shots, and they’re also usually looking to create a relaxed, informal feel to their whole wedding day. The good news is that you can still have a relaxed wedding day with natural, candid style photography and some great group shots that you’ll love to look back on in years to come. The trick is striking the right balance.

As a wedding photographer, mastering the art of group shots requires more than just technical skill—it’s about creating a relaxed and organised atmosphere that allows everyone to shine. In this guide, I’ll share my top tips for capturing stunning group wedding photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.



Plan ahead

Before the big day, I work closely with the couple to create a list of desired group shots. This list should include essential family portraits, bridal party shots, and any other special groupings. This means that I’m already aware in advance of who needs to be in each shot, which minimises waiting-around time. I also try to do the large group shot first, so that those that aren’t needed for the smaller groups can go to the bar or check in to their rooms if staying at the venue.

Having a plan in place with your wedding photographer ensures that no important shots are missed and helps the day run smoothly.

Assign a helper

Your wedding photographer will make an effort to get to know who everyone is well in advance of the group shots. However, it’s always a good idea to enlist some helpers who can point people out on the day, or help round up people for photographs. Your ushers should be a great help when it comes to this task, or if you’re using a wedding coordinator they should be able to assist with organising group shots too. This person can gather the necessary individuals, help with arranging poses, and keep track of the schedule.


Keep it organised

Organisation is key to efficient group photo sessions. Use the previously prepared shot list to guide the process, starting with larger groupings and gradually working down to smaller ones. Clearly communicate poses and arrangements to ensure everyone knows where to stand and what to do.

It’s also handy to allocate a specific time slot for group photos in the wedding day timeline. Aim to schedule group shots shortly after the ceremony or during a lull in the festivities to avoid disrupting the flow of the day. Communicate the schedule to the wedding party and guests to ensure everyone is ready and available when needed.

 

Encourage natural interaction

 

As a wedding photographer, I like to encourage natural interaction and genuine emotions during group photos. I’ll encourage couples, families, and bridal parties to interact with each other, share laughs, and show affection. Genuine moments of connection make for more compelling and memorable photographs.



Get creative


Gone are the days where group shots have to be a boring, static line-up of your wedding party. A great way to capture stand-out group shots is to get a bit creative. I love being a creative wedding photographer (I’ve even won some awards for it!), and I’m always more than happy to suggest interesting angles, poses, or props to make the shot just a little different.

Creative shots can really capture the personality of your group and make for truly stand-out group shots that you’ll love to look at for years to come.

How to Avoid Too Much “Waiting Around”

I know that a lot of couples are concerned that “too much waiting around” will ruin the relaxed flow of their wedding day, so it’s something that as a wedding photographer I’m really mindful of. In order to avoid excessive waiting around during group photo sessions, follow these tips:

  • Provide clear instructions and expectations to the wedding party and guests ahead of time.
  • Set up group shots efficiently, with minimal downtime between poses.
  • Keep the atmosphere relaxed and upbeat to prevent boredom and frustration.
  • Utilise assistants or coordinators to help gather and organise groups quickly.
  • As a wedding photographer, I’m always mindful of the weather and lighting conditions, and adjust plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays.


Capturing stunning group wedding photos requires careful planning, organisation, and creativity. By following these top tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable group photo session that results in beautiful images. If you have any questions about your wedding photography, I can help. I’m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, and would love to chat about your plans!