What an absolutely crazy wedding season I've experienced this year, it's been my 3rd full season since going full time with Lucy Farrant Photography, and it was my busiest yet! In total I had 34 weddings this year, mostly throughout the June to August months and then also a bunch of second shooting jobs on top!
I'm so incredibly lucky with my job as I get to visit so many incredible South West wedding venues, I'm based in Poole, Dorset however I'm more than happy to travel across the whole of the UK (also the globe if you're looking for a destination photographer). But, due to my location I tend to mostly cover Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset & Devon, almost all of which I visited this year. So, saying that, here are my personal favourite venues I experienced this year and would highly recommend to any couple who are venue hunting, or any other photographer. I do also have a previous blog including my top 3 Dorset Wedding Venues from 2022.
English Oak Vineyard, Dorset
Nestled in the gorgeous country side of Poole, the award English Oak Vineyard is an incredible venue, especially on a gorgeous summers day like I witnessed for Anna & Tom in June of 2024. Fortunately due to this they were able to have their wedding ceremony outside underneath the stunning oak tree with a backdrop of all the vines. But, you also then have the option to either have a ceremony under cover with a marquee or in their beautiful convert barn, which are equally as beautiful. The venue is run by the wonderful Melanie & Danielle from Bellissimo Weddings, and their attention to detail will help your day run smoothly. I'd highly recommend this venue if you'd like lots of outdoors space, but a lovely warm cosy barn atmosphere, also if you're a wine lover why not a vineyard! It's such a quaint venue that's so hidden away it's very peaceful.
For me, The White Barn was a new venue to experience this year, and fortunately I was able to go twice. Both of the weddings I photographed were in the summer and were so lucky to experience some lovely weather, the first was for Charlotte & Kai in July (the above image) and the second was in August for Jess & Caz. Both couples chose the option for one of them to get ready at the venue as this is an option, Charlotte got ready in their spa area; but Jess was fortunate to experience the new cottage that was available which was stunning! They both also opted to have their ceremonies in the outdoor flower field which was absolutely stunning in July! By the time August had come around they'd died off a little, but were honestly still so pretty. Sadly as there was some drizzle in the morning Charlotte & Kai opted for an outdoor ceremony under their tented area so it was sheltered. You also do have the option to have your ceremony inside the barn if you please. The barn itself is so beautifully decorated, and as it is white inside allows you a blank canvas to decorate in whatever way you please. Catering is done on site, allowing you to have one less thing to stress about and because the inside is so large you've got plenty of space to spread out and make the most of the area. As an added bonus, not only do you get the use of the gorgeous flower field for your photos, but there's an additional area across the road which is open for you to take photos by a lake. Without a doubt I'd recommend this venue to anyone in Somerset, but also those in the north and east of Dorset as it's not too far a drive. If you're looking for a modern vibe within gorgeous surrounding, this is the place.
This year was my first experience at the incredible Larmer Tree in Salisbury, Wiltshire. It had been on my bucket list of venues for quite some time, and fortunately Lauren & Andy got in touch, loved my work and booked me for their March wedding. Lauren & Andy had hoped to have their ceremony outside with their drinks reception to then follow outside before heading inside for their pie & mash meal. Unfortunately, the weather had different plans! They were very much aware that it being March that this may happen, but Larmer Tree have a gorgeous room inside for you to be able to have your ceremony in the chance of wet weather (also your room for your evening entertainment). Another great option at Larmer Tree is having the beautiful King Johns House for both of your getting ready areas, which I'd highly recommend for how people and picturesque it is. After the ceremony, the staff at Larmer Tree were then quick to tidy away the chairs after the ceremony so I was able to capture group photos inside also. But we were fortunate enough to have a dry spell slightly later on for them to have their bridesmaids & groomsmen photos on the incredible stage, I then took the couple off for photos. If you happen to have a wet wedding day, always be prepared for your photographer to whiz you away from guests to grab some photos if there is a quick moment. You could very easily be wandering around having photos in the gardens as they're so beautiful and have lots of hidden spots. If you couldn't tell already, I love this venue, the beauty of it and the care from the wonderful staff - towards the couple, guests and wedding vendors - is just amazing! It's a great venue for those living in Wiltshire, however it's incredibly close to North Dorset and parts of Somerset, so highly recommend trying out if you're local to those.
This year has honestly been such an incredible one for me and my little business, and I honestly cannot thank all of my incredible couples for inviting me to these gorgeous venues. I experience so many more that I wish I could list, but I'd be here forever writing away about them all. I'm so excited to see what 2025 has to bring and I already have some incredible venues booked in, many old ones and lots of new ones too. I personally feel this is one of the best parts of my job as I love going to new venues and exploring new places that I've never been to before, it keeps it fresh for me. Hoping you all have a lovely Christmas & New Year!
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