ELMHAY PARK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Somerset

Looking at the garden from above, you can see a fountain in the middle, with walkways and bushes around it. It's next to a brick building and surrounded by thick trees.

Elmhay Park Wedding Photographer

One of the first things couples ask me about Elmhay Park is the ‘no curfew’ rule – and yes, it’s true! That freedom, combined with the feeling of being tucked away in your own private world within that amazing walled garden on the Orchardleigh Estate, makes it a pretty unique spot in Somerset. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph loads of weddings at Elmhay, getting to know all its quirks and best angles in sun, rain, and everything between.

So, if you’re considering it for your big day, here’s my honest take from an experienced Orchardleigh Estate and Elmhay Park wedding photographer on why it’s such a great venue, especially when it comes to your photos.

A couple dressed up nicely are holding hands as they walk in front of a brick arch. There are two stone lion statues on either side of the entrance.

A bride and groom hug and kiss in a field with big trees in the background, and the photo is in black and white.

What's the Big Deal About Elmhay Park?

Alright, Elmhay Park is part of the big 500-acre Orchardleigh Estate near Bath, here in Somerset. It’s centred around a Victorian walled garden that the owners, Chris and Heather Vincent, have turned into a really top-notch Somerset wedding venue.

What really makes it stand out for me?

It’s All Yours (Exclusive Use): You get the whole place just for you and your guests. No bumping into other wedding parties! This exclusive use wedding venue setup is brilliant for photos.
No Curfew! This is a massive plus. You can genuinely party until dawn. Fantastic for capturing those late-night moments. A real bonus for a no curfew wedding venue!
The Walled Garden Vibe: It feels so secluded and romantic inside those walls, like your own private walled garden wedding venue.
Photo Variety: So many different spots in one place – the gardens, the Orangery, the cottages… keeps the photos interesting.
Rooms On-Site: Loads of lovely cottages right there (about 29 rooms total), meaning plenty of guests can stay over, making the whole thing feel more relaxed.

A brick wall with a wooden arched door is framed by stone lion statues, and there's green ivy and plants around it. The scene sits along a gravel path.

The Different Spaces (and Where We'll Get Great Photos)

The Italian Garden (Ceremonies)

This is often where the ceremony magic happens. It’s licensed for civil ceremonies (up to 300 guests) and cleverly designed – it feels like you’re outdoors in a garden, but it’s actually covered! So you get that beautiful, natural vibe without worrying about rain. The light under the veranda is soft and really flattering for photos, and you’ve got greenery all around.

The Orangery (Receptions)

This place is impressive – a big, beautiful Victorian-style glass building that seats up to 300. Photographers love Orangeries because all that glass means loads of natural light, making everything look bright and airy. At night, they have built-in lighting that gives it a great party atmosphere.

The Walled Garden

The heart of the venue. It feels really intimate and private inside those old walls. Ideal for drinks after the ceremony or eating outside if it’s warm. The walls themselves make great backdrops, and the garden looks different right through the year.

Church Option Nearby

If you’d prefer a church service, the Orchardleigh Estate has access to two, including a really unique candlelit Island Church that looks incredible in photos.

A brick wall with a wooden door is decorated with blooming pink and red roses. Green leaves and trees can be seen above the wall.

A bride and groom share a kiss under a wooden archway covered in green vines in an outdoor garden.

A couple dressed in formal clothes walks across a grassy field at sunset, their figures outlined by the fading light.

How to find it.

A little round gazebo wrapped in green vines and string lights sits on the grass, with a brick wall and trees behind it, under a cloudy sky.

Staying Over – Multi-Day Weddings & Accommodation

Having loads of accommodation right next door in Elmhay Village (room for about 70-75 guests across 12 cottages) is a massive plus. It encourages that relaxed, multi-day wedding celebration feel.

Photo Opportunities: It means I can capture more of the story – morning preparations in different cottages, maybe even relaxed brunch photos the next day.
Accommodation: There are 12 cottages with 29 rooms total. Places like Garden House (sleeps 14) are often great for bridal prep, and The Bell Tower is a lovely spot for the couple.
Multi-Day Packages: They offer packages including accommodation at nearby Orchardleigh Castle the night before and a separate lodge for the couple the night after the wedding – more time, more relaxed photo opportunities!

The Nitty Gritty: Guests and Costs

Guests: Seats 60-250 for the meal, space for up to 300 for the ceremony, and up to 500 standing for a big evening bash.
Pricing: Packages generally range from about £7,200 to £14,000+, depending on the time of year and guest numbers. Winter dates are usually more budget-friendly than peak summer. Always best to get current pricing directly from the venue for your specific plans.
Dry Hire: Available if you need more flexibility, often used for cultural weddings.
Three-Day Package: Starts from around £9,700 for 80 guests, including accommodation – worth considering for the extended experience.

A bride and groom kiss outside while their guests surround them, throwing flower petals.

A couple dressed up in formal clothes is holding hands as they walk on a gravel path outside a big building with lots of windows. It looks like it's cloudy out.

Location & Getting There

Elmhay Park is on the Orchardleigh Estate near Frome, Somerset. It’s about a two-hour drive from London. You arrive via a nice long drive through the estate grounds.

Plenty of parking is available, and it’s accessible for guests with mobility issues. Being quite secluded means no noise restrictions – a definite bonus for the evening party!

Best Photo Spots (Including Some Hidden Gems)

Having spent a lot of time here, these are some spots I always love using:

Rose Garden Corner: A lovely natural arch formed by climbing roses – great for couple portraits.
Lake Viewpoint: A short walk offers beautiful views across the lake, especially good around sunset.
Walled Garden Entrance: The old stone doorway makes a fantastic frame.
The Orangery (Late Afternoon): Catching the lower sun streaming through the glass creates a beautiful effect.
Cottage Courtyard: Nice textures and backdrops for more casual guest photos.
Italian Garden Veranda: Good for different angles during the ceremony.

Best Photo Spots (Including Some Hidden Gems)

Having spent a lot of time here, these are some spots I always love using:

Rose Garden Corner: A lovely natural arch formed by climbing roses – great for couple portraits.
Lake Viewpoint: A short walk offers beautiful views across the lake, especially good around sunset.
Walled Garden Entrance: The old stone doorway makes a fantastic frame.
The Orangery (Late Afternoon): Catching the lower sun streaming through the glass creates a beautiful effect.
Cottage Courtyard: Nice textures and backdrops for more casual guest photos.
Italian Garden Veranda: Good for different angles during the ceremony.

A black and white photo showing a bridal veil with tiny pearls, laid over a wooden windowsill.

A bride and groom kiss in a garden with roses and a brick wall behind them. The bride is holding a bunch of white flowers.

Thinking About Elmhay Park? Let's Chat!

If you’ve booked this wonderful venue, or it’s high on your list, I’d love to talk. Dates here, especially popular ones, fill up quickly (12-18 months ahead is common), so getting your photographer booked early is a good idea.

Drop me a message, let me know your date, and tell me all about your plans for your magical Elmhay Park wedding!

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black tuxedo walk arm in arm on the grass at Elmhay Park at night. The buildings of Somerset are softly lit and glowing beautifully in the background.