Norfolk is lucky enough to have some brilliant wedding venues in Norfolk, from historic abbeys to coastal hotels overlooking the North Sea.
I’ve photographed weddings in a few of these over the years. Each venue has its own atmosphere and provides you with lots of photographic opportunities.
When I get to a wedding location, I try to scout out the area as best I can. I never head straight to the ceremony site! I like to let myself soak things in for a while, especially if I’ve never taken pictures there before. I’ll always be assessing how the light falls around the building. Where in the gardens we might get some nice portraits, or if there are any secluded spots for a couple of portraits later in the day.
Each wedding is unique. Of course, you want to be prepared as much as possible, but a lot of my favourite images are from those moments that weren’t planned at all.
The venues below are just a handful of the wedding venues I’ve photographed weddings at across Norfolk. Each offers something completely different and provides a great backdrop to telling the story of your wedding day through photographs.
There’s lots more to come. I’ll be updating this page over time with details about individual venues. As well as photographs and a few of my memories from the weddings I’ve photographed there.
Pentney Abbey – One of the Historic Wedding Venues in Norfolk
As a wedding photographer at Pentney Abbey, I’ve always been drawn to the character of the old gatehouse and the way the light falls across the historic stonework.
Pentney Abbey has a remarkable atmosphere about it. It feels like a very old place with even a hint of spirituality hanging over the old buildings and estate.
Photographing a wedding here, I remember spending some time before taking photos exploring the grounds and taking in the venue. I’m always as intrigued by venues as I am by weddings. Whenever I can, I like to spend some time doing a little walkabout of where I’m working before things kick off. Discovering how the light falls around buildings and gardens.
The old gatehouse particularly drew me in when photographing here. The historic stonework creates a very dramatic backdrop for portraits, and I found myself returning to that spot several times during the day.
One of my golden rules has always been to get to know the couple, of course, but also the venue itself.
The Red Lion Hotel, Cromer
As a wedding photographer at The Red Lion Hotel in Cromer, I’ve always liked the ease of stepping out onto the seafront for a few quiet portraits away from the bustle of the reception.
Situated right on the seafront in Cromer, The Red Lion venue has some of the best sea views you’ll find at a wedding venue. Add in the beach at their doorstep and the pier stretching out into the sea, and you’ve got plenty of options for photos once the party gets going.
I’ve photographed two weddings now at The Red Lion, and they’ve both had a really relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Add to this that the staff have been friendly and helpful when we’ve needed anything, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
The seaside location means we can easily pop down to the beach for pictures if the couple are up for it. I popped outside with one couple for some photographs with Cromer Pier behind them and the sea glistening in the distance.
The Old Rectory Hotel, Crostwick
Photographing weddings at The Old Rectory in Crostwick, I’ve always been struck by how peaceful the gardens feel and how naturally the day seems to unfold there.
Situated just outside Norwich, you will find The Old Rectory in Crostwick. A stunning venue with many wonderful locations for wedding photographs.
One area that wedding photographers find lovely for family groups and candid portraits is the gardens. Later on in the day, they can also look lovely when the light softens a little.
Once inside the building itself, I was quite taken by the large conservatory area; lots of natural light flooded into the room. As a photographer, natural light is something I’ll always try to use where I can. It helps to create a softer and more natural look to photographs without having to use flash.
Links Country Park Hotel, West Runton
Having photographed weddings at Links Country Park Hotel in West Runton, I’ve always enjoyed the sense of space around the venue and the freedom it gives for wandering a little with the couple in search of quiet moments.
Links Country Park Hotel sits just outside Cromer in West Runton and offers a different atmosphere again.
Situated within open coastal parkland and next to the golf course, the hotel allows you lots of creative space for wedding photography. There’s lots of room to explore the grounds with your couple and find a variety of locations for portraits.
Wedding ceremonies are usually held in the Runton Suite, and then, when the formal bit of the day is out of the way, there are plenty of secluded spots dotted around the grounds for couples to get away from it all for a few photos.
The Roman Camp, Aylmerton
Having photographed a wedding at The Roman Camp in Aylmerton, I was immediately taken by the charm of the gardens and the quiet corners scattered throughout the grounds.
One of the things I love about The Roman Camp in Aylmerton is its beautiful garden. I instantly fell in love with the venue when I took these photos at a wedding there.
The grounds have a very relaxed country house vibe, and there’s plenty of gorgeous corners for portraits. I also love the pergola walkway in the gardens, which provides a natural frame.
I remember during one reception seeing guests wandering along the pergola holding glasses of champagne. It’s these kinds of moments which usually make for some of your best natural photographs of the day.
Norfolk certainly has some great wedding venues. Every venue lends its own personality to your wedding day.
As a wedding photographer working across Norfolk, from Cromer and West Runton to Norwich and the surrounding countryside, it’s always a pleasure discovering the character each venue brings to a wedding day.
I will be posting more venues as time goes on, with some photographs and little snippets from weddings I have shot.
Moments like these are often the ones couples treasure the most. I’ve written a little more about that approach in an article called The Moment Before the Moment Happens, where I talk about how I look for those fleeting moments during a wedding day.
