Aston Marina Wedding Photography
Covering Kendal and Gary’s wedding was a real privilege as a wedding photographer. The couple chose Aston Marina in Stone, a wonderful location to celebrate their wedding. It was a privilege to photograph a wedding at Aston Marina for the first time, Shooting there brought out the artist in me so seamlessly.
Wedding Photographer working at Aston Marina
Working as a wedding photographer in Staffordshire, presents me with happy opportunities to work with lovely couples like Kendal and Gary, in perfect locations like this one. I enjoyed recording Kendal’s story as preparations begun in the morning at Aston Marina. I really enjoy shooting bridal prep as it gives you a chance to get to know the bridal party a little better. I shot Gary’s preparations over at The Dog and Doublet Pub. It was outstanding to watch Kendal and Gary demonstrate their commitment to each other during their ceremony at Aston Marina.
Sunny Summer Weddings at Aton Marina
The reception was very warm, colourful and welcoming. All the guests were cheerful and you could feel the joyful atmosphere at the reception. I enjoyed shooting the reception. The moments shared were lovely. Summer weddings are always awe-inspiring weddings to photograph and I made sure to make the most of the venue during the portraits. The day was bright as the sun shone, which I was really pleased about, and it just meant everyone could get some fresh air on the day.
Staffordshire based Wedding Photography
All the guests took their seats after the reception, waiting for the speeches. Guests reacting as the speeches are delivered makes for exquisite storytelling photographs. It was time to begin the evening celebrations. Everyone brought the day to an end by demonstrating their best dance moves. Weddings like Kendal and Gary’s make my job as a wedding photographer a pleasure and I’m sure they will be really happy together.
Enjoy a Waterside Wedding at the Aston Marina
The docks and waterways of Aston Marina form a lovely backdrop to a wedding for those who love the water. Named “Wedding Venue of the Year 2019” by Bridebook Awards, Aston Marina’s Boat House and Gazebo will impress your guests with something different. This Wedding Venue is set on the Trent & Mersey canal just outside the town of Stone. Spread out with your family and friends on the veranda outside of the Boat House or dine in the airy, modern interior, all in view of the water.
Book the Boat House for a Truly Memorable Day
The Boat House was custom designed for weddings and receptions, and offers you one venue to contain all of the events on your big day. Feature lighting runs throughout the Boat House space, bifold doors open onto the veranda and lawn, and large windows and skylights allow natural light to stream inside. You will have exclusive use of the Boat House on your wedding day. The venue has a bridal lounge where the wedding party can prepare or freshen up, along with ensuite bathrooms, private parking, a private entrance, and a professional kitchen. Enjoy the services of the Aston Marina’s wedding coordinator who will be onsite throughout your event.
Aston Marina is licensed for civil ceremonies, both indoors and in a purpose-built outdoor space, the Garden Gazebo. Decorated to your wishes, be they for potted trees, a floral wall, balloons, or other ideas, the Gazebo is a pretty option for couples hoping for an outdoor ceremony. Simply designed white wooden chairs line the lawn outside the gazebo so all of your guests have a perfect view.
The Boat House can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated breakfast or dinner, catered with locally sourced dishes. Dietary requirements pose no issues for the accomplished kitchen staff, who regularly work with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy options. In fact, Aston Marina’s restaurant, No. 26 Bar & Dining, is a multiple award-winning venue itself. Or choose an evening BBQ to delight your guests with a relaxed and casual affair, spread across the lawn. Bands and DJs are all welcome – the venue is accustomed to working with a variety of performers.
History of Aston Marina
Aston Marina is a truly modern facility. The marina itself was built in 2009, and the Boat House Wedding Venue opened in the autumn of 2015. The 200-berth marina is operated by Trent Valley Marina Ltd. offers amenities including showers, toilets, laundry, supplies of coal, gas & logs, as well as a small library. A trailer, servicing and maintenance, and storage area are also available. Perhaps your guests will arrive by boat!
Location of Aston Marina
Aston Marina is located between Stone and Sandon in Staffordshire, easily accessible from across the United Kingdom, just off the M6. In around one hour, one can reach Aston Marina by car from either Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport. Driving from London takes approximately three hours. The nearest train stations are the Stone and Stafford stations. The Stafford station boasts trains to London in under two hours’ running time and is located a 15-minute drive from the Marina. The train station in Stone is less than three miles away.
Nearby Accommodation Options
There are many boutique accommodation options for your wedding party and guests close to Aston Marina. The Stone House Hotel is situated just down the road and offers a variety of rooms and suites within easy driving distance as it is only five minutes by car from the Hall. The Stone House Hotel is a traditional country house that has been refitted as a hotel with 55 rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The hotel includes extra amenities for your guests to enjoy, including a gym and a heated indoor pool. For an even more elegant stay, guests can stay at Hoar Cross Hall, about a 30-minute drive from Aston Marina. At the luxury hotel of Hoar Cross, guests can choose from 11 superb rooms in an English country house setting.
The charming town of Stafford is only a 15-minute drive from Aston Marina. The Vine Hotel on Salter Street in Stafford includes a restaurant and pub on the premises; in fact, the hotel is located inside the oldest pub in the town of Stafford. Your guests can enjoy this quaint setting only minutes’ walk from Stafford train station. The attractions of Stafford are also easily reachable if walking from the Vine Hotel, including the Shire Hall Gallery, Ancient High House, and Gateway Theatre. Guests on a tighter budget won’t have to sacrifice style as there is a low-cost option in Bridgewood House, also located in Stafford town. This property features 68 rooms all with ensuite bathrooms. Bridgewood House is located next to Stafford College and the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
Explore Staffordshire
Your guests can truly experience the Staffordshire countryside through a stroll, starting from the Wedding Venue itself. Aston Marina advertises a Canal and Countryside Trail that is 4.5 miles long and circles back to the marina. The approximate walking time of this idyllic trail is two hours. The path follows the canal, then wanders through wetlands and fields before a final pass through the small village of Aston-by-Stone.
Stoke-on-Trent is the largest town in Staffordshire, with a population of around 262,000 people. The town is famous for its pottery and is the ceramics capital of the UK with multiple museums and galleries still focused on the trade today. Alton Towers, the UK’s largest amusement park, is also a draw to Stoke-on-Trent. Another popular attraction in Staffordshire is the Uttoxeter Racecourse, home to 25 annual meets including the Midlands Grand National. The racecourse is about a 20-minute drive from Aston Marina.
Stafford, originally founded around 70 CE, is a picturesque town for your guests to explore before or after the wedding. Only 15 minutes from Aston Marina by car, the town is an easy day outing. Guests can visit Stafford Castle, built around 1090 by the Normans, and St. Chad’s Church, constructed in the twelfth century. The Ancient High House is a museum set in the oldest timber-framed townhouse in England. The Shire Hall Gallery, originally built as a courthouse and city offices, is now an art gallery with rotating exhibitions. Stafford was first connected to the rest of England by rail in 1837 and continues to attract visitors today.
