Sandon Hall Wedding Photography
I’ve driven past Sandon Hall numerous times, but never actually ever been there. Not for a wedding or for any other event so I was super excited when Chloe and Stephen booked me for their wedding. I remember driving through the grounds up to the hall through hundreds of acres of land. It really is a fantastic place. Huge amounts of grounds, tons of history and more than one option for your ceremony to take place. Chloe and Stephen decided to get married in the conservatory which has just the most wonderful light you could wish for as a wedding photographer.
I had met Chloe a few times before during 2018, at some of her friends weddings including as a bridesmaid at Alicia and Dan’s wedding at Alclumlow Farm in Congleton, so I already knew quite a lot of people at the wedding and had already had the pleasure of meeting Chloe and Stephens lovely daughters who pretty much stole the show on the day.
Stunning Documentary Photography
I remember on the day it being incredibly windy, but luckily the rain held off all day so we were able to get outside for plenty of photographs. Chloe was probably the most relaxed bride I think I’ve ever spent the day with, didn’t get stressed once and just took the whole day in her stride with a smile on her face. Stephen was a real laugh and just a nice guy to be around and they both seemed to just chill out and really enjoy their wedding without any stressing.
This makes it a perfect environment for me to work the way I do. Free to wander round and wait for moments that help tell the story of the day and I really enjoyed that part of Chloe and Stephens day. We nailed the group shots in a couple of minutes because they only picked a handful, we had a quick wander around the grounds and captured some great portraits that took no time at all and I had a ton of time to just get into the wedding documentary and capture all the great moments.
Sandon Hall Wedding Photographer
There’s tons of room at Sandon and throughout the day the guests explored the grounds, enjoyed tea in the library, relaxed in the conservatory and then partied in the main hall. Everywhere you look there’s history, beauty and a stunning backdrop. Combine this with a chilled out couple and a set of happy guests ready to celebrate the couples love and you have yourself the perfect mix for a great wedding.
Here’s Chloe and Stephens story
Hairdressers: socio
The band: live wires band
Florist: topiary tree
Wedding dress: bridal rooms
Sandon Hall, a Gorgeous Country House Wedding Venue in Staffordshire
Sandon Hall, the historic residence of the Harrowby family, is a gorgeous Wedding Venue situated on 400 acres of lush countryside in Staffordshire in the Midlands. The stately home features 10 exquisite rooms and beautiful grounds where you can have the exclusive wedding of your dreams. I’m very lucky to have been one of a handful of Sandon Hall Wedding Photographers.
Wedding Venue Details and Amenities
Allow the staff of Sandon Hall to cater to your needs and design the perfect plan for your wedding. You won’t have to share your special day with anyone if you book Sandon Hall as your Wedding Venue. The property is not a hotel, so its use on your wedding day will be exclusive to you. Enjoy the elegance of this Country Manor’s ten rooms, all licensed as wedding venues – including a Saloon, Library, Drawing Room, Dining Room and Conservatory – and treat your guests to an experience they won’t soon forget.
The Saloon is a stately space with a grand staircase and sweeping views of the front of the property and is an ideal Wedding Venue for the ceremony of your dreams. In fact, guests will enjoy a scenic one-mile drive upon entering the property and approaching the Hall. The Saloon also features rich wood paneling, arched entryways, a chandelier and fireplace. This space can seat up to 120 guests. A great room to wander round as a Sandon Hall Wedding Photographer.
The Library is an intimate space that seats up to 100 with breathtaking views of the gardens. Its wood paneling, warm curtains and intricate carpet create a charming environment – and of course, the family’s book collection is also featured. Decorated with Chinoiserie wallpaper, the Drawing Room is a comfortable space for guests to relax and serves as an ideal reception venue. Its large windows create a cheery atmosphere and bring views of Sandon Hall’s beautiful gardens inside.
Treat your guests to a formal family dinner in the Dining Room. Just off the Drawing Room, Sandon Hall’s Dining Room is an ornate yet cheery space to enjoy a meal, with lively yellow walls adorned with portraits of the Harrowby family and exquisite ceiling paneling. Yet another option for your use is the Conservatory, a lovely indoor botanical garden with tiled floors and stately plants. The Conservatory is a beautiful spot for photographs of your wedding party as well as a harmonious space for a reception.
History of Sandon Hall
Sandon Hall has been in the Harrowby family since they purchased it as a hunting lodge in 1776 and transformed the property into a Georgian manor. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed most of the premises in 1848. When the property was rebuilt in 1854, Sandon Hall was styled as a neo-Jacobean house, a Renaissance-revival style popular in the mid-1800s in England. As a Sandon Hall Wedding Photographer it’s wonderful to experience such a grand veneu to work at.
In the early 1800s, the Harrowby family was involved in British politics, with members of the family holding positions as Lord Chief Justice and as Foreign Secretary. Later generations have worked primarily in banking, with the previous (previous to current) Earl serving as the Deputy Chairman of NatWest Bank.
Location
Sandon Hall is easily accessible from across the United Kingdom, located in Sandon, Staffordshire in the Midlands. In around one hour, one can reach Sandon Hall by car from either Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport. Driving from London takes approximately three hours. The nearest train station is Stafford Station which boasts trains to London in under two hours’ running time and is located a 15-minute drive from the Hall. Only being down the road from me it makes a great location for picking me as your Sandon Hall Wedding Photographer.
Nearby Accommodation Options
There are many boutique accommodation options for your wedding party and guests close to Sandon Hall. The Stone House Hotel is situated on the Stafford Road in Stone and offers a variety of rooms and suites within easy driving distance as it is only 10 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 ensuite, and includes a gym and heated indoor pool. For an even more elegant stay, guests can stay at Hoar Cross Hall, about a 30-minute drive from Sandon Hall. At Hoar Cross, guests can choose from 11 superb rooms in this English country house, now a luxury hotel.
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 by walking, 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. It is located next to Stafford College and the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
Explore Staffordshire
Stafford, originally founded around 70 CE, is a picturesque town for your guests to explore before or after the wedding. They 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.
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 Sandon Hall.
