Dunwood Hall Wedding Photographer

A few weeks ago I shot the wedding of Steph and Ash. The venue they chose for their wedding was Dunwood Hall in Endon in Staffordshire. I was happy finally to photograph a wedding at Dunwood Hall, shooting there brought out the artist in me so seamlessly.

I started the day shooting Steph at her house. She had her hair and makeup finished and I shot the story as it developed. I also photographed the groom at his house. The air at Ash’s house was filled with excitement as he prepared himself for the day.

After finishing all the preparations, Steph was driven to the venue in an stylish horse and cart. It was a delight to photograph all those awesome moments at St Chad’s Church. Working as a wedding photographer in Staffordshire offers awesome opportunities to cover ceremonies like this.

I took photos of Steph and Ash as well as the guest at the reception. The reception was full of stunning energy and joyful laughter. Capturing the dynamics, moments and stories of the day is always my main goal. Summer weddings are incredible weddings to photograph and I made sure to make the most of the venue during the portraits.

The sun came out and shone all day, which really lifted the light at the venue, and helped make nice bold colourful photographs. All the guests were keen not to miss the speeches. You hear so many speeches doing this job, but they are always different.

The wedding ended on a the perfect note as the bride and groom showcased their dance moves on the dance floor. As well as having a thoroughly extraordinary day, it was just a joy to photograph Steph and Ash’s wedding and I felt buzzing by the time I left.

Entertain in Gothic Revival Style at Dunwood Hall

Ideal as an elegant Wedding Venue, Dunwood Hall is a stately country home built in Gothic Revival style. Regional Winner of the “English Wedding Awards 2017”, Dunwood Hall is perched on five acres of gorgeous grounds. This Wedding Venue will enhance the elegance of  your wedding as guests roam the garden paths and delight in the Hall’s fountains and ponds. Exquisite tiled floors, Gothic archways, and precious artwork and collectibles surround you as you celebrate your Wedding.

Amenities at Dunwood Hall

The magnificent rooms of Dunwood Hall provide a stunning backdrop to your wedding events – be it the ceremony itself or a dinner or reception. The Music Room is the perfect spot for a civil ceremony and can accommodate up to 92 guests. Bask in the glow of the Music Room’s deep yellow walls, lovely windows, chandeliers, fireplace and oil paintings. This space can also transform into a dance floor with a bar located conveniently next door.

Host your wedding breakfast in the elegant Dining Room, which seats up to 52 in a formal setting. Should you need more space, the nearby Orangery can accommodate additional guests for dining. The Dining Room’s light green walls and natural light will contribute to your special meal. With its high ceilings, skylights and wood-panelled walls, the Orangery is the perfect transition between the formality of the Dining Room and the great outdoors.

In the center of Dunwood Hall, the Hall itself is a magnificent entryway with its high ceilings, overlooking balconies, chandeliers, fireplace and ornate tiled floor. This is the perfect spot for staging your wedding photographs, to make a grand entrance or perhaps to stage as an area for welcome cocktails. Additionally, the Drawing Room provides a more intimate space to relax or for the bridal party to use to prepare.

Dunwood Hall offers a personalized experience in every way, including in dining. The knowledgeable staff will work with you to choose whatever best suits your wedding – whether it’s a breakfast, tea, BBQ or all of the above. Using locally sourced and fresh ingredients, as well as a fully stocked bar, the staff will wait on you and your guests with care. Sample menu items include Thai crispy chicken bonbons, mini Yorkshire pudding, roasted fillet of lamb, minted pea and asparagus risotto, baked sticky toffee cheesecake, and many more. Signature cocktails include the Blushing Bride and the Grinning Groom, giving both you and your guests a taste of unique beverages to enjoy.

Location of Dunwood Hall

Dunwood Hall is located near Leek, just northeast of Stoke-on-Trent off the A53 in Staffordshire. It is a mere handful of miles from the Peak District National Park and is easily accessible from across the United Kingdom, no matter how your guests will be arriving. The airport in Manchester is merely a 45-minute drive away, and reaching the Liverpool airport takes just over an hour. The Birmingham airport is approximately an hour and a half drive from the Hall, and driving from London takes a little over three hours. The nearest train station in Stoke-on-Trent is only eight miles from Dunwood Hall.

History of Dunwood Hall and its Environs

Dunwood Hall is an historical nineteenth-century home, built in 1871 by Thomas Hulme. This family home has been hosting social events for over a century and a half. The current owner’s family has held the Hall in its possession for several generations; in fact, the family still lives on the property.

Dunwood Hall is just outside Stoke-on-Trent, home to the pottery industry of England. One of the most illustrious pottery companies, Wedgewood, was established in Stoke-on-Trent. The founder, Josiah Wedgewood, was responsible for the industrialisation of the manufacturing of pottery. Stoke-on-Trent also has a deep coal mining history, with the first reported coal mining in the area dating from the thirteenth century.

Nearby Accommodation Options

There are many boutique accommodation options for your wedding party and guests in Staffordshire. 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 30 minutes by car from the Hall. The hotel is a traditional country house refurbished 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 where they can choose from 11 superb rooms in this luxury hotel.

Stafford is about a 40-minute drive from Dunwood Hall. In Stafford, the Vine Hotel on Salter Street includes a restaurant and pub on the premises; in fact, the hotel is located inside the oldest pub in town. 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

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 40-minute drive from Dunwood Hall.

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.