Barnston Lodge Wedding: Rosie & Paul

Rosie & Paul: A summertime Barnston Lodge Wedding

The wonderfully brilliant Barnston Lodge Wedding of Rosie and Paul in September 2018 at Barnston Lodge, a stunning wedding venue set in the rural Essex countryside.

Barnston Lodge at a glance

Barnston Lodge is a family-run Georgian country house on Parsonage Lane in Barnston, just outside Great Dunmow in Essex. It is a dry-hire reception venue, so you bring in your own marquee or tipi and caterers and have the gardens, lake and summer house to yourselves for the day. It is not licensed for legal ceremonies. Couples usually marry at the ancient village church, a two-minute walk down the lane, or at a register office about 20 minutes away, then walk or drive back to the house. Paddocks with grazing horses and a large lake with a jetty surround the lawns.

This was my first time at the much talked about Barnston Lodge Wedding Venue and I could instantly see what all the fuss is about. This beautiful Georgian Country house, located in the rural heart of Essex.

I first met Rosie whilst shooting her sisters’ wedding in 2017 (Rachelle & Adrian). There’s no better recommendation than first-hand experience so shortly after I delivered Rachel & Adrian’s final gallery, Rosie and Paul got in touch. We met up shortly afterwards at Rosie and Paul’s local pub, (Fish & Eels, Hoddesdon) and instantly clicked.

Barnston Lodge Wedding

Rosie and Paul are a brilliant couple with strong ideas on how and why to do things. Their wedding was a real reflection of their true personalities and something I always advise my clients to be strong on. Have the wedding the way YOU want it. Their joint passion for music and travel was at the heart of the wedding day. The reception marquee decor one of the most incredible rooms I’ve ever seen. Hats off to Made You Look Florists for that. Truly amazing! The evening was topped off with an energetic live performance from the groom himself. Paul, a talented musician and singer, had never sung in front of Rosie so this was a real surprise to everyone.

I’m truly thankful to Rosie and Paul for allowing me to document their big day and it was brilliant to have caught up with Rachelle, Adrian and the family again. It’s lovely to see familiar faces year after year. I wish them all the best in the future and beyond.

Photographing a Barnston Lodge wedding

Rosie and Paul’s day moved from the morning preparations to a church ceremony and then back to Barnston Lodge for the reception. The marquee, styled by Made You Look, was one of the most striking rooms I have photographed, so I made sure to capture it before the guests came in. The evening had a surprise I was ready for: Paul singing live to Rosie for the first time, with the whole marquee watching.

Barnston Lodge wedding questions

Can you get married at Barnston Lodge?

Not legally on site. Barnston Lodge is a reception venue without a ceremony licence, though blessings are welcome. Most couples marry at the old church a two-minute walk away, or at a register office about 20 minutes’ drive, and then come back to the house. Rosie and Paul married in church before their marquee reception.

Is Barnston Lodge exclusive use?

Yes. You get the gardens, lake and summer house to yourselves for the day. It is dry hire, so you bring in your own marquee or tipi, caterers and bar, with no corkage.

Where are the best photo spots at a Barnston Lodge wedding?

From Rosie and Paul’s day: the church for the ceremony, the Georgian house, and the marquee itself, which was decorated by Made You Look and became the centrepiece of the reception and the evening.

How much does a Barnston Lodge wedding photographer cost?

£2,500, one all-in price for the whole day, with UK travel included. You get 800+ edited photos and 100+ previews the next day. See everything that’s included.