London Weddings
Strawberry Hill House wedding photography
I’m a Strawberry Hill House wedding photographer with a passion for capturing real memories and real moments, and whenever I’m invited to a wedding at this incredible Gothic villa it’s always a thrill. Who wouldn’t want to be let loose with a camera or two in Strawberry Hill House? It’s one of the most magical and photogenic wedding venues in SW London, and the fact it’s so close to me, tucked away in the leafy suburbia of Twickenham, is just a bonus.
I’m the best choice for couples that want to capture the atmosphere of the venue without turning their wedding day into a fashion shoot. I’ve heard of far too many couples being taken away from their guests for hours doing portraits – I don’t do that! I do love making beautiful portraits at Strawberry Hill House but I want you to spend as much of your day as possible making cherished memories. I’ll fit in around you and your guests and capture all the love, tears, and joy, in stylish candid photos.
Getting married at Strawberry Hill House
You can host your whole wedding at Strawberry Hill House if you want, not just your reception and party. The villa has two rooms suitable for the ceremony itself: the Gallery has a fan-vaulted ceiling, crimson walls and golden canopies (seen during the banquet above); or the Round Room has a more intimate feel with stunning painted glass windows (it’s where the cake is being displayed above). Then there’s a wealth of other rooms to host your champagne reception, wedding breakfast, and first dance, plus 5 acres of Grade II listed garden and woodland to spread out into.
One of the biggest benefits of choosing Strawberry Hill House is the close association between the in-house event management team and the associated caterers at Bovingdons. Between them you’ll be looked after every step of the way. And what’s a wedding day at a Gothic villa without an incredible banquet to feast on, fuelling you for the dancing and celebrations to come?
Getting married at Strawberry Hill House?
Tell me all about it.
If you’re getting married at Strawberry Hill House I’d love to be there for you. I only photograph 25 full weddings a year, and only one per weekend, so if you’ve got a date in mind let me know.
A stunning wedding venue in Strawberry Hill
After your ceremony you can start your champagne reception out amongst the romantic garden behind the villa. Originally inspired by the English Garden Movement, there’s an expanse of lawn and meadow surrounded by winding paths through fragrant flowerbeds, and a grove of lime trees complete with a clearing lit by dappled sunlight.
The original architect Horace Walpole described it as “an open grove through which you see a field which is bounded by a serpentine wood of all kind of trees and flowering shrubs and flowers”.
That serpentine wood exists to this day, lovingly recreated by the Strawberry Hill House restoration team, along with a recreation of Walpole’s extraordinary Shell Seat feature.
As a wedding photographer it’s like a playground of beautiful moments. You could be wandering hand-in-hand through the lime grove, or along the winding flowerbed paths, or head out across the lawn as the sun sets. And inside Strawberry Hill House itself the sunlight streams through stained glass windows all through the day.
The magic of Strawberry Hill Gothic architecture
If the weather doesn’t work out just take your cocktails inside to The Library, amongst floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a tall stained glass window, and ornate Gothic carvings. Later on take the first dance and party to The Great Parlour downstairs. Featuring a grand fireplace and cornice it can accommodate a dance-floor and DJ booth, all lit dramatically by Effect Event.
In fact there’s not a single part of Strawberry Hill House that isn’t intricately and beautifully detailed. From the staircase to the ceilings to the window mouldings, everywhere you look is a feast for the eyes. Even the walls themselves draw you in with their rich texture and colour.
Other venues near Strawberry Hill House
To start your wedding day in relaxed style with bride and groom prep there’s a wealth of nearby hotels to choose from. I’m a frequent visitor to Richmond Hill Hotel, The Petersham Hotel, and The Lensbury Resort, all in the Richmond area and just 10-20 minutes drive away.
If you’re planning a church wedding ceremony there’s so many options nearby. I’ve been to St Mary’s in Twickenham (they don’t actually allow much photography during the ceremony, or any kind of confetti afterwards, but you could do bubbles) and also St Mary’s University chapel right next door in Waldegrave Road.
From St Mary’s University chapel it’s literally a two minute walk across St Mary’s University Park at the back straight onto the ground of the House. But to really appreciate the grandeur of approaching the Gothic castle from the front, take a five minute stroll along Waldegrave Road and make your grand entrance through the main gateway in the front wall.
Interesting fact: St Mary’s University actually bought the House in 1923, but the Strawberry Hill Trust took over the 120 year lease in 2002 so they could focus on their successful restoration works. So now you know!
Recommended wedding suppliers
Ceremony & Reception Venue : Strawberry Hill House | Accommodation : The Petersham Hotel • Richmond Hill Hotel | Florists : Flowers By Kirsty • Mary Jane Vaughn • Albert + Arthur • Twilight Trees | Hair & Makeup Artists : Kristina Gasperas • Anabela Seguro • Carla Francesca (makeup) | Music : The Dominos • Real Kudu • Stretto Quartet • Daniel Mills | Entertainment : Lee Smith Magic | Stationery : Chelsea Fine Stationery | Wedding Cars : Lux Wedding Car Hire | Caterers : Bovingdons | Event Design : EffectEvent
Getting married at Strawberry Hill House?
Tell me all about it.
I only book 25 all-day weddings a year, and just one per weekend, so if you’re getting married at Strawberry Hill House let’s connect and have a chat.