Wedding Venue for the Summer – Alrewas Hayes

by Raphael Lionel | May 25, 2020 | Events, Summer Weddings, Weddings

Alrewas Hayes, a wedding venue in a beautiful country location, was the perfect setting for Liam and Estrianna’s wedding. The main house, a Grade II listed residence previously belonging to Queen Anne, is a wonderfully attractive building and sits among the private landscaped gardens and 100 acres of parkland invitingly.

I shot the pre-wedding session for Estrianna and Liam here and really enjoyed it. Although time was short on the wedding day and we couldn’t get as many shots as we had prepared, it was still a great backdrop for the celebrations. The morning photographs for the bridal party hair and makeup, were taken at the Hilton at St Georges Park in Burton-on-Trent. The dressing of the bridal party however, was at Alrewas Hayes, in the Theodore Suite. This is a wonderful room overlooking the courtyard, with plenty of natural light and large exposed oak beams running across the ceiling. It’s a great room to shoot getting ready shots in.

The best laid plans..

An unavoidable delay impacted the bridal party getting ready on time, so the wedding vows were performed much later than planned. Seeing the bride arrive at the church, settled the nerves of the waiting groom and guests. Before we knew it the ceremony was over and they were pledging their life to each other. The register was signed and the pronouncement to the congregation was made, to applause.

A heavy downpour occurred during the journey to Alrewas Hayes. A plan was put forward to have some photographs in the Orangery, an events space in the wing of the house, while the rain stopped. The sun then came out, so rather then starting the meal, it was decided to grab a few images of the groups out in the courtyard. I would have loved to have shot in the garden by the main house or in the many surrounding fields, but by this time, we were well passed the scheduled start for the breakfast. Holding a receiving line enabled the bride and groom to greet each guest personally. After the meal the speeches had everyone laughing and the evening guests began to arrive.

I took the newly wed couple out to shoot a few images after dinner outside the main house, before the evening entertainment got underway. Kicking things off was a wedding game show that involved the bridle party, very similar to Catchphrase (a popular game show from 80s tv) . After which, Matt, the DJ for Stealth Weddings then played a really nice set and his “Dancing on Clouds” service provided a captivating experience of the Bride and Groom in their first dance.

Alrewas Hayes a special wedding venue

The staff at Alrewas Hayes were attentive and supportive and nothing seemed too much trouble. I really do like this place. It has loads of varying locations and views, a truly beautiful wedding venue. I hope I get the chance to shoot there again.

Summer Weddings

If you are planning your big day and looking for some summer wedding ideas, there are a number of sites with suggestions. The type of colours and dresses are important, but getting the right wedding venue is also. I have found that having a series of plans for the weather is a good idea.

If it rains what will you do? Having enough big umbrellas to protect the bridal party would be wise.
Alternatively, if it’s too hot, what will the plan be then? Think about areas that offer shelter for guests. Plan to keep your guests hydrated, which may mean non-alcohol cocktails.
Get some heel protectors for the bridal party.
What time is sundown and in relation to your venue, what direction is it? This will make planning for a sunset shot helpful.
Keep your wedding cake in an area that is cool. This will stop it melting or toppling in the heat.
What about having a Tipi like those available at Papakata, a great summer wedding feature!