Real wedding · Hodsock Priory · October
Carl & Sarah at Hodsock
Autumn light, a lovely laid-back couple and an 80s disco—just my cuppa tea.
The day
What a Hodsock wedding actually feels like
I’ve photographed weddings at Hodsock Priory for more than 20 years. The place looks brilliant in photographs, obviously, but the good bit is how relaxed it feels once everyone is there.
Carl and Sarah married in October, when the 800-acre estate was turning amber and the light had dropped into that soft autumn setting photographers bang on about. They kept things easy, atmospheric and properly unscripted.
This is their real wedding rather than a venue guide. If you’re planning your own day, my full Hodsock Priory wedding photographer guide covers timings, light and photo opportunities. For relaxed Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire wedding photography, you’re already in the right place.
Morning
Getting ready at the Priory
Sarah got ready in the Priory’s suites, with big windows, soft light and plenty happening without anybody needing to organise a “moment”. Katie and the Hodsock team kept everything moving while making guests and suppliers feel at home. Exactly what you want.
I stayed out of the way and photographed the laughs, the final touches and all the little bits between them.
Ceremony
Vows in Buchanan Hall
Carl and Sarah exchanged vows in Buchanan Hall, surrounded by some excellent floral work and that lovely soft October light.
They gave me carte blanche to photograph the day as it happened. Their brief was basically “be like a guest”, which suits me nicely. They were laid-back from the start and never treated the wedding like a photo shoot.
Portraits
Five minutes, no faffing
We did the group photographs in literally five minutes, then took a quick walk towards Hodsock Wood and the lake as the last autumn light hit the trees.
No stiff posing and no disappearing from the party for an hour. Just a breather together and a few relaxed portraits. That’s plenty.
Reception
Drinks, laughs and the unscripted bits
The drinks reception did what a drinks reception should: people talked, laughed, wandered off and forgot I was there. Ideal documentary wedding photography territory.
Evening
First dance, then 80s chaos
The mood shifted as everyone moved from the old house into the Pavilion. Carl and Sarah had their first dance, the 80s disco got going and the dance floor became pleasingly chaotic.
I got in amongst it, photographed what happened and avoided becoming part of the entertainment. Mostly.
Planning your own Hodsock wedding?
Relaxed photographs. Minimal fuss.
Hodsock is 20 minutes from my front door and works beautifully in every season—whether you’re using the Panelled Hall, Buchanan Hall or the secluded court garden.
Have a look at my Nottinghamshire weddings Prices & packages
