The photography Blog

Search

Is an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Right for You? Discover the Charm of Getting Married at Highfield Park

Cat Brant
Aug 19, 2024
2 min read

This summer I was honoured to attend the gorgeous, timelessly styled wedding of Lez & Natasha at Highfield Park in lush Hampshire as a second shooter for Emma Seaney, it was a beautiful day full of sun (and thankfully a few clouds too!)

Lez & Natasha opted to marry under a gazebo with beautiful countryside views with their closest family and friends there to watch as they tied the knot.

A confetti walk outside Highfield Park, Hampshire

Pros of an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in England

Stunning Scenery

When the sun shines, outdoor weddings in England offer spectacular views, memorable ceremonies, and ample space for guests. Few things are more romantic than saying "I do" against a vista of the English countryside.

Variety in Photography

Outdoor ceremonies provide more space, allowing photographers to capture a wider range of beautiful, dramatic images that can make your images truly stand out.

Natural Light

Outdoor weddings benefit from natural light, which enhances the quality of your photos, making colours more vibrant and negating (hopefully) the use of flash.

Decor

The natural beauty of an outdoor setting often means you can keep decorations minimal, allowing the scenery to shine and saving a few pounds in the process.

An outdoor wedding ceremony at Highfield Park, Hampshire

Cons of an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in England

Longer Aisle Walk

Many venues with outdoor spaces have longer, open aisles, which may reduce the impact of the traditional 'reveal' moment when the doors open and guests see the bride for the first time.

Weather Uncertainty

In England, the weather is always a factor. While outdoor weddings can be magical, there’s no guarantee of sunshine. I'd suggest choosing a venue with a beautiful indoor option as a backup. In 2024, I photographed four outdoor weddings and one had to be moved indoors at the last minute due to rain, it's a possibility even in June or July

Sound Challenges

Outdoor spaces can pose sound issues, especially if it’s windy or if the area is large and open. This can make it harder for guests to hear the ceremony and you might want to think about if you'd want a speaker or if you don't mind if some people just can't hear what's happening!

Logistical Issues

If you have any guests who aren't mobile, moving across grass and other outdoor terrain can be tricky, you also might want to think about getting your wedding attire dirty.

Highfield Park

What a venue! If you're looking for a space that not only caters to your wedding with panoramic and uninterrupted views of the English countryside but also offers a hotel for your guests then this independently owned venue in Hampshire could be for you. There are countless photo opportunities around the venue.

For the groom prep shots, we utilised a large window at the back of the property to create some drama but the view was equally as stunning and we also turned around to get the view in too.

If you are thinking about getting married at Highfield Park or having a ceremony in England I would love to hear more about your day! Get in touch to talk about how I can help.

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?
Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.