Wedding photography at Hever Castle – A magical wedding venue
As a Wedding Industry Awards Regional Finalist for 2016, I’ve spent time photographing happy couples at a variety of remarkable wedding venues in Kent, Sussex and Surrey. They’re all special, and Hever Castle is no exception: a stunning historic wedding venue with a fascinating history.
The moated castle is in the quaint village of Hever, near Edenbridge in Kent. Built as a smart country house way back in the 1200s, it was the family seat of the Boleyns between 1462 and 1539 as well as home to Anne of Cleves. King Henry the Eighth stayed at nearby Bolebroke Castle when courting Anne, who was extremely lucky to outlive his five other ill-fated wives.
In 1903 the infamously wealthy and influential William Waldorf Astor decided to restore the castle to its former glory. Part of his master plan involved adding a new wing, the Astor Wing, to accommodate family and guests in great comfort and style. He also created the beautiful lake, and the gorgeous classical Italian-style Garden full of genuine ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
These days Hever castle is owned by Geoffrey Boleyn, transformed into one of the most beautiful Kent wedding venues I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
An incredibly romantic setting for a couple very much in love
Hever Castle has always hosted important events and celebrations. Today there’s a choice of venues within the castle, something to suit every taste. The Astor Wing, the Guthrie Pavilion in the Italian Garden itself, and the other areas of the castle available for events all have their own unique character, look and feel. But each one is equally peaceful, private, secluded and outstandingly beautiful. All of which proved auspicious on the 2nd October, when I arrived at the venue in glorious, crisp, sunny autumn weather to shoot a very special wedding indeed, that of a delightful Chinese couple, Chengyang and Yang.
The ultimate in romance, a pure white horse and carriage conveyed the bride Chenyang to the ceremony, held in the lovely Italian Loggia, and afterwards carried the bride and groom back to the castle itself for a sumptuous candlelit reception.
Serenades bring tears to everyone’s eyes
Every wedding has its stand-out moment, and in this case it was all thanks to the groom Yang, who sang the beautiful Ed Sheeran song “Thinking Out Loud” to his own accompaniment on the guitar. Earlier, at the reception, he had serenaded Chengyang on the piano in the music room, a talented man whose passion for his delightful bride shone through the entire event.
Working with a top team of wedding experts
It was a pleasure to again be working alongside my good friends Carol and Brandon from Cut Above Productions, the videographers for the couple’s big day. And Hever staff members Nicola and Paul were also a great pleasure to work with as they pulled out all the stops behind the scenes to make sure everything ran like clockwork.
A truly unforgettable day for this Hever Castle wedding photographer
It’s a day I won’t forget in a hurry: the uniquely lovely setting, the love of the happy couple so obviously felt for one another, the vivid blue autumn skies, the warm sunshine, the glorious gardens… if you’re searching for a very special Kent wedding venue, Hever fits the bill perfectly. I’m very much looking forward to shooting at the venue again.
You are getting married at Hever Castle? Then you need a Hever Castle wedding photographer with experience and five star reviews. By all means get in touch I would be delighted to discuss your planes with you.
