Todays venue blog is all about Friern Manor. I've decided to dedicate my first venue specific post here as I've got 5 weddings here coming up in 2023.. so I might as well just book a room! It was also the first Manor House I shoot at so I'm a little soppy when I talk about it!
This beautiful Georgian Manor has stood for over 200 years and has an incredible facade. The entrance offers a really impressive location for you to, not only have your statement image together but a perfect backdrop if you are going to arrive in special transport.
Friern Manor actually offer three different lengths of coverage from the traditional full day to the twilight, but also feature a Chic package too, which is a shorter day than the traditional wedding but still allowing you that full experience. I've shot a couple of Chic weddings and really enjoyed them as they cut out some of that awkward time in the middle if you don't want the big sit down meal and fancy a more relaxed schedule to your day.
The bridal suite is beautifully laid out and has ample space for a hair and MUA + a few bridesmaids as well. The decor matches the exterior of the building allowing for a really nice location for the bridal portraits once you're fully made up. The room has plenty of natural light meaning that photography-wise we can really capture natural moments as they happen without distraction from studio lighting.
I am a big fan of the ceremony room as its feels like you're outside, the area is flooded with natural light from both sides of the guests, with the actual ceremony happening just inside of the main house in a closed off room.
The absolute best thing about Friern Manor (as a photographer) is every area has been so wonderfully thought out to ensure that we can capture stunning images without having to drag couples around for hours. From the main entrance, through the newly constructed church wall back into the gardens and down to the lake. We are able to create a really diverse set of images whilst only being away from guests for about 20-30 minutes. I even found a lovely little door which gave me the opportunity to sneak my groom away for his portraits, so he didn't have to stand in front of all the guests as we shot his pictures.
With the range of ceremonies on offer, the venue is able to host two weddings at the same time, last time I was there this was the case (I shot a chic wedding before a twilight came in). The team do an incredible job of marshalling the two groups and honestly it's unbelievable that there are two weddings on, due in part to the lake acting as a natural barrier.
I've always been impressed by the food that they put on, I've had both a sit down and buffet meal couldn't fault either, and the venue have always looked after me and the team so I know how well they would look after the couples on the day (and in the build up).
The dance floor has a jaw dropping chandelier feature as the main focal point, which really drops that wow factor in for your guests. There's also a little shortcut to the very posh toilets (one of my top 10 favourite venue toilets.. maybe thats another blog).
In short, my recap on this venue feature, Friern Manor - beautiful venue, great food, amazing team!
Watch the video below for an example of how your wedding video might look!
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