Hodsock Priory Wedding Guide
What It’s Really Like & Tips From a Photographer
If you’re planning a wedding at Hodsock Priory, it’s one of those venues that feels a bit different from the usual.
I’ve photographed weddings here before, and it’s not just a “wedding venue” — it feels like a private house that happens to host weddings, which gives the whole day a much more relaxed and personal feel.
This isn’t a sales pitch — just a helpful guide based on real experience of photographing weddings at Hodsock Priory.
What It’s Like To Get Married At Hodsock Priory
Hodsock Priory is set on the Nottinghamshire / South Yorkshire border, surrounded by gardens and woodland.
One of the biggest differences here is that it feels like a private setting rather than a busy venue.
You’ve got:
The house itself for getting ready
Ceremony options indoors and outdoors
Beautiful gardens and grounds
Space for guests to spread out
👉 It gives the day a really relaxed, almost “house party” feel — just on a much bigger scale.
Because of that:
Guests settle in quickly
Things feel less structured
and the whole day flows naturally
Indoor & Outdoor Ceremonies at Hodsock Priory
Hodsock Priory offers several options to suit how you want your ceremony to feel.
Indoor Ceremonies (inside the house)
Ceremonies inside the Priory feel:
Intimate
Traditional
and full of character
You’ve got period features, softer light, and a more enclosed feel — which works really well for a classic wedding.
From a photography point of view:
It’s a bit tighter
But full of atmosphere
and great for capturing reactions
Outdoor Ceremonies in the Gardens
If the weather allows, outdoor ceremonies at Hodsock Priory are a brilliant option.
The gardens are one of the standout features of the venue, and having your ceremony outside makes the most of them.
From a photography point of view, outdoor ceremonies give you:
Loads of natural light
More space
and a really relaxed atmosphere
👉 It also flows straight into drinks and mingling outside, which works really well.
The Flow Of The Day
Hodsock Priory is one of those venues where the day naturally spreads out.
Guests move between the house and gardens
There’s plenty of space to explore
And nothing feels too structured
👉 That’s what makes it great for relaxed weddings.
You’re not stuck in one room all day — people are moving around, chatting, and enjoying the space, which creates loads of natural moments.
Best Spots For Photos
The gardens at Hodsock Priory are easily one of the highlights.
Some of the best areas are:
The formal gardens
Tree-lined paths and woodland areas
Open spaces around the grounds
👉 You don’t need to use all of them.
Like most weddings, a short 10–15 minute wander is usually plenty to get relaxed couple photos without missing too much of the day.
Tips For A Relaxed Wedding At Hodsock Priory
After photographing weddings here, a few things always make a big difference:
Keep group photos short
A small list (around 5–6 groups) keeps things quick and avoids turning it into a long photoshoot.
Make the most of the gardens
They’re one of the biggest strengths of the venue — perfect for drinks, mingling, and natural moments.
Don’t disappear for too long
Everything you need is close by — there’s no need to go off for ages for photos.
Consider an outdoor ceremony if you can
If the weather allows, outdoor ceremonies here add a really relaxed feel to the day and flow nicely into drinks and mingling.
Give yourself breathing room after the ceremony & Confetti.
Even just 15–20 minutes to relax, chat, and let things happen naturally makes a big difference to how the day feels. A lot of photographers will rush you into your formals straight after the confetti. Not me, the 20 mins after the ceremony is one of the best times for candid photos of you and your guests.
Real Weddings At Hodsock Priory
If you want to see how a full wedding actually looks here, these are a good place to start:
Hodsock Priory Wedding – Steph & Craig
Hodsock Priory Wedding – Wallis & Jezz
These give a much better feel for the day than just a handful of highlight photos.
My Approach
My photography style is relaxed and real — I won’t interrupt or stage your moments, I’ll just capture them as they happen.
Every glance, every laugh, every emotion — photographed honestly and beautifully.
📸 View More Of My Wedding Photographer Portfolio →
Planning Your Own Hodsock Priory Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding at Hodsock Priory and like the idea of relaxed, natural photos without loads of posing, I’d love to hear about your plans.
📅 Check availability for your Hodsock Priory wedding →
Or if you’ve just got questions about the venue or timings, feel free to get in touch — happy to help either way.