Richard and Jen’s Swinfen Hall Wedding Photography

It was a sunny day in May 2022 when I was invited to do Swinfen Hall wedding photography for Richard and Jen. Located in the Staffordshire countryside near Lichfield, Swinfen Hall is an idyllic Georgian manor house with 100 acres of parkland to enjoy and explore.

My day as a Swinfen Hall wedding photographer started with photographing the manor itself. It’s a strikingly elegant Grade II listed building, with a sweeping driveway and period features that look stunning from every angle.

I joined Jen and her bridal team in the Samuel Johnson Luxury Bridal Suite. Part of my All-Day wedding photography package includes photographing the wedding morning and all the last preparations for the big day, from the floral bouquets to mornings snacks, to the wedding hair and makeup.

With clementine and cranberry Bucks Fizz on the go, wedding makeup artist Louise and her team set to work. Louise Marie Makeup is based in Sutton Coldfield, like myself. It’s always great to meet other local West Midlands wedding suppliers on the day, and to be part of the team.

Swinfen Hall has several stately rooms to choose from for civil ceremonies. Richard and Jen’s took place in the beautiful oak-panelled ballroom. After exchanging vows and wedding rings, they headed back down the aisle and out into the sunshine as newlyweds. They opted for bubbles instead of traditional confetti, which made for a few fun photos!

The front entrance to the manor was the perfect place for a large group photo of Richard and Jen, and all their family and friends.

Richard and Jen’s newlywed photoshoot was definitely a highlight of my time as a Swinfen Hall wedding photographer. After a few traditional portrait sessions, we slipped away from the celebrations for a private newlywed photoshoot and explored the spectacular grounds.

One of the best locations for Swinfen Hall wedding photography is the rose arbour. Wherever you are at Swinfen Hall, it’s easy to get lost in its tranquil elegance and imagine yourself back in the Georgian era.

With the manor looking stunning in the afternoon sunlight, we snapped a couple of photos on the manicured lawn beside the pond with the hall in the background. One of my favourite photos of the day is of Richard and Jen standing together on the stone steps overlooking the grounds.

Sometimes couples opt for the simple option of numbering their wedding reception tables, but I love discovering the names of those that are given a theme. For Richard and Jen, it was the names of pubs, including: The Old Joint Stock, The Horse & Jockey, The Dog & Duck and The Gardener’s Arms. What a fun idea!

The room that had hosted Richard and Jen’s civil ceremony had been transformed into a cosy space for their wedding reception. As they and their guests enjoyed their meal, I took the opportunity to head out and snap a few more photos of the wedding venue – and the wedding cake, of course. Three tiers of buttercream icing decorated with gold leaf, deep red and pink flowers, green foliage and a pink peony resting atop.

Richard and Jen’s wedding favours were tiny British Heart Foundation pin badges – a very thoughtful and caring choice.

Speeches and toasts given, everyone headed out onto the terrace for glasses of bubbly. It was golden hour, the loveliest time of day for taking photographs of everyone enjoying themselves.

Then it was back inside for the cutting of the wedding cake and the first dance, which took place in the Edwardian ballroom beneath swirling heart-shaped lighting, transforming the space into a magical setting.

At 8pm, the party really started!

Richard and Jen had not only chosen me as their Swinfen Hall wedding photographer, but opted for my combined wedding photography and photo booth package with Planet Booths. They chose the flower wall too – the ultimate luxury backdrop – which always looks fantastic at weddings.

Having a photo booth at a wedding, alongside a disco and a bar, means your guests are guaranteed to be entertained all night long. It also means everyone gets to take home a special memento of the big day, and provides many more photo opportunities.

Richard and Jen’s wedding guests really got into the swing of things, and I got some great behind the scenes photos of everyone laughing and posing for the photo booth camera. It made my time doing Swinfen Hall wedding photography extra fun.

If you’re looking for photo booth hire for your wedding, or are looking for a combined wedding photographer and photo booth package, please do get in touch at [email protected]

With the sun just dipping below the horizon, it was time for one last newlywed photo shoot with Richard and Jen. Glasses in hand, they posed in front of Swinfen Hall and then, just as the clouds caught the first shades of pink, we returned to the pond and the grand stone steps.

I would love to visit this West Midlands wedding venue again in the future. If you’re planning a wedding at Swinfen Hall, and are looking for a wedding photographer with a relaxed documentary, candid photography style, I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you so much to Richard and Jen for inviting me to be your Swinfen Hall wedding photographer! It was a pleasure. Wishing you both all the very best and every happiness for the future!

Check out a selection Richard and Jen’s Swinfen Hall wedding photography gallery below.