Authentic, Natural Wedding Photography for Relaxed Couples
Why is IT a great wedding venue for photography?
There are some wedding venues that instantly make you pause.
Manor by the Lake is one of them.
Tucked away in the heart of Cheltenham, it's a wedding venue that feels like a fairytale. The grand stone frontage, sweeping staircase and traditional interiors have all the romance of a historic manor house, while the gardens create a space that allows you and your guests to explore and get those all important couple photos surrounded by nature.
It's a venue that changes with the seasons, too. In spring and summer, guests spill out onto the lawns with drinks in hand, the gardens becoming part of the wedding. Autumn brings rich colour to the woodland walks, while winter transforms the manor into somewhere warm, intimate and full of atmosphere.
What I love most, though, is that no two weddings here ever feel the same.
I've photographed black-tie weddings filled with candlelight and classic styling, I've also photographed weddings which have felt more like a relaxed garden wedding with colourful flowers, live music and long evenings outdoors to set the tone for the day. Manor by the Lake lends itself to both, allowing every couple to make the space entirely their own.
From a photographer's perspective, it's one of those wedding venues that offers endless variety without ever feeling overwhelming. If you're planning a wedding at Manor by the Lake, here's everything you need to know, from the beautiful ceremony spaces to my favourite portrait locations, along with a few insider tips I've picked up after being a Manor by the Lake wedding photographer.
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The wedding spaces at Manor by the Lake
The prep spaces at Manor by the Lake are truly stunning, and there's a wonderful choice of rooms to suit however you envision your wedding morning. Think big windows, lots of natural light, and elegant traditional interiors - everything you could want for those first moments of your wedding day.
As a Manor by the Lake wedding photographer, my personal favourite isn't actually the honeymoon suite (surprising, I know!). It's a beautiful bedroom downstairs that few couples know about, with soft white panelling and sage green walls. It's flooded with natural light and overlooks the gardens, offering a peaceful, private spot before guests arrive for the ceremony.
What I love most about these suites is that they feel genuinely luxurious without being dark or heavy - which makes a real difference from a photography perspective. Skin tones stay clean and natural in the light, and there's plenty of room for everyone to move freely without the morning feeling rushed or crowded.
There's also a wonderful variety of spaces for photographs throughout the morning. Emotional gift exchanges, final dress moments, bridal portraits, and candid interactions between you and your bridal party can all be captured within the same space or in neighbouring rooms, away from guests until the moment is right.
For groom prep, the Manor Rock Bar downstairs is a fantastic choice, with striking green leather sofas and its own bar for a relaxed start to the day. And beyond the main honeymoon suite, there are several other bedrooms available for wedding prep too, offering even more flexibility depending on your group size and style.
If the weather plays ball, an outdoor ceremony here is pure magic. The gardens at Manor by the Lake look stunning in summer, and saying your vows beneath the Itallian Pavillion surrounded by greenery is so beautiful with the manor behind you as you walk down the aisle. Not to mention with all that natural light, and space for your wedding photographer to move around you get stunning ceremony photos that bright, airy and timeless.
Outdoor ceremonies also make for a relaxed day. Guests flow straight into the gardens afterwards for drinks and confetti, and everything moves naturally from one moment to the next. You're right by the manor arches too, perfect for confetti photos.
My favourite spot for photos when I have a second photographer with me? The honeymoon suite balcony. It gives an incredible view over the ceremony below. So if you book a second photographer, I'll be sending them straight up there to catch your walk down the aisle from above.
This is hands-down my FAVOURITE place for a wedding reception at Manor by the Lake, it also doubles as a gorgeous plan B for your wedding ceremony if the weather isn’t on your side.
This room has gorgeous woodwork and feels really elegant but has gorgeous views of the gardens from two perspectives and it’s got loads of natural light. I love it when couples have long tables set up in here banquet style, it looks absolutely gorgeous and celebrates the castle like vibe of the Manor by the Lake.
If you have a larger wedding party though, this wedding venue do also have the Ballroom is built for larger groups. Although it is darker than Maximillian, it is a neutral space so your styling gets to shine here whether you’re planning something colourful and modern or classic and understated.
And when the evening reception starts? The Ballroom comes alive once those dancefloor lights are up. The atmosphere always feels incredible once the dance floor fills up.
NEWS JUST IN: The Manor by the Lake have also recently added a new space which is gorgeous for smaller weddings called the Garden Lounge. This space is an intimate area with floor to ceiling glass which overlooks the gardens. This would be perfect for a smaller wedding breakfast or cocktail hour indoors if you’re looking for something more modern.
Honestly? This venue is a photographer's dream, and being so close to home, Manor by the Lake feels like a second studio to me at this point.
There's variety everywhere you look - elegant interiors, stunning arches at the front, beautiful gardens, hidden woodland paths, and natural light pouring through the manor all day long. From a photography perspective, it gives couples such a varied gallery without ever needing to leave the venue. We can capture relaxed, candid moments tucked away in the gardens (one of my favourite spots here, hands down), then head straight to the arches for confetti and family photos, all within the same beautiful setting.
The flow of the day feels calm too. Guests naturally spread out across the grounds, there's loads of space for cocktail hour, and it never feels cramped or rushed. I especially love the Maximillian Room for receptions - it's got such a gorgeous atmosphere for speeches, first dances, and all those magic evening moments. And because there's such a brilliant mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, this venue works beautifully whatever the season throws at it.
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Here are some galleries from recent weddings I've photographed at Manor by the Lake.
Whay type of couple should consider
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Planning your wedding at Manor by the Lake?
If you're looking for natural, relaxed wedding photography that captures the real moments of your day, I'd love to hear all about your plans.
I've photographed weddings at Manor by the Lake and know the venue well, from the best portrait locations to the perfect golden-hour spots.
Get in touch and let's chat about your wedding.
Grace Dove Photography is a Cotswolds Wedding Photographer based in Worcestershire. You'll find me serving wedding photography services to couples in and around the Cotswolds, a beautiful South West location, including Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Bibury, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Chipping Campden, Cirencester and beyond across the country.