SOMERLEY HOUSE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. RELAXED PORTRAITS. NO STAGING. NO SHOT LISTS. NO CHEESY POSING.
NATURAL STORYTELLING WITH A MODERN EDGE
Modern documentary photography for people who hate fuss!
No staging, no shot lists, no cheesy posing
getting married at somerley house in hampshire
If you’re searching for a place to host the most important day of your life, then look no further than Somerley House. Whether it’s regal elegance at Somerly House, charming romance in the English country garden, or whimsical luxury among the woods – they have all that and more so that any wedding dream can be brought to fruition with flexibility and delicacy.
a short history excerpt from somerley house
We’ve lived at Somerley since 2011 but the Estate has been in our family for six generations. We’re extremely proud to be its current custodians and to open it up to you for your special celebration. Somerley House was designed by renowned English architect Samuel Wyatt in the late 1700s.
Its subsequent owners have added to it in their own way – most notably with the addition of the 90ft Picture Gallery in 1850, which is one of our favourite spaces in the House and looks utterly magical when lit by dozens of flickering candles and cascades of twinkling fairy lights.
Many of our ancestors were avid collectors, and several of their most prized pieces (paintings by Gainsborough, Rubens and Canaletto, among others; Chippendale furniture and other objets d’art including pieces from the Palace of Versailles) can be seen throughout the House. Since we inherited the Estate, we’ve undertaken an extensive programme of restoration and rejuvenation (hard but incredibly rewarding work), to bring this glorious building into the 21st century as sensitively as possible – The Earl and Countess of Normanton
somerley house wedding photography
My driving force on your wedding journey is to document your story, your friends and your family in a creative yet authentic way. From the time you book with me to the final delivery of your images, I am there for you and your story. Throughout the wedding day, I document beautiful moments in a very natural and unposed manner whilst adding creativity to deliver images that are unique to you and your story.
I love the feeling of leaving a wedding and feeling part of the family – there’s nothing better. It’s been said numerous times “it was like having a friend capture our day” – that’s the way it should be.
You will find me right in the action, at close quarters, you won’t see me skirting the wall with a long lens. I believe in documenting your story from within. I can usually be found laughing with your guests, often I’m the one making people laugh. Being close really helps your friends and family feel comfortable with me and allows me to document moments that I wouldn’t otherwise capture if they were uneasy.
looking to host a somerley house wedding?
As I provide Somerley House Wedding Photography – If you love my work and style and value an authentic and natural approach, please get in touch asap. I work throughout the UK and internationally for destination weddings so no matter the location please get in touch.
somerley house weddings
Make your wedding day an unforgettable experience at this regal Georgian Stately Home, located on the Hampshire/Dorset border. This beautiful estate can host ceremonies and receptions of up to 160 people, with a variety of gorgeous spaces available for you and your guests to enjoy. From the inviting intimacy in both East and West Libraries to the sunlit Drawing Room or grandeur Picture Gallery – they have something perfect for every occasion!
Create Lasting Memories at Somerley House. Whether your style is traditional, modern, or something in between – the timeless elegance of this house makes it an ideal backdrop for any wedding. Let their gorgeous spaces become yours as you revel with friends and family over food and drink in a cosy country-house atmosphere custom created for your special day! Make this enchanting place YOUR home to create fond memories that will last a lifetime.
be part of the somerley house history
If you are looking for the perfect place to host your special day, the House is the perfect location! They have licenses for civil ceremonies from 40 guests up to 160 guests and all of the rooms are connected, allowing a natural transition between each space. Plus, when you book with Somerley, it’s exclusively yours for the duration of your celebration – ensuring an intimate atmosphere that celebrates only one event at a time.
Enjoy conversation with your guests, champagne in hand, on their lawns; step into the East and West Libraries for light bites and a chance to reconnect with old friends; profess undying love for one another within the intricate walls of a stately State Room; dine surrounded by centuries of history and marvel at exquisite artwork adorning the majestic Picture Gallery walls; fill the house with music as you dance away the night in an elegant Drawing Room.
marquee weddings – somerley house wedding photography
For larger weddings, Somerley House’s sweeping lawn offers an ideal location for a spectacular marquee that can easily host up to 200 guests. With unparalleled views of the estate and grounds, this is sure to provide your special day with a romantic wow factor that will be remembered for years to come.
For a sophisticated marquee wedding, the formal gardens at Somerley offer an exquisite setting. With space for up to 200 guests, your event can transition from drinks on the stunning lawns with views of the surrounding countryside to dining and dancing under a star-filled canopy tailored just for you! A Somerley marquee wedding is available all year long if you choose to rent out the Main House or during our off-season as a garden-only option.
The Somerley House marquee suppliers have unparalleled expertise in the design and construction of stylish luxury marquees. With their creative vision combined with the Somerley events team’s experience, you can create a stunning space for your wedding day that perfectly captures its essence.
Adorn your marquee with beautiful florals and candles, making sure you capture the breathtaking sunset over the grounds. Or even better yet, make the famous Triton Fountain the centrepiece of your marquee – it’s jaw-dropping! This day is all about you so let Somerley help bring to life a magical wedding celebration that will be remembered for years to come.
getting married in the somerly house woodlands
In the daytime, these murmuring Douglas Firs come together to create a picturesque aisle that is ideal for an open-air wedding ceremony. Whether you’d like a personalised humanist blessing or even something more traditional such as a registrar-led civil service, this rustic wooden folly has all of your needs covered! By nightfall, transform the forest into an enchanting and magical atmosphere with bright lanterns unwinding around trees and sparkling fairy lights tumbling from above. The illuminated fire pits will be sure to mesmerize guests under starry skies – what could be better?
For those with adventurous hearts and limitless imaginations, a Woodland Wedding at Somerley is your perfect destination. Hire their magnificent green cathedral nestled in the peaceful heart of the estate, and choose from exceptional tipis, marquees and overnight glamping yurts provided by approved suppliers.
Design an unforgettable feast with one of their catering partners to delight your guests’ taste buds! Their friendly events team are also on-hand to assist in sourcing all other aspects such as flowers & lighting – whatever wild ideas your mind can conjure up! So why not let them help bring your imagination come alive?
Celebrate your special day in the great outdoors at this beautiful woodland venue! The space can comfortably accommodate up to 150 guests beneath its leafy trees, and for larger numbers, they offer marquees or tipis which can be put up in an adjacent paddock. The basic hire fee covers only the ground area – you’ll need to arrange any extra services such as catering or decoration at a separate cost.
accommodations at somerley house
With nine exquisite bedrooms, Hire of the House allows you to stay near your loved ones and make lasting memories. Surround yourself with endless luxury with plush bedding and take delight in long mornings watching the sunrise unfold over Somerley Estate’s grounds. Even better, a sumptuous continental breakfast is included! Revel in every moment when you hire the house.
The stunning Main House can house up to 18 adults (two people in each room, with cots available for children) over one or more nights; and you won’t be disappointed by the majestic views of the surrounding parkland from any of the nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms!
Somerley has lovingly revived every space while still preserving its unique features and when necessary, has chosen quality pieces such as antiques and art that suit these areas perfectly.
The Somerley House rooms are all unique in their own way, yet provide an atmosphere of tranquillity and ease. Adorning the walls is artwork from some of the former illustrious owners; rich upholstery awaits you as well.
Even one bathroom features a stunningly vivid hand-painted wallpaper originating back to the 1800s! Despite the traditional decor, however, this is where modern amenities meet historic luxury: your stay here will surely be unparalleled.
" Ray was absolutely incredible and I would 100% recommend. On the day, he brought all the laughs and positive vibes, effortlessly putting all our guests at ease. The photos are absolutely incredible. Ray also created a highlight film for us which was amazing! He recorded so many great moments and it meant we didn’t need to book a videographer/content creator too. He really is amazing and we would definitely recommend. "
— Emma + Callum, Woodlands Hotel
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Right, let’s start by saying you’re not just buying ‘nice photos’ – we live in a world with so many nice instagram feeds, but it’s not just aesthetics. I’ve seen loads of photographers who have a large majority of their instagram feeds/website from content days, workshops etc. (no pressure, no time constraints, models, perfect setups)
A nice instagram grid or website doesn’t tell you if they can handle chaos, keep you from shitting your pants before you go down the aisle, read the room, move portraits later in the timeline as you booked a live singer for the reception and you actually want to listen to them. That stuff doesn’t live on pretty feeds – It lives in experience. (350+ weddings over 10 years, I got you covered)
The real risk isn’t just bad photos, it’s a bad fit. Feeling awkward, being dragged around, missing the good bits because someone was too busy staging ‘the perfect shot’. So here’s the meat and bones of it: don’t ask yourself ‘do we like their photos?’ – instead ask yourself ‘do we trust this person to show up on the day and smash it out the park’ (read my reviews).
Once you realise that, you stop scrolling for the prettiest grid and start looking for the person, the vibe, the energy you want to spend your entire day with, someone who will sing along to the fresh prince of bel air during bride prep, someone who will knock out some body popping on the dance floor before capturing the bridesmaid whacking out the perfect worm – and if that ends up being me – happy bloody days!!
I don’t direct the day, I document it!
Real moments over fake poses
My goal on your wedding day is simple, to tell your story creatively and authentically. From the moment you book until your gallery is delivered, I’m there for you, documenting every moment in a natural, unposed way while adding a touch of creativity to make the images truly yours.
I love leaving a wedding feeling like part of the family. Couples often say, “It felt like having a friend capture our day,” and that’s exactly how it should be. You’ll usually find me right in the action, laughing with guests and capturing moments from up close. I believe the best photos come from being fully immersed in the day, not hiding at the back with a long lens. When your friends and family feel comfortable with me, that’s when I can document the most genuine moments.
That’s why connection matters so much. I want to capture your wedding from within, like a friend who just happens to have some very expensive cameras.
" The BEST photographer and person ever. Ray really knows his stuff and his expertise and skills made for a seamless day. Ray provided hybrid coverage (photo + film), we are honestly both speechless. We knew the pictures would be good but they really were like something out of a magazine. How he had time to also capture the day via video. I’ll never know! Everyone at the wedding commented on how special Ray was and how he felt like part of the family! There wasn’t a person he didn’t make smile, he’s a true legend "
— Jasmine + Tom, Newton Hall
I also offer KICK-ASS highlight films. have a watch of this one.
FEATURED WEDDINGS
WHY NOT TAKE A GOOSEY GANDER
RAW, UN-STAGED, AUTHENTIC MOMENTS. THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR. IT'S A WEDDING DAY, NOT A PHOTOSHOOT!
Work with me
I’d absolutely love to work with you, I love working with couples who understand my approach, love my work and just want to have a relaxed and fun wedding day. I work with about 20-25 couples per year and I’d love for you to become one of the few, so please fill out the contact form to get the ball rolling and we can jump on ZOOM, have a chat and go from there.
I’m eternally grateful for your time checking out my work etc. I understand there are thousands of photographers and if you do want to work with me… thanks so much you bloody legends!!