High-end, luxury celebrations and emotional moments at one of Wiltshire’s most
impressive venues, by Grittleton House wedding photographer, Phil Salisbury.
Grittleton House is a Grade II listed building set in 37 acres of beautiful grounds, and it’s the perfect place for a high-end wedding in the Wiltshire countryside. Working as a Grittleton House wedding photographer, my days start with a jaw-dropping moment of ‘WOAH check this place out!’ as I approach down the long driveway and the main house comes in to view – a feeling that will never get old!
I’ve photographed weddings in some amazing places in my signature documentary style of wedding photography, including Grantley Hall and The Palm House Sefton Park, so I’m no stranger to an awesome venue. Grittleton House is certainly impressive, I mean, talk about wow factor!
From towering high ceilings and huge windows that flood the rooms with light, to the luxury details of the décor, everything about this venue is top notch! Honestly, if there was a checklist of must-have features for a luxury venue, I think weddings at Grittleton House would tick every box.
The grand double staircase that sweeps into the main hall is surrounded by ornate stonework and carved archways (ALWAYS look up when checking out your wedding venue, the ceilings here are beautiful!). Grittleton House has hosted lavish aristocratic parties, a private school and was even accommodation for some unruly fighter pilots at one point in its history! Now, it’s an exclusive use, high-end wedding venue with show stopping views and luxurious decor.
My day as Georgie and Tomas’ Grittleton House wedding photographer started with bridal prep. Georgie was getting ready with her bridal party in one of the stunning rooms, the atmosphere was remarkably calm for most of the morning as they all enjoyed pastries, fruits and fizz and lots of giggles! I captured the delicate details of Georgie’s earrings, and her Harriet Wilde shoes as the excitement began to build and we could see guests arriving at the front of the house from their balcony.
Upstairs Tomas was with his groomsmen, smartly dressed in traditional top hats and tails from Lock Hatters & Moss Bros, their orange socks a nod to Tomas’ Dutch roots, which would be celebrated throughout the day. They enjoyed some playful banter and characteristically Dutch humour to calm the pre-ceremony nerves.
Their ceremony was really personal and emotional, and having their adorable dogs as ring bearers was a really cute touch. As they signed the register Georgie's sister Abi sang a beautiful, personalised song accompanied by an acoustic guitar, her voice was really incredible and the guests were absolutely loving the special performance.
Let’s talk confetti shots… what’s the point of doing things delicately when you can have a whole basket of confetti tipped over your heads? These guests understood the assignment!
One of the things I love about Grittleton House wedding photography is the amount of space available to enjoy, both indoors and outdoors. Georgie and Tomas’ guests wandered the grounds with drinks in hand, soaking up the atmosphere and the views, while I took the newlyweds for short portrait shoot.
I had my eye on a few locations in the gardens for their couple shoot, the orchard was ideal, with dappled shade and the trees meeting over the top of the couple, framing them perfectly. I also loved being able to capture Grittleton House in the background, looking spectacular, and the backlit shots worked out beautifully!
The wedding breakfast was held with sensational views of Grittleton Houses' stunning gardens. A huge bottle of fizz was placed on each table, setting the tone for this high-end celebration. There was more emotion from the Best Man and Georgie’s Dad as they gave their heartfelt speeches, and Georgie gave her own speech too. Looking around the room the smiles, the laughter, and the happy tears said it all – Georgie and Tomas are hugely loved by their awesome friends and family.
Their enormous four tier wedding cake made by Storyteller Cakes was topped with gold and had a silhouette of the city around the bottom tier. Another nod to the couple’s story, which had been woven in to the whole day, making it really personal and unique.
When it was time to party, they really went for it! The evening started with an epic flash mob first dance, with bridesmaids and groomsmen getting involved too, it was an awesome sight. The couple had organised ‘Rockaoke’ with their band Johnny Short & his band, who had a playlist of songs and microphones for guests to sing along and live their rockstar dreams! Everyone got involved, and Georgie and Tomas gave us a song too. Tomas’ mum absolutely danced her socks off, it was party central!
With no curfew on the in-house bar, Georgie and Tomas were free to party the night away with their guests, and as I left, they were still very much enjoying the celebrations! Their whole day was brilliant fun, and the luxurious details and personal touches were a treat from start to finish. Congratulations Georgie and Tomas, what an awesome day!
If you are looking for a Grittleton House wedding photographer then I would love to hear from you. There’s so much to explore at this magnificent venue and I can’t wait to return. Please do get in touch to check my availability, and let’s chat about your plans.