Leicestershire Wedding Photographer's Guide to 17 Stunning Venues
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the best wedding venues in Leicestershire! As a husband-and-wife team of award-winning photographers, we share a genuine passion for capturing life's most precious moments across this county's most spectacular venues.
Based near Coventry, we are perfectly positioned to provide exceptional wedding photography throughout Leicestershire, from exclusive-use venues like Keythorpe Manor to charming barn venues like Mythe Barn.
Some of our favourite places to photograph weddings in Leicestershire are Fort Henry, Rothley Court Hotel & Beaumanor Hall.
We've carefully selected 17 outstanding wedding venues across Leicestershire, each offering unique photographic opportunities and distinct character. From the grandeur of stately homes to the rustic charm of converted barns, our guide covers every style of celebration.
Whether you're dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Leicestershire offers exceptional venues to suit every vision and budget.
Let us help tell the story of your day in a way that's authentic, timeless, and uniquely yours. If you're planning a wedding in Leicestershire, we would be delighted to hear from you!
The stunning Fort Henry wedding venue in Oakham
Aerial views of stunning wedding locations
A dusk photograph of a beautiful wedding venue
What Should You Look for in a Leicestershire Wedding Venue from a Photography Perspective?
Choosing a wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, and from a photography standpoint, your choice has a huge impact on the look and feel of your final gallery. As photographers, we’ve learnt to see venues through a unique lens. Here are the key elements we look for to ensure your wedding photos are as beautiful as the day itself:
- The Quality of Natural Light: Light is the single most important ingredient in photography. Look for venues with large windows, high ceilings, and light, neutral-coloured walls. Spaces that are flooded with natural light create soft, flattering, and romantic images. When you visit a venue, pay attention to how the light falls in the ceremony and reception rooms at the time of day you’ll be using them. Dark rooms with limited natural light can be challenging and may result in a completely different style of photography.
- A Balance of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: The ideal venue offers the best of both worlds: stunning interiors and beautiful outdoor areas. Manicured gardens, rustic fields, charming courtyards, or scenic views provide breathtaking backdrops for your couple portraits and group photos. However, the unpredictable British weather means that a beautiful indoor alternative is essential. A venue with a grand staircase, an elegant library, or a light-filled orangery ensures that you will have gorgeous photo opportunities, no matter what the weather decides to do.
- Variety and Space: A venue with a variety of backdrops—from architectural details to open landscapes—allows for a diverse and interesting wedding gallery. Consider if there is enough space for the key moments of your day. Is there a spacious, uncluttered area for family group photos? Is there a private spot where the two of you can escape for some intimate portraits? Having different settings to work with allows us to tell a richer, more complete story of your day.
- Seasonal Beauty: Think about what the venue will look like during the season of your wedding. A garden that is breathtaking in summer might look very different in winter. Consider the colours of the foliage in autumn, the potential for snow in winter, or the vibrant blooms of spring. A great venue will offer photographic beauty all year round, and an experienced photographer will know how to make the most of each season’s unique character.
How Do Different Venue Styles Affect Your Wedding Photos?
The style of your venue sets the tone for your entire wedding day and plays a huge role in the atmosphere of your photographs. Each type of venue has a distinct personality that we, as photographers, love to capture. Here’s a guide to how different venue styles can influence your wedding photos:
- Manor Houses and Stately Homes: These venues are all about timeless elegance and grandeur. If you choose a manor house, expect your photos to have a classic, formal, and sophisticated feel. The architecture—grand facades, sweeping staircases, and ornate details—provides a sense of scale and history. The extensive, beautifully maintained grounds are perfect for romantic, sweeping portraits that feel both epic and intimate.
- Barns and Rustic Venues: Barn venues offer a relaxed, informal, and wonderfully romantic atmosphere. The textures of exposed brick, ancient wooden beams, and the soft glow of fairy lights create a warm and inviting backdrop. Your photographs will feel intimate, heartfelt, and full of character. These venues are perfect for couples who want their day to feel like a joyful, laid-back celebration with a touch of rustic charm.
- Contemporary Hotels and Modern Venues: Clean lines, minimalist design, and bold architectural statements define modern venues. These spaces are perfect for chic, stylish, and sophisticated weddings. The photography will often have a more editorial feel, focusing on form, light, and composition. Large windows and neutral colour palettes create bright, airy images, while unique design features can be used to create dramatic and artistic shots.
- Unique and Quirky Venues: From industrial mills to historic museums, a quirky venue allows you to showcase your personality. These spaces provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for creative and memorable photography. The photos will be a direct reflection of your unique story as a couple, filled with fun, character, and talking points that are completely personal to you.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Venue About Photography?
During your venue search, it’s important to ask a few specific questions related to photography to ensure your day runs smoothly and your photographer can work their magic without any hitches. Here are some key questions to ask:
- Are there any restrictions for photographers? Some venues, particularly historic properties or places of worship, may have rules about where photographers can go and when they can take pictures (e.g., restrictions on flash photography during the ceremony). It’s crucial to know this upfront.
- Do you have a recommended or exclusive supplier list? Many venues have a list of suppliers they prefer to work with. It’s important to clarify if this is a list of suggestions or if you are required to use their exclusive photographer. While recommended lists can be a great starting point, you should have the freedom to choose a photographer whose style and approach you fall in love with.
- What is the contingency plan for bad weather? Ask to see the indoor options for your couple and group photographs in case of rain. Are these spaces large enough? Do they have good natural light? A great venue will have a solid Plan B that is just as beautiful as Plan A.
- Are there any time constraints for using the grounds? Some venues, especially those open to the public, may have specific times when you can use certain areas for photography. Knowing this will help you and your photographer plan the timeline for your portraits.
- What are the rules on confetti and sparklers? Confetti and sparkler shots are iconic wedding photos, but many venues have restrictions. Ask if they allow them and, if so, whether they require biodegradable confetti or have a designated area for sparklers. This ensures you can have those magical shots without any last-minute disappointment.
- Are there any restrictions on drone flights? Many venues now allow drones under a certain weight (250 grams) which means you can get incredible aerial images and film, but it is advisable to check prior to your wedding day.
Leicestershire Venues at a Glance
| Venue Name | Style | Capacity | Location | Key Features | On-site Accommodation | Exclusivity | Price Band | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keythorpe Manor | Countryside estate with marquee & barn | Up to 450 | Keythorpe | Licensed for ceremonies, bespoke marquee or rustic Oak Barn, panoramic countryside views, bridal cottage, blank canvas venue | Yes (2-bedroom cottage) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Mythe Barn | Converted barn | Up to 150 (200 evening) | Sheepy Magna | 150 acres of farmland, licensed for indoor & outdoor ceremonies, oak beams, oak gazebo, luxurious honeymoon suite, exceptional dining | Yes (8 rooms) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Bridge House Barn | Tipi & waterfront venue | Up to 160 | Kibworth Harcourt | Waterfront setting between River Sence and Grand Union Canal, 4 magnificent tipis, boathouse bar, fire pit, glamping pods | Yes (8 rooms plus glamping) | Yes | ££ | Visit |
| The National Space Centre | Science museum | Up to 500 | Leicester | UK's only space venue, licensed for ceremonies, Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, 42m Rocket Tower, six space-themed galleries | No | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Twycross Zoo | Zoo venue | Up to 100 (250 reception) | Atherstone | Licensed for ceremonies, Windows On The Wild, Himalaya Room with snow leopard views, animal encounters, in-house catering | No | No | ££ | Visit |
| King Power Stadium | Football stadium | Up to 650 | Leicester | Licensed for ceremonies, waterside Grand Union Canal views, dedicated wedding team, bespoke menus, 400 parking spaces | No | No | ££ | Visit |
| Leicester Racecourse | Racecourse venue | Up to 550 | Oadby, Leicester | 200 acres, licensed for ceremonies, Paddock Pavilion, Kube space, five room choices, great transport links | No | No | ££ | Visit |
| Winstanley House | Georgian mansion | Up to 550 | Leicester | Grade II listed, 168 acres of parkland, two ballrooms, licensed for ceremonies, in-house Asian chefs, luxurious bridal suite | Yes (19 rooms) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa | Contemporary hotel & spa | Up to 220 | Hinckley | 4-star hotel, licensed for ceremonies, 5 indoor suites plus outdoor pagoda, seasonal packages, complimentary bridal suite | Yes (95 rooms) | No | ££ | Visit |
| Belvoir Castle | Historic castle | Capacity varies by room | Belvoir | Licensed for ceremonies, Rose Garden with 800 roses, State Dining Room, Duke's cannons, sword for cake cutting, 40 bedrooms | Yes (40 rooms, 85 guests) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Prestwold Hall | Grade I listed stately home | Up to 140 (200 evening) | Loughborough | 2,500 acres of parkland, licensed for indoor & outdoor ceremonies, 13th-century church nearby, in-house catering | Yes (10 rooms plus cottages) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Bosworth Hall Hotel & Spa | 17th Century manor house | Up to 275 | Market Bosworth | Grade II listed, 11 acres of gardens, licensed for indoor & outdoor ceremonies, carved staircase, health club with pool | Yes (multiple rooms & suites) | Partial (evening bar) | ££ | Visit |
| Kilworth House Hotel | Victorian country house hotel | Up to 130 | North Kilworth | 38 acres of parkland, private theatre, licensed for ceremonies, stunning Orangery, exclusive use packages | Yes (44 rooms) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| Shearsby Bath | Historic venue with marquee | Up to 250 | Shearsby, Lutterworth | Old Spa Room with oak beams, Orangery, permanent Fountain Marquee, Veil Bandstand, 5 acres of gardens, family-owned | Yes (Courtyard Suite) | Yes | ££ | Visit |
| Hothorpe Hall & The Woodlands | Georgian country house & woodland venue | Up to 200 (Hall) / 180 (Woodlands) | Theddingworth | Licensed for ceremonies, rolling countryside, Hothorpe Hall reopening 2025, The Woodlands exclusive woodland venue | Yes (55 rooms Hall, 46 guests Woodlands) | Yes | £££ | Visit |
| The Barnsdale | Boutique hotel & converted barn | Up to 180 | Oakham, Rutland | Near Rutland Water, state-of-the-art wedding barn, Pamper Room for bridal prep, licensed for ceremonies | Yes (45 rooms) | No | ££ | Visit |
| Quorn Country Hotel | Country house hotel | Up to 120 | Quorn, Loughborough | Licensed for ceremonies, countryside setting, dedicated wedding team, flexible packages | Yes (hotel rooms) | No | ££ | Visit |
- £ Budget-friendly (under £5,000 venue hire or under £100 per person)
- ££ Mid-range (£5,000-£15,000 venue hire or £100-£150 per person)
- £££ Luxury (£15,000+ venue hire or £150+ per person)
Types of Wedding Venues in Leicestershire
Romantic Countryside Manor Houses in Leicestershire
Keythorpe Manor
Keythorpe Manor is a stunning, exclusive-use venue that offers a blend of refined luxury and beautiful natural backdrops, making it a dream for sophisticated wedding photography. The manor's elegant interiors and grand event spaces provide a beautiful, high-end backdrop for capturing formal portraits and candid moments.
The extensive grounds are a photographer's paradise, featuring rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and even deer on site, offering a wealth of stunning settings for every season. We particularly love the scope for beautiful photography, utilizing the natural light and the stunning views to create truly epic and timeless images. Keythorpe Manor is perfect for couples seeking a high-end, private venue where every corner offers a beautiful, diverse, and luxurious backdrop for their photographic story.
Rustic Barn & Farmhouse Wedding Venues in Leicestershire
Mythe Barn
Mythe Barn is a beautifully designed barn venue that perfectly marries rustic charm with modern, light-filled spaces, creating an ideal setting for relaxed, countryside wedding photography. The venue's double-height oak barn, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is a key photographic feature, flooding the space with natural light that is perfect for bright, airy images of the ceremony and reception.
The rustic ceremony room and the surrounding gardens and fields offer a wealth of photo opportunities, from intimate portraits to fun group shots. We love the tip of taking a photo from the outside looking in through the characterful barn windows, which creates a unique, atmospheric shot. Mythe Barn is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a relaxed, stylish barn wedding that delivers a beautiful, light-filled, and authentic photographic narrative with a modern edge.
Bridge House Barn
Bridge House Barn offers a charming, rustic, and relaxed setting for a countryside wedding, often featuring a stunning tipi reception. As photographers, we are drawn to the venue's laid-back vibe and the incredible potential of the surrounding fields for creating striking wedding photos.
The barn itself provides a warm, intimate space, often decorated with colourful bunting and lanterns, which adds a beautiful texture to the images. The real photographic magic happens outside, with the vast, lovely fields and scenic countryside offering a diverse range of natural backdrops for romantic couple portraits, especially during the golden hour. Bridge House Barn is perfect for a couple seeking a fun, festival-style, or rustic wedding, providing a wealth of natural, light-filled backdrops for a truly authentic and memorable photographic story.
Unique & Unconventional Leicestershire Wedding Venues
The National Space Centre
The National Space Centre offers a truly unique and futuristic backdrop for a wedding, perfect for couples seeking an unconventional and visually striking celebration. As photographers, we are excited by the creative possibilities of hosting a reception amongst unique artefacts and exhibits in the space-themed galleries. The dramatic lighting and the sheer scale of the rockets and exhibits provide a one-of-a-kind, high-impact backdrop for portraits and candid moments. Posing the couple outside in the dark with the iconic rocket tower in the background creates a truly epic and memorable shot.
The venue's modern, dark, and dramatic aesthetic is perfect for creating sophisticated, richly-toned images that are truly "out of this world." The National Space Centre is the ideal choice for a couple looking for a wedding with a difference, providing a wealth of opportunities for dynamic, personalized, and highly memorable photography.
Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo offers a fun, whimsical, and utterly unique setting for a wedding, surrounded by wildlife and beautiful natural locations. As photographers, we are drawn to the opportunity to incorporate the zoo's impressive views and the animals into the wedding day story. The new elephant enclosure, for example, makes an amazing, unexpected backdrop for photos. The venue's unique packages, which can include a close encounter with one of the animals, provide a fantastic, memorable moment to capture.
The array of beautiful locations and incredible backdrops ensures a rich and varied photographic story, from eye-catching portraits to fun, candid moments of guests exploring the zoo. Twycross Zoo is perfect for a couple seeking a fun, unconventional wedding, providing a wealth of opportunities for dynamic, personalized, and highly memorable photography.
King Power Stadium
King Power Stadium provides a grand and expansive setting for a wedding, perfect for couples who are avid Leicester City fans or who desire a modern, high-impact venue. As photographers, we are drawn to the dramatic architecture of the stadium and the opportunity to capture portraits on the pitch or in the stands, creating a unique, high-impact backdrop for couple and group shots.
The venue's wedding suites enjoy fantastic waterside views overlooking the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal, offering a beautiful, serene contrast to the stadium's modern aesthetic. The modern, light-filled event spaces are perfect for capturing bright, airy images of the ceremony and reception. King Power Stadium is the ideal choice for a couple seeking a grand, memorable wedding with a distinctive, dynamic setting that translates into bold and elegant photography.
Leicester Racecourse
Leicester Racecourse offers a unique and picturesque setting that blends natural beauty with modern convenience, providing an unforgettable backdrop for a large-scale wedding. As photographers, we are drawn to the fabulous views over the course, which give a unique, high-impact backdrop for couple and group shots. The venue's expansive facilities can accommodate a large number of guests, making it ideal for grand celebrations. The blend of natural beauty and modern architecture offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities.
We particularly love the opportunity to use the racecourse itself for dramatic, open-air portraits, especially at sunset when the light is soft and golden, creating a sense of scale and drama. Leicester Racecourse is perfect for couples who want a grand, memorable wedding with a distinctive, dynamic setting that translates into bold and elegant photography.
Charming Boutique Hotels for Leicestershire Weddings
Winstanley House
Winstanley House is an exclusive, boutique venue that offers a perfect blend of grand traditional features and elegant modern touches. As photographers, we are drawn to the house's historic architecture, with its regal columns and intricate details, which adds a sophisticated backdrop for formal portraits. The stunning grounds provide a beautiful natural setting for relaxed couple photos, while the elegant interiors are perfect for capturing stylish, intimate moments.
The venue's design, with lots of lights and wedding flowers, looks beautiful and allows for a wide-angle lens to capture a beautiful overall view of the ceremony. Winstanley House is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a sophisticated and stylish wedding, providing a wealth of beautiful, light-filled backdrops for a truly timeless photographic collection.
Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa
Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa is a contemporary and elegant venue nestled in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, offering a serene and stylish backdrop for a modern wedding. As photographers, we appreciate the hotel's diverse spaces, including five wedding suites and a beautiful wooden pagoda for outdoor ceremonies. The largest suite can hold up to 300 guests, offering expansive space for grand celebrations.
The contemporary design, combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, provides a versatile mix of backdrops. We particularly love the opportunity to use the lovely room with the huge gilt-framed mirror for capturing those all-important bridal preparation shots in comfort and style. Sketchley Grange is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a sophisticated and relaxed wedding, providing a wealth of beautiful, light-filled backdrops for a truly timeless photographic collection.
Majestic Castles & Historic Wedding Venues in Leicestershire
Belvoir Castle
Belvoir Castle is a truly majestic and historic venue, offering a breathtaking, fairytale setting that is a photographer's dream. As one of the most stunning wedding venues for photography, the castle's Grade I listed architecture and opulent interiors provide a wealth of regal backdrops for sophisticated, cinematic images. The sheer scale of the castle and its grounds, which can include unique moments like a cannon firing, ensures a dramatic and unforgettable photographic story.
We particularly love the opportunity to let the castle's decor speak for itself, using simple green foliage and gold accents to compliment the timeless look. Belvoir Castle is the ultimate choice for a couple seeking a grand, majestic wedding, providing a timeless and visually spectacular canvas for unforgettable, high-impact photography.
Prestwold Hall
Prestwold Hall is an exquisite stately home that offers a regal and timeless atmosphere, perfect for an elegant and traditional wedding. As photographers, we are drawn to the hall's stunning features, such as the grand staircase, which is perfect for dramatic entrance shots as the bride descends. The reception space is amazing, filled with natural light owing to its high ceilings with windows stretching from the floor upwards, creating a perfect, airy environment for capturing candid moments.
The extensive grounds and the hall's impressive architecture provide a wealth of beautiful backdrops for romantic couple portraits and sophisticated group shots. Prestwold Hall is the ideal choice for a couple seeking a grand, elegant wedding, providing a timeless and visually spectacular canvas for unforgettable, high-impact photography.
Beautiful Outdoor & Garden Wedding Venues in Leicestershire
Bosworth Hall Hotel & Spa
Bosworth Hall Hotel & Spa is a magnificent Grade II listed wedding venue, set in the heart of the British countryside, offering a stunning blend of historic charm and beautiful scenery. As photographers, we appreciate the hotel's grand architecture and the variety of historic banquet rooms, which provide elegant backdrops for both intimate and large celebrations.
The extensive, landscaped grounds are a key photographic feature, offering a beautiful location for romantic couple portraits and large group shots on the lawn. The hotel's size allows for multiple weddings, which means the photographic opportunities are diverse and plentiful. Bosworth Hall is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a grand, historic wedding, providing a wealth of beautiful, high-impact backdrops for a timeless photographic collection.
Kilworth House Hotel
Kilworth House Hotel is a stunning venue that offers a luxurious and elegant setting, perfect for a sophisticated and romantic wedding. As photographers, we are drawn to the hotel's elegant architecture and the lush gardens, which make for beautiful photos in every season. The venue offers varied indoor and outdoor backdrops, including the beautiful Orangery and the Wordsworth Room, which are perfect for ceremonies and receptions.
We love utilising the golden hour in the gardens to capture a mix of natural and posed photos, creating truly magical and romantic images. Kilworth House is the ideal choice for a couple seeking a high-end, intimate celebration, providing a wealth of beautiful, light-filled backdrops for a truly timeless photographic collection.
Pet-Friendly Wedding Venues in Leicestershire
Shearsby Bath
Shearsby Bath is a charming Leicestershire venue that offers a relaxed, countryside feel with five acres of beautiful gardens. As photographers, we are drawn to the venue's picturesque outdoor spaces, which include a bandstand for al fresco ceremonies and a variety of fun activities like outdoor games, providing great photo opportunities for candid, playful shots.
The bandstand itself is a fantastic backdrop for both the ceremony and couple portraits. The Old Spa room and the charming interiors offer intimate, light-filled spaces for capturing emotional moments. Shearsby Bath is perfect for a couple seeking a relaxed, nature-inspired wedding, providing a wealth of beautiful, light-filled backdrops for a truly authentic and memorable photographic story.
Hothorpe Hall
Hothorpe Hall offers a beautiful mix of classic Georgian architecture and modern features, set within 12 acres of private estate, making it a versatile venue for wedding photography. The hall itself provides an elegant, timeless backdrop, while the grounds, including the unique Woodlands area, offer a contrasting, rustic, and natural setting. The Woodlands, with its stunning outdoor ceremony space and beautiful views, is a joy to photograph, especially for couples seeking a woodland-themed wedding.
We love the variety of charming spots, including a little bridge and lush gardens, which provide endless opportunities for creative and romantic portraits. Hothorpe Hall is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed wedding, providing a wealth of beautiful, light-filled backdrops for a truly timeless photographic collection.
Both venues welcome canine family members to join you on your wedding day.
For useful information on including your furry family members on your wedding day, see our blog.
All-Inclusive Wedding Packages in Leicestershire
The Barnsdale
The Barnsdale is a vibrant venue that offers a unique blend of refined elegance and relaxed rural charm, set in the picturesque countryside near Oakham. As photographers, we are drawn to the beautifully restored barns, the stunning views, and the manicured gardens, which create a picturesque setting for weddings. The venue, a former hunting lodge, provides a lovely barn and courtyard, which are perfect for capturing candid moments and atmospheric evening shots.
The surrounding area, including Barnsdale Gardens, offers a beautiful, simple, and elegant location for couple portraits. The Barnsdale is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a relaxed, stylish wedding that delivers a beautiful, light-filled, and authentic photographic narrative.
Quorn Country Hotel
Quorn Country Hotel is a charming 17th-century house set on the edge of the River Soar, offering a picturesque and tranquil setting for a wedding. As photographers, we are drawn to the hotel's historic architecture and the four acres of beautiful gardens, which provide a great backdrop for wedding photographs in every season. The riverside location offers a unique, serene setting for romantic couple portraits, especially at sunset.
The hotel's interiors are elegant and provide a warm, intimate space for capturing emotional moments. Quorn Country Hotel is an excellent choice for a couple seeking a sophisticated and scenic wedding, providing a wealth of beautiful, high-impact backdrops for a timeless photographic collection.