Offley Place wedding photography; nestled in the serene Hertfordshire countryside is a majestic venue that promises weddings nothing short of stunning. Its historic elegance, combined with the beauty of its gardens and grounds, provides an idyllic backdrop for any wedding followed by a full scale evening blow out party. Come and see this awesome wedding through the lens of Hertfordshire wedding photographer, me, Liam Smith, writing about himself in third person. Keep scrolling to check out R&J’s epic fusion wedding, where Jewish and Portuguese Catholic traditions combine to make a true feast for the eyes.
Why Choose an Offley Place Wedding Photographer?
I’ve never been an advocate of visiting a venue before the wedding. You can never 100% guarantee what the light will be doing, or where people are naturally going to stand. Weddings are organic, so you have to rely on your instincts and your experience. That being said I do turn up to the venue way before I’m due to start in order to get the lay of the land and assess the best places for staged photographs, because even though im a documentary style photographer, i do still take couple portraits and family group pictures. This wedding was in winter, so you’re completely at the mercy of the lighting setup at the venue. Of course you could use flash, but i love capturing things as they actually looked, and flash can sometimes kill the atmosphere, as well as take ages to set up. Time is of the essence at a wedding, moreso than ever here, the couple had a very long list of family pictures to take. Using flash and making sure you nail every shot, as well as taking enough pictures to be able to photoshop out any closed eyes, you basically end up feeling like you’re in a nightclub with all the flashing. I like to create a wonderful experience, getting a migraine is not conducive to that!
Thankfully offley has plenty of side rooms that can be used for staged pictures. One of the biggest advantages here is you can siphon off the people you need for your group pictures and can rattle through the list much, much quicker. It’s so much easier corralling a smaller group than trying to shout at a room of 100 people. That’s a top tip if you hire me or not, get everyone from your list and take them to a separate room, trust me, you’ll be done much quicker.
Expertise in Various Wedding Styles
I shoot in a documentary style, but you’re not going to pass up the opportunity to stage some pictures, especially when you have a cool building and beautiful grounds to play with. Have a look at the gallery and you’ll see how we made use of absolutely every room in the whole place!
FAQs
Q1: What is the best time of day for wedding photos at Offley Place?
This may seem obvious, but try your hardest to utilise the daylight. It gives you many more options and possibilities. The wedding below was shot in December (the 29th), so we decided to do a first look, followed by some natural pictures with friends and family. The couple got some great reaction shots, had extra time to spend with their nearest and dearest, and got to make use of the low dramatic winter sun.
Q2: What are your top tips for getting married at Offley Place?
Don’t have too many obstacles in the way of the ceremony. Flowers on plinths look wonderful, but they can easily create a visual blocker for people when they’re sat down.
Make use of all the rooms, siphon off the people you need for group pictures and do them immediately after the ceremony in one of the side rooms. You can spend a bit more time with your close friends and family, and you get your group pictures done in half the time.
Q3: Can we suggest specific locations at Offley Place for our photos?
Of course! If there’s a particular part of the building or the grounds that you love then just let me know!
The Charm of Offley Place
A brief history
Offley Place is a historic country house set in the picturesque countryside of Hertfordshire, England. With origins dating back to the 17th century, it boasts a rich history that adds to its charm and appeal as a venue today.
The estate’s name, Offley, is derived from the Offley family, who were prominent figures in the area during the medieval period. However, the current mansion, which forms the heart of Offley Place as it is known today, was built in the early 1600s. Over the centuries, the house has undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate the changing needs and tastes of its occupants.
In the 19th century, Offley Place saw significant changes under the ownership of the Brandreth family, who were responsible for much of the expansion and landscaping of the gardens that contribute to the estate’s beauty. The Victorian era brought about further enhancements to the house, including the addition of the conservatory, a notable feature of Offley Place that offers stunning views of the surrounding gardens.
Throughout its history, Offley Place has served various functions, from a private family home to a boys’ school during the 20th century. Its adaptability and enduring beauty have seen it evolve into a popular venue for weddings, events, and accommodation.
Today, Offley Place is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its elegant architecture, serene gardens, and the tranquil atmosphere it offers guests. Despite its evolution over the years, the estate has retained its historical charm, making it a beloved landmark in Hertfordshire’s cultural and social landscape.
Offley Place boasts a rich history, with architecture that speaks volumes of its past. Its grandiosity and period features create a sense of timelessness, making it a sought-after location for couples desiring a wedding that feels like stepping into another era.
Stunning Gardens and Grounds
The extensive gardens and meticulously maintained grounds of Offley Place are a photographer’s paradise. Each season brings a different palette of colours, from the vibrant blooms of spring and summer to the rustic hues of autumn and the pristine elegance of winter. These settings offer endless opportunities for awesome pictures.
The Offley Place Wedding Experience
Pre-Wedding Consultation
The journey begins with a consultation, where we say hello and get to know you as a couple. You no doubt have many questions and it’s my job to answer them all! I always want my couples to feel that they’ve 100% got to know me and how I work so on the day there are no surprises. It’s a much more relaxing experience to know that ‘Liam’ is here rather than ‘the photographer’. As much as possible you want it to feel like an old friend documenting your day.
The Wedding Day
We’ve had a catch up call in the week to run through the day from start to finish. I know the running order and have made suggestions on how we can make transitions from room to room or event to event the most efficient and hassle free.
I turn up on the day, I don’t interfere and I shoot everything that happens. From the big hoorahs, to the gentle holding of hands. We laugh, we cry, we party!
Post-Wedding Services
After the wedding, I’ll edit all of the images I deem fit for use, create a highlights slideshow of about 300 photographs and send this to your first, followed by the full gallery – which is typically enormous!
Tips for Working with Your Photographer
Establishing a Connection
Building a rapport with your photographer is key. Feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and ideas, as this will help them capture your day in a way that truly reflects you as a couple.
Creating a Shot List
While it’s important to trust your photographer’s creativity, providing a shot list is critical. Without it you will waste time on the day, forget people, guests will go wondering to check in to a hotel, or go to the bar, the toilet etc. It takes about ten minutes, just get it done! You’ll be glad you did. In fact I insist, without a list it’s chaos (unless you’re only going to do, say two pictures…I can remember that many :)).