Somerset Wedding Photography
Venue Tips + Our Favourite Somerset Wedding Venues
Photography & Highlight Film
If you’ve found this page by searching for a Somerset wedding photography, you’re probably at the exciting stage where venues, guest lists and timelines are starting to take shape — and you want to feel confident you’ll choose a photographer who can capture your day naturally (without it feeling like a photoshoot).
Somerset is one of the best areas in the UK for weddings: think countryside views, historic buildings, beautiful barns, manor houses and venues that work brilliantly in every season. In this guide, I’m sharing practical venue tips plus details of some incredible places we’ve photographed, including Priston Mill, Orchardleigh, Coombe Lodge, The Roman Baths and Haselbury Mill.
I’ll also explain why more couples are choosing a Somerset hybrid photographer — someone who can capture both photography and a highlight film, without the need for a separate videographer.
How to choose your Somerset wedding venue (from a photographer’s point of view)
Before you book anything, here are the venue checks that make a massive difference to your photos (and your stress levels):
1) Natural light
Ask to see the ceremony and dining spaces at the same time of day you’ll be using them. Barns and manor houses vary hugely — some are bright and airy, others are cosy and candlelit.
2) Wet-weather plan
In Somerset, we plan for all seasons in one day. Make sure your venue has:
- a nice indoor backup location for group photos
- covered outdoor areas for quick couple portraits
- a plan for confetti even if it rains
3) Photo spots within walking distance
The best galleries happen when portraits are easy. If we can step out for 10 minutes and be back before anyone notices, you get gorgeous photos and you don’t miss your own day.
4) Timeline flow
Venues with everything on-site (prep, ceremony, reception, accommodation) keep the energy relaxed and give you more time with guests — and more opportunities for natural candid photos.
Why consider hiring a Somerset hybrid photographer?
A big question couples ask now is:
“Do we need a videographer as well?”
If you want both photo and film but don’t want to hire two separate suppliers, choosing a Somerset hybrid photographer is a brilliant middle ground.
The benefits of hybrid photo + highlight film
- One person with you (less pressure, more relaxed day)
- Consistent style across your photos and film
- No competing schedules between photographer and videographer
- A short highlight film that captures the feeling, voices and movement of the day
- Budget-friendly vs hiring a separate videographer
It’s ideal for couples who want the emotional story of film (walking down the aisle, speeches, first dance vibes) but still want photography to be the priority.
Somerset wedding venues we’ve photographed (and the best spots for photos)
Priston Mill Wedding Photography
Priston Mill is a dream venue for relaxed countryside weddings, with two main spaces — The Tythe Barn and The Watermill — and it sits just a short drive from Bath and Bristol.
Best photo spots at Priston Mill
- Tythe Barn doors / stone walls: perfect for classic portraits with lovely texture.
- Gardens + paths: great for natural walking shots (especially if you don’t love posing).
- Watermill surroundings: ideal for quieter portraits away from guests, with loads of character.
Photographer tip: Plan 10 minutes straight after the ceremony for “just married” portraits while guests grab a drink — it keeps everything effortless.
Orchardleigh Wedding Photography
Orchardleigh is made for couples who want a full weekend feel — exclusive use options and that “estate wedding” atmosphere. Orchardleigh’s house wedding experience includes exclusive use of Orchardleigh House, dining capacity and on-site accommodation (up to 95 guests in the house).
Best photo spots at Orchardleigh
- Driveway/approach: great for wide, cinematic shots.
- Lakes and grounds: soft, romantic backgrounds (especially near golden hour).
- Indoor staircases / windows: perfect for elegant portraits if it rains.
Photographer tip: If you’re doing couple portraits, Orchardleigh works brilliantly as two mini-sessions: one right after the ceremony, one at sunset.
Coombe Lodge Wedding Photography
Coombe Lodge sits on the edge of the Mendip Hills with stunning views across Blagdon Lake, which is why the outdoor photos here always feel so open and scenic.
Best photo spots at Coombe Lodge
- Lake-view terrace/grounds: for those big landscape portraits.
- Courtyard: great for group photos and confetti.
- Indoor ceremony rooms: cosy and beautiful for emotional ceremony moments.
Photographer tip: This venue is perfect for candid guest photos — there are lots of natural gathering areas where people relax and interact (the best moments happen there).
Incredible Wedding Photography!
Derryn was an incredible wedding photographer, he took fantastic photos and got them back to us very quickly to share with family. He was incredible on the day helping us organise all the family and bridal party photos and helping keep everything on our timeline!
We couldn’t ask for a better photographer honestly
Derryn was absolutely amazing on the day and leading up. The communication all the way up to the day was perfect from Sam (derryns wife)! I will be recommending derryn to all my friends getting married in the next couple of years. Put everyone at ease on the day and worked his socks off. Thank you both so much. Love Lucy and Kel x
I am soo grateful Derryn, he was amazing!!!
He made the day go soo smoothly, and gave us soo many pictures from throughout the night to look back on! Many of my guests commented on how good he was and chatty, he really was amazing! Thankyou!
A truly exceptional Photographer
Derryn was a huge part of our wedding day. Not only is he hugely talented at what he does but he’s also a very nice guy ! We were made to feel comfortable during his time with us. His photos are simply the best ! We were recommended to Derryn by another couple and also another Photographer! That speaks volumes doesn’t it !!! Thanks for making our day so very special.
Excellent wedding photographer and videographer
Would definitely recommend Derryn for your wedding photography and video – Derryn was incredibly friendly, efficient and professional in the run up and on our wedding day. Everything went perfectly and we absolutely love our wedding photos and film. He was a great fit for us with the direction needed i.e. with lighting and where to take photos, but also the flexibility we wanted.
The Roman Baths Wedding Photography
Technically Bath rather than Somerset — but it’s one of the most iconic places we photograph and perfect for couples planning a city wedding with serious atmosphere. The Roman Baths and Pump Room are available for private hire and are known for being especially atmospheric in the evening.
Best photo spots at The Roman Baths
- By the Great Bath: dramatic, timeless shots with incredible ambience.
- Evening torchlight feel: perfect for cinematic portraits.
- Pump Room: elegant interiors for classy group photos and candids.
Photographer tip: Because it’s such a unique venue, you don’t need loads of time for portraits — even 5–10 minutes here can create a “wow” set.
FAQ: Hiring a Somerset wedding photographer
Looking for a Somerset wedding photographer & videographer?
If you’re planning a Somerset wedding and want natural, story-led Somerset wedding photography, plus the option of a highlight film captured seamlessly alongside your photos, we’d love to hear about your plans.
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