A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING AT BLAKE HALL
A RELAXED SUMMER WEDDING AT ESSEX’S BEST BARN WEDDING VENUE
Blake Hall wedding Venue is a gorgeous barn wedding venue set in the stunning Essex countryside in Ongar, and easily accessible from the A414. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies, features three barns (the Essex Barn, the Hay Barn, and the Saddlery) and is set within 60 acres.
Blake Hall can be yours for the whole day, meaning you do not have to spend time travelling from one location to another. It is wonderful to arrive at this stunning venue and know that everything you need is on one beautiful site.
Charlie and Georgia fell in love with the venue on first sight and it is easy to see why. With stunning gardens and grounds – including a wild flower meadow – we were spoilt for choice when it came to backdrops for their couple portraits, but never felt far away from their guests and the celebrations.
There was so much I loved about this wedding; and you will see for yourself at the end of the blog just how much personality lies at the heart of the photos; giving their gallery not just a polished feel but a deeply human one.
WHY COUPLES LOVE GETTING MARRIED AT BLAKE HALL
Although this was my first experience of being a Blake Hall wedding photographer, it did not take long for me to understand why Blake Hall is such a popular Essex wedding venue.
Wedding days at Blake Hall flow so effortlessly thanks to the close proximity of all the buildings, and the wonderful professionalism of the ever-helpful staff. Nothing is ever too much for the team at Blake Hall and this makes it a dream for both couples and suppliers. The venue is also exclusive use, meaning you can immerse yourself in your day knowing the whole space is all yours. Ample on site parking and overnight accommodation also provides peace of mind for couples.
From a photography point of view, each building is light enough for flattering imagery and the outdoor spaces contrast beautifully with the barns. The gardens and meadow are less than a 5 minute walk from the barns but feel like a world away – perfect for some quiet time away from the buzz of the party without being late for the rest of the celebrations. Charlie and Georgia took a short walk around the garden for photos just before they sat down for their wedding breakfast, and again a little later in the evening. It is rare that a venue allows you to be so flexible with the portraits and respond to changes in the light and weather conditions.
MY FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS AT BLAKE HALL
I could list dozens of wonderful photography spots at Blake Hall but if I had to list my top three I would say the following.
The gardens and herbaceous border – the gardens and borders are alive with colour and texture in the summer months, meaning portraits become vibrant and full of depth. It is a quiet space away from the main buildings and couples can instantly relax here.
The swing is a fabulous setting for photos with the backdrop of Blake Hall and couple never failing to laugh as they push each other on the play equipment.
The rose garden – separate to the walled garden and swing is a rose garden that is perfect for those simple but stunning walking hand-in-hand shots.
I would advise having couple portraits taken during the golden hour (an hour before sunset) to really showcase the beauty of these spaces and light that flatters faces. You can read my guide to couple portraits here.
tips for planning a blake hall wedding
Trust the venue team – the staff at Blake Hall are not only friendly and helpful but extremely knowledgeable. Take note of any advice they share as you plan your day and on the day itself. Their aim is always to ensure you ave the best, most relaxed wedding possible.
Plan a timeline that works with the venue. There are so many generic wedding timeline templates online and these might not be suitable for your Blake Hall wedding. The close proximity of all the features and buildings at Blake Hall should make sticking to your wedding timings easier. Find out more about how to curate a relaxed wedding morning here.
Ahead of your day decide little things like who will look after your phone on the day, who will look after the marriage certificate, and who suppliers should contact in case of emergency (you’ll be far too immersed in the moment to want to be co-ordinating).
Let guests know how to get to Blake Hall. Although easily accessible, it is not sign posted until very close to the turning.
THE MOMENTS THAT MADE THIS WEDING SPECIAL
What made this wedding particularly special was how much love Charlie and Georgia has not just for one another but for their family and guests. The speeches were humorous but ultimately deeply moving. Charlie’s best men ended their speech by gifting the couple a clock stopped at precisely the time the couple said I Do. In all the weddings I have shot, I have never seen this before and it was an emotional moment.
Luke’s reaction to seeing his sister in her dress before giving her away was also beautiful. You cannot fake or force these moments and I felt just how much this moment meant to both of them.
This wedding was proof- if needed – how kids are a law unto themselves and Georgia’s flower girl had her ideas about smiling sweetly as she walked down the aisle.
It was a day that lent itself perfectly to my wedding photography style and approach; stylish and refined but ultimately rooted in celebration, and joy.
IS BLAKE HALL A GOOD WEDDING VENUE
Blake Hall is considered one of the best barn wedding venues in Essex and I can see why. It photographs perfectly, is located in a quiet exclusive-use space, and the staff are fantastic at what they do.
If you are looking for a barn wedding venue in Essex. Blake Hall is well worth adding to your shortlist.
BLAKE HALL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER FAQS
Where is Blake Hall?
Blake Hall is located in Ongar in Essex, just off the A414.
Can you have an outdoor ceremony at Blake Hall?
Yes outdoor ceremonies at Blake Hall take place beneath the canopy of the Saddlery.
Where are the best places for wedding photographs at Blake Hall?
There are lots of great places for wedding photos at Blake Hall including the rose garden, the swing and the flower meadow. There is also a Wisteria walkway in the spring.
How much time should we allow for couple portraits at Blake Hall
I would recommend having two 20 minute couple portrait sessions during your Blake Hall wedding. One session before your wedding breakfast and a second during golden hour later in the evening.
Why makes Blake Hall such a popular Essex wedding venue?
Blake Hall is a popular Essex wedding venue thanks to its beautiful gardens, stunning buildings, easily accessible location and friendly and helpful staff.
Do you photograph weddings at Blake Hall?
Yes as an experienced Essex wedding photographer I love photographing weddings at Blake Hall and would love to find out about your wedding plans.
BLAKE HALL WEDDING GALLERY
Enjoy viewing the gallery of Charlie & Georgia’s Blake Hall wedding and click the contact button below the gallery to get in touch about your own London wedding plans.
You can also read more about my approach to wedding photography HERE.
CHARLIE & GEORGIA'S WEDDING SUPPLIERS
WEDDING VENUE – Blake Hall
PHOTOGRAPHER – Ross Willsher Photography
CONTENT CREATOR – The Wedit
FLOWERS – C Taylor’s Floristry
HAIR – Charlotte D Pro Hair / Amy (Scissor Sisters)
MAKE-UP – All Dolled Up Essex / Makeup by Kirbie
BAND – Winston and The Lads
Looking for a BLAKE HALL Wedding Photographer?
If you’re looking for a Blake Hall wedding photographer and are drawn to natural, emotion-led photography, I’d love to hear more about your plans. Click the button below to contact me. I cannot wait to hear from you.
WEDDING BLOGS
If you are still looking for wedding photography advice and information, view more of my blogs below featuring guides on various elements of wedding planning and venue-specific galleries and information.