What a treat it is being a wedding photographer at Notley Abbey. .As you drive down the iconic, tree-lined driveway, Notley Abbey creates an unforgettable first impression and a spectacular spot for couple portraits later in the day This Award winning wedding venue is located in Buckingham near Long Crendon.
The Magic of a Notley Abbey Wedding
Nestled on the border of Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, Notley Abbey is an absolute dream of a venue. Having shot weddings across the UK, there is something truly unparalleled about the romantic, historic charm of this exclusive-use country house. From the moment you arrive, the long, tree-lined driveway makes an unforgettable first impression—creating a breathtaking backdrop for couple portraits later in the day.
As a Buckinghamshire wedding photographer, what I love most about Notley Abbey is how effortlessly it blends historic character with modern elegance. Whether you are planning an intimate celebration or a grand party, the stunning grounds and timeless architecture offer endless inspiration for beautiful, authentic imagery.
Morning Prep in the Bridal Suite
The wedding morning began in Notley Abbey’s gorgeous bridal suite. This room is a photographer’s dream—spacious, beautifully styled, and flooded with soft, natural light. It provides the perfect, calm sanctuary for those candid morning prep photos, capturing everything from the emotional moment the dress goes on to a quiet toast with your bridesmaids before walking down the aisle.
An Elegant Ceremony & Reception
The ceremony took place in the spectacular Monks’ Refectory. With its historic stone walls, rustic open beams, and stunning chandeliers, the room has an incredibly romantic atmosphere. For a photographer, the way the light filters through the space allows for gorgeous, ambient shots that highlight the raw emotion of the ceremony.
Following the “I dos,” guests headed out into the manicured gardens for a sunny drinks reception. The walled gardens and manicured lawns at Notley Abbey are perfect for a documentary wedding photography style. Because the layout flows so naturally, guests can relax with a glass of champagne while I capture those genuine, unposed laughs and joyful interactions in the background.
Sunset Portraits and Evening Celebrations
As the afternoon turned into evening, we slipped away for a few minutes to take advantage of the golden hour light. The grounds surrounding Notley Abbey offer so much variety, from the textured stone architecture to the sweeping lawns. We took a relaxed stroll down the iconic driveway, allowing the newlyweds a quiet moment together to take it all in while I captured some romantic, natural portraits.
We then headed back inside the Monks’ Refectory, which had been beautifully transformed for the evening reception. As the music kicked off and the dancefloor filled up, the atmospheric lighting and fairy lights created a high-energy, vibrant party environment. It was the perfect end to an incredibly beautiful day at one of the finest venues in the country.
Why Choose Notley Abbey
– A countryside House surrounded by beautiful grounds
-You can get married in the grounds and have your reception in Notley Abbey. Therefore there are worries about getting guests to reception from the ceremony.
-The location is not far from London making it a good destination for anyone near London or surrounding areas
– There are also several churches nearby if you would like a religious ceremony
What else is there to love about being a Notley Abbey wedding photographer?
There is a gorgeous barn with stunning chandeliers which seats 250 people as an evening reception, which is also exclusive for your wedding party for the day. The gorgeous bridal suite is flooded with natural light, making it the perfect backdrop for those candid morning prep photos. There is also a further eight bedrooms for guests to stay in so they won’t have to worry about traveling back late.
The Manor House
Notley Abbey also has the option to get married in the ‘Manor House’ this is a great option if you want to get married in an intimate setting. The room where you can get married is called the ‘Abbots Hall and is located in the Manor House, it is a great option if you want to get married in the winter or months which are not guaranteed sunshine.
Notley Abbey frequently asked questions
What are the best locations for wedding photos at Notley Abbey?
Notley Abbey is an absolute dream for a Buckinghamshire wedding photographer because the variety is endless! For couples’ portraits, the absolute must-haves are the iconic, long tree-lined driveway (which looks spectacular at sunset). There is also the historic, textured stone walls of the Monks’ Refectory. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, the walled garden offers a gorgeous, romantic backdrop with beautiful natural light. Inside, the Abbots Hall and the bridal suite feature large windows that flood the rooms with soft, flattering light, perfect for morning preparation and elegant indoor portraits.
Notley Abbey is an absolute dream for a Buckinghamshire wedding photographer because the variety is endless! For couples’ portraits, the absolute must-haves are the iconic, long tree-lined driveway (which looks spectacular at sunset) and the historic, textured stone walls of the Monks’ Refectory. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, the walled garden offers a gorgeous, romantic backdrop with beautiful natural light. Inside, the Abbots Hall and the bridal suite feature large windows that flood the rooms with soft, flattering light-perfect for morning preparation and elegant indoor portraits if the British weather decides not to cooperate.
Where can we take group photos at Notley Abbey if it rains?
One of the reasons I love working as a documentary wedding photographer in Buckingham and the surrounding areas is that venues like Notley Abbey have fantastic indoor alternatives if it rains. For smaller family groups and bridal party lineups, the elegant lounge areas and the Abbots Hall provide a classic, stately home backdrop with plenty of character. For larger group photos, we can easily utilise the spacious Monks’ Refectory once it’s set up, or use the beautiful covered porch areas to keep everyone dry while still getting some natural outdoor light in the background.
How do you handle photography during the evening reception in the Monks’ Refectory?
he Monks’ Refectory is a stunning, dramatic space for an evening party, but its high, dark timber ceilings and stone walls require an experienced hand with lighting. As a Buckingham wedding photographer, I know exactly how to manage these historic spaces. During the speeches and first dance, I use a combination of subtle, off-camera flashes and fast lenses to preserve the warm, atmospheric glow of the venue’s chandeliers and fairy lights without making your photos look washed out or overly artificial. This allows me to capture the high-energy dancing and candid reactions while keeping that cozy, historic abbey ambiance alive in your final gallery.
Planning your Notley Abbey wedding?…
Planning your Notley Abbey wedding? I’d love to capture your day in a relaxed, natural style. [Click here to check my availability for your date].