Grantley Hall Wedding Photography
Joseph & Nathando
Spectacular weddings in five-star luxury. Style and elegance captured in award-winning Grantley Hall wedding photography, by Phil Salisbury.
Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, just 4 miles from Ripon, Grantley Hall is part of the Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain hotel collections. I’m not kidding when I say this place is absolutely top drawer. As I walked in for the first time as a Grantley Hall wedding photographer, my jaw hit the floor - it’s like being on a film set!
It’s an outstanding venue that really wows me every time I see it. The stunning architecture and elaborate gardens are the ideal background for awesome portraits. The quality of light and space available lends itself to beautiful, award winning wedding photography.
Grantley Hall was built by Thomas Norton towards the end of the 17th Century, it is now privately owned by the Sykes family who spared no expense in transforming Grantley Hall into a luxury hotel and wellness retreat, including Three Graces Spa. With a decadent blend of traditional elegance and state-of-the-art facilities, weddings at Grantley Hall are truly spectacular occasions, where every detail is taken care of.
Weddings at Grantley Hall can take place in a variety of beautifully appointed spaces. The ornate Music Room is licensed for weddings with up to 120 guests, or you can choose the Grantley Suite for up to 180 guests. Outdoor ceremonies take place in the Summer Pavilion near the Japanese Garden, with the main hall making an enchanting backdrop for Grantley Hall wedding photography.
Whether your guests arrive via the sweeping driveway, or land on the dedicated heli-pad, they’ll know they are rocking up to a high-end venue, and can expect world-class service. The West Terrace and The Orchard are perfect to entertain your family and friends with evening drinks and canapes. Or perhaps you could retire to Valeria’s Champagne and Cocktail Bar, decorated in an art-deco style with booth seating and gold accents on the furnishings – seriously, am I in a movie right now?
Right from the word go I knew this was going to be an incredible day! I joined Joseph as he got ready with his groomsmen in the morning. Joseph was dressed head to toe in Versace, his groomsmen in tuxedos and sunglasses, breakdancing and hyping up their man for his wedding day – what a squad!
The family atmosphere made the whole day feel like a party, the outdoor ceremony was held in at the Summer Pavilion and Nathando arrived in a classic Rolls Royce which took her from the main hall. The bridesmaids and groomsmen danced down the aisle and the whole room was filled with love (and happy tears) during Joseph and Nathando’s emotional ceremony.
Their family and friends had waited for a long time to get together and celebrate, so capturing those moments was a really important part of their Grantley Hall wedding photography. I wanted to capture the whole scene, so used the reflections in the moat (yep, it’s got one of those too!) for some creative shots of the everyone during the ceremony.
Next, we went to the Champagne Garden, the kids enjoyed the spacious lawns and played games in the sunshine, while the grown ups enjoyed Moet by the bucket load! The wedding breakfast started in spectacular style with the bridesmaids and groomsmen providing another dancing entrance. After the speeches, Joseph and Nathando’s first dance was sensational, the stylish couple looking effortlessly elegant and cool as everyone watched in awe!
I loved capturing all the traditions and details of their African wedding at Grantley Hall, especially the live band and epic dance off between the guests in the evening – the boys really gave the girls a run for their money! The day was brought to a dazzling end with fireworks over the grounds of the estate and they partied until the early hours. I won’t be forgetting this experience, and they couldn’t have picked a more perfect venue for their super impressive wedding day!
This was definitely one to remember, Joseph and Nathando really know how to throw a five-star party! What. A. Day! If you’d like me to join you as your Grantley Hall wedding photographer then I’d love to hear about your plans, please do get in touch – I can’t get enough of the place!
