Weddings at Harlaxton Manor | Venue Guide, Real Photos & Expert Tips
If you’re thinking about getting married at Harlaxton Manor, you’re choosing a venue that’s full of charm, elegance and history. Set in the Lincolnshire countryside, Harlaxton offers incredible architecture, beautifully kept gardens and a sense of grandeur that’s hard to beat. It’s one of those venues that leaves a lasting impression on every guest, and looks stunning in your photographs, too.
Grand Ceremonies in the Great Hall
The Great Hall is often the centrepiece for weddings at Harlaxton. This impressive space features oak panelling, marble flooring and a huge crystal chandelier. It’s licensed for civil ceremonies with up to 120 guests, or evening receptions for up to 350.
In addition, there’s a secret passage leading from the Great Hall to the bar area in the State Dining Room, a feature your guests won’t forget. The Minstrel Gallery, overlooking the Hall from above, is also ideal for capturing wide group shots or atmospheric ceremony photos.
Reception Spaces with a View
After your ceremony, most couples move to the Long Gallery for their wedding breakfast. This is the Manor’s largest room, and it comes with panoramic views across the gardens and grounds. It can seat up to 150 guests for a meal or hold 200 people for a ceremony.
Because it’s so light and spacious, it’s perfect for photography. The layout allows me to capture everything from full guest reactions to quieter couple moments, all without needing to move between rooms.
The Conservatory: A Versatile Space
No matter the weather, the Conservatory at Harlaxton offers a beautiful indoor-outdoor space. It’s one of the largest conservatories in the East Midlands and ideal for drinks receptions or informal portraits. On sunny days, it flows naturally into the surrounding gardens, making it easy to take advantage of outdoor space.
The venue often uses this area for lawn games, relaxed mingling or just letting guests explore the grounds. From a photographer’s perspective, it offers great light, texture and variety, which means more variety in your final gallery.
Garden Backdrops and Hidden Gems
The formal gardens at Harlaxton Manor are carefully designed and well maintained throughout the year. From terraced lawns to stone paths and flower beds, there’s always something photogenic to work with.
Although I’ve only shot one wedding here, it quickly became one of my favourite venues in the region. For example, the steps near the back of the Conservatory work well for layered compositions, while the stone archways create natural frames that draw the eye to the couple.
Final Thoughts from a Photographer
Harlaxton Manor is a venue that does everything right. It’s grand but not over the top, historic without being outdated, and offers a wide mix of photographic opportunities both inside and out.
If you’re planning a wedding here, I’d love to hear about your ideas and chat through how we can make the most of this stunning venue together.
FAQ: Harlaxton Manor Weddings
What’s the best time of year for a wedding at Harlaxton Manor?
This venue looks incredible in every season. In spring and summer, the gardens are lush and colourful — perfect for outdoor portraits. In winter, the interiors provide warmth and grandeur that photographs beautifully, especially around the Great Hall.
Can you get married outdoors at Harlaxton Manor?
Yes. Harlaxton offers the option for outdoor ceremonies in the Formal Gardens. It’s an amazing choice when the weather’s right, with views across the estate and a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.
Where are the best places for photos?
Some of my favourites include the Conservatory for soft light portraits, the Great Hall balcony for wide group shots, and the path through the gardens for a quiet moment alone. Even the lesser-known areas like the rear gardens or side arches can give you something unique.
How flexible is the timeline at Harlaxton Manor?
There’s a good flow between ceremony, drinks, dinner and evening, which helps keep things relaxed. The connected rooms (and even that secret passage from the Great Hall) give you and your guests plenty of space to explore.
📷 Real Wedding Highlights at Harlaxton Manor
Thank you for exploring our guide to weddings at Harlaxton Manor.
If you’re considering Harlaxton Manor as your wedding venue, I can’t recommend it enough. From the incredible staterooms and breathtaking gardens to the professional, attentive team, it’s a venue that delivers on every level. Harlaxton offers an unforgettable setting with endless opportunities for stunning photographs, whether you’re inside the manor or out in the formal gardens. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop that will elevate your day and your memories.
Website: https://www.harlaxton.co.uk
Phone: 01476 403000
Email: events@harlaxton.co.uk
We picked Matt to photograph our wedding at Harlaxton manor in March 2022 after a google search and a look through his portfolio. From day one, he made everything so easy. From booking, to deposit’s, to the day itself. Matt kept in touch with us and answered any questions we had before the day.
On the day itself, Matt and his colleague Christian were an absolute pleasure to have around! It was like having two extra mates with us on our wedding day! As the bride, please don’t underestimate how important this is (groom too!). The photographers are with you during intimate moments of your day. It’s so important whomever you choose, you’re 100% comfortable with.
It’s a personal thing but we loved Matt’s style of photography. We did minimal posed photo’s, the vast majority we did was candid which meant Matt and Christian captured some amazing natural moments and we didn’t spend hours of day posing and being dragged away from our guests. We were able to just enjoy our wedding. We did a handful of posed photos which maybe took us away for 15 minutes. The photos themselves are incredible. We got the gallery back last week and I’ve been through them so many times. They’re just beautiful.
Please make sure you look through Matt’s portfolio. I’d like to thank Matt and Christian for their invaluable contribution too our day. I can’t wait to see the album!
If you’re planning your wedding at Harlaxton Manor and searching for the right photographer, I’d love to hear from you.
Just fill in the form below and let’s arrange a time to chat about your plans. Harlaxton is an incredible venue, and I’d be thrilled to help capture the atmosphere, emotion and beauty of your day in a way that feels true to you.
WHY CHOOSE ME?
- A dedicated and trusted full time Nottingham wedding photographer with over 15 years experience.
- I don’t leave straight after the first dance. (You can’t beat a killer night shot!)
- Creative & unique photographs (no awkward posing or cheesy smiles!)
- Studio visits welcome (meet me in person & check out the sample albums)
- Lots of 5* reviews from happy customers.
contact me
CONTACT
P: 07855 036 209
E: hello@mattselbyphotography.co.uk
3 Crown St, Hucknall,
Nottingham, NG15 7SW.
– Derby & Nottingham Wedding Photographer –
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