Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club Wedding Photography – Rachael & Luke
The Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a fantastic choice for couples looking to get married in Warwickshire. With extensive grounds, beautiful surroundings, and a dedicated team of wedding coordinators, it’s a venue that offers both style and practicality.
It had been a few years since I last photographed a wedding here, so it was great to return with fresh ideas and a new perspective. The weather on the day was chilly but dry—ideal conditions for photography. The soft, diffused light throughout the day created a really flattering look for portraits, and the autumn colours around the venue added something extra to the overall feel of the images.
A Calm and Relaxed Start to the Day
I started the morning with Rachael and her bridesmaids, and one thing that immediately stood out was how calm everything was.
If you’ve been involved in weddings before, you’ll know that the morning preparations can often be a bit hectic. Timings can slip, stress levels can rise, and things don’t always go to plan. But this was the complete opposite—hair and makeup were finished on time, everyone was relaxed, and the whole atmosphere was incredibly easygoing.
This made a huge difference. It meant we had plenty of time to capture some beautiful, natural portraits of Rachael, her bridesmaids, and her parents before heading into the ceremony.
Rachael looked stunning, and having that extra bit of time allowed us to create a really strong set of images before the day even properly began.
A Bright and Spacious Ceremony
Rachael and Luke’s ceremony took place in the main function room at the Forest of Arden. It’s a large, bright space that can accommodate up to 250 guests, making it ideal for bigger weddings.
The registrars were more than happy for me to photograph throughout the ceremony, which is always a bonus. It allows me to work in a documentary style—capturing real, unscripted moments as they happen, without interrupting the flow of the day.
From the walk down the aisle to the exchange of vows and rings, these are some of the most genuine moments of any wedding, and I always aim to capture them as naturally as possible.
Making the Most of Autumn Light and Colour
One of the best things about this time of year is the colour. The venue looked fantastic with autumn leaves scattered around the grounds, and I made sure to incorporate that into the photos wherever possible.
Later in the day, I photographed the couple near the main entrance where the autumn foliage created a beautiful backdrop. The combination of soft light and rich seasonal colours worked perfectly.
For the ring shot, I even used a single red leaf to add a subtle but striking detail—something simple, but really effective.
From Formalities to the Dance Floor
After the ceremony, the day flowed effortlessly through the key moments—food, speeches, cake cutting, and the first dance.
While many photographers finish coverage after the first dance, I always like to stay a bit longer. The evening is when the atmosphere really changes, and you start to see people relax, let go, and enjoy themselves.
Rachael and Luke had clearly put thought into their entertainment, especially their choice of DJ. The music was spot on, and the dance floor was full all night—a sure sign of a great party.
I like to get right into the action during this part of the evening, capturing the energy and movement up close. It adds a completely different dimension to the final gallery and helps tell the full story of the day.
Why Choose the Forest of Arden for Your Wedding?
The Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club offers a great combination of features for weddings:
Extensive grounds for a variety of photo opportunities
Large, bright ceremony spaces ideal for bigger guest lists
Professional coordination team to keep everything running smoothly
Seasonal beauty, especially during autumn
It’s a versatile venue that works well in all conditions and at any time of year.
Final Thoughts
I had an amazing time photographing Rachael and Luke’s wedding. From the relaxed morning preparations to the energy of the evening celebrations, it was a brilliant day from start to finish.
I’ve included a small selection of images below to give you a feel for how everything came together and what this venue has to offer.
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Warwickshire?
If you’re planning your wedding at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club—or anywhere in Warwickshire—and like my natural, relaxed style of photography, I’d love to hear from you.
Dates can book up quickly, so don’t hesitate to get in touch to check availability.
