Weddings At Coombe Abbey
Hannah & Damien's Wedding
A Day of Elegance, Emotion, and Beauty
There are wedding venues that impress at first sight then there’s Coombe Abbey. Set in the heart of Warwickshire, surrounded by 500 acres of stunning parkland, the 12th-century former Cistercian abbey is the kind of place where history, romance, and nature meet. It was the perfect choice for Hannah and Damien, who dreamt of a wedding day that was not only elegant and timeless but deeply personal.
From the moment I arrived to photograph their wedding, I could sense the energy of the day. Warm, intimate, and filled with anticipation. The kind of wedding that doesn’t just look beautiful it feels beautiful, too.
Getting Ready
Hannah spent the morning getting ready in Coombe Abbey’s grand suites the main Bridal Suite. The room, rich in character with tall windows, antique furnishings, and golden morning light pouring in, made for an idyllic space for bridal preparations. Surrounded by her bridesmaids and her mum, and beautiful little girl. The atmosphere was calm but full of gentle excitement. Soft music played in the background while makeup and hair artists worked their magic.
Her dress, a stunning gown with intricate lace detailing and a long cathedral veil, hung from a carved four poster bed. When Hannah finally stepped into it, the entire room fell quiet for a moment, a collective intake of breath as she transformed into the most radiant bride.
Meanwhile, Damien was getting ready nearby with his groomsmen. Dressed in a classic navy suit with a muted floral tie, he looked every bit the proud groom. The guys shared a few jokes and a celebratory toast equal parts nerves and excitement. Damien had a letter from Hannah to read before heading out, and the emotion on his face as he read her words was one of the moments I was so glad to quietly capture behind the lens.
I first met Kim and Mark in person on their wedding day which is totally normal. Some of my couples like to have a meeting beforehand or just book and we communicate via video calls, email or texts. I digress, there was an undeniable energy about them. Both were visibly excited, though understandably a little nervous. That’s completely natural, of course. After a friendly chat with Mark who was already dressed and chatting with a few early guests I made my way upstairs to meet Kim in one of the boutique suites of The City Rooms.
In the softly lit room, Kim was surrounded by her small but close-knit group. Her mother and her bridesmaid. The atmosphere was relaxed and quietly joyful. Kim had expressed during our pre-wedding chats that she wasn’t particularly drawn to a lot of the ‘getting ready’ photos, preferring to focus on the ceremony and the more composed moments later in the day. So I kept things light, capturing a few candid images of the final touches. Her dress being fastened, a quiet moment with her mum, and a shared laugh with her bridesmaid.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place in one of Coombe Abbey’s historic ceremony rooms, a space filled with old-world charm soaring ceilings, and tapestries lining the walls. The guests rose as the guitarist gently began to play, and Hannah walked in on her father’s arm, her veil trailing behind her like a whisper of tradition.
The ceremony was emotional, filled with quiet smiles and misty eyes. They had chosen to write their own vows simple, honest, and full of warmth. There’s something incredibly powerful about hearing two people speak directly from the heart, especially in a setting so steeped in history.
When the registrar pronounced them husband and wife, a wave of applause and cheers filled the room. The look on Damien’s face as he took Hannah’s hand with utter joy, and love all at once is one I’ll never forget. They had both been waiting for this moment for so long!
Portraits in the Grounds
After the ceremony, we took advantage of Coombe Abbey’s breathtaking grounds for couple portraits. The weather had played along a cool breeze with the sun beaming down on us. Not a cloud in the sky, just rays of golden sun. Hannah and Damien were naturals, clearly lost in the moment with one another, which always makes for the most genuine photographs.
We wandered along the lakeside, through the formal gardens, and beneath the grand arches of the abbey itself. I always encourage couples to take this time slowly. It’s often their only quiet moment alone all day. And for Hannah and Damien, it was exactly that. They laughed, kissed, whispered, and just took it all in.
The architecture of Coombe Abbey offered a perfect contrast to the soft emotion between them. Gothic stonework, arched doorways, and ivy-covered walls formed dramatic backdrops to tender, modern love.
Reception
Back inside, the Cloisters Room had been transformed for the wedding breakfast. Every table was styled with soft florals in blush, ivory, and sage green tones, paired with gold-rimmed glassware and calligraphy name cards. It was classic and refined, with little nods to nature and the season.
The speeches were heartfelt, funny, and touching. Hannah’s dad gave a moving toast, sharing memories of her childhood with humour and pride. Damien’s best man had everyone in stitches, but also spoke beautifully about the couple’s relationship how they balance each other, support each other, and bring out the best in everyone around them.
As golden hour approached, I stole the couple away for a few more portraits in the soft light outside. The low sun cast a warm glow across the trees and lake, creating a fairytale setting that felt like a dreamscape. These were some of my favourite frames of the day quiet, soulful, and timeless. And a great magician.
Cake & Dancing
Following on was a small gathering for the cake Cut.
Evening descended, and the ballroom came alive. The newlyweds took to the floor for their first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” a classic choice that suited the grace and romance of the entire day. Their movements were unhurried, intimate, and filled with emotion. As the music swelled, friends and family joined them, turning the space into a swirl of joy and celebration.
Why Coombe Abbey?
Hannah and Damien chose Coombe Abbey not just for its stunning visuals but because it represented so much of what they loved about Harry Potter. A connection to heritage, and a setting that brought everyone together. The venue’s ability to be both grand and welcoming, impressive yet intimate, made it an exceptional choice.
For any couple dreaming of a wedding that feels like stepping into a romantic storybook with layers of history, beautiful surroundings, and luxurious details Coombe Abbey offers all that and more.
Final Thoughts
Hannah and Damien’s wedding was the kind of celebration that stays with you long after the day ends. Not because of any one thing, but because of how everything came together, the location, weather, details, emotion, and most importantly, the people.
It was an honour to be trusted to capture their story. As a photographer, I always look for the in-between moments: the quiet touch, the shared glance, the laughter that bubbles up unexpectedly. This day was full of them.
To Hannah and Damien: thank you for letting me witness your love in all its beauty. Your day at Coombe Abbey was more than a wedding; it was a celebration of everything that makes a relationship strong, joyful, and enduring.
