Wedding photography at Sandburn Hall in York

Located in the scenic countryside near York, Sandburn Hall is a truly exceptional venue that effortlessly captivates visitors with its enchanting landscapes. With its stunning surroundings and beautiful airy rooms, Sandburn Hall makes the perfect wedding venue. It was my first time photographing a wedding here and I can certain see why Jack and Amelia chose it as their summer wedding venue. Any one living in Yorkshire will be aware of the rainy summer we are having, and this can make the job of a wedding photographer quite difficult. I always internally feel a big disappointment for the couple, especially when they’ve planned a summer wedding. In my 10 years of photographing weddings, I have never seen it rain for the full day without a break like this day, but Jack and Amelia did not let it faze them one bit.

Here’s the highlights from Jack and Amelia’s wedding at Sandbun Hall with a Q&A from the newly-weds

How did you met and who proposed?

We first met in our first year at university, but it took us four years to realise we actually liked each other. I asked Jack out and it was all just right. Jack proposed on New Year’s Eve 2022, so we went into the new year engaged. We’d decided we wanted to get married this year, we couldn’t wait until next year.

Engagement Photo

bride to be opening a bottle of champagne

bridesmaid helping the bride into her dress

the mother of the looking at her daughter in her wedding dress

Tell us about your wedding dress

When I tried it I knew it was the right dress. I didn’t plan to buy a dress that day, but I couldn’t leave the shop without it. I felt like a princess wearing it.

How did it feel leading up to the ceremony and as you walked down the aisle/ waited for your bride?

Amelia: I was very emotional, crying as I walked down the aisle. So were most of the guests! Jack: I was just excited. I hadn’t seen Amelia’s wedding dress, but I knew she was really happy with it. So I couldn’t wait to see it! When she walked in, she looked more beautiful and perfect than I could ever have expected.

bridesmaid helping the bride out the car with her dress

groom waiting for his bride to walk down the church aisle

the groom placing the ring on his brides finger

bride and groom laughing during the wedding ceremony

How did you start on the planning your wedding?

We started off by looking for reception venues. We knew we wanted a church wedding, so we then found a church close to the venue. After that, it was sorting details and filling in the blanks of the day.

just married couple hug at the front of the church

bride and groom exit the church as guests blow bubbles

What did you love about Sandburn Hall, why did you choose it?

The space was beautiful, the reception was open and airy and bright. There are lovely views out of the windows. We also really appreciated how responsive the team were.

wedding cake with blue and yellow detail

What was the most important wedding investments decision?

We didn’t want to spend loads on the wedding. Most of the extra money we spent was on saving stress and effort. For example we paid for the venue to do set up/set down, which meant we had one less thing to worry about. With a fairly short timeframe to plan the wedding, and already having enough on, we were really glad to not have to worry about more things. And of course, wedding photography. Our wedding photographer, Gemma has been amazing and captured so many wonderful moments from the day.

wedding guest hugging the bride at sandburn hall

wedding guest hugging the groom at sandburn hall

bride and groom enter the room at sandburn hall

a grandfather making a speech at sandburn hall

wedding guests listening to the speech at sandburn hall

wedding guest clapping at speeches at sandburn hall

Did the day go as expected? Looking back is there anything you would do differently?

It rained the entire day, which we weren’t expecting with an August wedding. But it was no issue, and Gemma was great at working around the rain to get photos. We wouldn’t change anything about the day, it was just wonderful, even the weather.

bride and groom in the rose garden at sandburn hall

bride and groom in front of the window at sandburn hall

Do you have any advice to share with couples planning a wedding?

Just relax and enjoy it. There’s no point having months of stress and upset for one day to be slightly better. That’s why we chose the stress-saving options. Things won’t work out exactly as you planned, but that’s all fine, the important thing on the day is that you’re getting married and having a party with the people you like.

bride and groom cutting the wedding cake

wedding guests cheering as bride and groom cut the cake

newly-weds hugging in the rise garden at sandburn hall

newly-weds in front of the fountain at sandburn hall

Did you have a vision for your wedding day?

We wanted to have a relaxed time. We’re not fans dancing, so we had a nice chilled evening with broad games and time to catch up with people we haven’t seen in a while.

Was there a part of the day that really sticks out as a highlights?

The most memorable part of the wedding day was not any specific event, but the feeling of the day. We both just felt deeply happy and enjoyed every minute of it.