There's something about driving down that winding lane to Bartley Lodge that makes you breathe out a little. The trees close in, the house appears at the end of the drive, and suddenly the rest of the world feels very far away. S&S chose it for exactly that feeling, and it set the tone for the whole day: calm, warm and full of people having a genuinely good time. Bartley Lodge wedding photography is close to my heart, because this is my patch. The New Forest is right on my doorstep, and I never get tired of working here.
About Bartley Lodge
Bartley Lodge sits just outside Cadnam, on the northern edge of the New Forest National Park. It began life as an 18th-century hunting lodge and is now a Grade II listed country house hotel. In the early 1800s it was home to the botanist Charles Lyell and his family, and the house still carries that old country charm, with its period rooms, open fires and a real sense of history in the walls.
For weddings, there's the Crystal Room for ceremonies and celebrations, or the option of saying your vows outside in the gardens. Around the house are terraces, rolling lawns and around eight acres of landscaped grounds, with New Forest woodland just beyond. It's also only a few minutes from the M27, which makes life much easier for guests travelling in.
Getting ready
The morning had that lovely mix of nerves and excitement that I always look forward to. I like to arrive while things are still a little relaxed, so I can say hello, settle in and fade into the background before the busy part starts.
I'm always looking for the honest moments in the getting-ready room: someone fastening buttons with slightly shaky hands, a best friend making everyone laugh at exactly the right time, a parent seeing their child dressed for the first time. Natural window light in the older rooms is soft and flattering, so I lean on it wherever I can.
The ceremony
Whether you choose the Crystal Room or the gardens, Bartley Lodge gives the ceremony a beautiful sense of place. I work quietly around the edges so the couple and their guests can be fully present, without anyone feeling watched.
I'm just as interested in the people in the seats as I am in the couple at the front. The grandparent who welled up during the vows. The friends who grinned at each other when the rings came out. The whole room exhaling into applause at the first kiss. Those reactions tell the story of how loved you are, and they're often the photographs couples come back to most.
Portraits in the grounds and the forest
This is where Bartley Lodge really comes into its own. Within a few minutes' walk you've got manicured lawns, the classic front of the house, and woodland that feels properly wild. It means you can have a real variety of portraits without spending ages away from your guests.
I keep portraits relaxed and fun. A bit of gentle direction, lots of walking and chatting, and plenty of space for you to just enjoy each other. The tall trees give lovely soft, dappled light, and if the timing allows, a quick ten minutes at golden hour is always worth sneaking away for. The light through the forest at the end of the day is something really special.
The celebrations
Once the formalities are done, the fun takes over. Drinks on the lawn, games, catching up with people you haven't seen in a while, and then into the evening for speeches, food and dancing. Bartley Lodge has a lovely laid-back feel, so guests settle in quickly and the whole day flows without feeling rushed.
I stay with you through all of it, moving quietly through the room and catching the laughter, the hugs and the moments you'll never see yourselves. Then I let the dance floor do its thing.
Tips for planning your Bartley Lodge wedding
Make the most of the grounds. If you'd love an outdoor ceremony, it's worth talking to the venue about a wet weather backup in the Crystal Room, just in case.
Build in time for a short forest wander. Even 15 to 20 minutes for couple portraits gives you a beautiful mix of house, gardens and woodland.
Think about golden hour. Check sunset time for your date and let me know if you'd like to slip out for a few minutes. It's always worth it.
Plan your group photos. A short list and a family member who knows everyone keeps things moving, so you're back with your guests quickly.
Consider your guests' stay. Bartley Lodge has rooms on site, which makes the evening easier for anyone travelling from further away.
Pack for the New Forest. Grass and woodland floors can be soft underfoot, so a pair of comfy shoes for portraits is a good idea.
Planning your own New Forest wedding?
I'm a Hampshire based wedding photographer, and the New Forest is where I feel most at home. I also travel nationwide for couples who want their day told honestly, with plenty of laughter along the way. If you're planning a wedding at Bartley Lodge, or anywhere in the New Forest, I'd love to hear all about it. Get in touch through my contact page and tell me a little about your plans.
Real moments, honestly told.
