Foxhill Manor Wedding: An elegant LGBTQ+ wedding in the Cotswolds
Foxhill Manor Wedding
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Martin and Leone's chosen venue is a historic manor house that is both charming and elegant, with an ivy-clad entrance, stunning interiors and immaculate gardens overlooking the gorgeous surrounding landscape. This Cotswolds wedding venue is perfectly suited to mid-size celebrations, with the ballroom accommodating up to 70 guests. It is a place where guests are encouraged to feel at home and unwind in comfort, against a backdrop of exquisite rolling hills. Foxhill Manor provides all-inclusive luxury, which the couple had enjoyed on many previous trips and wanted to share with their closest loved ones. . The manor is situated within the private 400-acre Farncombe Estate and is located a short distance from the peaceful village of Broadway, which offers high-end shopping, tearooms and perfect tree-lined streets. Martin and Leone's guests arrived on the Friday evening, which gave them the opportunity to relax and enjoy the local area. It makes a great deal of sense to make the most of your celebrations, spreading these out across a weekend, particularly when guests have flown in from across the globe. Guests were able to unwind in the manor, stroll the estate and catch up over an evening meal and cocktails. The beauty of a Foxhill Manor wedding is that the entire space and surrounding grounds are available for private use, providing guests with the relaxing experience of a weekend away, with every need catered to. The centuries-old architecture, combined with modern amenities, created an atmosphere of timeless beauty and comfort for this perfect wedding celebration
Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies at Foxhill Manor
The ceremony took place in an intimate garden setting beneath the trees in the manor's gardens, which could be viewed from above from one of the manor's beautiful rooms, offering a lovely opportunity for pre-ceremony images. Surrounded by close family and friends the grooms were led through their ceremony by a long-term friend and exchanged vows that were personal and meaningful. Outdoor ceremonies always create an atmosphere of peace; the lack of the acoustics of an indoor space evokes deep listening among those invited to witness the service. The natural sounds and beauty of the garden provided the perfect setting for the couple's poignant ceremony. Afterwards, we took some photographs of the whole wedding party followed by portraits with friends and family. Champagne was brought to the terrace and the celebrations began. The couple had hired a guitarist to provide a live soundtrack to the gathering; guests danced, laughed and embraced the couple. We headed down towards a relaxed seating area in the lower gardens, where guests made impromptu toasts, enjoyed canapes and revelled in the quiet elegance of their surroundings. The couple and I spent some time walking around the manor, taking some relaxed portraits of the two of them. My approach to this aspect of a wedding day is always led by the couple themselves. Some prefer to take extended portrait sessions, making full use of their venue’s grounds, while others prefer to maximise time with their wedding guests. I work closely with my couples to find out what is going to feel right for them. In Martin and Leone’s case, a stroll around the grounds was perfect, and we needed only fifteen minutes to capture some quiet moments before rejoining their guests. Following the al fresco toasts and dancing, everyone took a short break to retire to their rooms to rest before the evening celebrations were to begin.
Wedding decor and toasts at Foxhill Manor
Inside, a table was laid in the ballroom, adorned with white roses, peonies, greenery and long candles. The room invited a long, relaxed meal with further toasts and more champagne. As a photographer, it’s always a privilege to be asked to document more private, intimate weddings. Guest lists of 30-40 people offer an opportunity for me to get to know the different personalities present, and I always enjoy hearing anecdotes about the couple from their friends and family. Martin and Leone made every single person at their wedding, including myself and the other suppliers, feel welcome and a part of something meaningful. It was a pleasure to hear their guests toast (and roast) the couple and find out more about the life they had built together.
To round off the day, our drag queen host - Heidiliscious - called us through into a space lit in warm oranges and pinks, projections casting shapes across the walls and a gorgeous white cake set up on a table beside the window. It was time to party. She led us through a set of LGBTQ+ classics, from Britney to Robyn, and the dancefloor wasn't empty for a second. It was a joy to see everyone let loose on the dance-floor and get lost in the music in a way that’s only truly possible when you’re surrounded by your nearest and dearest friends. Heels were kicked off, arms were thrown about one another and love was in abundance.
Foxhill Manor Wedding Photography
This wedding in the Cotswolds was a true celebration of love, elegance and style. The combination of a breathtaking private venue and the heartfelt moments shared with family and friends created a truly unforgettable day. Photographing weddings in the Cotswolds is always a privilege, but this particular celebration will always stand out to me. Martin and Leone were perfect hosts, and it was a joy to be a part of their gathering. If you’re planning your own Cotswolds wedding and are looking for inspiration, I hope this post has been helpful. If you're searching for a Foxhill Manor wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you.
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