HIRST PRIORY WEDDING GUIDE
by
AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER
GJA Photography
INTRODUCTION
As a UK & Lincolnshire based wedding photographer I have been lucky enough to have been photographing weddings at many different venues now for over 15 years.
One of the benefits of travelling around the UK and particularly around my home county of Lincolnshire is that I get to visit and photograph at some pretty amazing wedding venues (and I’ve been to ALOT).
I have loved photographing at each and every one of my couples wedding venues but I find that every now and again I stumble across a venue which not only is fantastic in terms of its architecture and history but offers so much more potential for a wedding day.
Having a Hirst Priory wedding is one of those choices that will not disappoint as it has the combination of great features you would want for your wedding venue coupled with great Staff and a large number of opportunities for variety in your wedding photographs.
Table Of Contents:
- VENUE OVERVIEW
- CEREMONY OPTIONS
- WEDDING GUEST ACCOMMODATION
- GETTING MARRIED AT HIRST PRIORY
- WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT HIRST PRIORY
- WEDDING FAIRS
- WEDDING PRICES & BROCHURES
- LOCATION, PARKING & CONTACT DETAILS
- HIRST PRIORY WEDDING REVIEWS
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
VENUE OVERVIEW
Hirst Priory Wedding Venue
Hirst Priory is a beautiful 18th century grade country residence located within the grounds of Belton, North Lincolnshire. Historically built on the site of a 12th century priory (hence the name) it is now a fantastic place to get married at.
The venue was originally the family residence of the Stovin family before passing through other owners until 2014 when Hirst Priory was converted into a wedding venue as it stands to day. As a listed building it has maintained much of its architecture and class which makes for a great backdrop for a wedding with style and the opportunity to create stunning photographs to match.
WEDDING CEREMONY OPTIONS
Where Can I Have My Ceremony?
There are a number of flexible options when it comes to having your wedding at Hirst Priory which is really helpful as it means no matter how big or small your wedding is likely to be there is an option to suit
The Main Function Suite
The main function suite is the perfect place to hold your Hirst Priory wedding ceremony. It is located on the ground floor as you walk past the main staircase via the from entrance.
The suite is decorated simply and tastefully and is flooded with light from the floor to ceiling windows making it a bright and airy space for you and your guests.
The main function suite has an extendable partition which which will enable you to separate out the wedding breakfast area or create a larger space.
The vaults
A hidden little gem underneath the ground floor is the vaults. This is a really unusual and unique place to hold your wedding ceremony. It has a number of separate rooms for your guests, holds a bar and a great option for a band.
This location is superb for smaller ceremonies and has the most fantastic lights hanging over the archway which makes for fantastic off camera flash wedding photographs.
Outside Ceremony
Another wonderful option in the summer months is using the outside wooded area and gardens with a TeePee located within the grounds of Hirst Priory. It offers fantastic dappled shade from the surrounding trees and can seat a larger number of guests.
A Church Wedding
If you are looking to have a church ceremony before holding your function at the Hirst Priory then there are a huge number of lovely churches within only a few minutes drive away near Crowle and on the way to Scunthopre.
Some of the closest include:
- St Oswalds Parish Church
- Methodist Church Crowle
- St Norbert’s Catholic Church
WEDDING GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Options For Guest Accommodation
If you are considering a Hirst Priory wedding then the venue has a seven fantastic luxury suites available for you and your guests to enjoy and to get ready in. Each room has it’s own individual character and with the large open windows is fantastic for capturing you and your family getting ready.
Rooms include:
- The Silver Suite
- The Gold Suite
- The Family Suite
- The Vintage Room
- The Cobalt Room
- The Retro Room
- The Peacock Room
Other options:
The Priory is ideally located close to the M180 which means there are several accommodation options not too far away should you have guests wanting to stay the night. All of which are just a taxi drive away.
GETTING MARRIED AT HIRST PRIORY
A Wedding Day Breakdown
So what’s it really like getting married at Hirst Priory.
As an experienced wedding photographer I have been to many venues throughout the UK and to most within Lincolnshire & Humberside. Some venues are set up solely for functions, particularly weddings and do this very well and Hirst Priory is right up amongst the best.
The staff are excellent particularly Hazel and her team who really do go out of their way to make the day run smoothly and provide your guests with a great experience.
Here’s a little overview of what it’s like to get married there…
Getting Ready
As already mentioned as a wedding photographer I am spoilt for choice when it comes to taking amazing natural photographs of you and your guests getting ready. The light just floods into the rooms providing so much variety which for me is like being a kid in a sweet shop 😉
The Wedding Ceremony
As previously discussed there are a number of options when it comes to having your wedding ceremony at Hirst Priory. One thing which is consistent is that if you choose to get ready in one of the suites (which I highly recommend) you get to walk down the magnificent staircase to be greeted by your guests.
What about Confetti?
Confetti is no problem at all at the Hirst Priory and is encouraged. This is one part of the day which is traditionally expected and can be a great experience for you and your guests. This is also one of those times of the day which I help couples plan because as a guest it is not always clear when you should and shouldn’t throw the confetti.
One of the ways of getting great confetti photographs is to let your photographer arrange your guests so they throw it all at the same time making a much better experience for everyone.
Group Photographs
The grounds of the Hirst Priory provide an abundance of opportunities to have your group photographs taken. Photography is all about capturing great light and having a photographer who understands this and can place you and your guests in that great light can make or break an image. This is why this venue is so great because if the harsh sunlight is in the wrong direction there are many other great opportunities to place your guests for your images to turn out amazing.
My top tip for group photographs is not to make them too formal. Why not have smaller groups and have fun with it the resulting images always turn out more natural and are the ones my clients tend to frame on the wall.
Couples Portraits
When the group photographs have been taken spending a little time on capturing photographs of my clients alone is always a great opportunity for you to open a little time away from your guests. Why would you want to do that I hear you ask? well your wedding day goes so fast and you will want to spend time with your guests however it’s also important to spend a little time out alone with your husband or wife, after all isn’t that why you are there.
My clients often say that they really appreciate this part of the day spending a little time out to chat with each other and have amazing photos to show for it.
You have probably already gathered that there are many fantastic places to do this when you have a Hirst Priory wedding. The options include being photographed inside the stately home to the woodland and garden. The other option is to pop to the adjacent golf course as there are some amazing opportunities for sunset photographs. just stunning!
The Wedding Breakfast
If you’re looking for a classic look with a contemporary twist then having your wedding breakfast at the Hirst Priory will not disappoint.
Cutting The Wedding Cake
The are plenty of places to cut your wedding cake but the alcove in the wedding breakfast room works particularly well as your guests can gather around and watch as you take your first cut.
The Evening Reception
As the night draws in there is plenty of space to accommodate your guests bot inside and out. The beauty of this venue is it is well spaced out but not to the extent when you will lose all of your guests. The layout encourages your guests to stay together through out which will help with the creating the party atmosphere you are looking to create.
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT HIRST PRIORY
Gorgeous Wedding Artwork
Here are jus a few more example of the photograph opportunities at Hirst Priory. If you would like to view the blog post for this wedding you can check it out here. Hirst Priory wedding blog
WEDDING FAYRES
Meet The Suppliers
If you ever get the opportunity to visit a wedding fayre then this can be a great way to meet local suppliers and get a flavour of what can be offered in the context of that venue.
WEDDING PRICES & BROCHURES
How Much Are The Wedding Packages?
Hirst Priory wedding packages can be accessed here:
Also if you are looking for wedding photography package prices why not get in touch today. You can do that by clicking here: Wedding Collections & Prices
HIRST PRIORY WEDDING REVIEWS
What Are Others Saying About a Hirst Priory Wedding
Reviews…
LOCATION, PARKING & CONTACT DETAILS
How To Get There
Located just between Doncaster and Scunthorpe on the A161, Hirst Priory is within easy reach from the A161
Hirst Priory
A161, Belton Road
Crowle
North Lincolnshire
DN17 4BU
Parking
There is plenty of parking for your guests if you choose a Hirst Priory wedding. As you turn onto the main driveway leading to the main entrance there is a large parking area close to the left. Your guests will be close enough so even those with walking difficulties would not have far to go.
Contact
Owners: Hazel
Weddings: Contact
Corporate Events: Hazel
Tel: 01724 488652
Website: www.hirstpriory.co
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers To Some Common Questions
About The Author
Gary is a super passionate, multi-award-winning wedding photographer living in Lincolnshire and captures natural, romantic and chic weddings all over the UK.
If you’re getting married and would like to share in many years of photographic and storytelling experience, then get in touch today! Learn more about Gary
