GJA PHOTOGRAPHY
DOWER HOUSE WEDDING GUIDE
LUXURY EDITORIAL WEDDINGS
INTRODUCTION
Being a Lincolnshire wedding photographer based not too far away from Lincoln, I have been fortunate enough to have been photographing weddings 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).
Dower House Hotel wedding is something that should be high up on the list of options for any couple planning their big day. The venue is set within the picturesque town of Woodhall Spa, steeped in history it’s a real gem worth considering.
Table Of Contents:
VENUE OVERVIEW
CEREMONY OPTIONS
WEDDING GUEST ACCOMMODATION
GETTING MARRIED AT DOWER HOUSE HOTEL
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE DOWER HOUSE HOTEL
WEDDING FAIRS
WEDDING PRICES & BROCHURES
LOCATION, PARKING & CONTACT DETAILS
DOWER HOUSE HOTEL WEDDING REVIEWS
VENUE OVERVIEW
Dower House Hotel Wedding Venue
Set in the woodland of the beautiful town of Woodhall Spa a Dower House Hotel wedding is a magical thing. The hotel is very close to the National Golf Centre and the Bracken course.
The hotel itself is a really intimate venue full of the charm and elegance of a nineteenth-century country house. The venue is set within an area of beautiful gardens and woodland all of which make for some incredible opportunities for capturing stunning and unique wedding photographs.
WEDDING CEREMONY OPTIONS
Where Can I Have My Ceremony?
There are a number of options available for getting married at the Dower House Hotel with the additional option of including a traditional church ceremony at the following local churches in Woodhall Spa:
- St Peters Church
- Our Lady & St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
- The Methodist Church
The Hotel is fully licensed as a Civil Ceremony venue and can accommodate from 2 – 200 of your wedding guests.
The Garden Room
The Garden Room can accommodate up to 30 guests and is perfect for smaller and more intimate weddings held at the Hotel.
The Oak Room
The Oak Room can seat up to 80 guests so if the weather is not on your side (well it is England after all) you can either relocated from outside or make this your initial choice if it’s chilly outside.
The Stone Folly
The Stone folly is a beautiful feature set within the grounds of the Hotel. As with most weddings in the UK, they must take place under a solid permanent structure and this is a great choice.
If the weather is kind having the ceremony outdoors can produce a wonderful feel to your day and maximises the venue to its full. Usually, chairs are set up facing the Stone folly which provides plenty of space for guests.
WEDDING GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Options For Guest Accommodation
The hotel has 21 spacious bedrooms along with 2 on suites making it ideal for accommodating a number of your wedding guests. Each room has been dressed to a high standard providing a luxury experience for everyone.
The hotel state that “The décor is quintessentially ‘English country house’, with warm neutrals and traditional floral and plaid prints, in keeping with the period character” I would completely agree with this it really is lovely.
Staying at the Hotel and getting ready there is perfect for taking your time on the wedding day without the hassle of rushing between venues. Just relax and enjoy the moment.
Other options:
If you have a large number of guests attending your wedding then here are a number of other accommodation options available for guests around the Dower House Hotel and include places such as:
- The Petwood Hotel
- The Inn at Woodhall Spa
- The Golf Hotel
GETTING MARRIED AT THE DOWER HOUSE
A Wedding Day Breakdown
So what’s it really like getting married at Dower House Hotel?
Well as a wedding photographer with over 15 years experience there are many wedding venues that stand out from the crowd and this is one of them. From the character of the building and the photographic opportunities within the fantastic outside space and surrounding woodland, there are so many options available to create wonderful images along with amazing memories.
Every time I have photographed a couple’s wedding here the staff have always been attentive to their guests and provided a great experience.
Here’s a little overview of what it’s like to get married there…
The Wedding Ceremony
Whether it’s a wedding ceremony inside of in the wonderful grounds you won’t be disappointed.
What about Confetti?
This always makes for fun dramatic images on a wedding and I always recommend to brides to purchase some for their guests before the day to ensure everyone can join in the fun.
It is always best to follow the advice of the venue on this too as they may have restrictions in place.
Group Photographs
Group photos are always a great way of getting your guest together and making them feel involved with the photographs. The gardens to the Hotel and the stone folly are idea backdrops to create a good experience and great images.
Couples Portraits
I always find that when the group photographs are finished this is the ideal time to spend taking some couples photographs. It always you a little time away from your guests just for the two of you.
The Wedding Breakfast
The staff at Dower House do a fantastic job and really do go out of their way to ensure your day goes without a hitch. One of the most commented things about Dower House is the outstanding food they produce for their guests.
There are loads of reviews (see the section on reviews below) testifying to their commitment.
Cutting The Wedding Cake
There are an array of fab cake makers in and around Lincolnshire and no wedding is complete without including one on your day.
Most couples choose to cut the cake just before their first dance and doing this in the largest room of Dower House is a great option as your guests will have the space to gather around and watch and then you can be straight onto the dance floor!
The Evening Reception
I always look forward to this time of the day as it provides for some great photographic opportunities. It’s usually when everyone has had a drink or two and begin to let their hair down.
In the summer months and finer weather, your guests can use both inside and outside of the hotel to mingle providing the options and space for a large number of your evening guests when they arrive.
One of the unique features is a ceiling that has hundreds of sparkling lights. This looks great when you start your first dance and when your guests get on the dance floor to boogie, a great atmosphere!
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE DOWER HOUSE
If you have read through this article you have probably begun to gather that there are an abundance of opportunities for some amazing wedding photography not only inside the venue but around the locality.
Having a little time out to have your wedding photographs taken can be a really relaxed and fun time for couples. Weddings can be particularly demanding when you have many guests surrounding you wishing you well so taking the opportunity for a little time out with each other is always welcome and the venue size certainly allows for this.
I will often go on a little walking safari with my clients to embrace what the venue has to offer and to provide some stunning couples portraits with variety. Dower House Hotel certainly has the variety from the gorgeous classy interiors & private gardens to the woodland all offering something a little special for your photographs.
WEDDING FAIRS
Meet The Suppliers
Wedding Fairs can be a great way for you to get a good look around the venue and let the staff answer any questions you may have. Wedding fairs usually have a variety of suppliers attending and are set up to create the look and feel of a wedding.
It is always worth checking whether Dower House has any plans in the near future for a wedding fair as nothing beats face to face contact.
If you are looking for an experienced wedding photographer who has photographed at Dower House Hotel then why not contact me for further help and details.
WEDDING PRICES & BROCHURES
How Much Are The Wedding Packages?
Wedding brochures and prices for Dower House are available by contacting them directly and speaking to their events team.
If you are looking for an experienced wedding photographer who has photographed at Down House then why not contact me for further help and details.
DOWER HOUSE HOTEL WEDDING REVIEWS
What Are Others Saying About a Dower House Wedding?
When researching your ideal wedding venue it is always useful to check out the reviews from other couples and guests who have had first-hand experience getting married at Dower House.
To help you choose whether Dower House Hotel is right for you here is a list of trusted sites that offer some reviews you may find helpful
LOCATION, PARKING & CONTACT DETAILS
How To Get There
Located opposite Woodhall Spa Golf Club and close to the Kinema in the Woods. There is plenty of parking for you and your guests as they enter the hotel grounds.
Dower House Hotel
Manor Road
Woodhall Spa
Lincolnshire
LN10 6PY
