Deer Park Country House Wedding Photography | Francesca & Gareth - Devon Wedding

A Deer Park Country House Wedding

It was a delight to be Francesca and Gareth's wedding photographer at Deer Park in Honiton, Devon and it was a great example of how a day can unfold beautifully even with a few rain showers thrown in! First where to start with this gorgeous venue?! Deer Park is located near Honiton, East Devon and it is the perfect for countryside venue for weddings close to the Jurassic Coast. A Georgian manor set in about 80 acres Deer Park has picture perfect settings from formal gardens to elegant architecture. Couples who are tying the knot here can choose to marry outside or if it rains then the elegant orangery can be used for their celebration. It really is a chic venue that manages to feel relaxed and yet stylish at the same time. There are so many interesting backdrops for photos wherever you wander, including the Italian walled garden. There are a range of bright and welcoming spaces inside as well with the highlight being the elegant and large wedding breakfast room which easily accommodates all your guests on long banquet tables, perfect for a mighty feast!  Now let's dive into the wedding day itself! 

Getting ready for a Devon wedding

Francesca and Gareth’s day began with me capturing preparations with the bridal side of things before meeting the boys prior to the ceremony at Ottery St Mary Parish Church. Francesca’s dress from Corston Couture at Timeless Elegance in Cardiff worked perfectly with the country house style, and hair by Bridal Hair by Rhian and makeup by Laura Le Page were spot on for a summer wedding vibe. An emotional ceremony commenced and a delighted newly married couple emerged! I could only take a few photos here due to restrictions. The Wedding Car Hire People provided their charming 1991 Nissan Figaro for Gareth to drive off to cheers and applause from guests.

Wedding reception at Deer Park, Honiton 

We all the followed them back to Deer Park for the wedding reception. The weather teased everyone with showers, but there were enough the dry spells to explore the grounds and I captured some lovely moments between the couple, whose special veil shot request was made us laugh! During the drinks reception the sound of soothing saxophone from Lucy Harvey added a warm, upbeat atmosphere while everyone mingled and enjoyed the setting. 

Evening highlights for a Summer Deer Park wedding

As the day moved into the evening, Club Kudo kept the party going with DJ sets that got plenty of guests up on their feet, and some actually off their feet! Whether it was dancing under the roof of the orangery or exploring the grounds between showers, the varied story of the day was a dream to capture. As a Deer Park Country House wedding photographer based in Somerset, I love how the gardens and orangery made for relaxed portrait backdrops. Do please enjoy this selection below featuring some of Francesca and Gareth's Deer Park wedding photos. For those who want to see another country house summer wedding why not check out Lucy and Russ' North Cadbury Court wedding?

Tips for couples at having a Deer Park Country House wedding

1. Make the most of the stunning gardens for your couple portraits, there are the formal gardens and also wilder areas further down the lawns

2. Plan for another walkabout with your wedding photographer in the Italian walled garden around sunset which also gives yourself some time out before the party begins!

3. The outside terrace is great for reception drinks and evening cocktails, but the Orangery is also the perfect option if it is wet

You can find more useful wedding planning tips and advice here.