What To Expect: Getting Married At Chippenham Park
What to Expect
Getting Married at Chippenham Park
Fifteen years photographing weddings here. Everything I'd tell you before your day.
Fifteen years photographing weddings at Chippenham Park, and I still tell couples the same thing: this venue gives you more genuine choice than almost anywhere else I shoot. Here's what that actually means for your day.
Ceremony Locations
It's rare for a venue to offer this many real ceremony options. My favourite is by the lake, mostly because of the walk, couples cross the parkland into a shaded, dappled ceremony spot that changes with the season. The Formal Gardens are another favourite, that's where Emily and Josh held their ceremony. And on the rare day it rains, Chippenham Park's ballroom doubles as a genuinely picturesque indoor ceremony space, not just a fallback. You can see all three spaces on Chippenham Park's own site.
The Formal Gardens
Structured, symmetrical, a different feel entirely from the lake. Read about Emily and Josh's wedding here.
Wet Weather, Covered
Chippenham Park's ballroom is a proper backup, not a compromise. Couples who end up here rarely feel like they missed out.
"It's rare to find a venue with this many genuine ceremony options. Chippenham gives couples a real choice, not just a fallback plan."
JuanGetting Ready
Brides typically get ready in Chippenham Park's bridal suite. There's also accommodation on site, which the groom's party usually uses, and afterwards we step into the herb garden for some relaxed, unposed shots before the day gets going.
The Herb Garden
A short walk from the on-site accommodation, and one of the quieter spots on the grounds before the day picks up pace.
Photo Locations
While everyone else walks to the marquee, I usually take couples into the old part of the garden, tall trees, perfectly cut pathways, edged with antique garden ornaments and modern artwork sitting side by side. After the dinner service, I get permission to head back by the lake to the old bridge for late evening portraits. And then there's the small jetty, the lake as its backdrop, easy to miss and one of my favourite spots on the entire grounds.
The Timeline
Most days at Chippenham Park follow a similar shape. Bridal prep runs from around 10am to midday, ceremonies are usually held at 2pm, followed by a drinks reception. Guests are called in for the wedding breakfast at 4pm, which leaves a window before that for genuinely chilled, editorial couple portraits, not the rushed ten minutes you get at some venues.
Groups and Light
Group shots are never an issue here, there's plenty of tree cover for well-shaded group photos regardless of the time of day. Sometimes I move groups indoors and use the ballroom for a more editorial style, Lydia and Luke's wedding is a good example of that.
When We Move Indoors
The ballroom's scale and light make it one of the better indoor options I shoot in for larger group photos.
Practical Details
Parking is plentiful and grass-based, and there's accommodation on site for the wedding party, with additional hotels nearby for guests who need them.
Quick Questions About Chippenham Park
What time do ceremonies typically start at Chippenham Park?
Ceremonies usually begin around 2pm, following bridal preparation from late morning.
What happens if it rains on the wedding day?
Chippenham Park's ballroom serves as a picturesque indoor backup for ceremonies, so weather rarely disrupts the day.
Where do ceremonies take place at Chippenham Park?
Couples can choose between a ceremony by the lake, the Formal Gardens, or the ballroom, a rare amount of choice for a single venue.
Is there accommodation on site for the wedding party?
Yes. Chippenham Park has on-site accommodation, which the groom's party typically uses to get ready before heading into the herb garden for photographs.
Is there parking for guests at Chippenham Park?
Yes, Chippenham Park offers ample on-site parking along with accommodation, and there are additional hotels nearby for guests.
Thinking of Chippenham Park?
I've been photographing weddings here for fifteen years. If you're planning your day, I'd be glad to talk you through it.
See Chippenham Park Weddings