Dark passages, polished wood, rich beams and light that streaks in through large and small windows. Great Fosters is the jewel of Surrey wedding venues. Set just outside of Egham it sits on 50 acres featuring a beautiful maze. An iconic wooden bridge that thousands of happy couples have been photographed on during their own wedding day.
A dark, rich and romantic day for Zoe & Jack at the beautiful Great Fosters Hotel in Surrey.
The Orangery is a beautiful extension to the original building. With buckets of light on stone walls, this is a very romantic area that most couples choose to tie the knot in. There is plenty of room for all of your guests as it can hold up to 120 people. The Orangery layout also gives you a long walk up the aisle as you try to appreciate all of your guests as you glide past them.
From a photographer’s point of view, ‘The Orangery’ at Great Fosters is perfect. I have lots of space at the top of the aisle so that I can get a view from both the left and the right meaning I’m able to capture both the bride and the groom. I’m able to move smoothly across from one side to the other. It also has a lot of light meaning that unless you’re getting married at 4 pm in December, there should be no need for flash, as there is enough natural light that a camera can capture without the need for harsh and distracting flash.
After you’ve finally done it, you’ve tied the knot you’ll back down the aisle, and this is where the confetti moment happens. Unfortunately, Great Fosters is one of the few venues that only allows the confetti to be thrown inside. It does mean that I am slightly limited on the creativity of this shot. However, as long as there is enough confetti to go around and you look like you’ve just married the love of your life this shot can’t really go wrong.
At this point, I’ll usually leave you to enjoy your congratulations as you’re surrounded by your friends and family. If you’ve given me a list of group photographs, I’ll start to crack on with these about 15 minutes after the end of your ceremony. There are a couple of great opportunities to a create the group shot of everyone at Great Fosters. My favourite is the circle of arches – there is more than enough room for you and guests, and it makes for a unique shot.
You are spoilt for choice during your intimate couple portraits at Great Fosters. There are so many gorgeous places; the bridge, the maze, the lake, the front of the house. Great Fosters offer so many other little nooks that can be found all over this beautiful wedding venue. On the day, I’ll look for the light – wherever there is the most beautiful light is where I’ll choose for your couple shots.
The main barn is where you’ll head after your couple photographs to see your reception room for the first time. Whether in the depths of winter or the height of summer this building is always so beautiful. Dark beams and big windows make for some pretty epic atmosphere. Great Fosters is an intensely romantic wedding venue.
After the meal and the speeches, if you know anything about my work, I love to create something special and unique at the end of a wedding day. Whether that’s in the gorgeous golden hour or create a dramatic image in the dark with an off-camera flash. Great Fosters has such a beautiful front that it begs for a wide, long exposure that genuinely shows off this remarkable building.
It has been a pleasure to photograph at this exceptional venue, it also has a special place in my heart as my parents were married here 35 years ago! Great Fosters is one of the closest wedding venues to me, and I can get there in around 12 minutes.
If you’re thinking of this venue for your own special day, you won’t regret it. From the beautiful grounds to the staff that make sure your day is as unique as you imagine it. All hail Great Fosters! Having photographed weddings at Great Fosters, the loveliest parts for me are the beautiful grounds. The orangery ceremony room is exceptional because of the quality of light and the neutral tones, which are perfect for wedding photographs.
Great Fosters is a photographer’s dream wedding venue with lots of nooks and crannies to create exciting images that truly reflect your day. An excellent tip for any couple hosting their wedding at Great Fosters is to note that there is a balcony in the Tithe barn. The balcony can give you a bird’s eye view of your entire wedding; this can be a great photo opportunity during your first dance.