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Whittlebury Park Wedding Photographer
Venue Spotlight
Looking for a wedding photographer at Whittlebury Park? I'm Tom Stenlake, a natural documentary wedding photographer and CAA-licensed drone pilot based in Northamptonshire. Every photo on this page, including the aerial shots, was taken by me at the venue.
Why Whittlebury Park Is Perfect For Weddings
Whittlebury Park is a country estate wedding venue set in around 700 acres of rolling Northamptonshire countryside on the edge of the ancient Whittlewood Forest, right on the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border. It combines the space and greenery of a private estate with the polish of a four-star hotel, so everything you need for the whole celebration is in one place.
The heart of most weddings here is the Orangery. With its tall arched windows, chandeliers and light-filled interior, it's licensed for civil ceremonies and seats up to around 150 guests for the wedding breakfast. Step outside and you have formal gardens, old stone walls, an ancient tree, a rose-covered arch and a leafy pergola walkway, all within a few minutes' walk.
Whittlebury Park is also wonderfully flexible. Alongside the Orangery there's the Pavilion, the Atrium, the 1905 Suite and the Brooklands Suite, so the venue suits anything from an intimate celebration to a big party of 250 or more in the evening. With over 200 bedrooms, a day spa and AA rosette dining on site, your guests can turn the wedding into a weekend.
My approach fits Whittlebury Park perfectly. I specialise in couples who don't particularly enjoy having their photograph taken, so there's no endless posing or turning your wedding into a photoshoot. I become part of the celebration, capture the genuine moments around me and give you a little guidance when it helps.
Whittlebury Park at a Glance
- Country estate wedding venue near Towcester, Northamptonshire
- Set in around 700 acres on the edge of Whittlewood Forest
- The Orangery, licensed for civil ceremonies, seating up to around 150 for the wedding breakfast
- The Pavilion and the Atrium for evening celebrations of 250 or more
- The 1905 Suite and the Brooklands Suite for alternative layouts and smaller weddings
- Formal gardens, stone walls, a rose arch and a leafy pergola walkway for photographs
- Over 200 bedrooms, including bridal suites
- Day spa and championship golf on the estate
- In-house catering and Murrays, an AA rosette restaurant
- Dedicated wedding coordinators
- AA four-star hotel and Classic British Hotels member
- Easy to reach from the M1 and M40, next door to Silverstone
The History of Whittlebury Park
Whittlebury sits within what was once Whittlewood Forest, a medieval royal hunting forest. For centuries the village and its land were tied to the forest and to the Honour of Grafton, with the Dukes of Grafton running their famous hunting establishment across this part of Northamptonshire.
In 1855 the 5th Duke of Grafton sold land in Whittlebury and Silverstone to the 3rd Baron Southampton. Lord Southampton, who managed the Grafton hunt, had already used a hunting box here, and between 1865 and 1868 he built Whittlebury Lodge, a grand country house designed by the Scottish architect William Burn.
The Lodge was badly damaged by fire and rebuilt in 1871, and it remained a private country house for another century before being demolished in 1972. The surrounding parkland lived on, and today it forms the Whittlebury Park estate, with its championship golf course, hotel, spa and wedding venues.
Since 2016 the hotel and golf course have been brought together under the ownership of the Sargeant family as one estate. For weddings, that history gives you something special: centuries-old forest landscape and mature trees wrapped around modern, light-filled wedding spaces.
Did You Know?
- Whittlebury lies within the ancient royal hunting forest of Whittlewood.
- The 5th Duke of Grafton sold the land to Lord Southampton in 1855.
- Whittlebury Lodge was designed by the architect William Burn and built between 1865 and 1868.
- The Lodge was damaged by fire and rebuilt in 1871.
- The estate covers around 700 acres, including a 36-hole championship golf course.
- Whittlebury Park sits right next to Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix.
- The venue won a British Asian Wedding Award in 2024.
Whittlebury Park FAQs
Who is a good wedding photographer for Whittlebury Park?
I'm Tom Stenlake, a natural documentary wedding photographer based in Northamptonshire. I've photographed weddings at the venue, know the Orangery, the gardens and the pergola walkway, and offer photography and CAA-licensed drone coverage.
What is your photography style at Whittlebury Park?
Natural documentary storytelling with genuine moments and lightly guided portraits. My editing uses true-to-life colour with subtle warmth, flattering skin tones and a timeless finish.
How many wedding guests can Whittlebury Park accommodate?
The Orangery seats up to around 150 guests for the wedding breakfast, and the Pavilion and Atrium can host evening celebrations of 250 or more. The 1905 Suite and Brooklands Suite offer alternatives for different sizes of wedding.
Where are wedding ceremonies held at Whittlebury Park?
Civil ceremonies are held in the Orangery, a light-filled space with tall arched windows and chandeliers. Speak to the venue's wedding team about the latest ceremony options for your date.
Can our wedding guests stay at Whittlebury Park?
Yes. Whittlebury Park has over 200 bedrooms on site, including bridal suites, plus a day spa and restaurants, so guests can easily make a weekend of it.
Where are the best places for wedding photographs at Whittlebury Park?
The Orangery and its arched windows, the old stone walls and ancient tree, the rose-covered arch, the leafy pergola walkway and the open parkland all give us beautiful variety. I choose locations based on the light and weather on the day rather than a fixed list.
What happens if it rains at our Whittlebury Park wedding?
The Orangery is full of natural light, so it's a beautiful backup for portraits, and the pergola walkway gives a little shelter. I plan around the weather, and if we get a break in the rain we can pop outside without keeping you away from your guests for long.
Can you fly a drone at Whittlebury Park?
When weather, venue permission and airspace regulations allow. I'm a CAA-licensed, insured drone pilot and always coordinate with the venue before any flight. Whittlebury Park sits close to Silverstone, so I always check airspace restrictions in advance.
How do you approach group photographs?
Clear, quick, fun and friendly. We agree a sensible list before the wedding so I can organise everyone efficiently and get you back to enjoying the celebration.
Do you offer pre-wedding shoots?
Yes, as an optional add-on. Pre-wedding shoots aren't included in my packages as standard, but they're a relaxed way to get comfortable in front of the camera and see how I work before the big day. Availability depends on the location and distance, so just ask and I'll check dates and options for you.
Where is Whittlebury Park?
Whittlebury Park is in Whittlebury, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH. It's next to Silverstone and within easy reach of the M1 and M40.
Planning a wedding at Whittlebury Park?
Visit the official Whittlebury Park website for wedding packages, availability, accommodation and information about planning your wedding.
How to find Whittlebury Park
Whittlebury Park sits on the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, just south of Towcester and right next to Silverstone. It feels properly rural, yet it's one of the easiest venues in the county to reach.
- Address: Whittlebury Park, Whittlebury, near Towcester, Northamptonshire
- Postcode: NN12 8QH
- Nearby: Towcester, Silverstone, Brackley, Milton Keynes and Northampton
- By road: A short drive from the M1 and the M40, and roughly halfway between London and Birmingham
- By train: Milton Keynes Central and Northampton stations are a taxi ride away
- Parking: On-site parking for guests
- Accommodation: Over 200 bedrooms on site
Having the ceremony, reception, rooms and gardens all on one estate means guests can relax and enjoy the day without travelling between locations.
I highly recommended all couples protect their wedding - Get a free quote from Wedinsure
Planning a Whittlebury Park Wedding?
If you're getting married at Whittlebury Park and you'd love a photographer who will capture the people, atmosphere and fun of your day without turning it into one long photoshoot, I'd love to hear what you're planning.
I specialise in couples who hate having their photograph taken. You don't need to know how to pose or spend hours away from your guests. I'll give you a little direction when you need it, capture everything else naturally and be right there enjoying the day with you.
Book a Call with Tom
- mail@tomstenlake.co.uk
- 07307 340639
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24 Cottesmore Way
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 3LD
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