Brympton House Wedding Photographer
Natural, documentary wedding photography by Patrick Newnham
Brympton House is, I think, the most beautiful house I’ve photographed a wedding in. Thirty-three acres, a lake, a medieval Castle House, a candlelit church and a ballroom from 1640, all with exclusive use so the day is entirely yours. I’ve been back more than once and I’d go back tomorrow.
Why I love photographing weddings at Brympton House
It gives you three completely different ceremonies and three completely different receptions, so no two Brympton weddings look the same. The staff are experienced and kind, which matters more than people think on the day. And the light in the Ballroom, with those enormous windows, is the sort of light photographers talk about in the pub.
The spaces, and how they photograph
- Getting ready. The Honeymoon Suite is big enough for the bride, the bridal party, hair, makeup and one unobtrusive photographer. The groom’s party tend to end up in the morning room with the snooker table, or the oak-panelled Library Bar with its restored 1920s bar.
- The Castle House. Dates from 1350, with a long aisle up to an arched mullioned window and a church-like atmosphere. Seats up to 200, and the double doors open straight onto the South Terrace for the drinks.
- The Temple. The outdoor option: an open-sided temple on the South Terrace looking over the house, gardens and lake. In good weather, dreamy.
- St Andrew’s Church. Thirteenth century, on the estate, and lit entirely by candlelight. Technically demanding for a photographer and utterly worth it; nothing else looks like it.
- The Ballroom. From 1640, reached via the longest continuous wooden staircase in England. Huge windows, neutral walls, light everywhere. Wedding breakfasts up to 228.
- The Salon and the State Dining Room. The Salon for up to 100 overlooking the terrace; the State Dining Room, silk-lined in deep red with candle chandeliers, for up to 60 and a lovely rehearsal dinner the night before.
- The Party Barn. Marble-topped bar, chill-out room, a dancefloor under fairy lights, and a courtyard for sparklers or fireworks. Exclusive use means you can be as loud as you like.
Ilse and Philipp at Brympton House
A last-minute venue change, a Dutch contingent who clearly know how to party, speeches I couldn’t understand and a dance floor I didn’t need to. Everything about this day was alive.
Practical notes for your photos
- Portraits. The lake, the South Terrace and the front of the house. The walled garden is also a wonderful spot.
- Candlelight in St Andrew’s. Beautiful and dark. I shoot it without flash to keep the atmosphere; expect intimate, grainy, honest images rather than bright ones.
- Rain plan. The Great Hall and the staircase are gifts in bad weather.
- Getting there. Just outside Yeovil in South Somerset.
Questions couples ask me about Brympton House
Have you photographed at Brympton before? Yes, several times, in all three ceremony spaces.
Can you work in the candlelit church? Yes. It’s one of my favourite rooms anywhere.
Do you offer an engagement shoot? Yes, included.
See also: Somerset wedding photography.
Taking a limited number of weddings for 2027 and 2028
If you’re getting married here and my way of working sounds like your kind of thing, I’d love to hear about your plans. Drop me a line with your date and I’ll tell you straight away whether I’m free.
Taking a limited number of weddings for 2027 and 2028
Drop me a line with your date and venue and I’ll tell you straight away whether I’m free.
