A photographers guide
If you’re planning your wedding and searching for the best wedding venues in Staffordshire, you’re genuinely spoiled for choice. In this guide to the best wedding venues in Staffordshire, you’re going to get my favourite choices from elegant stately homes and exclusive country houses to relaxed barn venues surrounded by countryside views, Staffordshire offers an incredible variety of wedding settings.
As a documentary-style Staffordshire wedding photographer, I’ve worked across country houses, elegant manor homes and countryside barns throughout the county. Understanding how each venue flows on a real wedding day from morning prep through to evening celebrations allows me to capture natural, relaxed moments without interrupting the atmosphere. Every venue has its own personality, and knowing how to work with the space makes all the difference.
OUTDOOR & GARDEN WEDDING VENUES
Run by the same team behind Shustoke Barn, Thorpe Garden is a hidden gem. It’s got a stunning yurt for your reception and a walled garden for beautiful ceremonies.
Why it’s great:
Gorgeous indoor/outdoor flexibility
One-of-a-kind yurt reception space
Dreamy gardens for portraits
From a photography point of view, this venue offers beautiful natural light, varied backdrops, and plenty of space for relaxed, natural moments.
Sandon Hall is one of Staffordshire’s most impressive stately home wedding venues. With grand architecture, sweeping staircases and beautifully maintained gardens, it offers a timeless, elegant backdrop for your wedding day.
What makes Sandon Hall particularly special is the atmosphere it feels refined without being intimidating. The ceremony spaces are full of character, and the grounds offer endless opportunities for relaxed couple portraits, especially during golden hour.
From a photography perspective, the scale and natural light throughout the venue make it perfect for documentary-style storytelling while still delivering those wow-factor portraits.
Moddershall Oaks is one of the most sought-after modern wedding venues in Staffordshire. With lakeside ceremony options, contemporary reception spaces and beautifully landscaped grounds, it’s ideal for couples wanting something stylish yet relaxed.
The outdoor ceremony setting overlooking the water is particularly stunning, and the clean architectural lines would be incredible for natural, light-filled wedding photography.
While I’ve worked at many fantastic venues across Staffordshire, there are also a few that are firmly on my dream list and this is one of them
Pendrell Hall is an exclusive-use country house venue that blends elegance with a warm, welcoming feel. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a wedding here, and what stands out immediately is how smoothly the day flows from one space to another.
The ceremony room offers beautiful natural light, and the gardens provide the perfect setting for relaxed portraits without feeling staged. Even if the weather turns, the indoor spaces offer timeless backdrops that still feel bright and spacious.
It’s a venue that balances classic charm with a laid-back atmosphere ideal for couples wanting something refined but not overly formal.
Coton House Farm is a purpose-built barn wedding venue in Staffordshire that perfectly balances rustic charm with modern comfort.
The barn ceremony space feels warm and intimate, while the surrounding countryside creates a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. For couples planning a countryside celebration with personality and energy, it’s a brilliant option.
Barn venues like this are ideal for natural, documentary-style coverage, with plenty of space for candid moments and relaxed portraits.
Foxtail Barns is a contemporary barn wedding venue that blends rustic charm with modern design. With large windows, dedicated preparation spaces and countryside surroundings, it offers a smooth flow throughout the day.
It’s a venue that feels purpose-built for relaxed celebrations and would lend itself beautifully to documentary storytelling.
While I’ve worked at many fantastic venues across Staffordshire, there are also a few that are firmly on my dream list and this is one of them
Weston Hall offers a classic manor house setting with beautifully landscaped grounds and a relaxed countryside atmosphere.
I’ve worked at Weston Hall creating wedding videography, and it’s a venue that transitions beautifully from ceremony to reception. The lake and surrounding grounds are particularly lovely for couple portraits, especially in softer evening light.
It’s a strong choice for couples who want that traditional country house feel while still keeping the day relaxed and fun
The Ashes Barns offers exclusive-use countryside weddings with lakes, gardens and barn ceremony spaces all within walking distance.
For couples wanting a laid-back yet elegant rural celebration, it’s a strong choice. The open spaces and varied backdrops would make for stunning natural wedding photography.
While I’ve worked at many fantastic venues across Staffordshire, there are also a few that are firmly on my dream list and this is one of them
When choosing between the best wedding venues in Staffordshire, consider:
Guest numbers and layout flow
Indoor backup options (British weather is unpredictable)
Natural light in ceremony spaces
Travel distance between prep, ceremony and reception
Whether the overall vibe truly feels like you
The right venue should feel exciting — not stressful.
Before booking, it’s also worth checking whether your chosen venue is licensed for civil ceremonies via the official Staffordshire County Council website.
If you’re getting married at one of these Staffordshire wedding venues and want relaxed, natural photography that captures the real atmosphere of your day, I’d love to hear about your plans.
ANSWERED BY A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Some of the best wedding venues in Staffordshire include Sandon Hall, Pendrell Hall, Thorpe Garden, Weston Hall and Coton House Farm. The right choice depends on whether you prefer a grand stately home, countryside barn or modern garden setting.
Yes, Staffordshire has several beautiful barn wedding venues, including Coton House Farm, Foxtail Barns and The Ashes Barns. These venues combine rustic charm with modern facilities and are perfect for relaxed countryside weddings.
Many Staffordshire venues offer licensed outdoor ceremony options, including stately homes with gardens and countryside estates. Always check indoor backup options in case of unpredictable British weather.
Wedding venue costs in Staffordshire vary depending on exclusivity, guest numbers and season. Stately homes and exclusive-use country houses typically cost more than smaller countryside venues, especially during peak summer months.
Staffordshire offers a wide mix of venues, including grand manor houses, stately homes like Sandon Hall, rustic barn venues, modern garden spaces and countryside hotels.
Spring and summer are popular for outdoor ceremonies and golden hour portraits. Autumn can offer beautiful countryside colours, while winter weddings in manor houses feel cosy and atmospheric.
If you’re planning your wedding at one of these venues, I regularly photograph weddings across Staffordshire in a relaxed, documentary style. You can learn more about my approach as a Staffordshire wedding photographer here.
Staffordshire Wedding Photographer | Videographer | Dana Lewis
Popular wedding venues in Staffordshire can book up 12–24 months in advance, particularly for summer Saturdays. If you’ve found a venue you love, it’s worth securing your date early.